Description
With the 1098, Ducati returns in terms of design, after a stylistic excursion, to the look and feel of the 998 and its original version, the 916. Double flat headlights, non-integrated exhausts under the seat and flat, a single-sided swing arm and sleekly designed fairings. A slim motorcycle that is a logical continuation in the history of the brand.
The naming of the model refers, as is usually the case with Ducati, to the cylinder capacity. Okay, the Italians thought 1099 sounded less nice, so they only made it 1098. That’s where the last bit of logic ends, because where the normal, 160 hp version is still reasonably correct, that is not the case with the 180 hp 1098R: behind the fairing is a fantastic 1, 198 cc pounding two-cylinder. Despite the slightly larger engine block, Ducati manages to make the 1098R no less than 8 kilograms lighter than the regular version at 165 kilograms.
In 2009, two years after the model’s launch, Ducati looked back on an amazing Superbike season with Troy Bayliss as the grand champion of 2008. It was also the last championship he raced, so Ducati honored the racing hero with the “Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition”, built in an edition of only 500 pieces and recognizable by the fantastic color scheme as Bayliss drove it during his farewell race at Portimão in Portugal. Lots of white paint, the Australian flag clearly present and of course number 21. The connoisseur will undoubtedly know that the heat shields on a Bayliss version should be made of carbon and that the wheels are actually the same as Troy Bayliss had on his race bike.
All together it gives the motorcycle a unique look. The classic lines in a modern coat, combined with the great Bayliss livery and the fact that the 1098S is a motorcycle that is incredibly close to the non-street legal 1098RS on which Bayliss became champion, make this version a highly sought after Ducati.
500 of the 1098R were produced and this is number 154. With only 7, 850 kilometers of experience and in the hands of only two owners, this is an almost new 1098R Troy Bayliss. The original booklets are all present with the Duc and maintenance was carried out by the dealer. The Ducati comes with these beautiful sounding carbon exhausts, but also with the original exhausts and DB killers.
It may sound logical with a ‘bicycle’ like this, but we’ll tell you anyway: the certificate, the original paddock stand and the Bayliss cover are also included with the Ducati.
An unprecedented beauty where few motorcycles can match the experience that this Superbike derivative offers.
