There’s nothing quite like riding the best there is out there and with the 2009 Ducati 1098R and the corresponsive brand new Bayliss Limited Edition you stand great chances to be doing just that, so it’s nice to get a preview of the blast that you’ll have if paying around $40K for a bike is no problem for you.

Ducati’s exclusive liter-class superbike impresses a rider with the greatest ease. You see, you cannot replace the massive Twin, bag loads of technology and sharp looks with anything. Let’s see what more.

Ever since Ducati got their chance to compete in the World Superbike Championship, they continuously worked to rule the track and the street-legal 1098R is the incredible result of the tremendous work. Virtually every unit on this bike was designed with racing in mind, especially the 1198cc Evoluzione Testastretta engine that is “harnessed” by a traction-control system.

Ducati values the engine’s impressive performance (180 hp and 99.1 lb-ft of torque) with an equally competitive chassis, which’s Ohlins suspension and Brembo braking system slightly justify the enormous price (compared to that of any Japanese contender, but not only).

Also, the dash is derived from that of the MotoGP Ducatis and offers complete information, including the traction control level selected, when this is activated.

2009’s all-new Troy Bayliss Limited Edition features no performance upgrade, but only the unique color scheme. This shows how the Italians did their very best with the standard bike in the first place and also enhances the already racy look of the 1098R.

The Ducati 1098 started being produced in 2007 as a successor for the 999 model. It was powered by the 1099cc L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled engine, from which the new one was developed for the 2009 model year.

From the very first year of manufacturing, the new Italian superbike was a tremendous success that is now carried on by the bigger and more powerful 1198cc version of the same consecrated engine type.

Stylistically, the new bike doesn’t differ much. Quite frankly, we’re wondering how will Ducati enhance the mean looks of the 1098R in future years

With the launch of the 1098 and the 1098R, Ducati went against the Japanese liter-class motorcycles such as the Honda CBR1000RR, Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000 and the Kawasaki ZX-10R. All these models are powered by in-line fours and do look sharp, but not as sharp as the Ducati 1098R does, so it is obvious what attracts Ducati buyers

Engine and Transmission
Type: L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Displacement: 1198.4cc
Bore x Stroke: 106 x 67.9mm
Compression Ratio: 12.8:1
Power: 180hp – 132.4kw @ 9750rpm
Torque: 99.1lb-ft 134Nm @ 7750rpm
Fuel injection: Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies.
Exhaust: Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel and titanium mufflers
Emissions: Euro3
Gearbox: 6 speed
Ratios: 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 22/25
Primary drive: Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1
Final drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 38
Clutch: Dry multiplate with hydraulic control slipper clutch
Chassis and Dimensions
Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450
Wheelbase: 1430mm / 56.3in
Rake: 24,5°
Front suspension: Ohlins 43mm fully adjustable upside-down fork with TiN
Front wheel travel: 120mm / 4.7in
Front brake: 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers 4-piston, 2-pad.
Front wheel: 5-spoke in forged light alloy 3.50 x 17
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR17
Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins TTXR monoshock with top-out spring. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rear wheel travel: 127mm / 5in
Rear brake: 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear wheel: 5-spoke forged light alloy 6.00 x 17
Rear tyre: 190/55 ZR17
Fuel tank capacity: 15.5L (of which 4L reserve) / 4.1 US gal (of which 1 US gal reserve)
Dry Weight: 165 kg / 364 lb
Seat height: 820mm / 32.2in
Other
Instruments: Digital MotoGP derived unit with displays for: Speedometer, rev counter, lap times, time, air temp, coolant temp, battery voltage, A trips, fuel reserve trip, DTC level selected (if activated) scheduled maintenance. Warning lights for: Neutral, turn s
Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
Versions: Dual seat

Address:
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, 3, 40132 Bologna – Italy.

Tel. +39(0)51 6413343 – Monday trough Friday 10.00am – 11.00am and 2.00pm – 4.00pm

http://www.ducati.com/