Ducati Lineup

[poseur]

Even though I just bought a 696 recently and love it, it doesn't make sense in the line anymore IMHO. Ducati should have the 796 as the low end across the line & go up from there.

I say they need a Monster 350 w/ABS priced under $6,000. It would be the bike EVERY new rider would buy.

[ducatiz]

I say they need a Monster 350 w/ABS priced under $6,000. It would be the bike EVERY new rider would buy.

several years ago they published a corporate direction statement that they would have a single entry-level bike

i think you have something with that idea, but 350 is FAR too small for a 2-cyl.  and given that they currently sell the 400cc (in some markets) with just a sleeved/stroked-down engine, it's far too heavy imho.

part of the problem of being a small company is that they need to keep their parts catalogue small and reuse as much as possible across product lines.  a proper-sized engine with 350cc output would need to be much smaller and necessitate a whole new catalogue.

now, if they are going to do that, the proper route (imho) is to create a lightweight single with sizes from 350 to ~650cc. 

ducati used to make scramblers and they could give KTM a run for their money by making a line of dirt-friendly bikes.

[Travman]

I'd like to add an updated ST to the lineup.  It could be based on the current Multistrada frame and engine or it could be ST3 based.  It should be drop dead sexy with a lot of the 848/1198 looks.  It should not look anything like the new Multi.

[Travman]

Also, it is time for some updates to the Sport Classic range.  At the very least they should use some lighter tubeless spoked rims that can accomodate 4-piston calibers.  They should use the latest 796 and 1100 engines to expand the range.  I'd like to see them revise the body work so it isn't so bulky looking.  They need to fix the expanding tank issue once and for all.  They need less rear wheel to rear fender clearance which looks wrong on a classic styled bike and is not necessary.   Bring back some higher end SC's similar to the Paul Smarts and the 1000 which would have the higher end Ohlins suspension and better brakes.

[ducatiz]

Also, it is time for some updates to the Sport Classic range.  At the very least they should use some lighter tubeless spoked rims that can accomodate 4-piston calibers.  They should use the latest 796 and 1100 engines to expand the range.  I'd like to see them revise the body work so it isn't so bulky looking.  They need to fix the expanding tank issue once and for all.  They need less rear wheel to rear fender clearance which looks wrong on a classic styled bike and is not necessary.   Bring back some higher end SC's similar to the Paul Smarts and the 1000 which would have the higher end Ohlins suspension and better brakes.

I agree, but not on the direction.  My perception of the SC range is that it should have a rotating lineup of bikes that are completely different.

[swampduc]

I'd like to see a return of the S4Rs w, a 1198 Superbike engine w, 150 RWHP.

Dolph       

That frame couldn't handle the DQ engine's output. How do you think it'd do with a testastretta evo motor? 

[duccarlos]

I agree, but not on the direction.  My perception of the SC range is that it should have a rotating lineup of bikes that are completely different.

+1 They should review all the Ducati "classics' and basically redux a different 1 every 5 years.

[ducatiz]

I say they need a Monster 350 w/ABS priced under $6,000. It would be the bike EVERY new rider would buy.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2010/kawasaki/ninja/250r/prices/54713/05/index.html

and i doubt that is true anyhow -- the Ninja 250R is still priced under $4000

[Travman]

I want a Ducati with an air-cooled engine in a superbike frame.  I would prefer that it would be styled like Rad Ducati's bikes.  Alternatively it could be just like the Streetfighter, but with the DS1100 engine.  Some might think this concept would have too much overlap with the Monster, but Monsters do not turn or handle like Superbikes unless they have been modified. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

+1 They should review all the Ducati "classics' and basically redux a different 1 every 5 years.

I want an Indiana.

[ducatiz]

I want an Indiana.

You probably have an Edsel and a Corvair Ultra Van too, right?

[Grappa]

Maybe they could bring back the Elefant!!    

[ducatiz]

Maybe they could bring back the Elefant!!    

"They" meaning Cagiva?  Ducati just provided the engine, nothing else.

[Popeye the Sailor]

You probably have an Edsel and a Corvair Ultra Van too, right?

Yup-just bought an Aztec, too.

[ducatiz]

Yup-just bought an Aztec, too.

THe Aztec was just before its time, given the new Acura ZDX or BMW X6. 

Edsel and UltraVan (and Indiana...) were just turds.