Eventually, the sanctioning body came to an understanding with all of the players in the series: the maximum displacement for twins was raised to 1200cc, but concessions were introduced to maintain parity among the manufacturers. Ducati – a key mainstay of WSBK – threatened to boycott the series. A standoff ensued, and no side wanted to give. Ducati decided to buck the rules and evolved the 999 mill to just under 1100cc, thereby petitioning the sanctioning body to change the rules. The next step to get on par with the might of the Japanese was more displacement. Ducati was already at the limit of their performance technology in World Superbike with the 999cc limit for twins. You see, part of the reason for the 1098 was WSBK racing. 2008 Ducati 1098 R for sale on eBayīut the 1098 didn’t just turn heads in the magazines and dealership showrooms. Evoking elements from the 916 line – including the glorious single-sided swing arm – yet in a modern day form, Fabbro created an update to the iconic silhouette and evolved the Ducati Superbike for the next series of models. Enter Giandrea Fabbro, chosen to pen the successor Ducati Superbike – the 1098. In retrospect, the reception of the 999 (pronounced “ugly”) and the short span of three years availability was a pretty big clue to the powers that be that the new design language wasn’t cutting the showroom mustard. For years the 916 / 996 / 998 series captured the hearts, minds and wallets of riders everywhere. When Pierre Terblanche took over the Ducati styling reins from Massimo Tamburini he had very big shoes to fill.

2006 ducati 1098