Quote:
| Originally Posted by Martin Ducati Glasgow Well what can I say?
The bike in MCN (if indeed it is the final version, I honestly don't know) is absolutely stunning.
To me this bike has addressed exactly what a huge number of customers have been asking for in spectacular style.
If you ingore the styling for a few moments, the power and performance figures are absolutely fantastic. I have also been told direct from the factory that the torque and power delivery from the new engine is truly jaw-dropping.
As to the styling, in my opinion, the bike pictured is a direct evolution of the iconic 916 style. The pictures in MCN are far more revealing in terms of angles and objective than anything we have been able to see so far.
If you take a picture of a 916 and put it next to the 1098 (as I have done for some time this morning) you can see the obvious transition from one design to the next.
I have also seen some suggestions that it is too Japanese. I can see how some may feel that considering the 999 was so unique. BUT if you cast your mind back to bikes of the mid 90s, slab sided with either round or square lights the "fox eyes" of the 916 were a very new approach and arguably some other manufacturers followed suit and developed them until what they are now. To me the 1098 is an evolution of that design. And it is VERY Ducati, those headlights are straight off of the Desmosedici - a lineage and relationship very few bikes will ever be able to hail as having.
The 999 is an awesome machine, both to look at and ride but we are all aware it hasn't quite stolen the hearts of the mass buying public. The factory have obviously been aware of that and have resolved those issues. If you read back to any of the original (or even latest) criticisms of the 999, every one has been addressed in this new design, bar none.
I'm really excited about this design, it's stunning from every angle. In the same breath i'm really sorry to see the 999 go as it is beautiful in its own right. I'm glad to know there are still fans of that design as it will help residuals and support that bike for many years to come.
Irrespective of the gorgeous looks, the power of a 1000cc inline 4, with the torque of a twin and the handling of a Ducati - I mean what else can we wish for?
Just my opinion |
Oh dear oh dear oh dear.
Seldom have I read such cobblers on this message board!
I hope it at least earns you a few brownie points from Ducati UK.
08-Nov-2006, 14:02 
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