Ideas, concepts, new model and even names! But one should consider it a compliment to be honest -- at least I do in my situation and the discussion over the years with folks in Italy. If you can design/build something so cool that it influences Ducati to do something similiar -- then at least it means they are listening to their owners and what some of us are doing in the aftermarket for customer projects or ourselves.
Hopefully there is a bit of lead time before events dates are held. DNA is infamous for announcing something with less than 60-90 days lead time -- and thus a lot of enthusiasts don't have their Ducati's finished or last minute rushes are required to make entry.
before there was a monster challenge when I went to the first WDW in 1998 I saw more variations of true custom Monsters than I have seen since. It was still early in the customization of this model and there were a ton of home spun designs. Many of these designs I saw come into play in later years. Like Mark said, be flattered... I was told that my personal naked 996 I built in 2001 was a topic of design study in Italy but there were too far along with the new S4R due to be released in 2003 to switch but in a few more years they are considering a more aggressive naked superbike or streetfighter.
http://www.ducatiseattle.com/slide_shows/996monster/01.jpg] [url]http://www.ducatiseattle.com/slide_shows/996monster/01.jpg[/url]
Consumers designs will always have some influence on future models, thank goodness they pay attention!
The limitations most seem to forget about are the road going regulations that exist in all Countries. Catalytic converters, turn indicator sizes, reflectors, fender coverage, license plate height and location.. it all has to be added to a design concept if they go forward into production.. Often the first thing everyone peels off to create their vision
I can't share any details regarding a future challenge but to answer the "yank your franchise" question, as partners with Ducati we
all agreed and signed a NDA to not discuss what they shared with us until we were given clearance.
