Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 999 / 749 > continued 999 speculation in MCN

[749er]

Originally posted by AGE996

Hmmm Those Suzuki's do look bloody nice and I can afford a new one !!

Wake up Ducati and smell the coffee !!!

Age

I think thats a bit harsh. True the japanese bikes have excellent reliability and strong engines but the rest of it leaves a lot to be desired. Compare any of the following components between a 749/999 and their Japanese equivalent and you can see why a Duke costs more. I also have a ZX6R so I do know what i am talking about here

Head stock - Ducatis is a work of art, milled form a billet
Marchinesi alloys, make the Japanese ones look really poor
Brembo brakes
Fuel Filler - Ducati is die cast, Japs one are pressed steel
Side Stand -need I say more?
Access to an immense OEM upgrade parts catalogue - needs to be paid for somehow.

True, some of the above are cosmetic, but its all part of the Ducati appeal and brand, and it all costs. If all you want is the biggest bang for you buck, then Jap bikes are great, Ducati offers quite a bit more, like style, character, innovation......

Besides, Britney rides one,

[Edited on 26-5-2006 by 749er]

[Edited on 26-5-2006 by 749er]

[gossa]

Looking at the front of the new GP road bike (providing MCN didn't photoshop that as well!) I think Ducati are commited to a similar design shape as the 999.

I would disagree that they are overpriced, you are getting exactly what you pay for. If Ducati moved production to Asia tomorrow then they would be better value (and better quality/more reliable) but I doubt any of us would want that do we?

[tmaccabee]

In response to Desmobob - of course we read the more interesting posts from time to time!

Sometimes I agree with the postings, sometimes not, but it does go towards a level of being informed about what you guys and gals are thinking.

Tim

[chris.p]

Originally posted by Tim Maccabee
In response to Desmobob - of course we read the more interesting posts from time to time!

Sometimes I agree with the postings, sometimes not, but it does go towards a level of being informed about what you guys and gals are thinking.

Tim

Them`s upstairs do listen or should I say read what us as the buying public have to say, nice one.
Mind you I still have not emailed Mr Maccabee about the 748/9** series of bikes re the openers & closers, still think something should be done about them.

Chris.

[desmobob]

Wow ! A real Ducati *person* reading this here text
I agree with 'gossa' - Ducati wouldn't have devised the 999 shape without genuine reason. Many hours spent working on aerodynamics to allow the bike to flow thru the air as much as direct in cool air wouldn't have been designed solely by an artist.
Look at the likes of the GSXR K6 range, personally I think they look quite ugly, but they work very well. It must be real hard to allow the look of a bike not overwhelm it's functional design. The Harrier was always a weird looking H.O.T.O.L craft that the American Navy made look even more strange , but theirs had added functionality and was much-o faster.



[Edited on 26-5-2006 by desmobob]

[Rod]

Not seen this one in the cluster released by "MotoSprint" magazine, so here it is from another angle and somewhat better quality.

[gossa]

So if you're reading Tim, and we appreciate that you are, why don't put pressure on MCN to stop running that mock up that is sending the wrong message to every sector of the market including the trade, existing and potential owners? I feel that you guys are not communicating the bologna message to the uk media sufficiently . the uk is obsssed with numbers,horsepower verses weight verses cost. You can't put a number on the feeling, an emotion and that is what riding a ducati is all about. If the mock ups do not give a fair representation of the direction you're gong, set the record straight.

[gossa]

sorry for the crap punctuation, i'm on my pda mobile with that rubbish little stylus!

[gossa]

So if you're reading Tim, and we appreciate that you are, why don't put pressure on MCN to stop running that mock up that is sending the wrong message to every sector of the market including the trade, existing and potential owners? I feel that you guys are not communicating the bologna message to the uk media sufficiently . the uk is obsssed with numbers,horsepower verses weight verses cost. You can't put a number on the feeling, an emotion and that is what riding a ducati is all about. If the mock ups do not give a fair representation of the direction you're gong, set the record straight.

[749er]

there is no way that MCN mock up will be built by Ducati like that. Ducati has a reputation as being a true design house, despite what some feel about the 749/999. Design wise it is consistent, radical and innovative.

That mock up is at best a b*stardisation of organic and angular design philosophies. It has no consistancy, there is no new concept behind it, and worst of all it would be a capitulation. To call it a pastiche would be overgenerous. At least a pastiche pays homage to a previous design icon in a somewhat less comical way. I cant use the word I would like to use as it would probably offend.

If anyone at MCN thinks that will be built then they have got all their design knowledge from Changing Rooms. On the plus side they maybe handy with a paint brush and offer to pop over and finish my decorating

I can only guess that Ducati feel its beneath them to comment and that nothing would be gained by commenting. Who needs enemies in the press?

[Edited on 27-5-2006 by 749er]