Ducati: arriva un maxi scooter nel 2014? Google translation below; Ducati comes a maxi scooter in 2014? A maxi Ducati could be in the making: back in fact still circulating rumors about a mysterious scooter one that it would be developing a Ducati on accurate input of German property. The latest rumors talk about a possible presentation at the end of 2014 the "tmax bolognese", could have 80 hp twin-cylinder engine and a lot of electronics Will the scooter more "premium" of all? Although only a month ago the CEO of Ducati, Claudio Domenicali, had categorically denied that it was studying a maxi scooter brand Ducati, rumors of a proposed urban mobility developed in Borgo Panigale continue to chase. According to the site acidmoto.ch would even be possible presentation at the end of 2014 this mysterious maxi (above interpretation of how it could be) just in time for the motorcycle show in Milan. According to these rumors, you would use a V-twin 700 cc 80 bhp of power, even if it seems difficult it can be to air-cooled Monster series, the more likely it is liquid-cooled unit of the new generation. A must, it seems, a first-level electronic equipment with traction control and ABS sporting Bosch already installed on other models of the brand Ducati. The new synergies with Audi seem to want to bring more and more to such a solution, considering that the market is changing and the demand for this type of scooter "premium" is gaining more and more users (as evidenced by the years T-Max). It is also conceivable, however, that this mysterious maxi, although it will be developed in Bologna, is then proposed with the Audi brand or some other "signature" of the Volkswagen Group (which, among other things, is the owner of the glorious brand NSU), of What is certain is that many times by the German headquarters has confirmed that there is great attention to the resources devoted to urban mobility on two wheels. We'll see ... Looks like someone has been playing about with Photoshop and a Multistrada image. I'd forgotten that Audi/VW owned the NSU brand. It dates back to Auto Union.
'Hi. I'd like a Power Commander for my scoot please. Its fuelling badly now the Termis are on....' How long before somebody wants Pirelli Corsas? Pictures of stand up wheelies over the Mountain on a Bike Novice Trackday?
I think the ones above are highly unlikely but they have made scooters in the past, like the 175cc Cruiser;
This is what Ducati need to do. This would increase brand exposure and catch its customer base whilst its young. Plus it would give a valuable bottom line and increase turnover which then means more investment. This then leads to faster product development and product release etc yawn yawn!
To do that, they would have to follow KTM and outsource production to a subsidiary, therefore losing their hand built quality/reputation.
Do you think Audi will care? I'm afraid I agree with Troy, market share, brand exposure, volume sales etc etc The work of the devil. It sucks. Let's hope it's nothing more than a 'potential development' Could've at least put a basket on the front, where am I going to put my sausages
I think you're wrong. A scooter would put them into the mass market and would grow market share. Particularly if they are targeting the Asian market.
It shouldn't affect the brand. It would still be a premium product in that sector of the market. As long as it's a Ducati product and not just a Chinese scoot re-branded with Ducati logos. I bet a few sports bike riders cringed when they saw the Diavel, but it hasn't affected their beloved Ducati brand, it's probably added a little tbh.
I reckon with the way their marketing ppl work, we could see the scooter coming to frutiion if its not already built. Personally speaking, Id rather ride a t-max / x-max Yamaha. Ducati's engine config would hardly be smooth for start stop traffic like it is in Italy. So an engine congi would definitely be on the cards (?). Who knows...
Would a 125 type thing not be a wiser move from the marketing point of view? Get the younger people into the brand? Tomorrow's Panigale customers are starting their riding careers now, are they not? My personal view is that 300 cc and bigger scoots are a very limited market, but smaller city type vehicles will always be in demand.
I've heard that it won't happen in the foreseeable future. Their are a number of other sectors/ markets that Ducati could exploit and make upto. No doubt we'll find out when Ducati are ready to launch them.
I personally think a smaller displacement bike like a 125 sports replica would sell. If have bought when I just had cbt.
I completely agree, the only way of getting youngsters into the Ducati brand is with 50cc and 125cc versions, for a start many don't see the point in 600cc scooters, they don't have an engine that's easy to put in one and if it was Burgman/Tmax money it would take some small sales from the Monster, never a good thing.
