Ducati sales +22% in 1H15

[1.21GW]

Global sales up 22% for the first half of the year, setting a new record.  Driven, of course, by the Scrambler.  Of the 36k units sold, 1/4 of them were Scamblers!  Growth was 10% in the US, but surprising (to me at least) was +51% growth in Italy!

Likely not sustainable, as the release not doubt benefitted from pent up demand.  And as the article notes, ex-Scrambler sales were down, although the assumption is that a portion of Scrambler sales cannibalized Monster sales.

Anyway, seems like the Scrambler is a hit, especially in Europe.  But as it is the least profitable bike, they need to sell a lot of them to really make a sustainable business.  Otherwise, they'll need a clear strategy to get Scramble-heads to upgrade to the pricier Motards and Stradas for their next bike.


Full article here:

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/ducati-sales-first-half-2015/

[kopfjäger]

The Monster fit that bill for years.

[Raux]

I sat on some bikes today. New 1200/821, big bike cramped foot area doesnt fit. Diavel feet forward not for me. Mts gigantic front end, no thanks, 1299/899 not interested, sf848, with softer seat would be a cool bike. Scrambler seems like most fun. Previously sat on new hyper s.too tall.
Really I think I am going to look at older aircooled as next start of cutom as for me none of the new bikes are for me right now. Still kinda kicking myself for not looking at sc whe  they where new due to rising prices.

[1.21GW]

Yeah, I sat on most duc models at the int'l moto show last december and most didn't really fit me---too cramped.  I'm 6'1"---so tall, but not abnormal.  I really wanted to like the hypermotard but it felt uncomfortable, although, most fit issues can be fixed with some ergonomic mods.   Meanwhile, every single KTM I tried fit like a glove.  Looks like my next new bike mike be orange.

[akmnstr]

I wouldn't reject a bike because of ergos or uncomfortable seat.  In many cases the ergos can be adjusted without modification.  If not handlebar risers and devises to alter foot peg height are easy and often cheap mods.  I have never liked the oem seat of any bike I've owned.  All of my current bikes have aftermarket seats.  I see other issues as much more important.   

[Raux]

Which is exactly why if I were to buy new today it would be sf848 with dp comfort seat.

[geoffduc]

The sad thing is that the streetfighter never sold in big numbers due most probably to its price, I personally think it should of been branded a super monster which I think would have made it more sort after and the insurance wouldn't have been so costly as the muppets who give quotes think that it's some kind of crashed super bike put back on the road as a naked.

What I'm finding is that as has been stated the scrambler is flying out the doors but the new multi and the panigales are also selling like hot cakes with long waiting lists for all three models.

Last Thursday I took the demo Icon scrambler for a ride with my wife on the pillion, we did 120 miles and I can honestly say that it was one of the most enjoyable rides I've had in a long time the only thing that I'd change would be the bars as I found them a little high and the slip on termi was annoying otherwise all good for a bike at such (to my mind) a reasonably price.

Geoff...

[Privateer]

Last Thursday I took the demo Icon scrambler for a ride with my wife on the pillion, we did 120 miles and I can honestly say that it was one of the most enjoyable rides I've had in a long time the only thing that I'd change would be the bars as I found them a little high and the slip on termi was annoying otherwise all good for a bike at such (to my mind) a reasonably price.

there's a lot to be said for a relatively simple bike that just goes from A to B without a lot of drama and without having to rail it through every turn to make it work right.