Ducati had a hungry public to appease with the release of their new top-tier offering in 2007. Although it performed well, their previous pinnacle bike, the 999 received heavy criticism over its styling. Luckily the design of the new 1098 was loved from the get-go and once it was put into the hands of reviewers, the term “revolutionary” began to be thrown around, especially for the range-topping S model. For the new 1098, Ducati’s Testastretta Evoluzione engine not only received a displacement bump but revisions to the intake, exhaust, and cylinder heads bumped the power up to an impressive 160 hp. They were also able to save 11 pounds on the machine from the redesign of the engine alone. The S model was offered with lightweight Marchesini wheels, trick Ohlins suspension, and some additional carbon fiber pieces to help save weight. The Tricolore model was offered for the launch year of 2007 alone and added the stunning red, white, and green paint scheme in an homage to the Italian flag. Paired with the variant-specific “Racing Gold” frame, the carbon fiber Termignoni exhaust, and a dedicated ECU, the 1098 S Tricolore was a fantastic way for Ducati to launch its new 1098 platform. Although Ducati never published official numbers on production, the word was passed down from individuals associated with the brand that put production at approximately 1,013 examples, making this a fantastic collector piece and a truly unique piece of Ducati’s history. 

The example on offer here, chassis # ZDM1XBEW37B004300, is a 2007 Ducati 1098 S Tricolore. It currently shows 3434 original miles and remains in excellent and well-kept condition with only a few minor modifications. It is a lifelong California example and was originally sold new at Ducati of Newport Beach and presumably stayed in the immediate area for the next 14 years. The previous owner purchased the 1098 from them in March of 2021 at which time it had a fresh service. He rode the machine sparingly, opting to keep the bike on a stand in his office. Under his ownership the Tricolore was well maintained and kept in good order, being serviced once more during ownership before our purchasing of it in September of 2022. Currently, this Tricolore is on display at The Motoring Club in Marina Del Ray. It is in fantastic, collector-grade condition, with no issues cosmetic or mechanically. It remains almost entirely stock with the exception of a billet clutch pressure plate. It still has its factory-installed Termignoni carbon fiber exhaust which produces a fantastic sound and nicely trims out the bike. 

The Tricolore stands as a fantastic piece of Ducati’s history, ushering in the age of the 1098, and serving as a celebration of the fantastic Italian heritage of making machines that go fast and stir the soul. With just over 1,000 examples produced, the Tricolore is sure to become a classic as the years progress and this well-kept example with low miles provides the perfect opportunity to acquire an example that can be ridden and enjoyed while undoubtedly increasing its desirability over the years to come. 

Sale includes the factory books, tools, battery tender, and available service documentation.