Originally released in 2008, today’s Featured Listing Ducati 1098R carried on the company’s tradition of building exclusive, high-performance v-twin superbikes dripping with Italian style and festooned with top-shelf suspension components. Significantly, the 1098’s design was a bit of a throwback, with retro lines that evoked the earlier Massimo Tamburini-penned 916, a bit of panicked-backpedaling by Ducati after the relative disappointment of the 999. But the new design gave Ducati fans what they really wanted: a visual successor to Tamburini’s masterpiece. For those of you not in the know, Ducati superbikes generally fall into three general performance tiers: some sort of “base” model, an “S” version that usually offers identical straight-line performance, but includes upgraded suspension components for improved handling, as well as some blingy carbon-fiber bits to improve the aesthetics and “save weight.” At or near the top of the range is the “R” model, intended to homologate a version of the bike for various forms of racing. This generally includes even higher-spec suspension components, frame updates, and sometimes significant changes and improvements to the engine that result in huge power gains and changes to the bike’s character.
In the case of the 1098R, the Testastretta Evoluzione engine benefited from World Superbike rules changes that allowed v-twins to run as large as 1200cc, resulting in an increase in both bore and stroke that took the 1098R’s displacement to a full 1198cc. Compression was increased, sand-cast cylinder heads and cases were used to save weight, titanium valves and con rods made the engine even lighter overall, and decreased rotating/reciprocating mass, larger throttle bodies with secondary fuel injectors were used, and a factory slipper clutch was included. Perhaps most significantly, the R included Ducati’s new DTC or “Ducati Traction Control” system, a first on a production motorcycle, although the system could only be activated by installing an included, but Not Street Legal race ECU. It was a relatively primitive system by today’s standards, comparing wheel speed sensors to detect wheelspin, but it was brutally effective, and showed the way forward for modern performance motorcycles.
The result of all these performance enhancements? A dry weight of 397lbs [422lbs wet] and a genuine 163hp at the rear wheel. Luckily, the 1098R also featured the expected Öhlins suspension upgrades, including a top-of-the-line TTX twin-tube shock, to help keep riders out of the ditches. In 2008, v-twin superbike with 180hp and only the most basic form of traction control was completely mind-blowing, and period reviewers had their minds suitably blown by the performance on tap. As you’d expect from a homologation special of this caliber, it demands focus, fitness, and commitment from its rider—not to mention a serious budget—but you are rewarded every ounce of effort with staggering speed. The traction control, while far from seamless in its application, simply works, letting riders push harder and lap faster than would have been possible without it.
2008 Ducati 1098R — The Street-Legal World Superbike #208 of 450, 2,931 miles
In 2008, Ducati called the 1098R “the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle ever built.”
While it may resemble the standard 1098 at a glance, this homologated 1098R is an entirely different machine. Powered by an 1198cc racing V-twin, it features top-shelf Öhlins forks, steering damper, and TTX rear shock, along with Ducati Traction Control (DTC). It’s light, slim, surprisingly comfortable, and unbelievably fast—yet easy and confidence-inspiring to ride.
The power delivery is smooth and endless—better than anything I’ve owned or ridden, including the Desmosedici. No matter the gear, it just keeps pulling. The slipper clutch makes downshifts addicting, and the brakes are strong, yet perfectly manageable.
With the race ECU, exhaust, and DTC properly dialed in, this really is the street-legal World Superbike. The sound from the twin 70mm Termignoni pipes is pure magic at full song.
This limited-production Ducati comes with everything it left the factory with—plus some carefully chosen upgrades: Ducati Performance neoprene racing seat, rearsets, carbon fiber heel guards, key guard, gas cap, dash cover, front sprocket cover, a Speedimoto open clutch cover, and a matching Evoluzione carbon fiber fender eliminator. The clear-bra on the fairings and headlights has protected the original finish from day one, and the stock windscreen remains crystal clear.
Also included: fitted Ducati Performance dust cover, Pit Bull stand, both original keys, all manuals, and period magazines featuring 1098R reviews.
Never tracked. Never dropped. Always Ducati-serviced, with full records. All maintenance done by Pro Italia (Glendale, CA) and Los Angeles Motorcycles (Brea, CA). A major service—including new belts—was completed just 100 miles ago.
I’m the original owner, with title in hand. This is a collector-quality bike that’s been ridden gently and maintained obsessively. No surprises, no stories—just a rare, special machine in exceptional condition.
If you’ve ever wanted to own a 180 hp, 180 mph World Superbike with current California registration—fully sorted, perfectly tuned, and already broken in—this is the one.
At 57, my days of canyon riding are over. I’ve shifted from motorcycles to flying and sold off my collection—except this final gem. She deserves a new caretaker to ride, enjoy, or simply collect.
The Ducati 1098R was a successful bike for the company, and a significant step forward for superbike performance: today’s 200+hp machines would be virtually unrideable, if not for their modern traction control systems and rider aids, and that technology really started here. Unless you’re looking for a new-in-crate display bike, this example is exactly what you’d want when looking for a limited-production, high-performance Ducati: it’s clearly been enjoyed, but miles are very low and it’s been pampered and generally treated like the prized possession it is. Some aftermarket components have been added, but they’re of high quality, and the original parts are included if you prefer your bike stock, and less cool.
-tad
Contact the owner: tangotwoeleven [at] live.com
