In 2009, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched a special edition version of the R model that celebrated the victory of the 2008 World Championship, won by Troy Bayliss on a Ducati 1098R.
The 2009 Ducati 1098R Bayliss Limited Edition featured the exact specifications as the standard R model but came in a unique color scheme designed by Aldo Drudi, complemented by the famous 21 number.
Also, the limited edition machine was limited to 500 units, each with a numbered plaque on the top fork clamp. In addition, the bike feature a full racing exhaust system with 102 dB carbon fiber mufflers made by Termignoni only for track use, a dedicated ECU, a branded bike cover, and a rear paddock stand.
In the performance department, the special edition machine packed a 1,198cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine, managed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system, delivering an output power of 180 hp with a peak at 9,750 and 134 Nm (99 lb-ft) torque at 7,750 rpm.
The bike's engine was attached to a six-speed manual transmission with a final chain drive that spun the rear wheel to a top speed of 290 kph (180 mph).
The 2009 Ducati 1098R rolled on GP Replica seven-spoke forged lightweight alloy wheels with two 330 mm discs and four-piston calipers on the front and a 245 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear.