By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1198 (MY2009) vs KTM 1190 RC8 R (MY2009)
Ducati 1198 vs KTM 1190 RC8 R: one garage spot. Here's what should decide it.
Roll on the Ducati 1198's throttle and the V-twin doesn't ease in: its midrange shoves hard, then swells into a wild top-end rush. The KTM 1190 RC8 R's throttle wakes an engine that's finally as rowdy as its orange badge. It bolts down the straight with a hungry snap.
So which one do you buy?
The 1190 RC8 R has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: 1190 RC8 R
On the way to work, the 1190 RC8 R asks a little less of you. Close enough that the test ride should settle it.
Racetrack use
Small edge: 1190 RC8 R
On a closed course, the 1190 RC8 R edges ahead. Thank more suspension adjustment for that. Not by enough to settle it.
What makes each one tick
1198
Fast, flowing sweepers bring the Ducati to life, its stiff trellis frame holding each long arc dead steady. A bump halfway through the arc comes up the fork as feedback, and the suspension doesn't let the chassis lose its composure. At walking pace it's another story, since the tall seat pitches you over the bars and they won't swing over without real effort. The Brembos bite with superb feel.
1190 RC8 R
There's so little effort in the 1190 RC8 R's bars and tank that your attention moves to the track. At a partially wet circuit with fifty journalists pushing hard, not one rider went down. Without a slipper clutch, KTM manages rear wheel hop electronically by keeping the throttle bodies cracked open on decel. With so little engine braking left, the line drifts a touch wide if you close off mid-corner. Corner entry doesn't need any coaxing at the clip-ons. One push and it's in.
Nils rode the 1190 RC8 R in Hungary and Portugal in 2009 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 1190 RC8 R has the lower seat: 31.7 in (805 mm) vs 32.3 in (820 mm).
- The 1198 makes more peak torque: 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) vs 91 lb-ft (123 Nm).
- The 1190 RC8 R has the larger fuel tank: 4.4 US gal (16.5 L) vs 4.1 US gal (15.5 L).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
Nothing splits them on twisty roads and running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
1198
What owners say
Strengths
- Monstrous, characterful V-twin engine
- Sublime chassis and high-speed stability
- Timeless, exotic Italian design
- Powerful, race-spec Brembo brakes
Trade-offs
- High ownership and maintenance costs
- Punishing ergonomics and heavy steering
- Snatchy stock fueling and no electronic rider aids
1190 RC8 R
Strengths
- Engine Finally Has Bite
- No Flat Spots Anywhere
- Hard Drive Off The Corner
- Instant, Precise Turn-In
- Strong V-twin mid-range punch
Trade-offs
- Closes Throttle, Runs Wide
- Front Lifts Under Hard Gas
- Useless Rear Fender In Rain
- Jerky throttle at low rpm
- Lacks top-end power vs. inline-fours
Known problems to check before you buy
1198
- Fuel line leak at injector connection Recall 09V170000 A recall (NHTSA campaign 09V170000) affects 2009 1198 and 1198 S models where the plastic fuel line fitting at the injector can warp or crack, causing a fuel leak and fire risk.
1190 RC8 R
- False neutrals and jumping clutch Reports of missed shifts, false neutrals, and clutch grabbing during takeoff; often fixed with a shift spindle brace or later factory updates.
- Unbalanced throttle bodies cause poor low-rpm running Poorly synchronized throttle bodies can lead to rough idle and stalling; a professional sync or ECU remap resolves it.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak torque at
- 8,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 1198 | 1190 RC8 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| 1198 | 1190 RC8 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1198 cc | 1195 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin | 75° V-twin |
| Power | 169 hp (124 kW) | 165 hp (121 kW) |
| Peak power at | 9,750 rpm | 10,250 rpm |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) | 91 lb-ft (123 Nm) |
| Top speed | 185 mph (298 km/h) | 174 mph (280 km/h) |
| 1198 | 1190 RC8 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) | 4.4 US gal (16.5 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1198 | 1190 RC8 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Damper | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
