A Ducati legend

Troy Bayliss is a Ducati legend. In celebration of his victory in the 2008 World Superbike Championship aboard the 1098 R, and the end of a career that proudly claims three World Championships aboard three generations of Ducati Superbike, the factory have built a 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition.

Enjoying exactly the same high specification as the standard 'R' model, the 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition has a special colour scheme designed by Aldo Drudi and approved by Troy Bayliss himself. The livery, which was used during Troy's final race at Portimao in Portugal, incorporates the key colours of his success. Sporting the famous number '21' on the pearl white nose and side-fairing number plates, the red and white paint scheme uses the dark blue background of the Australian national flag to blend beautifully along the side of the bodywork and into the unpainted carbon fibre stripe along the seat unit. This attention to fine detail is also evident in features like the carbon lower-fairing finished in red, except for aerodynamic recess for the side-stand, which remains natural carbon fibre. A subtle '1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition' graphic on the tail fairing leaves no doubt as to what this magnificent bike is.

The striking design contrasts perfectly against the 5-spoke wheels finished in matte black and additional special features like the carbon fibre heat shield on the exhaust.

The 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition will be limited to only 500 units and comes with a numbered plaque on the top fork clamp, indicating exactly where in the limited edition the motorcycle was built. The number also corresponds to a numbered commemorative desk-top plaque, beautifully encased for safe keeping and bearing the engraved signatures of Ducati Motor Holding CEO Gabriele Del Torchio and Ducati Corse triple World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss.

In addition, the model will be supplied with a full racing exhaust system including 102dB carbon fibre mufflers by Termignoni (strictly for track use only), a dedicated ECU, branded bike cover and rear paddock stand.

What better way to mark the incredible career of Troy Bayliss than by Ducati building the 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition.

1098 R Testastretta Evoluzione POWER

The 1098 R engine represents the finest twin-cylinder technology in the world. It produces 180hp (132.4kW) @ 9,750rpm and 99.1lb-ft (13.7kgm) of brute torque @ 7,750rpm in standard mode and an astonishing 186hp when using the supplied race kit (intended strictly for track use only).

The specification of this engine underlines its no-compromise race technology. To help contain the massive 'R' power output, the crankcases have been sand-cast produced, a process that improves the molecular quality of the casting, increasing strength while ensuring that intricate shapes are achieved with absolute accuracy. Confirming the 1098 R's race specification by minimising weight and increasing performance, the crankshaft connecting rods are made in titanium, achieving a 34% saving over the stock 1198 rods while reducing their reciprocating forces and improving crankshaft acceleration. Cam belt covers moulded in carbon fibre and cam covers cast in magnesium alloy enhance the lightweight package.

The 1198.4cc capacity is the product of a larger bore and stroke of 106x67.9mm and is fed through four titanium valves per cylinder and compressed to a ratio of 12.8:1. The chrome nitride coated valves are larger in the 'R' engine, measuring 44.3mm for the inlet and 36.2mm for the exhaust. They are actuated by rocker arms that are super-finished for reduced friction and fatigue, and double overhead camshafts with radical race profiles.

These incredible valve performances are only possible because of Ducati's unique Desmodromic system, where valve closure is activated mechanically. At high rpm it would be almost impossible for the valve to follow the steep closure profile of the cam lobe if it were relying upon a normal valve spring, but with the Desmo system the valve is mechanically closed with the same accuracy as it is opened, enabling steep cam profiles and radical cam timings. This system is used on every single Ducati motorcycle including our world-beating Desmosedici MotoGP bike.

The pistons utilise the same design developed for the Desmosedici in the Ducati MotoGP program by using a distinctive double-ribbed undercrown to achieve high strength with minimal piston wall surface area and, therefore, less friction.

The 1098 R elliptical throttle bodies equate to diameter measurement of 63.9mm and the 'R' remains the only road-going Ducati to use twin injectors on each cylinder. The first centrally mounted injector feeds through a 4-hole nozzle while the second offset injector feeds through a 12-hole nozzle ensuring progressive and fluid power delivery throughout the rev-range. With this configuration the system has the capacity to provide much heavier fueling when used in competition.

The gearbox's carefully calculated specification allows the use of a high ratio 6th gear, fully enabling the speed increase achieved from using the supplied race kit (for track use only) or additional performance modifications. Also with performance in mind and because of its high resistance to fatigue, the gears are machined from the same high-strength steel used in Ducati Corse race applications and are subjected to a shot-peening treatment that further ensures their strength. Unique to the 'R' version, the dry, multiplate 'slipper' clutch reduces the destabilising effect of aggressive downshifting and helps provide the fine control required when used under extreme track conditions.

The 1098 R uses the same 2-1-2 exhaust system as the 1198, however, it terminates with Ducati's trademark twin under-seat mufflers beautifully formed in super lightweight titanium and stainless steel.

1098 R advanced chassic

The 1098 R chassis and suspension components are the results of detailed study and a performance first priority approach to development. The goal was to achieve even more weight saving while building in strength and rigidity to manage the incredible power of the new 180hp engine. The result is an impressive 16kg (35lbs) overall vehicle weight reduction compared to the 999R and an impressive 6kg (13lbs) over the already lightweight 1098 S.

Trellis frame

Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the 1098 R Trellis frame features main section tubes in ALS 450 with a diameter of 34mm and 1.5mm thickness. Race-proven with hundreds of victories, the Trellis design remains the chosen engineering solution by Ducati Corse and a feature of every Ducati motorcycle.

Rear suspension

Working together with the single-sided swingarm and an efficient linkage is a fully adjustable Öhlins shock. The TTXR uses twin tube technology and offers totally separate damping adjustment in compression and rebound. It uses experience gained in MotoGP to minimise friction and reduce the risk of cavitation under extreme conditions. A vitally important feature of the rear suspension system is the ability to adjust rear ride height independent of spring pre-load and other suspension settings, critical when seeking the perfect set-up for personal riding style or track conditions.

Front suspension

The fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins with low friction Titanium Nitride sliders feature radial Monobloc caliper mountings. The unique look of these mountings further endorses the no-compromise racing specification of the 1098 R. The Öhlins set-up offers superior road holding, delivers precise feedback, and helps every rider to be more confident and in control.

Monobolic calipers

The 1098 is the first production street bike to use Brembo's Monobloc caliper racing technology. The M4-34 calipers are machined from a single piece of alloy, vs. the bolt-together construction of conventional calipers. The Monobloc design has much higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking, and therefore gives a much more precise feel at the brake lever. The massive 330mm discs combined with Monobloc calipers achieve spectacular braking power. The use of Monobloc technology combined with the legendary stability of Ducati's Trellis frame and the 1098 R's lightweight 165kg (364lbs) now makes world championship level brake performance available for the road.

Super lightweight wheels

One of the most effective ways to improve the handling and performance of a motorcycle is to reduce its unsprung weight by using superior lightweight wheels. The 1098 R uses lightweight Marchesini Y-shaped spoke wheels created from forged then machined alloy and finished in 'racing gold'. Both front and rear wheels achieve a lower moment of inertia and unsprung weight to enhance the 1098 R's change of direction and braking performance.

Aerodynamic bodywork

Carefully designed not only for aerodynamic efficiency but also to hug the sleek lines of the chassis, the 1098 R enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the race-oriented riding position. Great care has been taken in the design of the air supply ducts so to ensure efficient air-flow through radiator and oil coolers as well as provide ample air delivery to the airbox feeding the powerful Testastretta Evoluzione engine. Moulded in lightweight Terblend®, with the fairing belly-pan, tank lower side panels, seat assembly and front fender in carbon fibre, the bodywork's form becomes a considerable contributing factor to the overall performance of the machine.

Traction control

For the first time ever on a Ducati production motorcycle, a true competition-level traction control system for the road comes integrated into the 1198 S and 1098 R electronics as standard equipment. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system further underlines Ducati's technology flow from racing to production and demonstrates how solutions developed for the track can be applied to enhance safety on the road.

DTC uses the same software logic developed and used by Ducati Corse for their world championship winning MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycles and offers a choice of eight settings developed by their professional test riders and racers.

Accessible from the left-hand switchgear and displayed on the digital instrumentation, the system offers a choice of eight profiles. Each one has been programmed with a wheel-spin tolerance matched to progressive riding levels of skill graded from one to eight. While level eight administers a confidence-building, high level of interaction from the system by activating upon the slightest amount of wheel-spin, level one offers a much higher tolerance and so much less intervention for highly competent riders. When the level is selected and DTC activated, the level is displayed on the instrumentation.

When the profile that best suits the combination of road or track conditions and riding style has been selected and the DTC system activated, front and rear wheel sensors compare speed differential to sense when rear traction is being broken (wheel-spin). High speed software then makes instant electronic adjustment to the fuel injection, taking immediate control over power output so as to restore traction at the rear wheel. A warning light is displayed during DTC interaction. As soon as the system recognises the return of equal wheel speeds, it re-establishes normal power delivery. In this way, DTC provides a considerable increase in safety during mid-corner acceleration.

The DTC system is supplied as standard equipment on the 1198 S and 1098 R models.