It’s Real - The Ducati 1098 is Announced
8 November 2006
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29 Comments
Following yesterday’s ‘leaked’ photos and today’s MCN news story, Ducati CEO Federico Minoli offically announced the arrival of the 1098 on his blog.
We tried in every way possible to keep the surprise until Milan, but they beat us to the punch. Enjoy!
By the way, for the base version of the 1098: 160 HP and 381 lbs.
You can check out the flash introduction here.
Update:
Early reports of pricing are as follows:
1098 Base - $14,995 USD
1098S - $19,995 USD
1098 Tricolor - $24,995 USD
(No Ratings Yet)
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This new headlight fairing looks good, but the pictures resemble too much of a Honda CBR….
maybe its the photos as bikes always look better in person.
impressive mechanical details and the single-sider is cool
I agree, the 1098 looks very japanese influenced - and honestly I can’t decide whether or not I like the new looks just yet - but I’m going to withhold judgement until I ride the thing. I made my decision to go with the 999 platform only after riding it against a 998. Looks aside, in my mind there was no question which bike felt more exciting while ripping through the gears and at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters imho…
Looks do matter (for people who aren’t yet able to get all that power out (yet) –> e.g. me)
Sorry, for me it just doesn’t have LOVE written all over…
I don’t know why blokes expect soooo much out of a bike which they can’t possible ride to its limit!!!
This bike look awesome, there arn’t too many pics here yet, surf & u’ll come accross more.. IT’s good looking & by the specs its the most powerfull twin on road.
I tihnk i want a 1098 for christmas.
I love all Ducati’s but this one I think is the best of both worlds, it can compete with the Japanese four’s and sound like the sexy Italian superbike we all love. I WANT ONE!!!!
I think it is a good thing that I didn’t buy a 999 this year cause this is my new B-day present. But I am a bit upset it only comes in red!!
One word…
BEAUTIFUL
Stunning ITALIAN work of art!
BRAVO
Proof positive in my mind that Ducati couldn’t design a bike if their lives depended on it (which it does), 100% lacking in creativity. Styling wise this Ducati it’s a big step BEHIND the other makers, as opposed to ahead, as they used to be.
Clearly, 999 sales are in the gutter. So what does Ducati do? They take a 999, ugly from day one, and try to figure out how you can make it look more like the iconic 916/996’s. Perhaps instead of trying to design a bike that looks like something they already built 15 years ago, they should be looking ahead. (err, wait they already tried that, and ended up with the 999, they’re screwed)
So how can we make the 999 prettier, they ask themselves…well, lets throw on a 916 swing arm, 916 windscreen, 916 side air vents, and of course the classic 916 twin exhaust pipes, except oops, we kinda think the 999 tail is cool, so we’ll keep that, and end up with a tail and pipes that don’t remotely fit together, cause we’re too stoopid to redesign the tail. We should probably keep the 916 style headlights, cause clearly the 999ers flopped, but hey, lets update those cause, ya know, we’re hip and forward thinking. But again, we’re too lame to actually design something original, so we use lights ala the Triumph. While we’re at it, let’s borrow the turn signals from the Benelli, cause again, we can’t design for ourselves.
Now, as a stand alone bike, the 1098 is not a bad looking machine, and admittedly, the tricolor scheme sexes it up a bit, but bikes aren’t judged standing alone. They are judged in the context of all of the other bikes on the market, and all of the bikes that have come before them. In that context, this bike is a pathetic successor to previous Ducati’s, clearly demonstrating Ducati’s lack of creativity or vision. In addition, the Japanese and British bikes have now outpaced Ducati in terms of bike styling, understanding of market direction, and innivative product.
Yes the big engine will have gobs of horsepower, but they had to add 100cc to even come close to together makers liter bikes.
Clearly, I’m no longer remotely impressed with Ducati. It’s too bad, as a former 916,996, Monster & 749s owner, I used to love the brand and the bikes. No more.
to Dylan
japanese influenced? are you nuts? what how where? you really can tell that. that is just insane to me. it is not a ground-breaking design by any stretch, but it is beautiful… was exactly does japanese influence look like. cbr 600 b-king r1 sv zx14. don’t over think yourself into foolhardiness. jeesh
e-z-e
i don’t want to turn this into a trash exchange, but jump off the bridge already. at least you make me want to. what a depressed man/woman you are. lighten up a biki. embrace it. again over thinking makes people seem foolish. it is clever. it is not pieces of this and borrowed that. it is ducati. they are those pieces that you speak of. all part of the history. all in the blood. what is wrong with that? again jeesh
now i can buy a new ducati again…still not as sexy as my 996s but that 160 hp is a good starting point. 999 was shit. mateo
I must earn more money…I physically need the tricolour!
Oh enough bitching already…the new bike looks great and is sure to back it up with real-world performance. As to adding another 100cc to even approach the numbers of other litre-bikes …yeah well no shit Sherlock…it’s an L-twin , and there is no easier way to get those numbers comparible with a 4 and still have the reliability and affordable price.
A more legitimate complaint is the fact that for Ducatis costing as much as they do….the frame welds look like shit..unsightly globs of weld instead of looking like a stack of quarters on it’s side …that would truly befit these works of art.
bryant
1994 900ss/cr
2001 Mh900e
I don’t agree, the 916/996/998 and 748 were designed by a man named Tamburini, he also designed the MV Agusta F4. In an MV Agusta F4 “Tamburini” promotion video they even show you that it was the same designer, so it is only logical that the bikes would have much resemblance. The story goes that when Ducati was purchased by a foreign company, Tamburini refused to design for a foreign brand and, chauvenistic as italians are, he decided to design the F4 for MV.
The f4 is, like the 916/996/998/748 a beautiful machine, the only thing i personally dislike are the headlights, in the same fashion that i dislike the 999’s headlights.
When Yamaha Lauched it’s R1 and R6 they kinda took over where Ducati left off. with a resembling design.
The 1098 is designed by Giandrea Fabbro. And eventhough the front arguably resembles many japanese bikes, it’s still the most established front if you ask me. They just took what was already theirs and gave it a twist.. the result speaks for itself.
Alex ( the Netherlands)
Soooooo the spec looks great, more power, less weight, no increase in tank size = what 90miles to a tank hmmm wonder if a 749R tank will fit. Another legacy of the 916-998 is that chain adj vs ride height. All in all looks great, maybe a little japanese especially at the nose and yes I for actually do like the 999 esp 2005/2006. The other concern is maybe the highlift cam around town fatigue. But yes I will have to see it in the metal and hopefully the test ride will make me laugh as much as the first day I hit the limiter on my 999R. Its all about fun and yes I have to have one …….oh the expense of it all!
The 1098 takes the best parts of the 916 series and incorporates engine and chassis improvements, as well as an MV-influenced rear… just what the 999’s could have been, and should have been. I have a Hypermotard S on order, and own a 998 and 900 Monster. Since I can’t afford to buy two new ducks in one year, I’ll just have to wait until ‘08 for the 1098. Or maybe sell one of my 36 other bikes. As far as “Japanese influence…” where do you think the Japanese engineers came up with their styling q’s? It’s not stealing when you owned it in the first place! (BTW, 7 of my bikes actually are Japanese - no prejudice - I just know what I like!)
Damn
I have been a long time Honda fan. I currently own and operate 2 Honda machines, and just yesterday I saw this bike for the first time. I know it has been a while since all the press releases but I just never liked Ducatis, so I figured I wouldn’t like this one either.. buttttttt. I love it, and to point out how people are saying this and that are borrowed from the Japanese… I can definitely see it.. Maybe one reason why I love it.. It blends the two worlds together almost.. Like now, it’s okay to like Ducatis.. which to me is a strange feeling. I’m glad to see them move in this direction as I think their market will open up, while not sacrificing much of Ducatis base customers.. I still can’t get used to the whole extra 100 cc thing though.. the whole point in racing is to be restricted to a certain cc and see what you can do with it.. how competitive you can be with that.. why do Ducati and Buell always get a break?
Displacement equivalency is not actually a true judge of engine HP potential because it does not account for the difference in RPM capability. Displacement times max rpm is more accurate. Max piston speed is the same for either a single, twin or multi-based on todays materials and lubrication. With all limited to the same max piston speed, the shorter stroke multi can turn higher rpm than the twin or single. Higher rpm means more air pumping through the engine per second which inherently means more HP potential, everything else being equal. This is were the 1000cc twin is roughly equal to a 750cc four: in hp potential.
I think that the 1098 is the most beautiful motorcycle of last years. But I also think of which heir of 916. In 1994, 916 is the most beautiful of his time. If 916 had not launched in 1994, i think is she which would be presented to us today. Except, maybe the engine which evolved.
1098 is beautifull, but 916 stay the must. i prefer 916 for her story, this motorbike marked, mark and will mark the story of ducati company.
i think the next motorcycle which will mark, same 916, its time will be a motorcycle with a structure carbon but not 1098.
bye
To E-Z-E.
If your loyalties are indeed that shallow I am sure many enthusiasts are glad you are no longer among us. Such narrow minded prejudice toward any bike you have not yet ridden is an evil thing, revealing you are indeed as soulless as the japanese alternatives you are returning to. All Ducatista will be better off without your kind in their ranks. I have owned more than 50 Japanese bikes and enjoyed all of them, but nothing compares to the exclusive and friendly Ducati Community who make you feel like you belong! I didnt buy the 999 because I didn’t like it, so I simply waited for something better… The 1098 Tricolore!!! ….I get mine in March. Share the passion.
Scrubby,
what is the difference between 916 and 1098?
Only, some modifications of shape and power?
These two motorcycles are 12 years old of differences. I believe that these twelve years are perceptible over the 1098. Even a person who follows the current events of the motorcycle has difficulty in seeing it ….I understand Dudu
i work for Yamaha and i ride with japanese and my motorbike favorite it’s 916. i thing many people is ok with me….
916 is collector
wow i’m in love
Yam-R1
You will note my criticism was of EZE and not DUDU whom I entirely agree with. The 916 will always be an Icon of beauty and engineering advances in my eyes also. Unfortunately I could not afford to keep my 996 and still step up to the 1098.
Do yourself a favour and ride one of these 1098’s and you will be convinced yourself how magnificent a machine they are! I loved my 996 but after 3 hours on the 1098 it made the 996 seem so outdated in handling, performance and comfort I was open mouthed and simply had to have the new one.
A lot has happened in those 12 years and the new model truly deserves the praise it is receiving worldwide.
As many I was not impressed with the front of the bike initially. Still I could not take my eyes off her unlike the 999 when it was introduced. My first reaction was indeed “It looks like a Honda!” but then I gave it time to sink in. Yes it does embraces the current design trends but it is a beautiful blend of modern and traditional. You see thouches from the 999, from the 916 and from the Desmosedici. BTW this would not be the first time that Ducati blends things form different bikes. This is how the Monster was born (I own an M900 carb, the real beast).
Then something unexpected happened. My wife and I went to see it at the official launch at the local dealer.
We loved it. I ordered one!
The best feature for a married guy? It transforms to a biposto! My wife and I ride togheter just a handful times a year. The 1098 got her excited since she can ride with me in those occasions and then I can transform it back to a SBK for my rides. Bravo!
Now…when we will see it racing?
k now i love bikes and love the new ducati 1098s. i will soon purchase a new bike. i hesitate between the R1 and the 1098S. now i hear the R1 has better accel and top speed. the handling its different ways tough.
i like the ducati 1098 looks way more4 than the yamaha.
what do u think is best between the R1 and the 1098S ???
I ride a GSXR 1000 with mods and although the 1098S stock can not keep up with my bike, this is one hot bike. Not to many people can say they have a hand built Italian Superbike that stock to stock on the street can keep up with anything in it’s class. I am geting one because it isn’t always about who is fastest… I already know what that is like… Thunmbs up to Ducati for comming around and making the 1098S street and track worthy, and a real head turner.. By the way CONGRATS on 2007 Moto GP Championship.. Won on by a Ducati..
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