Ducati Troy Bayliss became famous at WorldSBK: the 1098

Ducati 1098

With Ian Falloon

Considering the 999 won the World Superbike Championship in 2003, 2004 and 2006 and remained a highly competitive rider, its replacement for 2007 was surprising. But although the 999 was extremely good on the track, its styling was not widely accepted and it still compared unfavorably with the 916 series.

So, in 2007, Ducati launched the 1098 model, which was more powerful and lighter than the 999 and did not hesitate to take inspiration from the previous 916 model.

At the heart of the 1098 is the innovative Testastretta engine, with a bore of 104 mm and a stroke of 64.7 mm, creating the first Ducati twin with a capacity of more than 1000 cc. Weighing 5 kg lighter than the 999R, the 1098 is also more powerful, producing 160 horsepower at 9750 rpm.

The exhaust system now has a symmetrical 2-1-2 layout with Ducati’s signature twin under-seat mufflers. The trellis frame has a simple tube layout, larger diameter, thinner main tube section, increasing stiffness and saving weight. But the most important chassis update is the return of the 916-style single-sided swingarm.

The design of the fairing also sees a return to the dual headlight arrangement of the 916 rather than the stacked style of the 999.

Innovations initiated with the 1098 included Desmosedici-style digital measuring equipment and electronic data acquisition. The overall package is superior to the 999.

As World Superbike regulations in 2007 still limited twins to 1000 cc, the 1098 was not eligible, Ducati still raced the 999 that year. But for 2008, Ducati put pressure on the FIM to increase the displacement limit for the twin to 1200 cc, threatening to drop the series if the regulations were not changed.

The FIM later changed the regulations, although the twins were fined 6 kg for 1000 cc (168 to 162 kg) four-wheelers. During the 2008 season, Ducati produced a 1198 cc version of the 1098, Troy Bayliss won 11 races to comfortably claim his third World Superbike Championship. Bayliss has won championships on three generations of Ducati Superbikes – the 996R, 999R and 1098 R.

In 2009, the 1198 replaced the 1098 and after Bayliss retired from motorcycle racing, Ducati released the limited edition 1098 R Bayliss. Like the World Superbike racer, the 1098R Testastretta Evoluzione displaces 1198 cc, with a longer bore and stroke than the 1098. In the tradition of the SPS and R-series Ducatis, the 1098R is now the strong production Ducati twin best ever, producing 186 horsepower with 186 horsepower. Racing kits are provided.

To safely achieve this power, the 1098R engine features many specific components, including a sand-cast crankcase, 34% lighter titanium connecting rods, molded carbon fiber timing belt cover, and magnesium cam cover.

Larger chromium nitride-plated titanium valves (44.3 mm and 36.2 mm) and special double-ribbed 12.8:1 high compression ratio pistons under the crown were developed for the MotoGP Desmosedici. This reduces friction and provides high durability with minimal piston wall surface area.

Many other features are inherited from the factory Superbike Racer, including the elliptical throttle body, which equates to a large 63.9mm diameter e, and twin injectors per cylinder. The only street Ducati that still has twin injectors, the first center-mounted injector feeds fuel via a 4-hole injector, while the second offset injector feeds fuel via a 12-hole injector.

This ensures continuous and flexible power delivery throughout the rev range with the ability to deliver more fuel in racing conditions.

The six-speed transmission includes a higher-ratio sixth gear and all gears are made of high-strength steel and ground for added strength like on the Ducati Corse racing bike.

The 1098 R also features a racing-style slipper clutch and a titanium and stainless steel exhaust system.

While the frame is identical to the production 1198, the 1098 R is monoposto, with only the rear subframe being aluminum, reducing weight by 50% in this area.

The 43mm Öhlins front fork and Brembo monobloc brakes are unchanged from the production 1198 S but the rear unit is a racing-style Öhlins TTXR.

Other features of the 1098 R include a carbon fiber belly pan, upper fairing inner panels, fuel tank lower panels, seat assembly and front fender. The 1098 R was also the first road bike to feature a racing-style traction control system.

Although the 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition has identical specifications to the standard 1098 R, it has a special color scheme designed by Aldo Drudi.

Better known for Valentino Rossi’s helmet designs, Drudi created the Monster Foggy S4 in 2001 so has a design history with Ducati.

Bayliss’ World Superbike 1098 was painted in the same colors as for his final race at Portimão in Portugal and the key parts were his number 21 branding and the Australian flag contrasting with the fiber bodywork. white and red carbon.

Other features exclusive to the 1098 R Bayliss are matte black 5-spoke wheels and a carbon fiber exhaust heat shield. Only 500 1098 R Bayliss Limited Editions will be produced and they are a fitting tribute to a great champion, the most successful Ducati rider since Carl Fogarty.

After the retirement of Troy Bayliss, the 1098 was no longer dominant in the World Superbike Championship. After veteran rider Noriyuki Haga finished in second place on the Xerox 1098 in 2009, Ducati withdrew from direct participation. Their support was passed on to Carlos Checa and satellite team Althea Ducati and Checa rewarded Ducati with a dominant victory in the 2011 World Superbike Championship.

In a superb season, Checa proved himself almost unbeatable on a machine considered obsolete, winning 15 races. As happened in 2006 with the 999, just as the 1098 was about to be replaced, it delivered a surprising result, proving that the old design had more life than people expected.

Even after being replaced by Panigale in 2012, Checa continued to race the previous 1098 with moderate success. As the end of the Testastretta line for Superbikes, the 1098/1198 also represented the end of an era. These would be the last Superbikes to feature Pantah-derived engines and tubular steel frames. They may only have been around for five years, but the legacy of the 1098 will never be forgotten.

Ducati 1098 R technical specifications