The new Ducati 1098 break cover...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?p...urceId=5940199&articleCategory=NEWS_NEW-BIKES


Hmmm ... parts bin special. I can see parts of the old
916 (exhaust, swingarm, tank) in there along with parts
from the 999 (mirrors, seat) and some very Jap inspired
other parts as well.

Anything was going to be better than the 999, but
is this any better than the 916?

Not for me, not at first glance.

 

Looks too R1-ish for me.

Not that this is a bad thing, I hasten to add. It's just not a Ducati.

 

Big improvement but the rear is too high and the fairing too low to be
any protection, still not 998 enough. 3/10. As I'm their target market
this does not bode well.

 

Looks like a slab-sided R1.

 

That makes two of us. It's depressing to see them lose the plot. Again.

 

- At least they have finally sacked the "over-under headlight designer" and
rehired a side-by-side one!

 

Ducati have now officially unveiled it:

http://www.ducati.com/flash1098/eng/index_eng.html

 

It looks like a Daytona 675. Which is no bad thing, but it's hardly iconic.

 

Quick summary:
160 bhp @ 9750 rpm
90.4 ft-lb @ 8000 rpm
171 kgs / 377 lbs dry weight
radial Brembos up front
showa forks
showa shock (Ohlins on S)
digital dash (with data recording on S)
light alloy wheels (forged on S)

Prices tba.

 

It's certainly a big improvement. I guess the designer couldn't just
admit what a **** up he was and go back to the 998. It's half way. The
new swinging arm is rather lovely. The wheels/brakes/seat are gorgeous.
Unless those little headlights are HID it's daytime only though. The
weight is very right at last. Same power as a 2005 R1 with a lot more
torque.

Success is down to the price then.

 

Err... the designer of the 916/998 etc left to join MV. I'm sure he's
fully aware what a ****-up the 999/749 were, & laughs about it daily


--
Krusty
www.MuddyStuff.co.uk
Off-Road Classifieds

'02 MV Senna '03 Tiger 955i '96 Tiger '79 Fantic Hiro 250

 

Yes, the MV F4 was supposed to be the 916 replacement,
but Tamburini left Ducati to stay with the Cagiva brothers,
who resurected the MV name, and took his designs with him.

It was Terblanche who designed the 999.

 

Good at upsetting kaffirs, not so good at designing bikes.

 

Eh? I'm referring to the 999 designer who is still there I think?

 

It was "the designer" & "go back to the 998" that made me think
otherwise.

--
Krusty
www.MuddyStuff.co.uk
Off-Road Classifieds

'02 MV Senna '03 Tiger 955i '96 Tiger '79 Fantic Hiro 250

 

I hate to rely on Much Crap and Nonsense, but apparently the 999
designer, Pierre Terblanche, had no involvement with the 1098 design,
and if true, it shows.

 

I like it. I'll not be buying one because I didn't enjoy riding a
Ducati when I had one but it looks pretty good to me.