The Ducati 1098R Review

Something fantastic for motorcycle riders, collectors and/or racers in the United States in here. Bask in the glory of what may be the best sport bike available today: The 2008 Ducati 1098R.  Your Super Bike is now ready!

Ducati waited a full year to marinate their new super bike. That's the time it took for  World Super Bike’s regulation to change from liter twins to a full 1200cc. The Ducati 1098R is in fact a  true 1200, and to control this mammoth torque, Ducati has created the world's first production adjustable traction control. For the typical rider, Ducati Traction Control ("DTC") means nothing. So for the good of everyone, MotoGP star Jeremy McWilliams tested this remarkable bike at Jerez. Even against star Michel Fabrizio,, McWill left everyone in the dust on his 1098R … (and that was on just standard Pirelli Corsa Pro tires).

Overall, Ducati introduced the new super bike with a laid back informality. The motor is bored and stroked to 1198cc. The 1098R’s roots are pure racing, with only minor differences. It runs the same motor as its brother in WSB. Crankcases, titanium con-rods and rocker arms are all the exactly the same. Differences in the race bike include slightly lighter pistons, flywheel and crankshaft. (The gearbox internal ratios are different for obvious reasons.)

Also, the Ducati 1098R has a massive weight saving over its predecessors, 16kg (just over 35lbs) lighter than the Ducati 998R and 6kg (just over 13lbs) lighter than the Ducati 1098. The motor (2.2kg lighter alone) uses carbon belt covers, and sand-cast crankcases. The remainder of the weight saving over the 1098's motor is in the titanium rods, crankshaft and valves. The R uses a single seat, an alloy sub frame support (rather than steel) and Titanium silencers. Plus, compared to the standard 1098, the R features an increased compression (12.8 to 1 vs. 12.5 to 1) and has larger valves.

Suspension is top notch Ohlins. The rear using the very latest TTX36 unit. Before riding, front and rear suspension will need only minor tweaks. This will depend on the weight of the rider. Although, the standard setting provided by Ducati is pretty sweet. The 1098R’s chassis feels similar to previous models at this level . . . a little front heavy, This means it needs to be taken by the horns. It works best when you brake late, fire it on its side and get it onto the fat of the tire. It needs to be steered with commitment, but it's fun when it does so little wrong anywhere else. The 1098R comes with a race kit filled with goodies (ECU and Carbon tailpipes) The ECU provides the adjustable DTC (Ducati traction control) Remember, there are 8 levels, with 8 being the most intrusive. You would rarely use this unless riding on ice. One would typically start with the system on level 4.

To make the bike spin more and cut ignition less, move the DTC setting from 4 to 2. The levels are easily adjusted on the digital dashboard when the bike is stationary and easy to use. You'll feel the benefit. This DTC is really awesome. If you start on level 4 and crack the throttle mid-corner, you get an instant response from the ECU. The torque decreases and cuts drive a bit (like in your rear wheeled 530i Beemer, only much more subtly). It's easily audible with a slight misfire as the spark cuts. The system is able to compare wheel spin to the defined target (what every rider wants) so the rider can increase the throttle and request more torque without DTC cutting the ignition. At the proper setting, the DTC lets the bike slide a little more before cutting in again. In Ducati's tests, the rider was able to improve lap times by up to 0.6 seconds.

If you take the 1098R into a full race season, then your only crashes are likely to be on the low side or losing the front, which is comforting. The DTC works by comparing front wheel speed to rear and the ECU measures the difference. In the end the Ducati 1098R Super Bike delivers and delivers big! But if you want it delivered, you’ll have to pony up big dollars. MSRP $39,995.

 

Sell Your New or Used Motorcycle For Free Here at Motorcycles4SaleOnline.com