No, there will be a smaller bike. It was discussed openly by Ducati staff at the trackday at Donny. It's important for the brand to have a smaller capacity machine. There was discussion about running it in WSS, but the view as that the capacity of a 848 or above bike was ideal for the road. Ducati would like to race it, but wouldn't compromise on what the market wants to suit race rules. the emphasis was on what the market wants. To me, the success of the 848 guarantees the development of a sub-litre bike.
A very interesting point. If I were being a bit cynical, or maybe just realistic, I would say that Ducati consider their flagship bike as something to win races and kudos with, but something that isn't that useful in the road, and probably isn't that useful in the track, unless you are very skilled. Which means that the smaller bike is in fact the one that is suited to sport road riding. So they wouldn't make a 600 because that would compromise actually delivering the optimal road bike. Of course, they could do a Suzuki where you could get a GSXR 1100 (or 1000), a 750 and a 600. That way they could have all bases covered. But then, they'd be selling a 600 for a lot less than the 1199, when it would probably cost about 80% of the price to make - at least. And who'd buy that? But if it meant winning WSS again....well, why not?
Ducati have created their own problem by making the best road bike ever...the 848 But as good as it is, it will still get done by a 675 both in flickability and outright speed on track. So even now, unless loads of mods and lightening went on, it wouldn't compete that well even if allowed to in the supersports class So do they go lighter and tighter but lose the sales (imo they will) but compete in racing or build a bike close to the 1199 cc and potentially take sales from that but still try and get the best road bike tag.
this thread is really screwing with my decision to buy a brand new 848 . Lest assume for the sake of argument that there is new smaller bike about be released. Given the price of the Pani, what do you guys predict Ducati would have to sell it for to make it worthwhile? (I don't know what the 1198 sold for compared to the 848 historically)
will given that the Evo se retails at about £12400 say, IF a new model was released I don't think you'd see much change from £13500. And for that price forget a lot of the bling that's on a 1199. i think ducati could well throw a right curve ball here and release something none of use are expecting.
the whole crux of the matter is if they insist on staying with a twin then to make it remotely comparable they need cc........the twin is dead they should move on like they did with a trellis frame a dry clutch etc etc v4 600cc cracking road bike, eligible for WSS, one for the ladies....jobs a good un...
over £12000 but wont have some of the bits the 848 Evo has double side swing arm, no steering damper, quickshift as accessory
any new bike will be a quirky thing like a scrambler...........cock all to do with a super sport.....
Lets hope whatever they replace it with it'll have the 848's midrange, the 1199 is a little flat there compared to the 1198 and that's where we need it.
