The new 1098 R is the most powerful and lightest twin-cylinder bike ever produced by the Borgo Panigale factory, with the highest torque/weight ratio in the sportbike category.

It is the jewel in the crown of the successful Superbike family and it represents the ultimate expression of racing technology applied to a production bike. Ducati Corse engineers and riders worked in close contact with the R&D division during the development of this project to produce a true racing bike, a masterpiece of incredible performance and innovation.

The numbers speak for themselves. A total of 180hp is on tap for this new hypersport machine, together with an amazing 99.1lb-ft of torque. The weight figure also confirms the racing origins of the 1098 R: 363lbs puts the bike at the forefront of this category. The development of the Testastretta Evoluzione has now found its crowning glory in the new engine for the latest addition to the Ducati family: the 1098 R.

Created after close collaboration between engineers from Ducati’s production and racing departments, this new engine is fitted with the same components powering the 1098 F08 that will take on the Japanese opposition in the 2008 World Superbike Championship. The R version of the 1098 has been boosted to an engine displacement of 1198cc. A bore increase from 104mm to 106mm and a stroke value of 67.9mm, producing a remarkable 1.56 ratio, complete the ‘over-square’ layout of the engine.

The power output of 180hp (132.4 kW) at 9750 rpm and a torque value of 99.1lb-ft (134Nm) at 7750 rpm place the 1098 R at the very top of its class. It is the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine in history and fitting reward to the continued ingenuity of Borgo Panigale engineers.

Every 1098 R is equipped with a racing kit designed exclusively for use on the track that has a pair of carbon “102dB” silencers to increase power and a dedicated ECU. The ECU enables the activation of the DTC (Ducati Traction Control) system with eight available profiles able to be selected through the instrument panel’s digital display.

The DDA package consists of a real analysis system for data gathered during rides or track sessions. The kit, normally used only on race bikes, enables riders to thoroughly analyze the performance of their Ducati and the effectiveness of their driving style.