Comparo: Ducati 1098R vs Desmosedici or How to Save $28K
Actual comparison tests that include the MotoGP derived Ducati Desmosedici RR (D16RR) have been thin on the ground which always surprised me because ipso facto the über Ducati should be able to laud it over all comers being effectively a 2006, 990cc racer with lights, indicators and mirrors. Now Motorcyclenews has put it up against undoubtedly the best of the rest which happens to be another Ducati, the 1098R. What will happen in this track test?
The site of the test was the twisty Almeria circuit in Spain which was designed with Formula 1 and MotoGP testing in mind and is often used by British Superbike Teams to test in the pre-season. Both the D16RR and the 1098R were track prepped with the 1098R running an aftermarket exhaust system and track bodywork whereas the D16RR also had a 17″ rear wheel to replace the stock 16″ to allow both nikes to run Pirelli slicks. First up a lap on the Desmosedici.
Next a lap on the Ducati 1098R, the symbol of V-twin excellence.
And the result?
The Ducati 1098R prevailed on the day at Almeria. The margin was small, just a 1/10th of a second and was mostly related to the gearing being better suited on the V-twin. The result may well have been different at a different circuit. That being said, it is simply amazing that a production bike (albeit a limited edition homologation special) can keep up with, let alone beat a hand built MotoGP racer with lights and all for a savings of $28,505 based on the US prices of the two bikes. ducatinewstoday’s advice? If speed is your thing, buy a Ducati 1098R and with your savings a Streetfighter S and a GT1000 too! Then again it would be simply awesome to own the only MotoGP replica in existence. I think Motorcyclenews summed it up best…
Which on is the best? Well they’re both amazing. Deciding which one is the best is like deciding which supermodel you want to sleep with.
link: Motorcycle News
A 5 minute video below summarizes the comparison and shows some great on bike footage of both bikes circulating the track.
Want to learn more?
Click for all ducatinewstoday content on the Ducati Desmosedici RR
Click for all ducatinewstoday content on the Ducati 1098R
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