Ho hum, the factory are trying to keep sales production going and let dealers clear stock ( and clear factory stock) so don't want a mag showing piccies when they've still got 5 months before the big shows hence the strong denial of the MCN article. They might be artist mock ups and it probably won't look like that but it'll probably happen sooner rather than later....

The 620 multistrada is also due for a change, how long before that gets the new 695 engine?, I can't see Ducati doing multiple versions of the little twin engine.

MCN may print alot of crap, but they are usually very close to the final look, when it comes to these "CG Lash ups".

We`ll see in a few months....or do you know more then all the journo`s at MCN, who`s jobs are to find these things out?

And

If it does look like the "lash up" pictured, you gonna come back in a few months and eat some humble pie?

Bumped into a Ex DSC member the other day over at Fox's he is now riding a Harley as he no longer has his 748 and can't bring himself to buy a 749/999 but he did say if they that if the 1200 came out looking like the one on the front of MCN then he could see himself returning to Ducati ownership.
Now surely this is the point Ducati need something that sells better than the 749/999.
We talk about outdated, certainly doesn't effect Harley sales, also I suspect the 998 was dropped to try and push buyers towards the then new 999 and getting rid of a low seat hight entry level bike like the original Monster has also lost Ducati buyers to other manufacturers.
A truely lightweight 100bhp plus bike wouldn't go amiss in the Ducati range, the 1000DS is the perfect engine for this, but it would need to have a special frame and making the superbikes lighter wouldn't hurt, the power to weight ratios of the latest Jap bikes make the 999 look out dated.

I'll soon be joining him.

:roll:

Was offered a genuine Fila re 999R with 500 miles on for £8k last week! They gonna be worth two thirds of naff all when the 1200 arrives.

Unless its TINY and ultralight (unlikely) then producing a visual hybrid of a 999/998 will be a mistake.
The photoshop effort in MCN looks like a job they gave to an office junior to combine element of the 998 and the 999 and see what it looks like.
I cannot believe that Ducati would jeopardise sales even further by producing something which looks like the MCN creation.

Most folks agree that the 916 and Supermono were iconic bikes ( I have a 749R so I am biased in favour of the latest shape but don't want to be provocative).....so something along the lines of a Supermono or desmosedieci for the 1200 ?

As was said before - both Honda and Ducati recognised that the single sided swinging arm compromised handling in Superbike racing so I cannot see that making a comeback.

I want to see Ducati recover its sales in the UK and therefore hope that the 1200 is something truely special.

That wasnt the cat"D" repaired one in Scotland was it?
if so any insurance write off is worth less

1. MCN may print alot of crap, but they are usually very close to the final look, when it comes to these "CG Lash ups".

2. We`ll see in a few months....or do you know more then all the journo`s at MCN, who`s jobs are to find these things out?

And

3. If it does look like the "lash up" pictured, you gonna come back in a few months and eat some humble pie? [/quote]

Reply 1 - This is not the first time that the news on the cover of MCN is lacking in a factual basis. For example, just take a look at the MCN article that supposedly anticipates a new version of the 999 - this is just a cut and paste combining the 999, 916 and Desmosedici and absolutely was not designed by us - Frederico Minoli

Reply 2 - No we won't

Reply 3 - No, I won't need to


[Edited on 10-5-2006 by sbwells]

yummy!!! :P