The Superbike family for 2008 features two important changes: the introduction of a mid-engine size version, the light and nimble 848, and an extreme 'racing' version for all those who demand the maximum performance, the 1098 R version that will take part in the 2008 World Superbike Championship.

The priority in every step of the 848 and 1098 development has been performance first. Every system, every detail and every component has been studied, pared down to its essence and performance increased to the maximum. If it didn't make the Superbike lighter, faster or deliver quicker lap times, it wasn't considered. The result: the 1098 is the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle in the world.