What bike would you like to see Ducati make, in 50 words or fewer?

[ducatiz]

As I posted previously, I would like to see Ducati make a whole new single engine, not adapt the L-twin with a single jug.

I wonder how likely that is to happen though -- it seems a lot of Ducati's mentality lately has been focused on minimizing overhead rather than innovating their engine designs (yes, i know they've updated a lot from teh 999 to the 1098 and they've made incremental differences).  The 696 engine is not a radical departure from the 695.  Different heads, fuel system and exhaust etc, but the same crankcase.  You could take all the 696 bits and bolt them onto your 695 (and maybe even your 620 with some machining) and have the same engine.

Ducati could even work with Rotax like BMW and now Buell has -- it would be interesting to see a Rotax single with  a desmo head...

Looking into the Corse workshop, you can see examples of all the Ducati engines from days gone by.  Strangely, they had a GTL engine right near the door...  I know they claim to be "focusing" on the desmo design and are committed to it, but why not come out with some other engine designs as well. 

The small bike market is booming nowadays as people got freaked out by gas prices. 

[jftoha]

All kidding aside, we should do the poll with the options we have discussed in this thread. We may need to start a new thread because some people do not come back to an old one though. I think we should assign a notional price range. It's easy to design a 30,000 bike that everyone will love but nobody can afford. I give the price a try below. If somebody knows how to do it, make a poll out of these or any additional option we have discussed here.

So far I think we have (with my price guess):

-New Sport Mono (single Cyl)  $8,999
-New Super Moto Mono (single Cyl)  $8,999
-New 1100 Supersport/GT. (very sporty, but comfier than 1198) $10,999
-New ST4 with larger engine (1198cc-or 1400cc) and top components (Ohlins, SSS, etc)  $18,999

hmmm maybe this thread should be distilled down to a few options then turned into a poll. then we picked the winner. we spec it, design it, then stew or motoc makes a mockup, i ride it to the factory (i'm in europe already so i get this job) and we collectively sign an agreement for a 10% profit share.

[Carstarphen]

It has been done by Gary E.

. . .
mitt

mitt, I would not denigrate or minimize Eagan's remarkable endurance riding accomplishments, especially his record run from Alaska to Florida, but I don't recall him winning the Iron Butt Rally.  Please correct me if I'm wrong. However, the real point is that Ducati has not played any significant role in any Iron Butt Rally or in endurance riding in general.  And Ducati could.  Ducati can produce bikes that can withstand the stresses and rigors of high speed racing so Ducati obviously could build a sports tourer that is reliable. The next elements are comfort and reasonable ergos as well as fuel capacity.

I believe the IBA's website contains info on all the Rally winners and their motorcycles.

Eagan's mods to his distance Duc were really exceptional.

[Lars D]

The big single thing would work, a collaboration with Rotax might be a good idea.

    www.ti-racing.com

It has already been done

[Speedbag]

It's blasphemy I know, but I want a high-powered 4V naked Italian babe with valve springs.

Retarded service intervals is the reason I'm considering other makes for the next new bike to add to the stable. I want another Duck but.....

(and I can't say I'm smitten with the new designs like with the older stuff )

[ducatiz]

The big single thing would work, a collaboration with Rotax might be a good idea.

    www.ti-racing.com

It has already been done

and with BMW as well on the F650GS..

it's not exactly a collaboration, Rotax sells off-the-shelf engines to whoever, they don't make bikes.

[motolocopat]

It's blasphemy I know, but I want a high-powered 4V naked Italian babe with valve springs.

Retarded service intervals is the reason I'm considering other makes for the next new bike to add to the stable. I want another Duck but.....

(and I can't say I'm smitten with the new designs like with the older stuff )

HMMMM..... me wonders what a Hydraulic Lifters would be good for?? I think they can get 7-8000rpm?? No adjustments


To me, and obviously many others, it is not so much "What Bike" but "A Motor".
I'd really love to see a new DS motor that get big stroke and small bore increases with the ability to do a simple big bore on it later.... be it factory or immediately in the aftermarket.
The DS 1000/1100 has been a huge success, IMO, and if they could develop it further with a set of cases that would support 1200-1300cc

OK a Hydraulic lifter 1400cc motor that revs no higher than 7000 rpm but produces 60-100 ft lbs of torque from 2000-6000rpm. Max HP of 110
Motor weight of no more than +5 pounds over  what the original DS motors weighed.
Stick it in
Monster
SS
ST
Whats that ugly psuedo Adventure bike??
whatever

[77south]

I just want to Ducati to keep making the sport 1000 S until I can afford a new one. Or maybe even the plain sport classics.  Not too nuts about the GT.

[mitt]

mitt, I would not denigrate or minimize Eagan's remarkable endurance riding accomplishments, especially his record run from Alaska to Florida, but I don't recall him winning the Iron Butt Rally.  Please correct me if I'm wrong. However, the real point is that Ducati has not played any significant role in any Iron Butt Rally or in endurance riding in general.  And Ducati could.  Ducati can produce bikes that can withstand the stresses and rigors of high speed racing so Ducati obviously could build a sports tourer that is reliable. The next elements are comfort and reasonable ergos as well as fuel capacity.

I believe the IBA's website contains info on all the Rally winners and their motorcycles.

Eagan's mods to his distance Duc were really exceptional.

I was just showing what could be done with a 1098.

When you say that Eagan has remarkable endurance accomplishments, but then say that Ducati has played no part in endurance riding in general, you are contradicting yourself aren't your?  I would say that his Alaska to Florida trip on the Strada is a yardstick to which other endurance/speed rides are measured, but I am not an expert.

I don't know much about the iron butt rally, that doesn't really seem Ducati like to me - kind of long and drawn out.

He was going to do the canon ball with the 1098, but it was canceled. 

mitt

[Dave R]

cheaper sheatshirts...... and ones that fit americans (we're not all IZsize)

We have these to offer
Also in reg Ducati font in white letters. 
$34.95

[ducatiz]

We have these to offer
Also in reg Ducati font in white letters. 
$34.95

those are very cool, but how about something like this



and with no dealer advertising?

[Dave R]

those are very cool, but how about something like this



and with no dealer advertising?

Yeah but if Bob is worried about the fit I can promise you that white Ducati sports shirt won't come close to fitting..   

[ducatiz]

Yeah but if Bob is worried about the fit I can promise you that white Ducati sports shirt won't come close to fitting..   

you just go one size up:

http://www.ducati.com/shop/sizeconverter.jsp

[Dave R]

you just go one size up:

http://www.ducati.com/shop/sizeconverter.jsp

lol    I wish it was that easy.. 

[swampduc]

Alright, of course it's not a new bike, but why isn't there an 848s?