PICS: MORTONS ARCHIVE
When it comes to Ducati sportsbikes, there are certain boxes that absolutely must be ticked for them to be classed as true Bologna-built thoroughbreds. One or two of these boxes may be controversial, especially in light of modern trends, but if you are a Ducati purist this is how the checklist to superbike perfection goes...
Box one is simple: a Ducati sportsbike has to look beautiful. Box two is equally uncomplicated: a Ducati sportsbike has to sound amazing. Box three is a bit more open to debate: a proper Ducati sportsbike has to be a V-twin. Box four is unquestionable: a Ducati sportsbike has to have won a WSB title. And finally there is box five: a Ducati sportsbike has to handle fantastically. Obviously, there are a few bonus boxes that if ticked are great news, such as the bike packing a bit of clever tech, featuring eye-catching components and ideally also available in a few special editions should you wish to push the budget, but these are all above and beyond the basics. And there is one family of Ducati sportsbikes that ticks every box and even knocks off the bonuses as well – the truly fantastic 1098 and 1198 models.