1098 Prototype?
Well, the ‘net is aflutter tonight… Earlier today these spy photos of the new 1098 Superbike, which apparently is the 999 replacement, spread across message boards around the world. They are said to be taken from an unnamed Italian Motorcycle Mag and supposedly show the test mule being run through its paces at Mugello. Props go out to the Ducati Monster List Discussion where the photos first broke.
Assuming that the photos are legit and to be believed, they clearly seem to forcast a return to a 916-998 influenced design. While most of the online discussion and chatter seems to be debating the overall shape, oval exhausts and single-sided swing arm, of more interest to me in particular is the very large air duct on the side of the fairing. Nice ode to the Desmosedici. Hopefully that means the bikes will run a bit cooler, but I’m not holding my breath…
It should be pointed out that the photos do dovetail quite nicely with previous comments made by Ducati CEO Federico Minoli in a Superbike Planet interview earlier in the year. In that particular article Minoli mentioned a return to less angular design lines. It will also be interesting in the coming days if Minoli dismisses the photos in the same manor that he put to rest the Rockets & Raptors photoshoped image of a potential 999 replacement just a few months ago.
Update: If you’re looking for more 1098 info, I’d strongly encourage you to sign up and check out the 1098 Forum. It’s a very worthwhile place to hang out. 
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[...] nd on its heritage to keep it going with retro bikes. The article also sheds light on the worst kept secret in the Ducati Nation - the 999 replacement will ship w [...]
Thanks for the pics!
I own an ‘05 999R…this decision to sell & buy will be a tough one..must have at least the “S” model…still no carbon fibre fairings & a slip on Termi…mmmm….horsepower & torque are the same…really..the only advantage is the reduction in weight?? Am I wrong here?
Im buying it as long as its not UGLY LIKE THE 999
Anything is better than the current Ducati Superbike.. more power and a weight reduction on a bike that looks more like the 916-998 is the key to success. A mass produced 4 cylinder would also be a nice addition….because MV Agusta’s reliability stinks, but it’s nice to have such a powerful Italian bike.
Don’t hold your breath on ever seeing a mass production 4 cylinder from ducati (thank god). Ducati is solid on their use of the v-twin as a powerplant. Good to see Terblanche out of the mix and Tamburini back in. Terblanche went out strong with the 999r Xerox but did not show anything until that time. Will be nice to see this bike in an R model.
A bit of Clarification - Terblanche is not ‘out’ and Tamburini is not ‘in’ - the 1098 was initally worked on by Pierre and subsequently developed by the Corsa division… No need to spread false rumors…
and MV reliability is far away from stinking!!! Or did you mispell brands?
what is your problem aflac,the 749/999 is a beautiful bike and I own a monoposto,you are just jealous that you cant afford one and I have had many dukes;a classic monza,450 desmo,748r and I think that the pierre terblanche bikes are beautful
I have to agree with psst!!! Rearviewmirror must be confused as to the reliability of the MV. I have owned two of them, an F4S and an SPR…I still have one…and never have had an issue with either one. These bikes are not garage queens either. They get the miles put on them on the street and on the track. I can’t say one bad thing about the MV. However, I have several friends who have or have had Ducs and had nothing but problems with them. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Ducs and will more than likely end up adding a 1098 to my garage…I always wanted a V-twin but reliabilty is a big concern of mine with Ducati.
yes mate!!
Maaaate!!! I have had all types of Ducati and expense is an issue, reliability has improved out of sight so the 1098 should be fine once they iron out the initial bugs of the first production run. Having seen the advertising only the core of the bike trellis frame tail cowl etc looks 999. The motor certainly is not and if the 999 is anything to evaluate the new V-twin power plant by then it should be awesome. The loss of the analog to the digital tacho is a sad thing but it should appeal to a younger enthusiast. Single side swing arm always looks the goods [even on a honda NSR150 Repsol copy] Well am I wrong?
In the end the only thing that sounds better than a Ducati is lots of Ducatis.
Desmo
The new 1098 looks awesome and with more power,less weight at a lower price it should be a huge success. It appears to be the best of both its predecessors (916 and 999). 916 smooth lines and 999 seat and hopefully rider ergos. I bought a 999s despite not being overly sold on the Terblanche styling and found it to be an outstanding motorcycle. Great handling,smooth power response, and comfortable for a sportbike with the associated extreme riding position (credit most of that to seat design so I’m glad they kept it on the 1098.
the 999 is as ugly as a baboons bum, but the 999 handeled so very good… the 1098 is sooo beautiful, its what the 999 should have look like, even the ducati president admited that the styling of the 999 was devisive,
I think they 1098 is ugly.
I think your ugly O’rourke
I saw today for the first time the photos of the Ducati 1098. Iam very disappointed with the styling with the new Ducati flagship. The styling appears to try to combine the 999/916, and in so doing has failed to stand on it’s own. It is a very vanilla styled motorcycle. At least with the 999 Ducati had the guts to break new ground and with time I felt the 999 looked awsome as well. I used to own an 888SPO and a 916 and both of those bikes are now dated looking compared to the 999/749 series. Sorry Ducati, but in trying to please everyone you have missed the boat as far as styling. The 1098 looks like a jack of all trades.
back to single arm, like 996, can it work better than double arms bikes in handling??? i have tried 996 and i don`t feel something better in this side (for average speed above 200Km/h).. but, thanks for reducing weight work..
Yes, we could say that the 1098 is what everyone wanted in the first place and i agree with them. It happens in cars too. Manufacturers have opted for Evolution rather than revolution in bringing us the newer models. Having said this, i also believe that the 999 design is a good design, but just a little ahead of it’s time. In 15 years from now, which model do you think will be more sought after? 999 or the 1098. This is a no brainer.The 999 of cause, BUT the bike for now is definately the 1098. This is going to be a problem for some Duc owners…..which one
Vtwin Sa
my hat is off to ducati…i didnt like 749/999 until i rode one then bought it ‘04-749s. sold my 996, bad move! my next cati is either throwback 998? or back 2 the future 1098? not a bad choice for a commuter like me with no worries except cage pushers. enjoy what u ride and ride what u enjoy (MV-Kawasaki-Harley or ducati)!
the 999 is a awesome bike fun and fast. the 1098 looks nice but it looks like a japanese bike it looks like a honda 600rr and the yamaha r1 and they should have kept it 1000cc so you can not compare its power to a 999. so 999 is still the best 1 liter bike because the 1098 is not a one liter bike
THE 1098S LOOKS SUPER
ITS LIKE LOVE ON THE FIRST VIEUW.
I ASKED MY WIFE CHRISTINE ONE FOR CHRISTMAS AND….
SHE ORDERED ME ONE…..
THANK YOU DUCATI FOR THIS SUPERLOOKING BIKE!!!GREAT JOB
I love the updated engine and power and torque but I think the front end looks a little Japanese and that is the reason I have bought dukes in the past…. Because they look like nothing else on the road. The 1098 front end looks like an R1
I think they’ve done an AWESOME job of the 1098 as its got what everyones been wanting, a great mix between the 916 and the 999 (Plus some F4 in the tail section). And the front end (including the lights) show far more detail and passion than the jap R1’s and CBR’s ever could.
The 999 was good, but the 1098 is great!
its beautiful
it’s the only option to look more japanese
but there is only one ducati sound
and way of driving
i’m curious for driving 160 hp ducati
nice job
its beatiful wish i can have one i own a rc51 its great but always wanted a duc
Interesting…. I might go for the S as well.
To my fellow bloggers who continually repeat…
the front end looks like jap xyz, the rear reminds me of a jap abc, the style looks like a jap efg….
SHORT MEMORY… The R1’s cats eyes headlights? honda under seat exhausts? suzuki’s aero dynamics? hmmm reminds me of all the good stuff that JAP incorporated ripped off the legendary 916 guys..
Duke Desmo is the first one to see the truth,
I Owned a 748s and i thought it was the most beautifull bike i’d ever seen but then i saw the 1098. It’s the most pure bike ever build by any compagny. And ducati knowing it will handle better than whatever sushi-bike there is.
Thank u Ducati
If you are so uncivilised as to use such a derogatory comment as “sushi bike”… do you also see the value in a 2X price discrepancy for what you claim will “handle better”?… do you also associate imperfection with “most pure”?… do you associate power, technology, reliability and value, with sushi?… do you call Italian bikes “spaghetti bikes”?… do you have your order in?
No, I’m not bitter because I cant’t afford one, I prefer my gixxer. I’m just bitter at people so unrefined as “Multistrada”
To all the critics REMEMBER A bad day on you motor bike is better than a good day in the office.
Keep the rubber side down and enjoy the wind in your face
I am going to order a tricolour 1098 tomorrow; I’ll put my 500 quid deposit down then sit there slavering at the mouth until March. As far as comparing it with a jap bike, I don’t care, I like jap bikes too. It’s the grunt of the engine that makes the huge difference. You either love them or hate them, I LUV EM
THE 1098 IS BEAUTIFUL AND IS WHAT THE 999 SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I AGREE WITH DukeDesmo916; THE JAPANESE BIKES STOLE FROM DUCATI 916/748/998 DESIGN WITH THE UNDERTAIL EXHAUST SIDE-BY-SIDE HEADLIGHTS, ETC. DUCATI DID NOT STEAL FROM THEM. AS A RESULT, THE 1098 IS CLASSIC DUCATI SOUL. I’M PUTTING MY DEPOSIT DOWN TOMORROW…
YOU SPORTBIKE PEOPLE ARE REALLY A DIFFERENT BREED, I’VE RIDDEN HARLEY ALL OF MY LIFE, AND NOW AT 50 (MIDLIFE CRISIS?) I’M STARTING OUT WITH A 999S. IF YOU WANT TO LABEL ME AS UNREFINED, W’ELL I RODE HARLEY. I
KNOW YOUR NOT ITALIAN,BECAUSE YOU WOULD NOT REACT TO COMMENTS LIKE YOU DO, I AM, AND I LOVE THESE spaghetti BIKES. GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD,IF WE WANT TO RIDE DUCATI, WE MUST PAY FOR IT. GO AHEAD, BUY 1098 IF YOU FEEL, SOME LIKE BLONDES, SOME BRUNETTE. ORDER THE COLOR YOU LIKE. WE WILL HEAR SOON ENOUGH HOW THESE 1098′S FAIR. WORD TRAVEL FAST.
the 999s is a beautiful bike I love it plenty of power precision handling if the 999s had the 1098 front end I think the 999s would have been the most beautiful bike I will stick with my 999s because I love it
Lord have mercy, this one really brought out the fanboys and the CAPS LOCK crowd.
I just got back from seeing the 1098 in the flesh at the LB motorcycle show. Certainly, the bodywork is easier on the eyes, the lower buy-in price and longer valve adjust intervals should be easier on the wallet as well.
I totally have to agree about the front end design, especially the headlights - stylistically, they just don’t send the right message. It does look very Japanese, even when you take into account that the Japanese have been lifting some of Ducati’s styling cues here and there. You could also argue that the lights look very much like the Triumph 675, but honestly, the Triumph has a better looking front end.
Overall, it’s definitely an attractive package, and I’m hoping I’ll get a chance to try one in the not too distant future, but I have to admit a touch of disappointment too - it has a much more “sanitized” look to it than the passion (and dare I say eccentricity?) of the 998 and 888 bikes.
The 1098 is a superior bike in every aspect in comparison to it’s predecesors. I understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there is certainly no exception to that saying when current owners of 749/999 say theirs are better looking. I’d be willing to bet, that if they had a choice at the time between the 1098 and their current 999, not many would opt for thee 999. Not to mention the complete loss of resale value they are going to suffer now on the 999, OUCH!
PEACE, and safe riding.
Today I saw the 1098 at the San Mateo show - it is beautiful! The classic lines of the 916 are there, as well as the latest Ducati technology. This is the first Ducati since the 916 that really turns my crank….
I’m not blown away with the new shape,….very japanese VFRish at the front. Take a look at a VFR 03′. Its hardly a return to the 916 class bike. I have the 749 yellow 03′ which I hated on initial trips to the dealer. Nothing will ever top the buzz I got from a friend who sent back flyers of the new 916 at the Koln bike show. Now, i’m kinda proud to have the cyclops model; looks better in yellow and I got a damn fine deal of $11,995. you have to admit the exposed left side cam bearing seals look damn cool and the 916 class and new bike has the engine all hidden away again.
I only feel sad for all the 999s owners plopping down mid-20ks for what I read in my advance copy of Motorcycist that Ducati America has found fit to mail me and taunt us with 160hp for a mere $14,995 MSRP. I had a friend pony up 26k for a 999S in “black” no less.
Now there is the new killer Ducati with 160hp and 30 pounds lighter
for a mere 15k.
But, think about the deals about to be had on 996’s and
those who would abandon the ugly but controversial Duck.
Its very French now like a UFO or vintage XKE Jauguer.
Saving my pennies so I can have the whole collection from
851 on up.
dc
Alex does not seem to know what he is talking about. The Japanese did not steal the “side by side” headlights from Ducati. The twin headlights you see on most Japanese sportbikes originated from endurance racing. WHen racing at night, the twin headlights allow you to aim each light (left and right) “into the curve” so you can see better when leaned over. With a single headlight you cannot do this. Eventually it got homologated into the street bikes. I believe Suzuki was the first to do this with its GSXR line back in 1986. Back in those days ALL sportbikes (even Ducatis) had single headlights. If Ducati is so great then why are they always begging the FIM for some sort of “advantage” (either extra displacement or a weight break) to allow them to compete. The only reason they won 8 world championships is because they were allowed to run a larger displacement engine and less weight than the 4 cylinder bikes. As soon as the playing field was leveled (almost) Ducati started losing and now are asking for another “advantage” in the form of extra displacement. Why don’t they just build a competitive 1,000 cc machine that complies with the rules. Notice how in Moto-GP where the playing field is level, Ducati isn’t dominating. Anyway I love the new 1098. Ducati has finally built a bike that I will buy. The previous 998 came close, but I couldn’t justify paying that much money only to be blown away by some squid on a GSXR750 (that paid half as much by the way).
With the 1098, Ducati has built a bike that is close enough in performance to the Japanese and not too far away in price that I will make the leap.
For all of you Ducatisti that think the Japanese copied certain styling ideas such as the underseat exhaust from Ducati, have a look at the 1990 Honda NR750. You remember… the one with the Oval Pistons. Check out the photo of it at http://www.kunis.nl/bikesuk/index.html
Well wonder of wonders, it has a single sided swingarm, underseat exhaust, dual headlights etc. This was 4 years, let me repeat that FOUR YEARS before the Ducati 916 appeared in 1994. It looks like Ducati may have borrowed some styling ideas from the Japanese.
I will admit that Ducati made the underseat exhaust popular, but they in no way were the first to implement it.
I’ve got mine on order and hopefully will be downunder in late Jan - right in the middle of summer. How sad…I sold my 998 finally as there was no way I was parting with it for the 999.
Never bought or riden on a bike before. But had set my eys on the 996 ever since I saw it in a movie call the CHASE. When Life got F’n bad, I took my escape on my Duc pic. not really a fan or the 999 due to the lights. But this 1098 has got the right look. My first bike will be the 996 since I believe in getting what i had first had my eye on. I’ll likely kill myself on this bike. But what a way to go should it happen. Sorry, I will never touch anything other than a Ducati, I drive a SAAB and will never own a car that says honda on it. It’s about the love not just good engineering. Ducati and SAAB to me are like tasty food with the right amount of spice. Anyways, love the 1098 look.
Saw the 1098 entry level Duc at the show in early Dec. Liked the fairing/headlight design. Didn’t like the massive single swing-arm at all. Brakes are better than my 999S ‘03. Being able to program the ECU helps when performance enhancements are made to the machine. In my opinion, the most amazing part of the package is the performance you get for your dollar - 143HP for $15K (add all the extra charges, as usual). I’m still satisfied with my machine, though & wouldn’t trade it in for the 1098. As far as beautiful or ugly is concerned we’re splittin’ hairs…..Ducs are the royalty of the road & I’m proud to drive one.
I swore I would have my 996 forever as it was always the sexiest bike imaginable…. I can only fault the 1098’s shape in the tail section as it seems a bit too angular for the rest of the styling. Nevertheless, it didnt stop me from ordering A 1098 Tricolore. The demo I rode last week convinced me I just HAD to have one. And so, sadly, I will miss my beloved 996 but am sure the 1098 will help me forget it in a very short time. For those who have not yet ridden/experienced this awesome bike, dont test ride if you cant afford one as it will torment you until you can!! I agree that it’s all about the ride and the passion with Ducati and after having owned and ridden more than 50 different japanese sportbikes have to say the extra cost of the duke is soon forgotten in the enjoyment of such an exotic machine. But finally, it IS all about enjoying the ride whatever you are on!
Hello All
I just came back from my local motorcycle show and at last had a look at the new Ducati 1098 in the flesh. It’s still a Ducati so I can’t hate the design all together, but I am very sad to say the 1098 just does not do it for me. To my eye it looks very Japonese VFR sort of. Also what is the scoop with the triple clamp not being skelontonised as on the 999/749 series. Yes I currently have an 04′999S and an 04′749R, but I can still admit that the 916 series bikes look great. I do not prefer the 1098 to the 999/749 series or the 916/748 designs at all. The cockpit appears to be very cheap and the triple clamp appears cheap as well. No doubt the performance will be better than the previous generation, but I’m not exactly suffering with 140 horses on tap either! I still believe that you have to like your bike when the garage door goes up in the winter and the riding season is over. It’s part of the package when you purchase an Italian bike, the lust factor. The general feeling at the bike show today was the 1098 looks very Japonese VFR/ R1 like. Perhaps the manufacturers are having to borrow ideas from one another and the machines are starting to look similar across the board with respects to superbikes. The one bike that did look great on it’s own terms at the show was the Binelli Tornado. If I had to purchase an exlusive superbike today I would probably buy the Binelli instead of the Ducati 1098. Any way to each his own, this is just my two cents. I’m sure whoever purchases a 1098 will be more than happy. Cheers.
Francesco
The 1098 looks like the R1, well guess what, the R1 was the most gorgous bike since the 916/998, and I’m glad Ducati is back in the game. The 999s is the ugly duckling and the didn’t move out of showrooms. The 1098 will no doubt be the best selling Ducati ever.
D man,
Nice site, can you convince my wife I need a ducati?
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