Ducati 599 Mono Concept

[Scottish]

I would actually prefer the 848 to the 1198.... except it only comes with the bargain suspension. If the 848 had an S version for say.... the same price as a 1198 base model. And I was in the market, I'd go with the suspension over the extra hp any day...


I don't get the appeal of the single though. I definitely subscribe to the "more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow" club, but you need enough power to make it interesting and fun at speed. I've ridden some two stroke dirt bikes that had fanastic exceleration but they ran out of breath way to early to be street usable. Dunno.

[muskrat]

don't worry guys, DNA will make sure and price it for a bargain of $10,999.  This too shall pass.

[Speeddog]

From the beancounter's perspective, there's not much less there than what's on an 1198.
One cylinder, head, piston, conrod, throttle body, a length of exhaust pipe.

With same quality of components, and same fit/finish, maybe it'd be $2k cheaper?

[Betty]

From the beancounter's perspective, there's not much less there than what's on an 1198.
One cylinder, head, piston, conrod, throttle body, a length of exhaust pipe.

With same quality of components, and same fit/finish, maybe it'd be $2k cheaper?

That's exactly what I am talking about. But don't forget they are also going to want to re-claim the tooling, R&D, training and blah, blah, blah involved with making these things.

I would actually prefer the 848 to the 1198.... except it only comes with the bargain suspension. If the 848 had an S version for say.... the same price as a 1198 base model. And I was in the market, I'd go with the suspension over the extra hp any day...

But most would probably opt for the upfront savings of a base model. Some would be obliviously happy, others would curse their decision or spend more to upgrade later (S2R800 owner here raising his hand).

[Raux]

too bad that front brake setup woudl send the rear of that bike into space!

how so? it's a dual disc setup just like the 696 or did i not look close enough. it's dry weight is 5 lbs more than the 696 according to his imaginary specs.

[Popeye the Sailor]

how so? it's a dual disc setup just like the 696 or did i not look close enough. it's dry weight is 5 lbs more than the 696 according to his imaginary specs.

Must we debate the imaginary performance characteristics of the imaginary bike?

[Big Troubled Bear]

And when the debate is finished can I still have one

[Triple J]

I agree on the single concept not really being viable financially for Ducati.

Developing a quality single would likely cost near what it costs to develop any other new motor. Even if they started with a SBK chassis, there will also need to be a fair amount of tweaks for a single platform. If they did produce it, the people interested are going to want quality suspension = $$. In the end it wouldn't be any cheaper than an 848...maybe more if they sold less of them. How many would buy that? I think it'd be a great trackbike if it was sub 300 lbs...but a not so good street bike due to the single (compared to 848/1198). How many will pay $12K-$14K for a trackbike/racebike? Probably not many...or not enough.

The Supersport concept seems more likely. Start with the new 1100 air cooled evo engine, and slap it in a SBK frame. The SBK platform will need some tweaking, but at least the engine is already developed. Concentrate on lowering the final weight as much as possible, and offer with good (not great) suspension.  It still will cost the same as an M1100...but at least will be a good streetbike. I'd consider buying it.

The SS won't happen either though. Most people would just pony up the additional money for the water-cooled power.

[junior varsity]

I'd be really interested in the Supersport. Too bad the insurance rates would likely not be any different than the superbikes. That's a factor that would weigh into my decision.

[Punx Clever]

A 600cc thumper would be a shit ton of fun.  I don't care what you guys say 

Would definately prefer a vertical cylinder though.  I don't like the idea of having all the goodies down low where debris can hit it easily if it could just as easily be made to be vertical.

[junior varsity]

If its down low, it'll handle vastly better. The lower the weight (on a vertical axis) the better.

[Scottish]

Besides you already have it done low on a regular Duc, how big of a problem has that been for you? Plus I would guess if something big enough to do damage hit it, you'd have a whole nother set of problems to deal with.

[derby]

A 600cc thumper would be a shit ton of fun.  I don't care what you guys say 

fun? yes....

but for the same price as a 600-1000cc four cyl (or 850-1200cc twin)? no way.

read: i want one, but when it comes time to lay down some money, it has to survive a cost vs performance assessment.

i'd be more likely to buy one used at a steep discount after the first owner decides his thumper sucks as a daily driver.

[Raux]

the bike would have to be around 8 grand (USD) to be marketable.
that way people who would race it could afford the upgrades.
maybe a 8 grand street version and an 11 grand race version. but no more than that.

also, to justify the race version Ducati would have to build a race series around it, maybe as a prelude to the 848 series races.

[Raux]

The Supersport concept seems more likely. Start with the new 1100 air cooled evo engine, and slap it in a SBK frame. The SBK platform will need some tweaking, but at least the engine is already developed. Concentrate on lowering the final weight as much as possible, and offer with good (not great) suspension.  It still will cost the same as an M1100...but at least will be a good streetbike. I'd consider buying it.

if you used the monster frame, you could do more with it. the subframe could be modified for the SS style. the tank skins lend to being able to reshape them easier with a subassembly underneath. the motors of the 696/1100 (although the EVO version instead) would be perfect.
price tags only 500 more than the Monsters. they end up weighing much less than the SBKs that way.