Ducati Cruiser

[Betty]

I think you misunderstand - it is a feature of that "category" ... so what they are working towards is what is expected. In terms of ride quality it will probably be best in its class ... I don't see how that could be viewed as a bad thing.

If you want the best handling bike ... don't buy this. If you want a decent-handling MegaSportsCruiserThingy ... this could be it.

[tricolore]

Two Words, "AGEING POPULATION!"

[Mr.S2R]

I think Ducati are trying to break in to the market since their partnership with Harley failed.  I read somewhere (internet is a wonderful source of "valid" information) that in the US half of the Ducati owners also owned a Harley.  Why not offer the Ducati owners a cruiser and add to their market share?

[Betty]

I think Ducati are trying to break in to the market since their partnership with Harley failed.  I read somewhere (internet is a wonderful source of "valid" information) that in the US half of the Ducati owners also owned a Harley.  Why not offer the Ducati owners a cruiser and add to their market share?

Because they might end up owning only one bike?
Debatable whether that would add to their market share.

[suzyj]

Just wondering if making a cruiser devalues the brand?

I think it does.

[Betty]

I think it depends on what the final product is. If it ticks many of the 'Ducati attribute' boxes, will it really de-value the brand?

For example if it is the mostest powerful, lightest, bestest braking/handling and mostest expensive bike in its class (is there a class?) - does that de-value the brand just because it is not to your/our/somebodies taste?

Sure it will be de-valued in some peoples eyes but it may actually be enhanced for others. I can't imagine why people think Ducatisti have an elitist attitude

[J5]

Just wondering if making a cruiser devalues the brand?

I think it does.

i thought the 999 already did that    

its a bit like saying that Aprilia is crap because they make scooters

[Mr.S2R]

Because they might end up owning only one bike?

no I dont think that is the argument they are looking at there - they would want the HD replaced with a Ducati cruiser, thus still retaining the two bike ownership, just the one brand - they are banking on Ducati owners being a fickle bunch and buying a second bike would be of course another Ducati - I know I would!

[Betty]

no I dont think that is the argument they are looking at there - they would want the HD replaced with a Ducati cruiser, thus still retaining the two bike ownership, just the one brand - they are banking on Ducati owners being a fickle bunch and buying a second bike would be of course another Ducati - I know I would!

Hey I was just answering your question of 'why wouldn't they?'

I completely understand the logic

[Mr.S2R]

Hey I was just answering your question of 'why wouldn't they?'

I completely understand the logic

haha ok my bad! 

[ducatiz]

i thought the 999 already did that   

its a bit like saying that Aprilia is crap because they make scooters

that's an excellent point

although the point about the 999 is off, I believe.  i alwasy thought they were ugly and they aren't pretty, but the ride on a 999 is phenomenal. the adjustable seat and tank and the engine are amazing, the S or R models' additional features make the bike nearly perfect.

the looks can be fixed -- aftermarket fairing kits to replace the choo-choo train look are around.  and in track kit, it looks as it should -- it was a race bike that they backwards engineered to run on the street -- and i don't think they thought about how it would look with a headlight..

[J5]

that's an excellent point

although the point about the 999 is off, I believe.  i alwasy thought they were ugly and they aren't pretty, but the ride on a 999 is phenomenal. the adjustable seat and tank and the engine are amazing, the S or R models' additional features make the bike nearly perfect.

the looks can be fixed -- aftermarket fairing kits to replace the choo-choo train look are around.  and in track kit, it looks as it should -- it was a race bike that they backwards engineered to run on the street -- and i don't think they thought about how it would look with a headlight..

you dont see the ugly from the riders position

[ducatiz]

you dont see the ugly from the riders position

exactly, which is why you see plenty of handsome guys dating ugly chicks.

the 999 is similar -- well designed frame and engine and fun to ride, but not much to look at from a distance.

[Betty]

Hey! I like the 999

... and I obviously have better taste than my wife

[ducatiz]

i like the 999 too, as long as I don't have to spend much time looking at it from the front.