Ducati looks to be clearing up the confusion about their top of the range model. Having an 1198.4cc motor, the 1098R has been a bit confused since it's launch.

The other models in the range have had the same capacity, but the model numbers have been consistent with the engine capacity (1198 & 1198S).

Now it seems like ducati is coming ito line with its naming standards for next year, by applying for emission cerification in California for a new model named the 1198R. This is unlikely to be a completely new bike, and more likely to be a renamed model (maybe with a few extra bits). Perhaps we can expect to see a few changes to the engine, exhaust & suspension, to distinguish the new 1198R model from the 1098R?

All will be revealed in Milan in November at the EICMA, so watch this space for updates.