More Crap & Nonsense today
 

Anyone get today’s copy of the rag MCN?

Reasonable, if brief, interview with Federico Minoli. Some interesting points he makes:

o He’d like to see an entry level Ducati sportsbike………..wouldn’t we all……..something smaller than the 749, he says.
o No radical changes to the Monster…………….more like an evolution like the Porsche 911…………..now where did I read that before?
o The possibility of a high performance Multistrada……………….yes, yes, oh yes………I want one!!!
o No V4 production road bikes
o Good answer as to why the 999S is better than the Aprilia RSV Factory…………..it’s all about feeling & soul ( see below* )
o Best answer of all regarding whether the 999 can ever be as iconic as the 916………….he says, and I quote……………’MCN made the Ducati 916 the Bike of the Century. So the 999 has another 96 years to cement its place, yes?’ Good answer Mr Minoli………..shame we won’t be around to see it!!!

* Only other thing that caught my eye was the letter from some muppet called Steve Edwards entitled ‘Ducati needs to sharpen its act’. In it he states why he believes the Japanese 1000s and the Aprilia RSVs are better than the 999. His only reason, as far as I can see, is the price. Well if that’s the way he sees it then he just doesn’t get it does he. :mad::mad:

It’s all about soul man………..the feeling…………..you can’t put a price on that. :sing::sing::sing::sing:

Sorry if I’ve spoilt anyone’s enjoyment of their weekly MCN read.

[Edited on 7-4-2004 by everton]

Err, no, we wouldn't :)
Without trying to sound elitist in any way (I'll leave that to Tim, Webby et al ;) ) I don't like the idea of a cheap Duke. It takes something away from the marque in my view. You'll end up with every Tom, Dick and Harry riding around on them and it will take away much of the specialness. If you take BMW as an example. I used to think they were something special, something to aspire to owning. But with the release of the lower end, cheaper 3 series models they devalued the whole image of owning a BMW. Every tosspot has one (Sorry again Tim :lol: ).

[Edited on 7-4-2004 by Desmondo]

I'll have you know, I'm an elitist if i believe everything a hair dresser tells me!

Dave, thanks for spoiling my morning read of mcn :frog: I'll have a ganders of it once i've got dressed, and popped down the shop.

I'm sure the elders will be having a word with you about your language.....

So you wouldn't like to see a 400 or 600 twin costing about the same as a Monster 620?

Shame...........the easier and more we can get buying Ducatis the better in my book.

I hate the whole elitist thing...............there are always models in any range that you can aspire to own, I just think making the path to it easier has to be better.

btw always hated BMWs...........never owned one, never wanted one...........just too common. I live in a small group of houses, one of four, and at one time the other three neighbours all had BMWs. My near neighbour had 2 - a Z3 and 5 series estate.............made my XJR stand out a treat

Mark, don't bother...........you can have my copy to wrap your pie n' chips in when you go to Yorkyshire........I've read it already.

This month's Big n' Bouncy is a much better read.......especially the article on flagellation :o:o blimey.........is that Vman on page 38 :o:o

I think a 400 twin, would be good for the sub 21 age group who have restricted licences. Tho the SS is a good entry level to the marque i feel. And quite a cult following the 2 valve desmo has. Ducati has a chance to face Prilla with their 450 twin with a whole new SS range, and distance the SS from the Monster, making two distinctive bikes. Modern, and aimed at the right riders. Both starting at a 400-450 twin, right upto the 1000, and maybe a 996 R version. I see no reason why Duke could not make a SS996R or SS4R? Be a good stepping stone.

Dave, stop flirting with that blue touch paper and that zippo :lol:

Your right Dave it would be nice to see a smaller capacity Ducati, something along the lines of a 400BP, 400S and 400R, 90 degree watercooled 4 valves per cylinder V-twins with a lowish seat height. Not necessarily a cheap bike but cheaper to insure than its big brothers. Unlike the 350SS and 400SS which were every bit as big as the 600SS and just as heavy.

small duc
 

Am I missing something here chaps did'nt ducati make loads of small affordable bikes(350 F1 250 Singles 400 SS etc)
And as for being elitist the reason i joined DSC was everyone seemed more interested in the bikes than how many cars/buisnesess/airlines they owned.
after reading Vmans threads perhaps i'm wrong.
is the club not going to be interested in owners that have the passion but not the kudos off loads of money""""
i feel a kebab coming on