VehicleVerdict

2008 Ducati 1098 Tricolore problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2008 Ducati 1098 Tricolore — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 1098 Tricolore years?

1098 Tricolore NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted1 complaint2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints
1098 Tricolore NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 1098 Tricolore years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ducati 1098 Tricolore problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1100%

Does the 2008 Ducati 1098 Tricolore have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V638000Electrical SystemDecember 3, 2008 · 7,130 units

Defect

DUCATI IS RECALLING 7,130 MY 2007-2008 1098, 1098S, 1098 TRICOLORE, 1098R, AND MY 2008-2009 848 MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLE CHARGING SYSTEM MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY ENGINE HEAT AND STOP OPERATING. THIS RESULTS IN DAMAGE TO THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND ENSUING BATTERY DISCHARGE.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE MOTORCYCLE AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE RIDER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR, INSTALL A HEAT GUARD BETWEEN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND INSTALL A MODIFIED BATTERY SUPPORT. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON DECEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUCATI AT 1-800-231-6696.

08V253000TransmissionJune 5, 2008 · 3,614 units

Defect

DUCATI IS RECALLING 3,614 MY 2007-2008 1098, 1098S, AND 1098 TRICOLORE MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR DRIVE SPROCKET CAN FAIL.

Consequence

IF THE SPROCKET WERE TO FAIL WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING DRIVEN, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WILL EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR THE CHAIN MAY BECOME ENTANGLED WITH THE CHASSIS. THIS CAN RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR DRIVE SPROCKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUCATI AT 1-408-253-0499.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE FUEL TANK ON MY 2008 DUCATI MODEL MONSTER S4RS TRICOLORE HAS EXPANDED DUE TO A COMMONLY KNOWN PROBLEM OF ETHANOL FUELS REACTING TO THE MATERIAL WHICH THE TANKS ARE MADE FROM. THE TANK HAS SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED TO THE POINT WHERE IT NOW IMPEDES THE TURNING OF THE HANDLEBARS AND IS WAVY ALONG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 2, 2011

2008 Ducati 1098 Tricolore — common questions

Is the 2008 Ducati 1098 Tricolore reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Ducati 1098 Tricolore have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Ducati 1098 Tricolore. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.