2007 Ducati New Motorcycles

World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss and the new generation 1098 which you'll be able to buyin the next few months. Troy won't get to race the bigger twin in SBK until 2008. SCREENSAVER

Ducati Reveals the New Generation 1098 Superbike Family
(November 8, 2006) - Ducati has introduced its new generation 1098 Superbikes this week at the Milan Motorcycle show in Italy. Th new machine produces 160hp and 90.4lbs/ft of torque, which results in making the 1098 the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle in the world, with the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any sport bike. In addition,Ducati claims the 1098 is also the lightest open class Superbike available, weighing in at 381 pounds.

With one dramatic step Ducati has introduced a new generation Superbike, the base 1088 model of which produces significantly more horsepower and is significantly lighter in weight than the out going top rated 999R model, at a price which is less than half. It's something old, something new, something borrowed and something very red from the Bologna mafia who need a winner in the showroom to match their winning on the track. And this is it.

The 1098 will be available in three versions starting in February. The 1098 Biposto will carry a manufacturers suggested retail price of $14.995 (reduced $3,000 from the current generation 999). The 1098 S will be priced at $19,995 (reduced $3,000 from the current generation 999S), while a limited edition 1098 S Tri-Colore will be $24,995. More Ducati 1098 Superbike details and photos

The base model 1098 with Showa suspension. The new bodywork s a little bit Desmosedici MotoGP, a little bit retro 916-998 Superbike. SCREENSAVER

The 1098 will be available in three versions starting in February. The 1098 Biposto will carry a manufacturers suggested retail price of $14.995 (reduced $3,000 from the current generation 999). The 1098 S will be priced at $19,995 (reduced $3,000 from the current generation 999S), while a limited edition 1098 S Tri-Colore will be $24,995.

The 1098 S Tri-Colore is a special commerative version for the new Superbike's introduction at the 2006 Milan Motor Show featuring a special ‘Tricolore’ (red, white and green) livery celebrating the Italian style of the project by using the colours of the national flag. an ‘S’ version of the 1098 with the added feature of a gold coloured frame and a complete racing exhaust system with dedicated ECU.

Prices in Canada will be $19,995 for standard version, while the 1098 S will be $24,995 and the Tri-Colore will be $29,995.

The new Ducati 1098 Tri Color special edition has full Ohlins suspension, lighter weight forged wheels compared to the base model 1098, and additional lightweight Termignoni racetrack carbon fibre silencers included along with with the stock mufflers. From the photos, all models will have the same stock header exhaust system.

The new Ducati 1098 model "S" Superbike in Black also has full Ohlins suspension, lighter weight forged wheels and black painted mufflers compared to the base model 1098.

TriColor • Black Screensaver • Yellow Screensaver • Red Screensaver

Retro front air intake scoops like the old 916-998 Superbike and the previous 999's gawd-awful front windscreen center running light is now gone!

1098 Superbike Specifications Released and Compared
Nov 14th - Ducati has just released the technical specs (see below) for the new generation 1098/1098S Superbike and here's what we've discoved in comparison to the outgoing 999 generation bike

• Power: Both the 1098 and 1098S models now get the samespec tune Testastretta engine rated 160hp @ 9750 rpm with a 104 x 64.7 mm Bore x Stroke. The previous 999 Superbike's 998cc Testastretta engine was rated differently in each model at 140hp (999), 143hp (999S), 150hp (999R) @ 9750 with a 100 x 63.5 mm Bore x Stroke.

• Weight: Bike weight has dropped 29lbs which is significant, but we'll still need to wait for a future 1098R model to get down to fighting weight with the Japanese class leader, the Suzuki GSXR1000. The new 1098 Superbike weighs in at a factory stated 381lbs dry with no liquids or battery, compared to 410lbs for the 999/999S and 399lbs for the 999R (with carbon fibre bodywork and magnesium compnents). The weight savings is attributed to the 1088's lighter machined alloy wheels as stock (up from 5.50x17 to 6.00x17 at the rear) compared to the old style cast alloy wells on the previous models. And a lighter twin carbon fibre bodied silencer exhaust system replacing the 999's heavier single unit under seat silencer.

• Size: We are suprised to find the new bike is actually bigger overall than the old bike. We expected it to be downsize more like the MotoGP bike and the shorter 916-998 generation to help save more weight and quicken-up the handling. Unfortunaterly the new 1098's wheelbase is now longer 1430 mm / 56.3 in, and increase of 0.5 in over the 999's 1420 mm / 55.9 in wheelbase. And seat height is increased as well, up from 780 mm / 30.7 in on the 999, to 820 mm / 33.5 in on the 1098 . That a huge height increase of nearly 3 inches on a bike that didn't need to get any taller. We will wait to see if Ducati explains this as needed for additional cornering clearance on the track, possibly?

And we are disappointed to see the 1098 does not come with a slipper clutch like many of the newer Japanese sportbikes. It hardly costs much more to manufacturer a slipper club and today you'ld expect it to be origional equipment on the worlds premier Superbike, but its not. Ducati would prefer you buy their optional $1,000 Ducati Performance slipper clutch and pay your dealer another $300 to install it. I guess well have to be happy with the overall $3,000 decrease of the purchase price of the bike instead.

The 1098 S model with Ohlins suspension. SCREENSAVER

SCREENSAVER

“We are very pleased to announce not only a radical new Superbike family, but also a brand new competitive pricing structure. We have worked very long and hard to make this happen, and we are excited to introduce this motorcycle to the American public at the Seattle round of the International Motorcycle Shows, which happens December 1-3,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America.

Ducati NA and Ducati SpA have tried very hard to put their new generation Superbike on equal, if not better footing with the newest Japanese in-lone 4 -cylinder Superbikes and it seems they have done an incredible job.

SCREENSAVER

Ducati fans will rejoice in the return to the single sided swingarm which helped make Ducati Superbikes unique, and certainly makes rear wheel changes and chain adjustments much easier. The new bike has a much prettier, cleaner look over the somewhat controversial Pierre Terblanche designed 999 and returns to it's previous 916-998 roots. We are are slightly disapointed to see that the new 1098 is not physically smaller than the 999,as we had hoped it would return back to shorter 916-998 specs to help with quicker handling.

But even more disapointing than the sheer size of the new bike, there is no longer an adjustable 23.5/24.5 degree steering head on the new 1098, as they was all all previous 916-999 generation Ducati Superbikes. We always have run our previous model Ducati Superbikes at the quicker 23.5 degree adjustable setting, as does the Ducati Corse race team. And 23.5degrees is the fixed steering angle found on all Japanese 1000cc superbikes. The Ducati 1098's steering angle is now fixed at the slower setting of 24.5 degrees (to reduce cost), which is great for straightline touring, but it will make the bike handle like a truck on tight roads and at the track.

As for the release of a 1098 R model version, as is usual Ducati practice that could be another 9-12 months down the road. And it might reflect any new FIM Superbike technical rule changes expected for 2008 and beyond, allowing a 1200cc limit for V-twins. After dominating the 2006 World Superbike race season you might think the factory race team shouldn't be needing more than the additonal 1098 displacement any time soon. But rumor is the new 2008 R model Ducati Superbike will be a full-on 1198cc rocket ship. Hopefully it will offer an adjustable steering head assembly with a 23.5 degree setting as well.

Go to:
• 2007 Ducati Page 2 - Hypermoto, Monster
• 2007 Ducati 2007 page 3 - Sport Classics
• 2007 Ducati 1098S Tri Colore Test by FastDates.com
• 2008 Ducati 1098R 08 Superbike

Return to Ducati Index • New Bike Index • Pit Lane News

The New Testastretta Evoluzione Engine
The Testastretta Evoluzione engine is the crowning glory of Ducati’s development and perfection of the L-Twin engine. World Superbike dominance for the last 15 years is the result of continual commitment to twin-cylinder technology and the 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione, the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine in history, is a fitting reward to our engineers’ continued ingenuity.

The 1098 engine is immediately recognisable by its completely new compact cylinders and cylinder heads. Other 1098 innovations and revisions are less obvious as they reside inside the Evoluzione’s engine cases, but whether external or internal, every new development was conceived to create a lighter, more efficient, more powerful and ultra-compact engine for the new generation of Ducati Superbikes.

The 1098 capacity is a result of a significant increase in the bore and stroke of the Evoluzione motor. Highly ‘over-square’, it now sports a big 104mm bore and a relatively short 64.7mm stroke. To optimise the benefits of the new, big Ducati Twin, the cylinder heads have been completely redesigned and, when combined with advanced MotoGP induction technology, enable even the standard specification 1098 to produce more power than the previous extreme Testastretta ‘R’ engine.

The Evoluzione features a reduction in the angle between intake and exhaust valves allowing highly efficient, straight intake ducts and newly shaped combustion chambers that contain racing size ‘R’ valves (42mm inlet, 34mm exhaust), operated by radical ‘R’ derived camshafts. The new cylinder heads also benefit from fewer components and include magnesium covers to achieve a staggering weight-saving of over 3kg (6.5+lbs).

After optimising the Evoluzione cylinder heads, engineers then focussed upon releasing the potential of the new design by feeding them with MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies. With a 30% increase in air flow over conventional throttle bodies, the new elliptical shape contributes an incredible 5hp increase to the record-breaking motor. 1098 owners will be the first to feel the power of this MotoGP technology on the road.

The Testastretta Evoluzione is the lightest Ducati Superbike engine ever, thanks to close scrutiny of every engine component. A total of 5kg (11.1lbs) has been saved by reducing the weight of many components, including transmission gears and the gear selector drum as well as the oil pump and primary gears.

The Testastretta Evoluzione’s increase in power is protected by a highly efficient oil cooler with increased surface area and an advanced coolant radiator assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies. The compact and intricate design of the cooling system integrates perfectly with the 1098’s wind-cheating aerodynamics and sleek lines.

Finally, the 1098 is complemented by an all-new exhaust system. Significantly lighter, it has been engineered with a power-increasing symmetrical 2-1-2 layout that uses 52mm-57mm diameter tubing with wall thickness reduced by 30% to 0.8mm (.030in). The system terminates with Ducati’s trademark twin under-seat silencers, delivering that unmistakable signature sound of the big bore 90° L-Twin.

Chassis & Suspension
Advanced chassis
The 1098 chassis and suspension have received the same detailed study and performance first priority approach. The goal was to achieve considerable weight saving while building-in strength and rigidity to manage the new high-powered Testastretta Evoluzione engine. Each and every component not only contributes to achieving superior road holding and stability, but when assembled, become a system with value far greater than the sum of all its parts.

Trellis frame
Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the 1098 Trellis frame has been designed with a simplified tube layout featuring main section tubes increased in diameter from 28mm to 34mm, while being reduced in thickness from 2mm to 1.5mm. The result is a 14% increase in rigidity and a weight saving of 1.5kg (3.3lbs).

Single-sided swingarm
Our engineers were encouraged to re-think the construction technique of the 1098’s unique single-sided swingarm. The solution was to produce the main operational components using individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, with fabricated aluminium sections used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component.

Rear suspension
Highlighting the way in which individual components are influenced by each other, the new lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm have enabled a more compact and further weight-saving rear suspension linkage system that features separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and suspension unit. This ‘tandem’ design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame. Working together with this highly efficient linkage is a fully adjustable Showa single shock for the 1098 and an incredible Öhlins shock for the 1098 S. A vitally important feature of the 1098’s rear suspension system is the ability to adjust rear ride height independent of spring pre-load and other suspension settings, critical when seeking the perfect set-up for personal riding style or track conditions.

Front suspension
The fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks with a special low friction Titanium Oxide-treated sliders on the 1098, and spectacular 43mm Öhlins with low friction Titanium Nitride sliders on the 1098 S, both feature radial Monobloc caliper mountings. The unique look of these mountings further underlines the no-compromise racing specification of the 1098. Both front suspension solutions are professionally track-tuned and offer superior road holding, deliver superior feedback, and help every rider to be more confident and in control.

Mono Bloc Brakes
Monobloc calipers
With a Superbike as capable as the 1098, superior stopping power is fundamental. The 1098 is the first production street bike to use Brembo’s Monobloc caliper racing technology. The M4-34 calipers are machined from a single piece of alloy, vs. the bolt-together construction of conventional calipers. The Monobloc design has much higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking, and therefore gives a much more precise feel at the brake lever. The 1098 also introduces for the first time on a Ducati, big 330mm discs which, when matched to the Monobloc calipers, achieve spectacular braking power. Despite the larger diameter, their weight has not increased due to the use of racing-style narrow braking surfaces. The use of Monobloc technology combined with the legendary stability of Ducati’s Trellis frame and the 1098’s overall weight savings has made world championship level brake performance available for the road.

Super lightweight wheels
The weight saving of 250g achieved on the front wheel substantially reduces the moment of inertia and enhances the 1098’s change of direction and braking performance. The rear wheel is just as impressive with a complete redesign for its single-sided swingarm application that has resulted in a reduction of over 1kg compared with traditional Ducati single-sided swingarm fitments. Both the 1098 and 1098 S benefit from the lightweight Marchesini Y-shaped spoke wheels, but the ‘S’ goes even further by using machine finished forged-aluminium, a special process normally reserved for the production of race wheels. Another first for Ducati is the mounting of 190/55 rear tyres, our widest ever, and the new standard for traction and control.

Magnesium subframe
Exploiting every opportunity to reduce weight where possible, engineers chose to produce the front subframe in magnesium. While its construction ensures secure, rigid support for the headlamp, instruments and fairing, the weight-saving around this high, forward position contributes considerably to overall ‘feel’ and control of the machine.

Aerodynamic bodywork
Carefully designed not only for aerodynamic efficiency but also to hug the sleek lines of the chassis, the 1098 enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the race-oriented riding position. Great care has been taken in the design of the air supply ducts so to ensure efficient air-flow through radiator and oil coolers as well as provide ample air delivery to the airbox feeding the powerful new Testastretta Evoluzione engine. Moulded in lightweight Terblend®, the bodywork’s form becomes a considerable contributing factor to the overall performance of the machine by helping reduce weight even further while allowing the rider to effortlessly ‘tuck in’ from the wind stream and turbulence to achieve maximum straight-line track speed.

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