In late 2006 Ducati had a conundrum. The Pierre Terblanche designed 999 was a massive hit on the racetrack in the hands of the WSBK team, with 3 WSBK championships to show for it. In the showroom, the 999 received critical acclaim. Well, let’s just say it earned more critics than acclaim. The fact was, when compared to the 916/996/998 the 999 was butt-ugly, and the buying public LOVED the earlier Tamburini design. What they wanted and expected was an evolution of that design. What they got was something completely different. Clearly, the 999 was a step up in performance from the earlier series, but it lacked the flowing, sensuous lines. That was resolved in 2007 with the introduction of the 999 replacement, the Giandrea Fabbro designed 1098. Today’s example is a 2008 model R spec machine, the top of the line of the day.
2008 Ducati 1098R for sale on eBay
You’d be forgiven if you put the Ducati superbikes in a lineup and slotted the 1098 after the 998 – because it really jumps back to the original language of Tamburini when it comes to the design. Iconic elements that helped define the 916 from the start have returned, including the dual side by side headlights which help accentuate the sharp nose of the bike. Back also was the single sided swing arm, allowing the big, fat rear rubber to hang out for all to see. This is highlighted by the tail pipes and silencers returning under the tail in organ pipe fashion. To be fair, Terblanche retained the high exhaust on the 999, but integrated the pipes with sharper angles and more cladding; the 1098 goes back to hanging the cans way up high and in the open. The 1098 did have changes from the earlier 916 series of bikes, with the sharper beak of the nose and the angled bodywork nicely melding the sensuous and rounder 916 with the all-straight-lines 999. Popularity returned to the Bologna brand and the new design was a hit.
From the seller:
If you’re viewing this ad, you probably already know how special these bikes are. But in case you don’t, the 1098R is a homogulation bike meaning they are limited production bikes that must be sold to the public in order for Ducati to enter them into World Superbike Championship racing. Only 450 are made/sold annually for the US. This number 188 of 450. It came stock with top tier equipment to maximize performance and adjustability, and minimize weight, including a bunch of carbon fiber body parts. It’s still one the most beautiful, best handling, and incredible sounding bikes ever made, and an absolute blast to ride. This bike is completely stock with no mods, other than the Zero Gravity windscreen.
More from the seller:
I found this bike sitting in a friends motorcycle shop where it sat for 10 years hung up in a divorce proceeding and is in near perfect shape. It was started regularly, but rarely ridden. It had 499mi on it when I bought it in Feb 2022. I trailered it to the local Ducati dealer to have them go through it and replace a number of things due to it’s age.
Rebuilt fuel pump assembly with new pump, filters and hoses
New timing belt (which is a periodic maintenance items)
New fluids
New Perelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires front and backI put 475 miles on it to make sure everything was working properly, and just because it’s so fun to ride. I’ve only run non-ethanol gas in it. There is no tank swelling (see photo of steering damper spacing from tank)
I bought this because I’ve always wanted one, and it needed rescuing. I’m selling it because I’m in my 60’s, and it’s more bike than I need.
By some accounts, the 1098 was a step backwards for Ducati – not only in design but also in performance. Reports were that the 999 was more comfortable and faster right out of the box, and that the 1098 needed a bit more setup time especially at the track. That didn’t stop the Ducati WSBK winning ways however, as the 1098 proved to be a multi-time championship winning machine for the Italian brand. Today these are coveted bikes in the R specification, as not only are they festooned with top level components (think Brembo, Termi and Ohlins as a start) and lots of carbon, they were also built in limited numbers. And while collectors continue to be focused on the earliest series of these bikes, the follow-on examples are enjoying a rise in valuation of their own.
This particular 2008 Ducati 1098R looks to be in fantastic condition. It has been beautifully photographed, is stated to be in completely stock condition with fewer that 1,000 miles. That is rare indeed for these models, making this one a potential long term acquisition. It has been well cared for, both cosmetically as well as mechanically, and is looking for a new home. There appear to be lots of interest here, as bidding has climbed above $17k quickly, with many days remaining. The bike is located in Maryland, which is appropriate considering this was Ducati’s Hail Mary back in 2007. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!
MI
These are unbelievable bikes. I recently picked one up and can say, as a huge 999R lover, that its better in almost every way to my 999R. The torque makes it feel like youre riding an electric bike almost, and I would argue its actually more comfortable than the 999R (which is already a more comfortable bike than the Tamburini bikes).
I do still feel the 999 is better looking though, although thats not a popular opinion. Both the 999R and 1098R are undervalued IMO.
The last in the line of trellis framed Ducati superbikes with torque rich power, the 1098R was the pinnacle. While the Desmosedici overshadows the 1098R as the collectible Ducati from 2008, the rarer race pedigreed 1098R is the better bike in my opinion (I own both). At currrent marke prices, the 1098R are bargains.
I have to agree with both comments – these are underrated and undervalued bikes for sure.
-Mike
Agreed, a ton of bike for the money. Now.
anyone know what these sold for new?
These bike sold for $40000 in 2008. That’s $55k todays money. I own one and it’s absolutely spectacular. Actually it’s a bit unnerving when it hits over 9k like a rocket. The bike wants to kill you and I have to say that’s the best part. Respect. Like. 20 ft swell or a carrera gt. Don’t respect it you won’t last long. This is the last of the pure long stroke engine followed by the higher revving shorter stroke 1199 which I also owned. The only bike I like as much as the 1098r is the 996sps. This bike was listed with a 20k buy it now but that got kicked off with a bid. Magnificent and ferocious come to mind. So fun and massive leaps from a 1098 base.
sold for 26.1 k, brisk bidding
Worth every penny. Once people do figure how rewarding these bikes are to ride, and how close they truly are to a full blown WSBK bike, they will skyrocket. Last of the true long stroke Ducatis. Bike is ferocious and growls!!!! $26k is fair but they should already be above $30k.