Ducati's 2011 model 1198SP has some great refinements for the new year.

Ducati Australia has announced the arrival of the 2011 superbike models, the 1198 and the new 1198SP.

The 1198 will retail for $26,990, while you’ll pay $33,990 for the 1198SP.

Staying true to Ducati’s racing heritage, the 1198SP features a raft of new technologies and is seen as a significant evolution of the 1198S.

Upgrades over the 1198S include a larger aluminium fuel tank (+10 percent capacity/+2.5 litres) and a one kilogram weight saving.

It also features a Slipper Clutch for reduced skip under hard braking and downshifting, the introduction of DQS (Ducati Quick Shift) allowing full throttle, clutch-less up shifting for faster acceleration and the addition of the Ohlins TTX36 Rear shock as fitted to the 1198R.

The distinctive SP colour scheme sets the bike apart from its siblings.

Available in either Ducati Red or Diamond Black, both feature red frames and black wheels.

The tank however has been given a centre stripe, which on closer inspection reveals the surface of the brushed aluminium fuel tank, a feature exclusive to the 1198SP.

For 2011 the 1198 features as standard the new DQS (Ducati Quick Shift) and the eight level Ducati Traction Control (DTC) previously only available on 1198S and 1198R.

As the iconic superbikes for 2011 and beyond, nothing compares to the Ducati Range that boasts design, heritage and technology in the one package.