Great concept. I could go for softer angles, however, so it doesn't look so much like a japanese insect bike. I am also not so big on the undertail exhaust, simply because the SS is for riding, and I want the option of throwing a set of saddlebags over the passenger seat for a long weekend adventure.
I have always thought Ducati was missing the boat on a lot of sales. A bike intended to be ridden, for not too much money. Most of us don't need or want all the techno wizardry. Put the 1000DS engine in bodywork that looks something like the desmosedici, but with kinder ergos.
They are also missing the boat by not having an ST model anymore. Sorry, but the Multistrada don't cut it. It's got too sporty of an engine and it's fugly. They just need to make the bike more appealing to the long distance rider. Things like shaft or belt drive. Don't have to worry about it on 1000 mile days. A little more wind protection.
Just my two cents worth.....hope they're listening.
__________________ 1999 900 Supersport We bought 'em to ride 'em, right?
+1 on the shaft drive, and optional hardbags. This way you kill two birds with one stone. You bring back the SS and the ST all in one beautiful, sporty, yet comfy and functional desmo moto. If Ducati makes one like that then Ill be the first in line to buy one. Dare I say make a new 2 valve (liquid cooled) mill to stick in it as well. Hmmmm... Now there's a thought.
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Don't be a poser, and ride it like you mean it!!!
An ST with belt drive, hard bags, and 1200cc water-cooled 4-valve non-desmo engine would be a seller, IMO. I say non-desmo because of the maintenance worries your typical non-Ducati owner feels about buying the bikes. Give it 16,000 mile valve adjustment intervals and no one should use that as an excuse not to buy one. $15k would be the target price. Using the desmo system might attract buyers, and might repel other potential customers. Ducati doesn't know which is greater unless they try the first non-desmo since the early 1970's.
The Supersport should go the other direction. Lightness should be a big goal of the design. Basically out-Bimota Bimota with an airy design that has nice detail touches. Use a frame similar to the new Monster. Make two sizes, a 750SS (the engine of the 696 that also harks back to the 70's namesake) as well as a 1200cc Desmodue with about 110 hp. This engine would of course also go into the Hyper, Multi, and Monster. Target price would be $10k and $12k, respectively.
The first place this new air-cooled engine would go though is a new Sportclassic that looks like an F1 (F12?). Ohlins, monoposto, CF bodywork, one year production. $19k.
What I want is a versatile bike that is a good solo sport bike and can be used for 2-up 200-300 mi. days. If Ducati blended the ergos of my '97 SS, the 1000DS motor and a new and (to my eye) more appealing design, I'd be happy. Something around 100hp, 375 Lbs. dry and Showa or Ohlins suspension would work nicely.
A Sport Classic aint a Supersport. What if someone wants something that looks modern? The Sport Classic wont do now will it!? DUCATI...
BRING BACK THE SUPERSPORT!!!
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Don't be a poser, and ride it like you mean it!!!
I'm a big fan of the 2-valve engines myself and have always loved the Supersports. I'd really be surprised if one came out though, especially when they are making bikes like the Streetfighter. I'd rather see them drop some of the sportclassic lines and bring out a faired two valve streetbike along the same lines as the 91-98 line...
My .02 cents
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Oz
1995 900SSSP
1974 CB200T
New England DOC - www.nedoc.org
I'm a big fan of the 2-valve engines myself and have always loved the Supersports. I'd really be surprised if one came out though, especially when they are making bikes like the Streetfighter. I'd rather see them drop some of the sportclassic lines and bring out a faired two valve streetbike along the same lines as the 91-98 line...
I'm a big fan of the 2-valve engines myself and have always loved the Supersports. I'd really be surprised if one came out though, especially when they are making bikes like the Streetfighter. I'd rather see them drop some of the sportclassic lines and bring out a faired two valve streetbike along the same lines as the 91-98 line...
I could never figure that one out - Drop the SS line and bring in some retro stuff. Like I want to look like an old f*rt who finally got the toy he wanted when he was a kid. I don't think it is marketing rocket science to realize that you can probably sell less of those than Supersports, once the retro types have got their bikes, how many more can you sell?
Whatever - I am hanging on to my ol' 900SS. Perhaps one day I will find an affordable 750F1 to complement it...
-- JN
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"DUCATI - Making Mechanics out of Riders since 1946"
Bring back the SUPERSPORT!!!
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