if they want to create another icon like the 916, then it needs to be a completely new design, not a merge of a 916 and a 999. The 999 was the right idea (not necessarily the right design, but at least a new design), it just has not caught on as much the original 916.
It would be interesting to go back in time and launch the same 999 design again, but with a 1200cc and 170bhp and see if it did better. I think that the competition from the new IL4's is a lot stronger than it was when the 916 was released
I had a 748SPS and now a 999s - I loved the 748 design and was not sure about the 999 - I didnt really have a choice as the 748 blew itself up and I like new stuff!!
Having lived with the 999 for 12 months and 6,000 miles - its truely awesome and the design is well thought out - its much easier to work on.
However - I would have liked to see "evolution" rather than "revolution" - the 999 will probably never be an icon - but what other bike would be (apart from a 748/9**) in this day and age.
Mood: Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games
I bet thats a photoshop job. I cant belive that company with the design heritage that Ducati has would be reduced to making that bike. Backwards step in my view.