Ducati has backed down from demands that British Superbike Series rules allow the Ducati homologation special to run racing pistons, according to series sources. The series has already given the Ducati V-Twins a 200cc displacement break for 2008 compared to the current 1000cc displacement rules applying to four-cylinder and twin-cylinder machines alike. Ducati will prepare an 1198cc streetbike version of the 1098, called the 1098R, as a homologation special for use in the World Superbike Series. According to a Ducati spokesman, use of the streetbike pistons in the racebike would dramatically decrease the service intervals and could affect reliability at the higher rpm run on the racetrack. Prior to an agreement reached last week with BSB officials, Ducati team spokesman had insisted that the 1098R homologation special be allowed to run racing pistons in addition to the displacement advantage and stated that if special racing pistons were not legalized, the company would no longer participate in the series. BSB rules are being significantly tightened as part of a worldwide trend toward slowing down Superbikes in National Series to reduce costs and avoid obsoleting racetracks, and will require stock pistons. Ducati North America has said that its return to the AMA Superbike series hinges on the AMA allowing the 1098R homologation special to run racing pistons in addition to a displacement advantage, which is unlikely. And now some reader reaction… FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: What the hell are ‘racing pistons’ in the 1200cc Ducati Superbike? They are obviously larger to make it 1200cc, they will be light, they will be short, they will give high compression…any piston will be a ‘racing piston’! Ducati already have the most expensive bikes on the market, now the ‘nancy boys’ need more capacity…it stinks! John Orchard Superbike #89 Victoria, Australia And the answer is: Ducati wanted to race with different pistons than the ones sold in the street-legal 1198cc 1098R homologation special…Editor.