After the close-to-heart 916 and the wind-tunneled 999…this one seems like its trying to balance both worlds. But for me, Ducati has pulled it off big time with the pricing, looks and promised performance. I am eagerly waiting the end of the big 4 dominance in superbike sales … with that pricetag of  $15000(base), the Ducati 1098 Superbike, I see it coming. But the same price tag can create a furore amongst the Ducatista who used to take pride in the rareity of their possessions on the road. Rareity caused more because of the prohibitive price and less of performance issues. Ducati makes a bold statement with this in all directions, is the competition ready…Ducati certainly is !