By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1198 (MY2009) vs KTM 1190 RC8 R (MY2012)
Ducati 1198 vs KTM 1190 RC8 R: which one to buy for the riding you do.
Hard on the gas out of a bend, the Ducati 1198's midrange explodes and it isn't done until the rush up top. The KTM 1190 RC8 R doesn't need revs because it's already shoving down low. Its rear hooks up the moment you crack it open.
So which one do you buy?
The 1190 RC8 R has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Edges it: 1190 RC8 R
The 1190 RC8 R edges it for the daily grind. It's down to easier everyday riding. It's a small gap, not a reason on its own.
Racetrack use
A touch ahead: 1190 RC8 R
Between the curbs, the 1190 RC8 R asks a bit less of you at speed. The difference is better suspension. It's a fine margin, nothing more.
What makes each one tick
1198
Fast, sweeping corners are where the Ducati's stiff trellis frame won't budge and keeps talking through the bars. Below that pace, the bars need real muscle and the seat tips you well forward. The brake lever works Brembo monoblocs with huge stopping power, and there's clean feel all the way through the pull.
1190 RC8 R
Grunt comes early from the 1190 RC8 R's V-twin, yet it's tractable enough that the throttle never fights you. Corner entry comes quick and light, and the front tucks into each new arc with real precision. Its riding position doesn't fold you tight over the tank.
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 1190 RC8 R has the larger fuel tank: 4.4 US gal (16.5 L) vs 4.1 US gal (15.5 L).
- ABS: standard on the 1190 RC8 R, not offered on the 1198.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not their thing
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
Don't look for a gap on twisty roads and running costs: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
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
- Torque from the basement
- Corner exit that pulls itself
- Planted yet agile chassis
- Tool-free ergonomic adjustment
- Explosive, characterful V-twin engine
Trade-offs
- Runs thin up top
- Short gearing, constant shifting
- Lean clearance caps track pace
- Thin rider-aid package
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
- Plastic fuel quick-connector failure The plastic fuel line quick-disconnect can become brittle and snap, causing sudden fuel loss.
- False neutrals and imprecise shifting Aggressive upshifts at high rpm often result in false neutrals; the issue is exacerbated by a weak shift star. Aftermarket spindle braces and upgrade kits are common fixes.
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) | 175 hp (129 kW) |
| Peak power at | 9,750 rpm | 10,250 rpm |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) | 94 lb-ft (127 Nm) |
| 1198 | 1190 RC8 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) | 4.4 US gal (16.5 L) |
| 1198 | 1190 RC8 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1198 | 1190 RC8 R | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
