Ducati has announced the international launch of the new 1098 Superbike. This incredible new machine produces 160hp and 90.4lbs/ft of torque, which results in making the 1098 the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle in the world, with the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any sport bike. In addition, the 1098 is also the lightest open class Superbike available, weighing 381 pounds. For the first time Ducati MotoGP and World Superbike technology has been combined to create the premier streetbike.

The Superbike 1098, with its single swing-arm and under-seat exhausts, is a much more conventional machine, that the 999 that it will eventually replace, eschewing the controversial styling adopted South African designer Pierre Terblanche on the 999 which was never well received by Ducati's customers. It revives the tradition of the much-loved and advanced 916/998 machines from the last decade.

The priority in every step of the 1098 development has been performance first. Every system, every detail and every component has been studied and pared down to its essence in order to increase performance to the maximum. If it didn’t make the 1098 lighter, faster or deliver quicker lap times, it wasn’t considered. The new Superbike 1098 incorporates instruments which are drawn from this year's MotoGP race-winning Desmosedici GP7 machine with handlebar switch-gear grip controls. It has horizontally-positioned twin ultra-powerful headlamps that incorporate the latest poly-ellipsoidal technology. Also on the 1098 is a new lightweight, rigid, single-sided swing-arm developed using a cast/fabricated manufacturing technique, racing-style, radially mounted high performance Brembo monobloc brake caliper, and twin under-seat exhausts made out of stainless steel.
 

There will be three versions of the Superbike 1098 when it goes on sale next year. Aside from the standard version, the 'Biposto', there will be a "1098 S" option which will feature new suspension modifications and wheel upgrades, similar in format to that which is offered on the current 999 model, while there will also be a special "1098 S Tri-Colore" limited-edition example which will commemorate the original 851 Tri-Colore bike. The 1098 S Tri-Colore will feature a evocative red, white and green racing livery and a Termignoni performance exhaust system, amongst other performance enhancements.

North American pricing has been announced: In the USA the 1098 Biposto will carry a manufacturers suggested retail price of US$14,995. The 1098 S will be priced at US$19,995, while the limited edition 1098 S Tri-Colore will be US$24,995. Prices in Canada will be CAN$19,995 for standard version, while the 1098 S will be CAN$24,995 and the Tri-Colore will be CAN$29,995.

“We are very pleased to announce not only a radical new Superbike family, but also a brand new competitive pricing structure. We have worked very long and hard to make this happen, and we are excited to introduce this motorcycle to the American public at the Seattle round of the International Motorcycle Shows, which happens December 1-3,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America.