2008 Ducati 1098R Review

[admin]

The number 3 with two zeros trailing is the numeric expression of how many motorcycle riders, collectors or racers in the United States that will bask in the glory of what may be the best sportbike available today: The 2008 Ducati 1098R.

As my English ex-pat friends would say of those fortunate enough get their $39,995 checks written before anyone else, "Jammy gits!"

The 1098R isn't so much the next evolution in the 1098 line as it is a homologation obligation that allows 300 people to be the benefactors of WSBK rules. Perhaps I should say that the 1098R is revolutionary in that it's the first streetbike (streetbike, puh-leez!) with available traction control. Ducati makes no ifs, ands, or buts about it, DTC (Ducati Traction Control) is that something special that the Big Four keep toeing the line with but are too litigious-conscious to cross. It's also identical to the same system found on Ducati's factory superbike and MotoGP machines. Awesome!

More: 2008 Ducati 1098R Review on Motorcycle.com

[rcrob]

So what becomes of the other 700 units?

"2.9.2.2 SUBSEQUENT HOMOLOGATIONS

A manufacturer who has previously homologated a motorcycle and is requesting a homologation must follow the procedure below:

· The manufacturer must have produced at least a quantity of 250 motorcycles prior to the homologation inspection. The motorcycle must be on sale to the public at that time.

· The minimum quantity of 1000 units must be reached by the end of June of the current year.

· From 2010 onwards the minimum quantity will be 3000 units.

· All motorcycles must be identical to the model to be homologated with the same specifications.

· Proof of production quantities must be provided by certified documentation as stated in Article 2.9.2.

· The FIM will withdraw the homologation if these rules are not respected.
"

[izban]

Originally Posted by rcrob

So what becomes of the other 700 units?

"2.9.2.2 SUBSEQUENT HOMOLOGATIONS

FIM requirements specify 1000 units world wide.

The article clearly says 300 for the North America.

The number 3 with two zeros trailing is the numeric expression of how many motorcycle riders, collectors or racers in the United States that will bask in the glory of what may be the best sportbike available today: The 2008 Ducati 1098R.

[Chuckracer]

1098R's are cool.

[AZ_Scott]

Fixed it for 'em...

Originally Posted by admin

The number 3 with two zeros trailing is the numeric expression of how many motorcycle riders, collectors or racers in the United States that will bask this year in the glory of what may be the best sportbike available today. Of course, by 2010, they'll be a dime a dozen...

[martinc]

Dont need no stinkin traction control to babysit my right wrist

i`ll stick to my tricolore...its prettier!

[MuddyDuckati]

Yes the bike that has it all, including the price...But quite a bargain considering my D16 cost $75,000.00...Wanta one Pleeeese! but they seem to be rarer than the Sedeci!!!
Magnesium wheels but Gold,why?
I suppose there has to be something to complain about .It is not a perfect World even in Desmo Land.

Cheers and Please Enjoy !!!all those 300 that are lucky enough to get this beast

[HarmRacer]

I have now ridden my 1098R for about 700 KM on public roads. Its for sure the best bike I have ridden so far for the road, fast but intimidating at all compared to a standard 1098 or any 4 cylinder I have ridden so far.
Engine is super easy to ride. From excellent torque from the start with smooth and precise throttle response, the engine goes well and is linear and smooth, other than a rough spot around 4.2 to 4.7K revs with quite some vibration at steady throttle cruising in 6th. From 7k rpm upwards its very
, very, very fast, below very pleasant and torquey, but the transition is very smooth, not hit whatsoever. Clutch is stiff but precise, and the engine braking superbly managed, smooth to enter corners, on-off-on throttle smooth enough. The slipper clutch goes int action smoothly and effectively.
I use the race exhaust with the race Eprom(... and DB killers, and its as silent as the roadlegal exhaust), which allows use of the traction control. Here after the winter the streets are still slippery, and I have also ridden in the wet several times. The DTC works fantastic. Its easy to find your comfort level (mine is 5 in the wet, 3 on dry roads), and its a huge confidence booster. My ride companions tell me, that my acceleration point is so much earlier than on my other bikes, e.g. the SuperDuke R or Monster. Handling is very neutral, even with the big tire is has no torque steer over bumps, and you can fly on bad backroads. Under braking, steering remains as neutral as any other bike. The tires are superb, even in the cold at 4C they slip very gently, under warmer temps (13 to 16 C) they do not move. The tires are neutral even when cold, and warm quickly.
The steering is tipicaly Ducati 1098, but so much more consistent than the 1098 I rode last summer, due to the composed nature of the suspension. Sag unloaded is only 12mm in the rear, and a rather soft 35mm upfront.
It feels all stiff 1st, but works beautifull when ridden, and the harder ridden the better. The suspension communicates very well what the wheels do, but swallow bigger bumps well, and plant the wheels. I will try to lift the front somewhat as the next change, but the orginal setting are excellent for swift road riding. The fork probably will need somewhat more support for track use, but the rear feels spot on.

The bike reward active riding input, like pulling on the outer bar for going into corners, then the bike feels very positive. The upper body needs to be held with the lower back muscles. When I tire and lean on the bars to hold my weight, then the bike does not feel great anymore. Another point that helps big for faster corners where I need to tighten the radius, pressure on the inside footpeg allows any radius change, anytime and adds feeling, with superb trust into the frontend.
That riding technique has me never so well rewarded as on this bike.

The brakes have all power needed, but much better modulation that the 1098 I had ridden last year. Its easy to trailbrake into corners, which is risky on the non R brakes.

What I wonder is, how much this bike allows a higher and wider handlebar for roaduse, without loosing that excellent balance...my neck ans shoulder cramp after 3 hours of riding. Any hints, here?

[MuddyDuckati]

Clips from CycleCat?...not sure if they make them for 1098; put them on my 999R, very adjustable, can get then higher for road use and almost as low as the stock clipons for Track days...Give them a call!

[HarmRacer]

Originally Posted by MuddyDuckati

Clips from CycleCat?...not sure if they make them for 1098; put them on my 999R, very adjustable, can get then higher for road use and almost as low as the stock clipons for Track days...Give them a call!

thanks, i will try those...will i need new cables, brake lines and all?