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Ducati 1098R (2008) - Review - Test By, Trevor Hedge |
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| Ducati 1098R Page / 1 - Intro / By, Trevor Hedge Ducati have a long history of special homologation runs to produce the bikes that their World Superbike contenders are based on. Never before however has a model produced been so close to the race machine. Some of the earlier ‘R’, ‘SP’ and ‘SPS’ models had servicing schedules that bordered on ridiculous. The 999R broke this tradition and was itself a class machine but it is not in the same league as the 1098R. The new peak of v-twin performance makes power in a way that the 999R never did and tips the scales more than 16kg lighter than its predecessor. So confident in the 1098R is Ducati that they have made the service intervals a more than reasonable 12,000km and back the machine with the same 24 month, unlimited kilometre warranty granted on their regular road bike models. From the delectable forged Marchesini rims to the carbon Termignonis, this is one bike that shouts ‘no expense spared’. And like never before this Italian Stallion has more than enough go to match the show. I have absolutely no doubt that the 1098R is by far the fastest ever twin cylinder machine allowed on the road. And thanks to that whopping 1198cc capacity it delivers power and torque in a way that no standard Japanese bike can hope to match. And well it should at almost three times the price of a Japanese litre bike. But for many even if it failed to deliver such awe inspiring performance the drop dead gorgeous looks and Ducati name on the tank would be all it took to hand over their money. This time around though the lucky owners are not only on one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made, they are on what is probably the fastest road going motorcycle ever made. Oh, and if you are wondering about which colour to get, then don’t. You can have a 1098R in any colour you like, as long as it is red. |
| POSITIVES • Engine, Engine, Engine • Traction Control • Suspension • Finish |
NEGATIVES • Price, Price, Price • Dry clutch may get hot and bothered in traffic or under extreme use |
| SPECIFICATIONS • Engine - L-Twin cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve per cylinder, liquid cooled • Capacity - 1198.4cc • Bore x Stroke - 106 x 67.9mm • Compression Ratio - 12.8:1 • Induction - Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies • Exhaust - Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic convertor and two lambda proves, twin stainless steel and titanium mufflers (race kit carbon Termignonis also supplied with matching race-kit ECU) • Ignition - Marelli electronic • Final Drive - Chain (38/15) • Clutch - Dry, multi plate • Gearbox - Six speed, close ratio - Primary (1.84:1), 1st (37/15), 2nd (30/17), 3rd (27/20), 4th (24/22), 5th (24/23), 6th (22/25), • Oil Capacity - ? • Frame - Tubular steel trellis frame in ALS 450 • Rims - five spoke forged alloy Marchesini, 17x3.5" (F), 17x6" (R) • Tyres - 120/70ZR17 (F), 190/55ZR17 (R) • Suspension - Ohlins 43mm fully adjustable fork 120mm travel (F), Ohlins TTX Monoshock with top out spring, 127mm travel (R) • Brakes - Twin 330mm semi floating discs Brembo Monobloc four piston calipers (F), Single 245mm disc single piston caliper (R) • Dimensions L x W (bars) x H mm - 2100 x ? x 1100 • Seat Height - 820mm • Wheelbase - 1430mm • Rake - 24.3° / 24.5° • Steering Angle - 28.30° / 228.50° • Dry Weight - 165kg • Fuel Capacity - 15.5 litres • Claimed Power (Crank) - 180hp (132.4kw) @ 9750rpm (186hp with included race-kit mufflers and ECU) • Claimed Torque (Crank) - 134Nm (99.1lb-ft) @ 7750rpm (99.1lb-ft) • Measured Touring Range - ? • RRP - $54,995 + ORC • Warranty - Two years, unlimited kilometres |
IMAGE GALLERY INDEX
DUCATI 1098R ACCESSORIES /
DUCATI 1098R DETAIL IMAGES /
DUCATI 1098R CAD IMAGES /
DUCATI 1098R APPAREL
Ducati 1098R (2008) - Review - Test
By, Trevor Hedge
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