Ambitious Plan for Ducati 1198 Based Superbike Revealed
With the launch of the Ducati 1098 (and now the 1198) the company reversed its Superbike slide that befell it as a result of the controversially styled 999 range. The result is great success but many more Ducati Superbikes around than ever before which has blunted their exclusivity. In addition the styling is safe after the failure of the 999 adventure, harking back to the gorgeous Tamburini 916. Now a designer is taking a fresh approach and planning to launch a 1198 based machine with entirely new bodywork.
Anthony Collard‘s design uses a Ducati 1198 or 1098 chassis and engine, but has a completely new bodywork. The name might be familiar if you checked out his Ducati Sports Car concept that we recently covered. Collard has been working on this for almost a year now and will soon complete the full size clay model to check the volumes and the design. Next will be the molds and beginning the production of the body panels. The aggressive plan calls for the bike to be finished by the end of the year if all goes to plan.
However the Collard design won’t just be skin deep. He is looking for partners to provide upgrades to the suspension, wheels and brakes etc.. to produce a level of performance over the standard bike to go along with the presumably striking price!
The business model is to offer customers an almost new bike, with a more radical design than the production Ducati Superbike thanks to low production volumes. This will be a high quality, high performance Superbike with only top of the range materials like carbon fiber, magnesium and titanium Think of a Bimota but with the stock frame. The target performance level is 190-200bhp and the target price is ¢25,000 (~$30,000) dependent on the final engine specification. Customers will be able to buy a complete finished bike or to buy the body panels and other upgrades to add to their own 1098 or 1198 (and presumably 848).
Ducati News Today likes the look of this design. We can see Bimota, Ducati and even KTM elements in the look but it is aggressive and modern. Best of all, it doesn’t look like every other 1098/1198 on the road.
What do you think? Chime in with your views in the comments section below.
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Nice r6 with ducati badge and swingarm…..gross.
My suggestion:
1.) Take away the honda 1000rr “English bulldog” / Persian smash face nose and extend it out like a ducati normally looks.
2.) Get rid of the 10 piece fairing kit and go simple. 4-5 piece max for the uppers. The bike needs to flow…not look like a Robot from Transformers.
I have to agree. I don’t see an italian styled bike.
Does not look at all like a ducati – more like something out of batman