Cost Cutting

[danaid]

 I know my 696 is a beginner/budget bike, but what really bugs me is the skinny, chrome handle bar and the bottom shelf suspension components which are not easily rebuildable.
A standardization of quality parts across the model line should save money and confusion as was written earlier.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I know my 696 is a beginner/budget bike, but what really bugs me is the skinny, chrome handle bar and the bottom shelf suspension components which are not easily rebuildable.
A standardization of quality parts across the model line should save money and confusion as was written earlier.

Yes but at that point all that would differentiate the 696 from the 1100 is the engine size and cost. I'm guessing the cost difference would not be all that much, which would lead to the question "why even have the 696?".


The entry level aspects of an entry level bike need to come into play in some form.

[danaid]

Yes but at that point all that would differentiate the 696 from the 1100 is the engine size and cost. I'm guessing the cost difference would not be all that much, which would lead to the question "why even have the 696?".


The entry level aspects of an entry level bike need to come into play in some form.

Big engine vs. small engine is a pretty big difference, but what I mainly meant was not to use very, very cheap parts like the forks on the 696 for example, Myself and others on this board have been trying to have the forks rebuilt for a little more performance, and have been told by some shops that there is little that can be done because the forks are so odd ball.
I feel that "entry level", as far as Ducati is concerned, should mean a milder version, and not a  "cheaper" version as in bottom barrel quality parts. how hard would it be for Ducati to just have a good adjustable Showa suspension system for its base bikes and bad ass top shelf Ohlins suspension for all the "S" bikes.

Just my 02.

[Triple J]

Big engine vs. small engine is a pretty big difference, but what I mainly meant was not to use very, very cheap parts like the forks on the 696 for example, Myself and others on this board have been trying to have the forks rebuilt for a little more performance, and have been told by some shops that there is little that can be done because the forks are so odd ball.
I feel that "entry level", as far as Ducati is concerned, should mean a milder version, and not a  "cheaper" version as in bottom barrel quality parts. how hard would it be for Ducati to just have a good adjustable Showa suspension system for its base bikes and bad ass top shelf Ohlins suspension for all the "S" bikes.

Just my 02.

It doesn't cost Ducati any less to build (or develop) a 696 cc engine than it does an 1100 cc engine. However, people expect lower displacement models to cost less...so Ducati (and all manufacturers) has to save money in other areas of the bike, like the suspension.

[Statler]

giant ugly cast footpeg brackets.  ugly plastics (chain and sprocket covers, rear fender/beertray).   non-water proof/resistant electric connectors.

[DoubleEagle]

There isn't one thing I'd change on my 1098 R.

After 5062 miles I am a very , very satisfied customer.

Dolph       

[swampduc]

I should hope there was no cost-cutting on your $40k bike, Dolph