Greg, I don't think guys here put Dukes down. Quite the opposite. Most seem to own or have owned a Ducati or several in the past (I have owned 9).
Of course the 1098 will sell in truckloads, no question about that. And at the price it is very impressive. But every bike has something people don't like. So a forum is a good way for the factory's to get that feedback and modify. Feedback doesn't have to be seen as negative, but rather it is healthy.
I personally would not sell a F41000 to get one as there is no reason. In the next few years there will be some interesting models coming out so lets see what happens. And the rumoured Ducati 1200R is just too tempting not to wait for.
As for a redesign on the F4 I hope mssrs Tamburini and Castiglioni do not mess with it. Give it subtle updates, improvements and paint schemes, but leave the main design alone. Refine it like Prosche did with the 911. Ducati is now realising the importance of this, hence the 1098 styling.
I for one am looking forward to having a ride with the hordes of 1098's about to hit the streets and ride days. Will be great fun and yes the tricolore is georgeous and my pick as a favourite.
Greg, I don't think guys here put Dukes down. Quite the opposite. Most seem to own or have owned a Ducati or several in the past (I have owned 9).
Of course the 1098 will sell in truckloads, no question about that. And at the price it is very impressive. But every bike has something people don't like. So a forum is a good way for the factory's to get that feedback and modify. Feedback doesn't have to be seen as negative, but rather it is healthy.
I personally would not sell a F41000 to get one as there is no reason. In the next few years there will be some interesting models coming out so lets see what happens. And the rumoured Ducati 1200R is just too tempting not to wait for.
As for a redesign on the F4 I hope mssrs Tamburini and Castiglioni do not mess with it. Give it subtle updates, improvements and paint schemes, but leave the main design alone. Refine it like Prosche did with the 911. Ducati is now realising the importance of this, hence the 1098 styling.
I for one am looking forward to having a ride with the hordes of 1098's about to hit the streets and ride days. Will be great fun and yes the tricolore is georgeous and my pick as a favourite.
Thanks, I am sure no one wants to see any manufacturer fail especially Ducati. But they do seem to lose their way from time to time.
I was also thinking about this post, and I remember I had one of the first F4 750's. If I look at a new F4 1000R now, there is not one major component that has not been completly updated or changed, yet it still has the same "looks". I think that is a good thing.
My comment regarding the 1200 will I guess depend on how the SBK rules change, or don't change. But lets not forget Ducati have cunningly homologated the Desmocedici under everyones radar. So if it doesn't change, voila instant V4 1000 race bike, now that excites me. So with Aprilia with their V4 1000 for 2008, MV gearing up for a WSBK berth in 2008 it will be interesting.
Those are great comparisions. I think that Ducati regrets the 999, although I really like the handling of mine and the looks are well, different. They would have been better off with evolution as opposed to the radical change, like I hope MV will follow.
Shame about the display, they need a first class unveiling for this machine.
I like the 1098, but the front looks like an R1 mated to a Buell, not that it is bad just unoriginal. The Zard exhaust looks much better than the Termi's which wouldn't be too difficult. This bike is going to create exactly what both Ducati and MV desire, mass marketing for Ducati and increased exclusivity for MV Agusta!
Yeah it is hard to go past that, but time marches on ...I guess.
I tell you what though, evey time some one posts another picture of the CC I see more in the details. It really is an expression of art, that just happens to be a motor bike. Beautifull. It contrasts 100% with the race replica Desmocedici, two machines with two different end goals.
I had the same experience and impressions at EICMA in Milan. Standing in third row around the dispayed Bikes in a cramped tent. The Desmosedici has invotative Ideas, is a Clon of the GP Bike and probably fantastic Track Bike. It would scare the shit of me to go with 100% on a Track. Not because of the Performance, because of the Price. But I still think it looks like Whale, with friendly Eyes. The 1098 doesn't do anything for me. Okay it is good looking and will be a great performer. But it isn't mind blowing. I remember the Day were I saw a F4 the first time. It was at my dealer and it was mine. I was sitting on the floor stearing at my Bike for hours. And this in the dealership. Sorry, Ducati it is again not a replacement for the unforgetable 916 - 998.
My favourite at Eicma was Bimota, followed by MV Agusta, interesting Benelli, than Ducati and Aprilia. And I can only agree, the F4CC is marvelous and a piece of Art again. In my Opinion it would be a shame if one of those jewels would be smashed on track, or if it would get only a scratch. But I fear besides the fellow in Monaco we will not see'em ever on the Road.
I forgot to mention that I can't agree that a Frog is designing Italian Bikes. We all love the Italian Bikes because "la emotione". Mr. Terrorblanche is a French and they do have another point of View, the have "la vivre". I have the same feelings about an American (Bangle) designing BMW Cars.
I was at the show on Saturday... The MV booth had lots of goodies to gawk at! And the ducati booth, although a little hot and stuffy, wasn't lacking either.
'Mr. Terrorblanche is a French' Actually he is South African and hasn't been involved in the 1098 project - I think his last design for Ducati is the Hypermotard [which is great imo]
I was at the show yesterday and the MV Agusta booth was great. I loved there idea of the VIP section where current owners could stop by to relax throughout the day, have coffee, get a goodie bag and get a chance to look at the F4CC upclose. The F4CC is absolutely beautiful in person with attention to detail that I have never seen before on a sportbike. I hope they never change the F4 design, but just continue to refine and evolve it with better materials and technology. It would be great to see future F4's adopt some of the materials and parts used on the F4CC as standard equipment. With that said, I don't believe the F4CC is worth 120k, but then again, it is worth whatever people are willing to pay for it. After watching some barret jackson auctions and some of the prices they are getting, I can understand why MV feels it will find 100 wealthy people in the world who will want one. I know I would if I had the means.
It was also nice to speak to Matthew Stutzman and Larry Ferracci. They made everyone feel welcome and special. I understand that Eraldo is currently in europe developing the superbike engine with the factory and testing the bike in Valencia (with factory test riders). They have a tall order ahead of them, but I can't wait for the season to start !!
They also had ‘Rosey’ Lackey there and his record breaking F41000R on display. He seems to be a great guy. The new F41000R marketing adds will feature his bike and its record breaking success.
With regard to Ducati, I agree with everyone that the closed booth concept did not work. The 1098 in person is a beautiful bike and at its new price point, it will be a huge success for Ducati. It will be the bike to get in 2007 and I can't wait to hear it with a full system in person. Even though I know that the desmosedici is a motogp replica, I was very dissapointed on how it looked in person. It didn't have the styling or refinement I would expect of a 65k bike. It didn't do anything for me. JMHO.
Was Bimota at the show? Did anyone see them? If they weren't there, it can't be good news for there future.
thanks for that review, Joe
so sorry i wasn't there... wish i had been
sounds like MV did everything FIRST CLASS....
that makes me happy... though it isn't surprising
afterall... they are a FIRST CLASS ORGANIZATION
Is New York the only show where they had the VIP treatment for current owners? I'm hoping that they will have the same in Chicago. I will bring my key just in case :naughty: Always up for some MV goodies.
For me the star of the show was the Mito 500 [husky engine and MV designated frame #'s] a 3/4 scale 916 - what a great little track day machine for $8000ish yummy.
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