2011 Ducati 1198SP spied on Intermot show floor

[junior varsity]

the duc's traction control has 8 levels, 9 settings. 'skrat would prefer setting 9: off.  you don't have to use it!

[junior varsity]

2011 Ducati Superbikes
Major upgrades for the 1198, price remains unchanged.
October 05, 2010
By Aaron Frank
Photography by Aaron Frank, Ducati

Ducati just released details on its 2011 Superbike lineup, revealing a substantially upgraded 1198 and a new model called the 1198SP. The base model 1198 is now essentially identical to last-year's S-version, complete with traction control and a quick-shifter as standard equipment. The S has been discontinued in favor of the higher-spec SP that benefits from suspension upgrades andâ€"finally!â€"a slipper clutch.

In addition to eight-level adjustable DTC traction control and a new, electronically activated DQS quick shifter, the base 1198 also features the Ducati's DDA data analyzer as standard equipment. DDA is basically a value-added lap timer that allows performance-savvy owners to gather, download and compare speed, rpm, throttle position, gear selection and other pertinent data from lap to lap during any given riding session. Despite these substantial electronic upgrades the MSRP remains unchanged at $16,495â€"making this year's 1198 a great value and a serious sales threat to the similarly equipped BMW S1000RR.

In addition to the Ohlins fork and other upgrades that distinguished last year's 1198S, the 1198SP is further improved this year with the addition of a top-of-the-line Ohlins TTX rear shock and the Ducati Performance slipper clutch, something we've long wished for on this big V-twin. Just like the base model, DTC traction control, the DQS quick shifter and DDA data analyzer are standard equipment here. The aluminum fuel tank is likewise carried over from last year, with new graphics incorporating an unpainted stripe down the center to show it off. The SP sees a slight $100 increase in MSRP, to $21,995.

Ducati's smaller-displacement 848EVO, an early-release 2011 model, receives a third paint option, an eye-catching matte white bodywork offset with blood red wheels and frame.

[Triple J]

I can't slide like the pros but I like the idea of feeling my rear tire and giving me feedback.  Maybe when I'm 80 I'll learn to like it but for now I'll pass no matter what anyone tells me.

I have built in traction control in my right wrist  

As someone who just crashed at the track due to the rear end of the bike sliding out on a turn exit...I would like to have traction control.

Probably due to the tires I was running (new Diablo Rosso Corsas)...it happened so fast there was no time to "slide the rear", or let my "right wrist traction control" do its thing.   I applied throttle...and I was on the ground. End of story.

A pro most likely wouldn't have crashed...but none of us are pros.  

[Veloce-Fino]

Rossi uses it... then again he says it makes racing "boring." He would rather there be no TC and much less electronics.

http://motomatters.com/interview/2010/08/30/valentino_rossi_motogp_is_very_boring_we.html

I can't possibly imaging racing in MotoGP being boring...

[muskrat]

the duc's traction control has 8 levels, 9 settings. 'skrat would prefer setting 9: off.  you don't have to use it!

yeah but I don't want to pay for it either.

[junior varsity]

you won't be. its standard on the 1198 and the 1198SP for the same price as the 2010 models. Chalk up the extra 200 bucks for the aluminum tank on the SP, or the quickshifter, or both.

[muskrat]

still too rich for me and most importantly that Strada wants me BAD!!!!!!!  I'm saving pennies for that one instead.

[Kopfjäger]

I have built in traction control in my right wrist  

How much time have you spent on a race track?

[El Matador]

How much time have you spent on a race track?

Actually quite a few. The 996 was a dedicated trackbike and I flogged it around quite a bit. The plan was to get my CMRA license last season but the money was just not there. You can ask anybody who's ridden with me, I'm not exactly a slouch.

I like being able to back it in. I also rode dirt for a very long time, again,  mostly on track.

That previous post was tongue in cheek though, hence the smiley.

[Kopfjäger]

Well then, have you raced a bike with traction control to be able to say your "wrist" works better? 

[El Matador]

Well then, have you raced a bike with traction control to be able to say your "wrist" works better? 

Nope, but I have been on several bikes with slippers. I prefer the non-slipper variety. I'm sure I would be a lot faster with traction control, I'm just not a fan; call me old school. It's not like I'm saying bikes without TC are better than bikes with TC, I'm saying it's not for me.

When every single second counts then yes, go for the TC, I just find it more fun without. Besides, I'm of the school of thought that all the electronic crutches keep you from becoming a better rider. Hell, if you jump right into TC and Slipper clutches you'll never learn the delicate art of proper throttle control because you simply wont have to. If, on the other hand, you're already an exceptionally smooth rider that makes the switch to TC, then you're probably going to gain much more out of it.

How much time have you spent on a track?

[ducpainter]

I stayed at a holiday inn express.

[Kopfjäger]

Nope, but I have been on several bikes with slippers. I prefer the non-slipper variety. I'm sure I would be a lot faster with traction control, I'm just not a fan; call me old school. It's not like I'm saying bikes without TC are better than bikes with TC, I'm saying it's not for me.

When every single second counts then yes, go for the TC, I just find it more fun without. Besides, I'm of the school of thought that all the electronic crutches keep you from becoming a better rider. Hell, if you jump right into TC and Slipper clutches you'll never learn the delicate art of proper throttle control because you simply wont have to. If, on the other hand, you're already an exceptionally smooth rider that makes the switch to TC, then you're probably going to gain much more out of it.

How much time have you spent on a track?

I watch a lot of it on TV, you would be suprised how much you can learn.   Oh and I sold hot dogs for a whole season.  

[El Matador]

I watch a lot of it on TV, you would be suprised how much you can learn.  Oh and I sold hot dogs for a whole season. 

You did see the part where I said the comment about my wrist was tongue in cheek right 

[Kopfjäger]

You did see the part where I said the comment about my wrist was tongue in cheek right 

Por supuesto