I've always been a massive Ferrari fan and love the range of exclusive hyper cars they've made (288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari). With the exception of the 288 GTO, which I believe was very loosely based on the 308, they've all been fully unique cars separate from the rest of the range with a limited production run, bespoke chassis, engine and bodywork which, to me, has always made them appeal as something truly special and rare. Likewise, I've always been a fan of the Ducati Desmosedici RR, and viewed it as the Ducati alternative to this. Whilst I'm a fan of the Superleggera bikes Ducati have produced since then, I've never really put them in the same category, due to being based on their mainstream superbike. To me, this seems a massively missed opportunity by Ducati. Surely there would be enough demand to satisfy a limited run of ~1,000 bikes, either based on the current MotoGP bike, or something totally different, at a high price point (say ~£150k+)? We're now 15 years on from the Desmosedici RR, so the time would feel right. Do you think it's likely Ducati will ever build another bike like the Desmosedici RR, or will they just continue with the Superleggera range? I assume the Superleggera's are a lot less work for them, but maybe don't help elevate their brand in the way the limited hyper Ferrari's do?
Ducati are not Ferrari. Neither are they even remotely comparable asides from being Italian. Ferrari are where they are due to performance, races, quality, innovation and cutting edge. Ducati rely on hype and PR and would like you to think theyre the Ferrari of the bike world. Theyre not. The Desmo isnt even the best GP rep. The Honda RCV kicks that into the weeds. Oh, theyre not even Italian either. Theyre Audi, thus German.
Did someone say Jehovah? Well,... it isn't is it? Ferrari are not only in a different league, they're playing a different sport entirely.
If Pecco ever wins the Motogp title then perhaps we might see one or perhaps the other easier option's Bautista in WSB's,.
Having been on the inside of the dealer network for over two decades I can attest that the current Ducati is heavily influenced by their Teutonic overlords, I find it hard to love the new stuff as it seems to be straying further away from what made them special in the first place! Take the new Monster, if you removed the Ducati badge you could replace it with just about anything, Yamaha MT, Benelli, random Chinese manufacturer etc, it just doesn't have any of the unique signifiers that make it a Monster, it's just generic styling to appeal to the widest demographic at the cheapest build cost possible. I understand that it rides well and is regarded by the press as an improvement but I would rather have something distinctive with character and possible flaws that makes my heart sing than a bike that ticks intellectual boxes but is soulless! Sorry to anyone that owns a current Ducati, I am not saying they are bad bikes, in almost everyway they are better than their predecessors but it's just how they make me "feel" that is lacking!
Absolutely spot on observations Sev, it's all just an excercise in badge engineering nowadays, doubt we will ever see anything truly avant garde like the MHE 900 ever again, it would be considered a costly and pointless excecise with not enough financial return, never mind any kudos or PR benefits, the accountants are in full control now, no more artistry allowed!
Well Sev. I was only taking the piss for a laugh to annoy the snobs. It appears I've also annoyed some nerds. Happy days.
@Sev would you say any bike manufacturer isn't in this bracket currently? How far back do you need to go in Ducati years for a more "Ducati" Ducati?
Some interesting points in this thread. I recently (and foolishly!) sold my 1198S, and was thinking about a Panigale of some sort (probably the 1299S). This thread has given me food for thought - I think I’ll have a look at something a little older. BTW it was 2012 when the bikes became Ducaudis? Andrew
