I think the 1098 is a real missed opportunity.Its nice enough I suppose, but you know companies are struggling when they try and backtrack their designs because of public criticism rather than create new designs.
It was a brave move by Ducati to replace the 916 with something that was radically different,and it seems the main reason it was not well received was that it wasn't the 916.Ducati were in a no win situation and would have been lambasted for resting on their laurels by keeping the 916 shape and were lambasted for replacing it.
The 999 isn't perfect but its unique and has got some great ideas about it,it would have been a better, braver thing to do to develop this idea rather than an italian fireblade/R1 clone.
I hope the 1098 is a success for Ducati,but what'll happen if it isnt?,will they release a 'classic' 916 range. Its an admission of defeat designwise,where does it go from here?
