The Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition is a high-performance motorcycle produced by Ducati. It was unveiled in 2008 to honor Troy Bayliss's retirement from World Superbike racing. This special edition was based on the 1098 R model and featured the same race-derived technology and performance enhancements but with a unique design paying tribute to Bayliss's championship victories. The Ducati 1098 series was introduced in 2007 and officially discontinued in 2009, replaced by the Ducati 1198, which shared many design and mechanical features but offered higher performance and technological advancements.
The 1098 R Bayliss LE was a limited-edition model, with only 500 units produced globally. It became inactive as Ducati shifted focus to newer models with improved electronics and engines to remain competitive in the high-performance superbike category. As of 2025, Ducati continues to offer high-end models in Pakistan through select importers, such as the Panigale V2 and V4 series, though these are available in limited quantities due to import constraints and pricing.
Ducati 1098 R Bayliss LE Specifications
The Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition shares its core mechanical specifications with the standard 1098 R, which includes an 1198.4 cc 90° L-twin engine. This liquid-cooled, 4-valve-per-cylinder Desmodromic engine delivers 180 bhp (134 kW) at 9750 rpm and a torque output of 99.1 ft-lbf (134 Nm) at 7750 rpm. The engine uses Marelli electronic fuel injection with elliptical throttle bodies for efficient power delivery and precise control.
The bike has a 6-speed constant-mesh manual transmission, with gear ratios tuned for aggressive track performance. It features a dry multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control and a slipper clutch system. The primary drive uses straight-cut gears with a 1.84:1 ratio, and the final drive is chain-based, with a front sprocket of 15 teeth and a rear sprocket of 38.
The 1098 R Bayliss LE's frame is a tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450 paired with Ohlins' fully adjustable front and rear suspension. The front suspension includes a 43 mm upside-down fork with TiN coating, while the rear suspension features a fully adjustable Ohlins TTXR mono-shock with a top-out spring and aluminum single-sided swingarm. The wheelbase measures 1,430 mm (56.3 in), and the rake is set at 24,5°.
For braking, it is equipped with dual 330 mm semi-floating discs with radially mounted Brembo Monobloc 4-piston calipers in the front and a 245 mm disc with a 2-piston caliper at the rear. Front-wheel travel is 120 mm, while the rear is 127 mm. The tires used are Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro, with a front tire size of 120/70 ZR17 and a rear tire size of 190/55 ZR17.
The bike's dry weight is 165 kg, while its wet weight is 199 kg. Its fuel tank capacity is 15.5 liters, with 4 liters in reserve. The seat height is 820 mm (32.3 in).
Ducati 1098 R Bayliss LE Design and Features
The design of the Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition is one of its most iconic aspects. It features a striking red and white color scheme with racing graphics inspired by Troy Bayliss's 2008 World Superbike Championship victory. The bike includes his race number "21" on the bodywork and a commemorative plaque on the triple clamp, making each unit uniquely numbered out of the 500 produced.
The frame and swingarm are finished in red and black, with gold-colored magnesium components for weight savings. The wheels are 10-spoke forged light alloy 6 x 17 inches, designed to reduce unsprung mass and enhance performance.
Instrumentation is derived from Ducati's MotoGP units. It includes a digital display for the speedometer, rev counter, clock, fuel level, trip meters, maintenance alerts, oil and engine temperature, turn indicators, gear position, fuel reserve, and immobilizer status. The Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system is standard, enabling telemetry-style data logging for enthusiasts and racers alike.
Ducati 1098 R Bayliss LE Fuel Average
The Ducati 1098 R Bayliss LE offers a fuel average of approximately 12-15 km/l in real-world conditions. As a performance-oriented superbike, its fuel consumption is relatively high, especially under aggressive riding or track use. However, for most owners, fuel economy is secondary to the performance and exclusivity this bike offers.
Ducati 1098 R Bayliss LE Competitors
During its active years, the Ducati 1098 R Bayliss LE competed with several high-performance sports bikes globally and locally. Its primary rivals included the Yamaha YZF-R1, Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, Suzuki GSX-R1000, and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. These bikes were known for their balance of performance, reliability, and more competitive pricing compared to Ducati's premium offerings. However, the Bayliss LE stood out due to its race heritage, limited production, and distinctive Ducati engineering.
In Pakistan, some Japanese superbikes were available through grey imports or authorized dealerships and were more common among performance enthusiasts than the relatively rare Ducati models.
Is Ducati 1098 R Bayliss LE Worth Buying?
In 2025, the Ducati 1098 R Bayliss LE remains a highly sought-after motorcycle for collectors and enthusiasts who value rarity, race pedigree, and unique styling. While it may not feature the latest electronic rider aids found in newer models, its raw performance, exclusivity, and tribute to a racing legend make it a desirable second-hand option. However, potential buyers should consider the limited availability of parts, high maintenance costs, and the need for expert service. It holds good resale value if properly maintained and remains a prized asset for any superbike aficionado in Pakistan.