The Ducati Desmosedici

Until 2002, world class motorcycle racing was best represented by the 500cc World Championship. Riders took lightweight 2-cycle motorcycles at criminal speeds and required extremely skilled riders. Many of the major factories such as Honda, Yamaha, and Aprilia were represented but Ducati, the most traditional and successful racing bike was not. Ducati stayed out of the 500cc class because of the 2-stroke rule. The motorcycle racing governing body that regulated MotoGP decided however to allow the introduction of 4-stroke motorcycles in 2002. This opened the door to Ducati and others and set the scene for technological revolution.

Ducati engineers went to the drawing table and plugged hundreds of engine layout combinations into specialized engineering software. According to the computer models, the perfect combination of cylinders, valves, and layout was a L-4 cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, Desmodromic, 4 valves per cylinder, gear driven camshafts engine. What followed were 5 years of trial and error and finally an incredible winning streak in 2007. By this time the public was clamoring for a street legal version of the bike.

In mid-2006 Ducati began taking orders from existing 1098S owners who wanted the bike and estimated delivery only in 2008. Boasting a 200hp engine and all the racing heritage you can ask for, the Desmosedici , which by the way means 16 (after the number of valves), is a dream come true. What makes the bike even more respectable is precisely the heritage since Ducati turned the mid century Desmodromic technology an important factor in the success of the bike on the tracks. While other manufacturers like Aprilia were experimenting with hydraulic lifter technologies, similar to that found in Formula 1, Ducati set out to repeat what made it's bikes winners in the international Superbike circuit, torquee light machines. With the added 2 cylinders, the Desmosedici is perfection defined.

Ducati 1098 - Strictly Pro

The Ducati 1098 was built using superior race technology and then given the tweaks necessary to allow it to be used on the road. Trademark Ducati features like the high tail rear and unique front end aerodynamics give it the unmistakably gorgeous looks we are accustomed to when reviewing a Ducati.

The sizzling looks are important but are nothing without performance; underneath the sizzling body is an engine that is quoted by Ducati to be the The most powerful , lightest L-Twin in history and consequently the 1098 is also the fasted Ducati street bike ever made. This was made possible by reducing the weight of the main components and adding them to their record breaking Testastretta Evoluzione engine design.

The Ducati 1098 also has also been given extra stopping power with the addition of Brembo Monobloc brakes, which give it outstanding braking ability and also the weight saving single- sided swing arm. Another first is the integrated data acquisition system and information rich instrumentation, which both come straight from the Ducati Moto Gp racers.

You can see immediately that that this is a thoroughbred race bike and loaded with attitude. The shape and contours mold the rider into the form of the machine, which automatically gives it the best aerodynamics imaginable; It exudes quality and breeding whilst giving the feeling of power and performance with every twist of the new elliptical throttle.

In addition to the standard machine, Ducati have two other awesome models:

The Ducati 1098 S flagship model adds a host of high quality special parts compared to the standard machine. High spec Ohlins front forks feature low-friction sliders and sport the latest mono bloc caliper mountings working on twin front discs. It also sets a new standard for lightweight performance; it addresses this important area by mounting Marchesini forged and machined wheels, reducing weight by 4lbs. The weight reduction makes a huge difference to the handling as the front and rear wheels are now super lightweight. The weight reduction is also helped by mounting a carbon fibre front fender, front mudguard and cooling ducts

The Ducati1098 S is also comes with the Ducati Data Analyzer system which is standard equipment. The Data Analyzer allows you to retrieve data so you can analyze the data collected from your previous track session or road trip. The DDA package also includes software for your personal computer on CD, together with a data retrieval USB key and instructions.

The third option in the range is the Ducati 1098 s Tricolore, however it is a limited edition for 2007 only, The Triclor is available in an Italian flag inspired red,white and green colored theme. Ducati began the Tricolore tradition back in 1985 with the famous 750 F1 and then decided to theme the limited edition 851. The latest Tricolore 1098 S not only has a special paint job but also boasts additional features of frame and wheels finished in traditional racing gold colours. It has also been given a power-increasing 102 dB Termignoni racing muffler kit with dedicated ECU.

If your looking for a race inspired motorcycle this has to be he one; Ducati have certainly been able to capture the excellent speed to weight ratio and Italian design expected from the many fans and have produced a future legend in the Ducati 1098.

Ducati 1198S Bike Review

Just like the Yamaha R1 the Ducati takes a lot of setting up to get it to work around the track. You need to get it on its nose so it'll steer well enough to change direction and hold a line. It also needs lots more damping to control the weaves and wobbles initiated by the instant power delivery of the V-twin engine and provide the stability to control the dive caused by the fierce Brembo Monobloc brakes.

Properly set up it's a wonderful track bike. You feel perched up high and it's a long way down to get your knee down. It's still slow-steering, too especially compared to the R Blade and ZX-10R.

At first the Ducati feels clumsy and unnatural around such a tight track and the instant power delivery too snatchy, but when you're hard-charging trying to chase someone, the T1198S changes completely. Ridden by the scruff of its neck the Ducati is amazing.

The Yamaha R1 is happiest at full lean, where it's so stable. It loves high-speed corners and punches out of slow ones in a bass-happy frenzy of mono-wheeling majesty. At full throttle it's a cacophony of induction roar and hot metallic violence. With traction control set on the middle level four, it kicks in coming out of slow-speed corners, especially on cold or worn tyres. It lets you get on with it on the faster sections of the track, but because you know your electronic friend is there to help you, you tease the throttle more than you would do normally to run breath-taking corner speeds.

VERDICT: For the first time a road-going Ducati can compete with its Japanese 1000cc rivals on track - although it's taken advanced electronics, an 1198cc motor, top-shelf suspension, lightweight wheels and a giddy price tag to achieve it. On a more flowing circuit with fewer tighter corners, the Ducati might have beaten the Kawasaki ZX-10R, but would still struggle against the Yamaha, which is 15:1.5 seconds faster here.