There's a lot of comments about how the 1098 looks but how it goes is also important.
When I get on a Ducati I expect it to try and pull me arms off from standstill and not require a riverdance on the gear lever. The 1098 is gonna have more torque than the old bikes, like TP says 90lb/ft quoted.
I've often read that the 999 rides/goes better than the older bikes, that's probably true. Maybe it was a "mistake" (one I'm glad they made tho'
)to put the testastretta engine in the 998, if it was only available in the 999 shape not only would the looks be different but the oily bits would have been a significant evolution as well.
Forget the looks, if ya want a Superbike with a big V twin Desmo engine you have just one choice.
Is that the unique thing about Ducati?
Ray.