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Gorgeous, soulful and devilishly brutal, Ducati’s 1198 is a very special motorcycle. Enter the new-for-2011 premium Ducati Superbike, the 1198 SP.

The new 1198 SP elevates the Ducati experience with a slipper clutch, better suspension and a trick aluminum fuel tank. Added to the potent 1198’s equipment, the SP adds all the bits from the former 1198 S (Ohlins suspension and forged Marchesini wheels), plus a slipper clutch, Ducati Quick Shifter, Ohlins TTX shock (formerly T36PR), and an aluminum fuel tank.

Ducati 1198 Gets Notable Upgrades for 2011 the most cost-effective way into the Ducati superbike lineup is the hotted-up new 848 EVO reviewed late last year. For the same $16,495 price charged in 2010, the basic 1198 now comes with Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Quick Shifter and Ducati Data Analyzer as standard equipment.

Also within the Ducati Superbike lineup is the new 848 EVO, which we sampled recently at the famed Imola circuit in Italy. Italian Dream Date The base 1198 also receives this upgrade. Corner entries are made easier on the SP thanks to a slipper clutch that minimizes rear-wheel hop while downshifting.

Banging downshift entering Imola’s many chicanes, the slipper proves to work terrifically. Forged wheels weigh less than the typical cast-aluminum wheels, and this aids steering quickness and suspension compliance – both valuable enhancements on a sport bike.

Ducati’s traction-control system aids security on corner exits.

All the while, it’s blessed with Ducati’s typically stout racetrack-bred chassis and exceptional brakes.