Ducati 1098

When Ducati introduced its 999 in 2003, the bike's radical styling caused quite a stir. Certainly the sensually shaped 916, 996 and 998 models preceding it proved a very tough act to follow, and sales suffered as a result. But with the new 1098, which is fresh from the ground up, it's visually apparent that Ducati has a winner here.
But true beauty runs well beneath the surface. Using the existing 104mm bore with a 5.9 mm-longer 64.7mm stroke, the 1098's dohc, liquid-cooled. 90-de-gree V-Twin has a claimed output of 160 horsepower and 90 fool-pounds of torque. That's a 10-hp gain over the 999. much of it credited to a new cylinder-head design that has more-efficient, straighter ports, racing-sized 999R valves (42mm intakes, 34mm exhausts) actuated by "radical" R-like cams and updated desmodromic components derived from Ducati's own MotoGP racer.

Also borrowed from the MotoGP Desmosedici GP6 are the 1098's fuel-injection throttle bodies that are now elliptical in shape and said to improve flow by 30 percent. The engine is not only more powerful but weighs 11.1 pounds less than before. A new stainless-steel 2-1-2 exhaust brings back the popular dual-silencer configuration introduced by the 916 and also offers a 6.6-pound weight savings. Claimed dry weight for the 1098 is 381 pounds, 29 pounds lighter than the 999 and perhaps the greatest overall contributor to the bike's improved performance.



While chassis dimensions are nearly identical to its predecessor's, the new bike feels more compact. The bars are 10mm higher and 8mm closer to the saddle, and they fan out at a flatter angle for increased steering leverage. The seat is now 10mm higher, which, along with a 4mm reduction in footpeg height, increases legroom. A new all-digital dash is located lower and much closer to the rider for an unobstructed forward view that allows the bike to vanish beneath you when your focus is trained on the road ahead.
We rode the 1098 at the model's press introduction at the spectacular Kyalami circuit in South Africa. We found that the broad, smooth power delivery and minimal driveline lash resulted in superb tractability that allowed early drives from deep lean angles in the heart of the comer. The stock Pirelli Diablo Corsa Pro radials provided excellent grip and feel.

For braking, the 1098 relies on racing-derived Brembo monobloc calipers that put the squeeze on huge 330mm rotors up front. Stopping power is phenomenal, but the system's aggressive initial bite demands utmost respect. The 1098's improved handling agility became readily apparent when working through high-speed side-to-side transitions at a few points around the circuit. Best of all, the 1098 offers improved acceleration, braking and lighter steering without sacrificing the confidence-inspiring stability we've come to expect from Ducati.
But what is perhaps the 1098's most impressive stat of all? Its MSRPof just $14,995.