The Ducati 1098 (lust on two wheels)

[R Doug]

OK, it's time to start discussing the excellent replacement for the 999...



It's like the 916 and the Desmosedici had a baby.  With an MSRP of just under $15,000 USD, I believe it will do well.  

[TalkingHead]

I'm definitely liking the looks of the 1098, especially in comparison to the 999. I especially like the 675-esque headlights! Speaking of which, I seem to recall reading somewhere that is was at least partially designed by the same Brit? Is my memory faulty?

[baldheadeddork]

Damn, just...damn.

[1KPerDay]

Front looks like a CBR-RR, Tailsection from the 999/MV, and the middle from the 916. I like it, but it doesn't really have a personality of its own. I actually like the 999 better, but I think I'm the only one. Hopefully they'll sell leftover 999s at 8K because they're now "obsolete."

[1KPerDay]

HOWEVER:
 
 
The tricolore version is Saweeet.
 

 
This is the best angle I've seen... I'd hit it.
 

[iflyducati]

Damn that's nice.  Yeah I think the tri color is just drop dead sexy.

[jed]

Think it has optional hardbags and touring seat?

[garry]

Can't say I'm a huge fan of the solid red or black versions, but the Tri Colore is wonderful. Amazing what some nice paint can do for the bike's lines. I think I even saw a Multistrada with some custom paint (ala Tri Colore) and it looked much better than stock.

[R Doug]

Now that I've had good look at the profile, I miss two things from the 999... 1)  I loved how you could see the rear cylinder head through the trellis frame and 2) I like the more integrated rear exhaust better.  It appears the only thing I don't miss from the 999 is the nose, and I didn't hate it like some.

But, I'd still buy one if I had the $$$$$.  There's nothing better than the sound of a Duc (IMHO)... especially with an open clutch cover.

[shah269]

Now thats the kine of bike you have to ride naked!

[hobbes]

oh...my...god.
 
Tricolore.
 
I have to change my pants. That is amazingly beautiful.

[JoBu]

I absolutely love these bikes (all three color choices).  I can't see how they won't be popular given the bump in displacement, the beautiful styling, and the lower price.  Sweet...  
 
Cheers,
 
Joe

[Emerson00]

I guess I have to jump on the bandwagon and say DAMN! They done good all right.

[GAPS]

Ha, I found it interesting that they went back to the single sided swingarm. I understand Ducati wanted to invoke the 916 but this is history eclipsing function...I dont care for that, it's one of the reasons I think Harleys are silly.
 
OTOH, I like it too, in fact I love it.

[Nimh]

 

Damn.  That is perfection.  Two wheeled bliss.  

[Mac]

Sorry OSVS, that duc IS THE sexy beast!!!

[Mr Sunshine]

After looking at it at the show its not that great.  Its not polished.  If you look at the back side of the plastic behind the mirrors it looks like race fiberglass which is not what I expect on a factory set of plastics.

[JoBu]

Front looks like a CBR-RR, Tailsection from the 999/MV, and the middle from the 916. I like it, but it doesn't really have a personality of its own. I actually like the 999 better, but I think I'm the only one. Hopefully they'll sell leftover 999s at 8K because they're now "obsolete."

Hey 1K (nice to see you back on the boards),
 
You know...I can see a lot of what you say and I shared a similar opinion when I first saw it.  But having the tail from an MV and the flanks of a 916 isn't necessarily a bad thing, is it??  It certainly blows my skirt up...   But, I have to respectfully disagree with your take on the front end's resemblence to the CBR-RR.  I know, I know...its all subjective.  Well, disagree isn't quite the right term as the Duc does remind me of the latest RR bikes.  But I think there is enough of a difference to separate the Duc from the RR.  The 1098 seems to possess a bit more wicked expression, if you will.  It sort of reminds me of a comparison between a '01 R1 and an '01 ZX-9R.  They both had the dual "cat-eye" look to the front, but the R1 just seemed to be a tad more angry than the 9R.  And the "expression" could be different depending upon paint scheme.  My ex-g/f had a blue '00 R1 and I had the '01 red/black version.  We both agreed that her bike was the prettier of the two but that mine seemed to possess the more wicked look to it.  
 
Dang...sorry for babbling...its early and coffee does funny things to me.  
 
Cheers,
 
Joe

[JoBu]

Ha, I found it interesting that they went back to the single sided swingarm. I understand Ducati wanted to invoke the 916 but this is history eclipsing function...I dont care for that, it's one of the reasons I think Harleys are silly.
 
OTOH, I like it too, in fact I love it.

Good point.  But purely on a subjective level, I'm glad they brought back the SSS.  I recall when Triumph did away with it on their Daytona in '02 (with the exception of the CE model) and the tea-toting faithful were up in arms.  It was brought back shortly afterwards.  I love the SSS on my Sprint ST although I rarely see it due to the bags/pipe.     And, at my riding level on the street, I'll never see the difference on the Duc...shoot, I'd never see the difference on the track either.  And from what I understand, the new swingarm is much lighter and stiffer than the older version.  I do agree that in many/most cases history eclipsing function is not always the best path.  Sort of the same reason I, personally, don't care for technology for technology's sake.  But, in this case, I'm glad they went "retro", if it can be called that.  Dang, that is one beautiful bike.  
 
Cheers,
 
Joe

[veefer800canuck]

But, the question remains: are they going to be able to race it?


Will the sanctioning bodies fall for Ducati's story that they're being beaten by the 4-cylinders and need the extra 100cc's displacement?


Sorta hard to swallow that theory this past year after the efforts of one T. Bayliss.