The 1098 visually revisited the 998 more than the 999, reintroducing the single-sided swingarm that had become a Ducati trademark. The design prioritised aerodynamic clarity and a more traditional profile compared to the asymmetric 999.
Performance claims were striking. The standard 1098 and 1098S were rated at 160 hp (119 kW) with a rear-wheel figure of 138 hp, producing 90.4 lb-ft (123 Nm) of torque. The quarter-mile time was recorded at 10.015 seconds at 143.94 mph (231.65 km/h) with a top speed of 173.3 mph (279 km/h) and a 0–60 mph time of under 3.0 seconds. At the time of its release, these figures gave the 1098 the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any production sport bike ever made.
The 1098R took performance further with its larger 1198 cc engine, producing a manufacturer-claimed 180 hp (134 kW) and 99.1 lb-ft (134 Nm) of torque.
The 1098 triggered significant regulatory debate in the Superbike World Championship. Under existing WSBK rules for the 2007 season, V-twin engines were limited to 1000 cc — meaning the 1098 was not automatically eligible for the premier class. Ducati lobbied the FIM for a rule change, threatening to withdraw from WSBK competition if the regulations were not updated. Other manufacturers, including Suzuki, threatened to withdraw if the capacity limit was raised, objecting to racing against a larger-displacement Ducati given the Italian marque's historical dominance in the championship.
In June 2007, the FIM announced that the displacement limit for two-cylinder machines would increase to 1200 cc for 2008. The compromise required Ducati to surrender the additional engine modification concessions that had previously been granted to two-cylinder machines, bringing the rules for twins and fours into alignment on that point.
The racing derivative, the 1098RS, was a purpose-built competition version of the 1098R incorporating more aggressive camshafts, high-compression pistons, a larger underside fuel tank, a repositioned steering damper, a pressurized radiator, servo-assisted injection, a stiffer and longer swingarm, adjustable triple clamps, and a comprehensive electronics package for traction, throttle, and wheelie control. The 1098RS was never sold to the public and was not road legal.
Ducati won the 2008 Superbike World Championship with Troy Bayliss aboard the 1098RS, after which Bayliss retired. The 1098RS also contributed to Ducati winning the 2008 British Superbike Championship. A later derivative, the 1198RS based on the successor model, won the 2011 WSBK title with Carlos Checa. Xavier Siméon won the 2009 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup on the platform. Michael Rutter won the Macau Grand Prix in 2011 on a variant.
For 2009, Ducati produced a limited run of 500 units honouring Troy Bayliss's 2008 championship and his retirement. Called the Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition, it featured a colour scheme closely replicating Bayliss's 2008 race livery along with his number 21. The remodelled 1098R for 2009 also received an upgrade to a 180 hp "Testastretta Evoluzione" engine and the addition of Ducati Traction Control. Other distinguishing features included carbon-fibre exhaust heat shields and five-spoke wheels similar to those Bayliss raced on.
The 1098 accumulated numerous industry awards during its production run. The Supertest World Association awarded it "Best Bike of the Year" for 2008. It was named "International Bike of the Year" for both 2007 and 2008 by international motorcycling press. The Motorcycle Design Association recognised it with "Best Design" and "Best Sportbike" awards. Cycle World named it "Sportbike of the Year" for 2008, and various publications including Motorrad and Australian Motorcycle News gave it "Bike of the Year" for 2007.
The standard 1098 and 1098S were replaced in the Ducati lineup by the 1198 for 2009, which offered increased power and torque, redesigned wheels and fairing, new headlights, and standard traction control. The 1098R did not carry forward into production. By the end of the 1098's run, Ducati had accumulated 17 World Superbike Championships since the series began in 1988.