When it comes to bikes, every one has their fetish. Some love beautifully sculptured tanks, while some simply adore front fairings, while for others tail section usually does the trick. Off late I have started developing a fetish towards swing-arms, yes that’s right towards swing-arms!

My fetish for swing-arms started during the 2006 Auto Expo held in New Delhi, where I first fell in love with the swing-arm of Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi. Ever since then I have started noticing and paying more attention towards the swing arm of a motorcycle, I guess this is partially due to the fact that an aesthetically well designed and executed swing-arm hints at the attention paid to the details while designing and manufacturing a motorcycle.

Which brings me to the swing-arm that I am talking about today, but before I say any thing about it, I have to admit I have never been a fan of Italian motorcycles. I was amazed by the fact that so many people are crazy about Ducati’s! That was until I saw the swing-arm of 1098 (pronounced ten-ninety-eight).

For me it was love at first sight, never in my life have I seen a swing-arm so beautifully executed. The way rear sprocket and chain lend to the overall feel of the motorcycle to oh so beautifully executed chain guard which rather then looking like an afterthought adds to the overall aesthetics of ten-ninety-eight. I simply love the way chain disappears in what appears to be a swing-arm, while at the same time this single sided work of art lends more than just aesthetic appeal to ten-ninety-eight. This beautifully carved aluminum artwork reduces overall weight, while at the same time providing enough rigidity to aid in handling Ducatis are famous for.

I am speech less and spell bounded by this magnificent artwork and now I know why people love Ducati’s and marvel at the mastery of Italian designers for the artwork on wheels they are able to create.

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