Motorcycle specifications Ducati1098 S 2008 Even more flavor

as well as being a true racing beauty, the 1098 is set to become the nightmare of Japanese sports bikes with this S version. As with every generation of Ducati machines, this racy, muscular hypersport is available in several versions. The S presented here focuses mainly on improving the chassis.

the front axle consists of a fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins FG511 fork with anti-friction TIN-coated tubes. The Swedish equipment manufacturer is also called in to calm the steering's excesses, hence the addition of an adjustable steering damper for greater stability. And for perfect frame-swingarm harmony, an Öhlins 46PRC shock absorber takes care of the intense relationship between chassis and track.

now that the 1098 is perfectly suspended, let's focus on the machine's liveliness. Objective: reduce unsprung weight. Solution: replace the original rims with Marchesini forged and machined ones, offering a weight reduction of 1.9 kg. Save a few more grams with a carbon mudguard, and you've got a 1098 S that weighs in at just 171 kg. Hard, very hard, to find a lighter model in today's production of large sports bikes.

on the engine side, the 1099 cm3 Testastretta Evoluzione remains the same as on the standard 1098, with 160 hp and over 12 mkg. Ducati often reserves engine refinements for its R versions. This Superbike version wisely awaits the federation's go-ahead for the 1200 twins in SBK.

m.B - manufacturer's photos