When someone posts "there is no better bike", i can respect their opinion, but are you saying it cannot be challenged?
I think its fair to move with the times. Why do we have to have this continual banging on about a bike that is now 5 years old?
The popularity of a model in the majority of the Ducati-world is nothing to do with looks or success, but down to affordability.
Take the 749r, is that successful? (even good looking?) no, but it is/was a reasonable price, so it becomes popular.
It is in essence the same bike as a 999r, give or take 20-30bhp....and £4-5000. But there is a distinct difference in attitude to the two bikes.
As an ex top of the range ducati bike falls down the price range, like the 996r has done, it becomes more open to the masses, hence more popular.
"Ive got a feeling they are going to put the 996r engine in that 999 touring frame, that should elevate them to top spot." Er..........know your onions!