Monday November 13 2006
The new big bore Testastretta gets 160bhp (@9750rpm) and more torque than ever before. Ducati claims the new torque curve is better than any other bike considering the 173kg dry weight. That tells the tale of some serious pulling power (90+ lb-fts @ 8.000rpm). The new GP7 (Ducati's 800cc MotoGP bike) inspired instruments from Magnet Marelli is ready for most new gadgets such as traction control. On the 1098 S you get DDP included which is a data logging system where you can download up to 2MB of data after each ride. With all that torque traction control will definitely be handy for racing. The mono block Brembo radial calipers are also virtually identical to the ones on the MotoGP bike. Great news for superstock and club racers should the new 1098 be allowed to race. Aerodynamics are improved compared to the 999 as well and the front is now much smoother with the ram-air intakes back under the two vertical headlights. There's a bit of 916, a bit of 999 and a bit of modern Japanese influence in the design. but still on the safe side of stylish Italian. The single sided swing-arm will be a popular return as well as the ditching of the 999 bread box in favour of double underseat oval pipes. The rumour goes that the new 1098 will be priced more competitively than the 999 which can only be good as the 1098 is arguably more value for money. The next generation superbike is born and we're sure the superbike champ Troy Bayliss approves. Also pictured: 1098S (features Ohlins suspension, lighter wheels and carbon parts that reduces dry weight to 171kg). TS