In -R trim, the Ducati 1098 was actually a homologation special with the new 1198cc engine. In a win-win for the dealerships’ best customers, Ducati ceded some trackside modifications to get increased displacement, meaning that the showroom -R came with equipment that the racers would need, and street riders normally could just dream about.
2008 Ducati 1098R for sale on eBay
After the 999 styling debacle, the 1098 returned to classic Ducati superbike design, and a revised cooling system took some of the urgency out of escaping stop-and-go traffic. 180hp made for an instantaneous exit when conditions allowed, and though factory traction control kept the rear wheel under the bike, as the suffix implies the -R is really better suited to the track. Suspension, brakes and wheels are very high spec, with Ohlins twin-tube monoshock, Brembo 330mm monoblock brakes, and forged Marchesini alloys.
Offered by a specialty auto dealer in St. Louis, this 1098R looks excellent for its 11,000-plus miles. Normally a few high-end farkles would be expected, but they’re really not needed on an -R. From the eBay listing:
This example is in phenomenal condition. Never having been laid down, all fairings, handlebars, and and levers are original. This bike is still completely in stock form. It runs and rides perfectly. While we are not a motorcycle dealer, the previous owner is a long term local client who owns a buys only top-notch merchandise. This 1098R is said to never have been tracked, and it shows. The condition is as good as it gets.
This -R has been ridden though not on the track, and likely dealer-maintenance could easily be verified. Presuming this will make a rider happy, some riding and shop visits are probably better for the bike than a long time in the foyer and yearly oil change. The 1098R offers massive performance in a now-classic trellis frame and carbon fairing, and the race dash offers timing and analysis. The ask looks right up there until you look at the MSRP, which was double that just ten years ago. Worth a close look if you have ready access to some fast roads…
-donn
I know the 999 was panned from as esthetic point when it came out but to be honest I think its more appealing than one of these, especially if its in the 999R format. To me this just looks like all the other superbikes and might even be mistaken for a Honda (big red), I know the design is probably 75% performance, 25% asthetics but to me this is when Ducati stopped being objects of lust.