Soup :: Ducati's 2007 1098 Machine Breaks Cover

Ducati's 2007 1098 Machine Breaks Cover
by dean adams
Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Ducati released a few details about their 2007 1098cc machine today.

Ducati Italy released a handful of images of their 2007 "1098" machine today. This is the (eventual) replacement machine for the 999 Superbike. Ducati calls this machine a blend of MotoGP and WSBK technology.

Judging from the limited number of availible 1098 images, Ducati has erased most of the extremely controversial styling "advances" put in place by South-African designer Pierre Terblanche on the 999.

The 1098 appears to be the machine most expected to follow the ground-breaking 916/998 machines of the 1990s. It has a single-sided swing-arm, conventional under-seat exhaust and styling that follows closely the work by Massimo Tamburini—the 916's designer.

Important to note: as it stands today, this machine is not legal for WSBK racing.

Update: More info is now flowing through the souposphere. It sounds like there will be three versions of the 1098 including the standard version above, a 1098S with the usual upgraded suspension, wheels, carbon etc that the mid-level 999 gets now. Also, to honor the original 851 Tri-Color (you have passed a minor cool test if you know which bike we refer to) Ducati will build a 1098 Tri-Color next year as well.

Pricing may very well be the most startling aspect of the new Ducati 1098. The base model pictured above with retail for $15,000, the 1098S will be $19,995 and buyers of the the 1098 Tri-Color will need to bring a check for $24,995. Most ways you dice that the prices for the 2007 1098 are several thousand dollars cheaper than the outgoing 999 line.

ENDS

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