I don't get this. What you are saying is that Dorna decide what you put in your garage and what is fun to ride. If they invent rules which means that the 899 can't compete against other bikes in a race series, then it become an irrelevancy. That's pretty weird. If you look at the 900cc Fireblade, as was, it sold massively because it was a fantastic bike, despite not being able to compete in any races. Of course, I respect your viewpoint. We all know that what we want to be seen riding, driving or even wearing is all in the mind. It's about brand image and psychological benefits quite apart from physical benefits. If not competing in racing blights a bike for you - well that's your reality and that has to be as logical/illogical as a host of other considerations. But personally, it makes no difference to me whether the bike is competing or not. The only thing is, if it's going to compete, it would be nice if it was at least an occasional winner, or a contender, rather than an also-ran. That doesn't do anything to improve it's image. What the WSBK results currently communicate is that for all it's avant-garde technology, the Panigale offers no advantages compared to the competition. Media tests seem to bear out this view. I'm not knocking it. It's more bike that you need and probably sublime (haven't tried one yet). But it's pricier than the competition (considerably) for little gain, as far as you can work out.
just my opinion glidd. we all buy bikes for different reasons Is it the tail that wags the dog or the dog that wags the tail. its probably no coincidence with the change of rules a few years ago in world superbikes upto 1000cc that almost all manufacturers dropped the 750cc sports bikes from their production / sales / lineups with only suzuki keeping it alive as they created the class. no zx750r no yzf 750 no rvf 750 all coincided with rule changes rule changes are also the reason why suzuki dropped development of the TL1000r which was developed to race in WSB against the aprilia and ducati. ive always said the 899 will be good and a hoot to ride and if you love it buy it. but compared to race bike which recieve updates and inprovements throughout the model availabilty. such as imprived porting, modified cams, lighter pistons etc etc as time goes on.. id be surprised to see any model improvements on the 899. there werent any on the 848. it will run its life cycle much the same as day one. and come the day they will just stick a bigger engine in and call it a ducati 949 - the lazy way to more power. it is a different story with bikes they race. racing improves the breed
nope. because its not relevant in the context of racing and bikes and my point and what it all means to me why a veyron why not a boat or a 10 bedroom house or an aeroplane.
not as many as you are with your eloquent and intellectual response its horses for courses el your apples are my oranges and you buy what floats your boat.
Ok let's make this simple for you and talk about bikes. How come the BMW GS range sells so well. Is this down to racing?
The 848 didn't receive updates because no-one asked for them, the bike was good straight from the crate. The Fireblade, on the other hand, received multiple updates even though it was good straight from the crate. Updates quite often come from racing but are rarely restricted to race homologated bikes. In fact there's no correlation between great bikes and racing, but there is between a streetbike's image and racing. If you want to buy into that image then good for you. Don't let it stop you from missing out on a great bike though, image ain't everything... The 899 could turn out to be a howling mongrel, or it could be an all-time great. The only way to find out is to try it.
no one as in race teams because it was hardly raced. and thats part of my point with ducati. other manufacturers develop engines into barnstormers through racing. ducati just seem to move further and further wide of the racing mark with the 'just stick a bigger engine in it ' attitude. once the panigale falls flat on its arse with racing - what next -make it a 1300cc panigale and piss and moan until they are allowed to race it. dont know why you lot are so touchy. just my view. not asking anyone to agree.
