RIDE: Ducati 1098

RACING BIKE: The Ducati 1098 can do 280kmph and it has been used in several races, most specifically the Superbike World Championship.

The Ducati 1098 is a sports bike manufactured by the Italian motorcycle company Ducati since 2007. There were three different versions, called the 1098, 1098S, and 1098R. The first two models were replaced by a successor model, the Ducati 1198, that was introduced in 2009.

The 1098 shares more design elements with the older 998 than with its predecessor the 999, such as horizontally placed headlights and a non-integrated exhaust system. Another carryover from its 916/998 heritage is the single-sided swingarm.

This return to a more traditional Ducati design has been welcomed by many Ducati fans who criticiSed the design of the 999. The Ducati 1098/1098 S/1098 R were available in black, red, yellow and a special edition 1098s in the Italian national flag colours of red, white and green called Tricolore.

With the release of the 1098, Ducati created a stir not only with road riders, but also in the racing world, specifically the Superbike World Championship. It has a maximum speed of about 280kmph. A late model Ducati goes for about $20,000 (about Shs50m).