Ducati 1098R

When it comes to performance motorcycles there are two types of riders - those who enjoy their bikes, and those who live and breathe them. And if you fall into the second category, only the very, very best will do. And the Ducati 1098R is one of the very, very best.

For while the standard 1098 should be more than enough to scare the bejesus out of most riders, the 1098R is even more terrifyingly fast. Better, stronger, faster - this is a bionic bike.

After all, why ride a road version of the bikes you see on the track and TV when you can ride the bike itself? Strip off the number plate and mirrors and attach the race only ECU that comes with your motorcycle, and you're riding exactly the same machine that will be propelling Ducati Works Team Troy Bayliss and Michel Fabrizio around the track in 2008.

The Ducati 1098R features a bored out engine which adds 100cc to the already mighty 1098 power plant, adding an extra 20bhp, to bring the total to a heart stopping 180bhp in road legal format. Add the ECU and you'll get even more power and greater control, with an eight setting traction control system which allows you to set your slide to match your ability. This box of tricks squeezes out an extra 20bhp to produce a staggering 200bhp in race mode - facts and figures that you should never share with your loved ones.

Naturally, the extra power comes with a host of upgraded equipment to keep it under control, including Ohlins suspension, TTX shocks (a first for a road bike) Ohlins upside down front forks and Bembo Monoblock callipers. Plus, as you would expect from a racing bike, weight is saved wherever possible to boost that all-important power to weight ratio, so all the faring is carbon fibre, and even the eye catching gold Marchesini wheels are designed to be almost two kilos lighter than the standard 1098.

There are no two ways about it. If the Ducati 1098R isn't fast enough for you then you have other no choice - you'll simply have to become a fighter pilot.

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Specifications