'12 Streefighters - what Ducati should've done IMO - Ducati.ms

Cesare57 · Dec 29th, 2011, 2:39 pm

I'm hoping to get a second Duc in the not too distant future, and the 848 sounds like it'd fit my bill for a 4-valve naked with a bit more umph than my GT while not being more aggressive than I need.

However, I must admit that if Ducati had kept the base big SF and up-spec'd it a bit instead of just offering the 848 and the SFS, I'd probably consider a big one. This of course is similar to what they did with the big Monster last year and it seems to have worked there. I could never justify springing the extra $6k on the S model, but could be tempted by say a Testasretta 1198 SF with ABS and DTC for around $16-17k. Or, if there'd be problems fitting that motor in the SF frame, a model with the same ol' 1099, ABS and DTC for a bit less would be worth considering.

Anyone else feel that if Ducati felt they should stick with just two SF models, they should've done something like what I've described - offer the larger "base" model up-spec'd from last year but only selling for maybe $3k more than the 848 instead of $6k like the S?

Sputniks · Dec 29th, 2011, 2:50 pm

My IMHO is that Ducati should only be selling Superbikes, Streetfigters and air-cooled Monsters. In all engine sizes, in all flavors and in all colors. No mutant hypers, no fat diavels, no ugly multistradas.

CHIEFBATLAX · Dec 29th, 2011, 3:12 pm

I beleive that a streetfighter should have the engine of a superbike, but be naked! I was on the fence about the 848sf but realized that the essence of a streetfighter needs to be tuff with no frills. If you want or desire a a pure sport bike they are out there. But if you want bike with the heart of a bad ass super bike minus the fairings the 1098sf is it! It's unrealistic comparison between the 848sf and the 1098sf, becuause I havnt given the the 848sf a test ride. But the streetfighter should be an untamed animal unless it's under the handle of its master.

Bly · Dec 29th, 2011, 3:55 pm

Just go out and buy a lightly used S.

You'll be so glad you did.

If you want an unfaired bike with "adequate" performance you already have the GT.

I had a Sport1000. Crashed that and bought a Multi 1100.

I kept the Multi as a 2nd bike and got the SFS.. the aircooled bike is perfect for commuting, short trips with the missus etc but when it's time to cut loose it's SFS time.

flynbulldog · Dec 29th, 2011, 4:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cesare57

Anyone else feel that if Ducati felt they should stick with just two SF models, they should've done something like what I've described - offer the larger "base" model up-spec'd from last year but only selling for maybe $3k more than the 848 instead of $6k like the S?

No...

The SF in it's current form will never have ABS. Ducati already stated there simply isn't enough room.

The EVO models are down spec bikes hyped to be attractive yet fit within a lower budget. To me the SF isn't really a budget buyers bike.
I see it as a superbike with ergos better suited for riding on the street, but at a very high performance level.

Personally I'd never consider an 848 SF - I think I'd prefer a Monster 1100 first, if I wanted something more tame.

What I want to see is a 1198 S version (not the 11degree motor - the SBK motor) with 20 more ponies, slightly quicker steering, and no BS.

whoopazz1 · Dec 29th, 2011, 4:35 pm

X 2

This thing should be just raw and uncontrollable...! Keepin you on your toes/edge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flynbulldog

No...

The SF in it's current form will never have ABS. Ducati already stated there simply isn't enough room.

The EVO models are down spec bikes hyped to be attractive yet fit within a lower budget. To me the SF isn't really a budget buyers bike.
I see it as a superbike with ergos better suited for riding on the street, but at a very high performance level.

Personally I'd never consider an 848 SF - I think I'd prefer a Monster 1100 first, if I wanted something more tame.

What I want to see is a 1198 S version (not the 11degree motor - the SBK motor) with 20 more ponies, slightly quicker steering, and no BS.

TheDucnutOfBevelville · Dec 29th, 2011, 5:54 pm

Ducati should have up spec'd the S model... added more horsepower and torque, made the bike more tractable around town but give it a cam profile that really added more of a Jeckyl and Hide character..... in other words make it even more of a hooligan machine..

CopperHeadMonster · Dec 29th, 2011, 6:08 pm

I may not get much support for it....but I think Ducati needs a naked that has sportbike quality components (suspension, wheels, handling, engine, and electronics - traction control, and etc etc) and is 2 up capable like GT1000 - The SF is a great platform to make that happen while maintaining the hardcode street appeal. for 2012 they should have updated the SF line with better ergonomics and added 11998 engines.

Multis and Diavels are ok by me as long as they keep the company viable - even porsche has to sell SUVs & 4 doors to keep making sports cars. But then again I also wish Ducati make a modern ST as well.. can you imagine ST based on all the goodness of a paningale bored out to 1400cc and panniers..

Cesare57 · Dec 29th, 2011, 6:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by CopperHeadMonster

. . .I also wish Ducati make a modern ST as well.. can you imagine ST based on all the goodness of a paningale bored out to 1400cc and panniers..

Yeah, a new Ducati ST with a 4-valve engine that kept it simple like the Triumph Sprint GT would make it an even tougher choice for me, but since I mostly just commute and do the occasional day ride, a naked really suits me.

Gilly · Dec 29th, 2011, 6:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cesare57

Yeah, a new Ducati ST with a 4-valve engine that kept it simple like the Triumph Sprint GT would make it an even tougher choice for me, but since I mostly just commute and do the occasional day ride, a naked really suits me.

This is me talkin like a bean counter...

IF a touring frame could be made to hold the 11degree 1198 or 848 motor, and use the sidebags from the Multi, and not cost a ton to develop, I wonder how many units would spell success for this.

Maybe not enough time has passed between the death of the ST line and the revamping of a new effort. Maybe since the numbers from the final years of the ST still have bean counters waking up in cold sweats.

I'd prefer a Scrambler. Simple sidebag or tailbag option. The long range bike IS the Multi, why compete within the market brand against yourself?

What could be nice is an announced LIMITED run of the bikes gone by. They have all the jigging for everything. All the mold masters. Since many people play this retro thing out, and Ducati are the low production leader, I see no reason why they cannot establish runs of limited numbers. This would keep the parts bins full for original owners. I'm not saying this in the sense that, "Oh my, collectible bikes", but rather just keep the base happy. You're a bike company. Make bikes. Take a freaken survey if people would pony up the down payment for a limited run. It's not like they make a ton of bike anyhow.