R Is For Racy, Or Is It For Red?: 2008 Ducati 1098R

At this point there is little chance that a RSBFS reader could be unaware of what the R line of Ducati is, and why they are amazing bikes.  The writers here have endlessly talked about the connection to the race bikes, the oodles of carbon fiber and all around incredible components used to create these wonderful machines.

Limited production, top tier performance, stunning good looks, exotic materials and racing pedigree make for an attractive package.  The Ducati brand has an undeniable appeal to many as well.

Many of these were put right into collections when new, or ragged as track weapons.  As time marches on it is harder and harder to find a clean usable example.

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

This 2008 Ducati 1098R is one of 450 built for the model year to fulfill World Superbike homologation requirements, and is powered by a 1,198cc desmodromic L-twin mated to a six-speed transmission. The bike is finished in red and white with carbon fiber trim and features Öhlins suspension, Marchesini wheels, Brembo brakes, a Termignoni exhaust system, a Ducati Performance clutch with a carbon fiber cover, a single-sided swingarm, traction control, and digital instrumentation with a data analyzer.

The bodywork is finished in red with white accents and features a carbon fiber belly pan, fenders, side covers, and tail section. Additional equipment includes a red trellis frame, a two-piece solo seat, a clear windscreen, fairing-mounted mirrors with integrated turn signals, a side stand, and rear integrated turn signals. The stock license plate holder has been replaced with one that tucks neatly under the tail section and leaves a much more streamlined look.

The 1,198cc Testastretta Evoluzione L-twin in the R model offered more displacement and a higher compression ratio than that used in other versions of the 1098, and was factory-rated at 180 horsepower and 99 lb-ft of torque. The bike is equipped with a Termignoni exhaust system. Power is routed to the rear wheel through a Ducati Performance hydraulic dry slipper clutch with a vented carbon fiber cover, a six-speed transmission, and a drive chain. The battery is fresh and is new.

The cockpit houses an Öhlins steering damper and clip-on handlebars mounted below the top triple clamp, which bears a numbered plaque indicating the bike as #98 of 450 produced. Digital instrumentation includes a speedometer, a bar-graph tachometer, selectable data readouts, and traction control indicators as well as an odometer showing approximately 4k miles. The Ducati Data Analyzer allows for logging trip or track data on a personal computer.

This bike is very much still a huge wheelie monster and will put a grin on your face – this is your chance to own an extremely low mileage and rare gem of a bike. Gobs of torque and a dry weight of 373lbs make this still a very fast bike.

Less than 375 pounds and more than 180 horse power is going to be fast by anyone’s standard and must have been out of this world 15 years ago.

The example here today appears to be in great shape with no offensive modifications.  More details on service history would be nice, but a belt service and a once over should neither break the bank, nor scare off a buyer.  Parts are available both OEM and aftermarket and surprisingly inexpensive.

Will be interesting to watch where the bids go as this listing does not have a Buy It Now price listed.  Prices for the 996 generation have gone to the moon in short order and the 999 bikes are starting to have there day.  The 1098 will follow suit at some point.  Right now there probably is not a way to over spend on these rare and beautiful bikes.  Worst case is you would end up buying too soon.