New SS conceptualizing - what should ducati build poll winner

[Triple J]

SS sales were non-existent when the line was cancelled. Hard to see Ducati bringing the line back...especially given today's horsepower wars.

[Porsche Monkey]

SS sales were non-existent when the line was cancelled. Hard to see Ducati bringing the line back...especially given today's horsepower wars.

You hush!

[JEFF_H]

SS sales were non-existent when the line was cancelled. Hard to see Ducati bringing the line back...especially given today's horsepower wars.

that's because the 'new' SS sucked.
low clip-ons, stretched out ergos, and the bike felt top-heavy.
(looks never really caught on either)

the 92-98 SS was really a good bike.

(and yes i do appreciate the irony of disagreeing with you when i said the same thing in the ST thread )

[ducatiz]

SS sales were non-existent when the line was cancelled. Hard to see Ducati bringing the line back...especially given today's horsepower wars.

they won't bring it back as a continuation, but possibly as an SC model. 

give them another 4-5 years for the "oh, i miss the mid-90s SS" nostalgia to crest and they'll do it.

look how many people cream over an 860GT now.. they were dogs in every way back i nthe day, but now ppl spend money for those things.

[Triple J]

I'm not arguing that supersports aren't cool...just that they don't sell well.

Why spend $10k-$12K on an underpowered sportbike (relatively speaking), when you can get a Japanese 600 cheaper? Sure, you'll all say that the twin has better characteristics, mid-range, blah, blah. Problem is, not enough people buy into that today. They all want horsepower.

they won't bring it back as a continuation, but possibly as an SC model. 

give them another 4-5 years for the "oh, i miss the mid-90s SS" nostalgia to crest and they'll do it.

Hmmm....could work with that angle.

[TiAvenger]

What happened to Mark's concept SS picture?  I glanced at it the other day in this thread I think and now its gone.

[jftoha]

I love SS's !!!  A new one is actually my dream bike, a light weight, versatile,  DUCATI sport bike you can get old with,.... and still walk after riding long distances. Think Maserati Quatroporte of Ferrari Maranello on two wheels.  A GT of sorts, a sport bike for a sophisticated active adult.

-Air cooled 1100 tuned for at least 100hp
-Dry Clutch.
-Full Fairing with close to no vents (similar to 90's SS but modernized)
-SS Swingarm
-Adjustable height clip-ons.
-Adjustable rear sets.
-Comfortable but slim seat with the alternative of a rear seat cover or monoposto.
-Standard (Showa suspension) or S (Ohlins suspension, Sterring Damper, CF goodies, etc) models.
-Ride height adjustability.
-Radial brembo calipers and master cylinders.
-Small Under seat storage (keys, lock, sun glases, etc. NOT A FAT TOURING TAIL PLEASE!).
-Shorty (Rossi's style) or under-engine exhaust (lower unit on Demosidici) to allow for optional saddle bags.
-NO FAT COWS PLEASE,  just a comfortable but very SPORTY DESIGN.

I get attached to my bikes and would love to be able to have a sporty bike that does not become obsolete in 2 years. A timeless classic.

[Statler]

a lightweight super cool bike with 90 hp would be great.   In four years it will still be a lightweight super cool bike.   In four years a modern inline four will be just outdated.

Being the sharpest tool is self limiting...you always need to update.


There must be a market for a hardcore very lightweight air-cooled twin sportbike for grownups who know motorcycles are about more than numbers.

[Triple J]

There must be a market for a hardcore very lightweight air-cooled twin sportbike for grownups who know motorcycles are about more than numbers.

There is...it's just too small! 

I think it'd be cool too though.

[Pedro-bot]

What? No photoshop pics?!

Waste of time this thread................

[jftoha]

SS sales were non-existent when the line was cancelled. Hard to see Ducati bringing the line back...especially given today's horsepower wars.

I think its had more to do with the bike looking like a*s !!! If Ducati manages to come up with a beautiful design and use a large amount of existing parts, it would be money in the bank. The old 90's SS was beautiful but dated, the newer one was horrible and still dated. Those headlights were some of the most horrible pieces of industrial design Ducati has ever conceived. The face os a faired bike is almost as important as how it runs, they need to give you the right look when you look at them in the eye.

[jftoha]

Why spend $10k-$12K on an underpowered sportbike (relatively speaking), when you can get a Japanese 600 cheaper? Sure, you'll all say that the twin has better characteristics, mid-range, blah, blah. Problem is, not enough people buy into that today. They all want horsepower.

I'd agree with that if the bike tried to succeed being a low power superbike type tool. But that is not what this bike should be. It should be a sporty lightweight comfortable bike with 100hp and comfortable ergos. The 2 wheel equivalent of a GT car, not a super car with a slow engine. I am not old yet, but I do like to go for long rides out of town in a comfortable bike and even venture into some track days. However, even the most sport oriented of sport touring bikes looks and feels like a big fat cow.

[Triple J]

I'd agree with that if the bike tried to succeed being a low power superbike type tool. But that is not what this bike should be. It should be a sporty lightweight comfortable bike with 100hp and comfortable ergos. The 2 wheel equivalent of a GT car, not a super car with a slow engine. I am not old yet, but I do like to go for long rides out of town in a comfortable bike and even venture into some track days. However, even the most sport oriented of sport touring bikes looks and feels like a big fat cow.

I don't disagree...I just think there aren't enough other people out there who feel the same to justify a new SS model. 

[Statler]

a street legal NCR millona with a trelis swingarm and the right headlight would do it for me.

[Triple J]

a street legal NCR millona with a trelis swingarm and the right headlight would do it for me.

For sure...I'd buy one of those in a second.