Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2008 Ducati 1098R. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
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 “the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle ever built”? $40,000.
This example (VIN: ZDM1XBHW38B016136) is #263 of the 450 that were sold in the US.
The odometer shows 1,775 miles.
We actually sold it to the current seller and can vouch for it being in excellent condition. It was serviced in November of 2018 with new belts and a throttle sync as well as the smaller common items like oil and filters. The tires are original.
The black anodized aluminum finish on the swingarm and triple tree exhibits some oxidation, a problem that we have occasionally seen on other 1098Rs (including a 0-mile example).
The right rear turn signal has come off.
We also note some blemishes on the right rearset and a minor scratch on the right engine cover/bellypan – all known cosmetic issues are documented in the photo album up top.
This is a nicely-preserved example of a rare Ducati that’s coming out of collection we highly respect.