It is the jewel in the crown of the successful Superbike family and it represents the ultimate expression of racing technology applied to a production bike. Ducati Corse engineers and riders worked in close contact with the R&D division during the development of this project to produce a true racing bike, a masterpiece of incredible performance and innovation. The numbers speak for themselves. A total of 180 horsepower is on tap for this new hypersport machine, together with an amazing torque value of 13.7 kgm. The weight figure also confirms the racing origins of the 1098 R: 165 kilograms puts the bike at the forefront of this category.

The development of the Testastretta Evoluzione has now found its crowning glory in the new engine for the latest addition to the Ducati family: the 1098 R.

Created after close collaboration between engineers from Ducati's production and racing departments, this new engine is fitted with the same components powering the 1098 F08 that will take on the Japanese opposition in the 2008 World Superbike Championship. The R version of the 1098 has been boosted to an engine displacement of 1,198 cubic centimeters. A bore increase from 104 millimeters to 106 millimeters and a stroke value of 67.9 millimeters, producing a remarkable 1.56 ratio, complete the 'over-square' layout of the engine.

The power output of 180 horsepower (132.4 kilowatts) at 9,750 rpm and a torque value of 13.7 kgm (134 Nm) at 7,750 rpm place the 1098 R at the very top of its category. It is the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine in history and fitting reward to the continued ingenuity of Borgo Panigale engineers.