Built for homologation purposes, the 1098R was Ducati’s entry into World Superbike. It brought back something from the past (side by side headlights, à la the 916) and introduced something new – the first implementation of electronic traction control on a production street bike.
Bike Social calls it a Future Classic, saying “in many ways it is the last of the ‘proper’ Ducati homologation specials. That is to say it bears absolutely no resemblance to the road bike it is meant to be based on! Capacity, engine, chassis, just about every component on the 1098R when compared to the 1098 road bike was altered as Ducati needed to get back into winning ways.”
They weren’t kidding – despite the “1098” name and the 1,099cc motor in the regular 1098 model, the 1098R engine displaces 1,198cc thanks to increases in both bore and stroke. The Italians utilized titanium for the connecting rods and the (larger) valves, a slipper clutch, strengthened rocker arms, magnesium cam covers, lighter pistons…you get the idea. Just like some “R” specials before it, the 1098 gets Ohlins suspension/steering damper, carbon fiber bodywork, and upgraded Brembo brakes.
You also get Marchesini wheels, a magnesium front subframe, and the novel eight-stage traction control. The price for what Ducati called, “The most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle ever built”? $40,000.
This example is VIN: ZDM1XBHW38B015858.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 72 miles. The odometer shows 2,440 miles.
It is #252 out of 450.
The seller acquired this bike in February 2024 from Seattle Used Bikes who was selling it on behalf of the original owner. When SUB had the bike, they “performed a full service on it include a desmo valve clearance inspection.” The owner “started a collection of rare homologated Ducati’s but decided to retire and move abroad. Don’t want to deal with the logistics of shipping international.” He has also recently sold a 2006 Ducati 999R Xerox and a 2015 BMW K1300S Motorsport here through Iconic Motorbikes.
Maintenance:
“All services are documented and I have records. I installed motolectric HICAP starter upgrade kit with new antigravity battery. Fresh OEM oil and filter – zero miles. New Pirelli tires. CRG brake/clutch levers.”
The belts were last done on 5/5/2016. The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
Termignoni race exhaust with matched ECU.
ProGrip grips, CRG levers.
Ducati Performance clutch pressure plate, SpeedyMoto open clutch cover, adjustable brake pedal.
Ducati Performance seat.
Aftermarket gas cap.
Tinted windscreen.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires with date codes of 4822 and 2623.
The sale includes two keys, the owner’s manual, Ducati Data Analyzer, code card, and a video recording of a seminar on the new-at-the-time Ducati Traction Control
It also includes the original seat, original windscreen, exhaust baffles, and the pictured rear wheel stand.
Lastly, the sale includes several promotional pieces from when the bike was sold new, including a signed/numbered framed piece of Ducati’s WSBK riders of the time (Michel Fabrizio and Troy Bayliss) and a letter to 1098R owners notifying them of their special access to the WSBK race at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Left mirror frame has a very light scratch, barely visible and right mirror mount to fairing shows the gold pinstripe underneath lifting, also only noticeable on close inspection. Otherwise the bike is immaculate!”
Currently located in Kahului, Hawaii, this Ducati is offered on a clean Hawaii title with registration current through January 2026.
Have any 1098R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
