If there is one line of motorcycles that needs no introduction, it is the R models from Ducati. All of our loyal RSBFS readers will know all about how there are the homologation versions of the era and represent the best that was available. Their massive performance envelops also came with high prices and production numbers that often did not keep up with demand. The 1098R is rather interesting because it uses an 1198cc engine and produces over 180 horsepower. This was a massive jump over the 999R in terms of power. The styling was also a return to form for Ducati and harked back to the beautiful 916.
Collectable motorcycles often focus on the first or last of something. In this case the 1098 was towards the end of the line for the steel trellis framed Ducatis. There was a 1198R, but those are extremely rare in the US, and truth be told are not all that different in terms of engine spec to the 1098R.
From The Seller’s eBay Listing:
This is a pristine 1098R with 6000miles all serviced kept with all Carbon.
There is not a single scratch on the fairings. Clear bra installed from brand new.
It has all original parts also original indoor dust cover.
It has the BST Carbon wheels
Clean title in hand.
Bike located in Chandler Arizona
Listed with a Buy It Now price of just under $21,000 the bike should sell quickly. Relatively low miles and some tasteful, and expensive upgrades makes for an attractive package. Buying from the original owner is a amazing perk. The listing claims to have all the service records and original parts. Only thing to note on any 1098 is that these are from the era when Ducati had issues with the fuel tanks swelling. Most have been resolved by the point, but it is worth noting and confirming the issue was addressed by the seller at some point.
I would be all over if I had room in the garage. I love the original owner aspect and one who obviously took very good care of this machine. Bet this is gone in a hurry.
Ignorant dude here. I thought these had aluminum tanks.if swelling is an issue, is that beause it is carbon tank? Curious as this would be a crappy thing to discover as a new owner. Thanks for the knowledge. Lord, what a pretty thing this is otherwise…
The tanks on these were a “plastic” and did not do well with modern ethanol fuels. The tank swells and does not fit correctly, normally it is fairly easy to spot. Many owners in period were unhappy with how Ducati addressed the issue. At this point most of the tanks have either been replaced with new (under warranty) or coated. Basically a buyer should just confirm something was done.
The Corse SE or SP bikes did have an alloy tank and some have bought them, painted them to match the 1098R and never thought about things again.
If you are in an area that has an ethanol free fuel option, this all is 100% a non issue.
Goal was just to point out a potential issue, not to scare someone off from owning what is otherwise a fantastic machine.
Thanks for the knowledge there. Worst case scenario then is to drain the tank and leave it in the sun for a few years. The enthanol should diffuse back out of the polymer matrix and shrink the tank back down. The go to Buccees and fillup with the non ethanol good suff. Can’t see anyone hving such patience. I think I’d go with your suggestion William to find an aluminum donor tank and be done with it.
What a gorgeous bike.