What I hate about Ducati…

[Drunken Monkey]

Whatever it takes for Ducati to make money, stay in business and keep makes awesome bikes is fine with me.

I'm sorry but I don't fall prey to the Ikea nesting instinct of "what end table best defines me, as a person"

[mitt]

To the OP:  I will give the rant a 9/10.  Well said, and right on track IMO.

mitt

[EvilSteve]

I think it cheapens the brand myself, to have all this extraneous shit being sold with some random logo on it. I guess it helps the bottom line which is great for Ducati but I don't feel as positive about the brand when they're pimping themselves out like they are.

I went to the StreetFighter event at Ducati NY & left before the bike was unveiled because the reset of it was annoying me. Not just the event stuff (although, one of the models was really hot) but it's just become a giant douche-fest.

I've never been that obsessed with the brand though so I doubt I represent Ducati's core market.

[Carstarphen]

On the other hand, Flynbulldog, one could admire TPG for studying a successful motorcycle marquee, analyzing and perceiving its elements, and then emulating the model. And, to my knowledge, Ducati hasn't gone so far as to insist upon elaborate brand-dedicated facilities like Harley Davidson. BMWNA went off in that direction and lost a lot of dealerships. You have to admit that Harley's business model really is interesting and has been a hit for more than a decade now, all this while selling motorcycles that vibrate on purpose.

Compared to the Beemerphile purists, your complaints sound very reasonable.

[sbrguy]

remember, you dont' hav eto have racing to sell bikes.

afterall bmw sells bikes and a lifestyle image.  they sell tons of clothing with bmw branded stuff on it, both riding and casual, and there they are selling the "bmw brand and lifestyle"

i think ducati is trying to sell that too.. they have the motogp, and if stoner or hayden finishes well then they will have that.  but they are marketing the same things as bmw in a "brand and lifestyle" the only difference is that bmw is seling the image of "quality and functionality and subtleness"

ducati being italian is a bit different, they are selling more the "sexy italian style and image of a 'cool' item"  that is why they have fashion shows.  afterall the thing tha tpeople say about ducati's is that they are "sexy" looking the "916 is a great looking bike" , etc.

mvagusta being italian sells a slightly different slant of ducati in that they sell "exclusivity along with italian cool styling and such"

ducati can't and wont' ever be like bmw or other brands, if they do they will lose their individuality.  

[KTMCHEESE]

And I would argue that Harley is not respected for pimping themselves out either. At least Ducati makes great, performance oriented up to date bikes.

[Bill in OKC]

I don't hate...  but mildly dislike all the things the OP said.  (OK maybe stronger than that...)  Has anyone found any Ducati gear in WalMart yet?  I'd like a $10 Ducati t-shirt now.

[KTMCHEESE]

Has anyone found any Ducati gear in WalMart yet?  I'd like a $10 Ducati t-shirt now.

I know you're probably joking but that may be closer to reality than most guys here would ever want to see.

[Bill in OKC]

Yes - I was joking - please nobody shoot me

[sroberts152]

I don't hate...  but mildly dislike all the things the OP said.  (OK maybe stronger than that...)  Has anyone found any Ducati gear in WalMart yet?  I'd like a $10 Ducati t-shirt now.

Not Wallmart but a Puma store.  Puma is doing a lot of the clothing - sweat shirts, etc...  I really don't mind that.  I like having nice clothing made by a good company. 

[Goat_Herder]

I agree with the original rant but I can't say I disagree with the direction Ducati marketing is taking the company.  In the end, it's still a business where long term profitability and sustainability is still the main focus.  If it takes selling more bikes to softies, who might not ever appreciate what the brand really stands for, in order to generate more profit -> more R&D -> a more competitive bike on the track -> better bike in your garage, then so be it.  You, Ducati, and I will all benefit in the future.

Apple seems to be doing quite well with the iPod, iMac, iTune, and everyone seems to love to i-Life Style.  Ducati had to get on the life-style train so it can appeal to the next generation of consumers...  

[fasterblkduc]

 Has anyone found any Ducati gear in WalMart yet?

Yes, they sell 1:18 scale Ducatis.

[Grampa]

Yes, they sell 1:18 scale Ducatis.

and for that.... I am thakfull

[sroberts152]

And just recently announced - the 696:
http://maisto.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/ducati-696-monster-oh-yes-it-is/

[herm]

just in case that 1/2 trellis didnt already make it look like a toy...