Start saving your pennies now TOG... [URL]http://www.ducati.com/sportclassic[/URL]
oooh Black one for me. Everything is black...... Black as night..... Black like the dried blood on the corpes left after the volcanic black ash..............
Wow. Yes, the black one (the Paul Smart one is ruined by the exhausts IMHO) will do *nicely*. <Runs in search of tissues>
Hmm - the fairing on the Paulthingy looks awful but the back end is nice, the sport appeals to me most but looks fragile and the GT looks overwhelmingly boring.
eh? There isn't a black one, is there. The GT1000 appears to be grey/gun metal I *like* the exhausts.
No idea. They're only show bikes at the moment, but they're asking people (via the feedback form on the website) what they think and if they'd be interested. They all use the DS lump, as used in the MultiStrada, which is a fine engine IMHO. Combined with Ohlins forks and shocks, Brembo stoppers and a whole load of other nice bits, they should be mighty fine. You're probably talking 6-8 grand I reckon.
I think Ducati are on a hiding to nothing with the new S3, mind, as long as they're still overstocked with S4s. About 7.5k for the S3, and the 916-engined S4 and 996-engined S4S (in other words, rather superior machines) are being knocked out from 6k. You can even get brand new 2000 model S4s, for Christ's sake. Who's gonna buy an S3?
You mean the ST range I take it. Ducati obviously think there's a market to replace the ST2 range and have gone for the "this year's model" trick rather than a simple update to the old model. I expect Ducati suffer quite a lot from this so the punters aren't really that bothered. I mean, who would seriously buy a Ducati new if they looked at the depreciation cost? Maybe the showrooms aren't overstocked at the moment? I can't remember seeing that many in the dealers but there are certainly people that buy them. Have they got their supply and demand just about right? I'm sure you'll know more than me but I'd take the view that they will sell no matter what else is in the showroom if that's what the punter wants. You wouldn't buy a Ducati otherwise! So what with CMM have to say then? I know it's tag is "real not retro" but you can't deny that these bikes will appeal to a lot of people that want the retro look without spending thousands on what is basically an leaking, underpowered, poor-handling heap? (no, that's not bait, just my view on *some* of the classic bikes....) Ducati appear to be having quite a revamp of the whole range at the moment. There's the new 999 range, the 998 is staying as a Matrix and Final Edition special for next year (simply because they can sell them and would be mad to drop them completely), the SS range is completely different to 3 years ago, the Monsters have all got the new engines, the MultiStrada ... is the MultiStrada, the Motard is coming soon, they're touting this new Classic range and there's rumours of the road-going 'sedici. A brave move, but if anyone can pull it off Ducati will because of their loyal punters.
hmmm... IF I were to change from my 748 what do you reckon to an S4?. I have rode my mates S4 and quite liked it...
Yes, of course. Doh. Just look at the ads. There are loads of unsold Dukes out there. Yes, and..... They're terrified to drop the 998, because it's probably dawning on them that it's a design icon and if the 999 sells half as well, I'll be surprised. The jelly mould SSs simply haven't sold well. The 916-engined Monsters aren't selling. And it's doubtful (IMHO) that the Multistrada will, in its present format and price bracket. In short, Ducati is, I think, heading for some deep shit.
