2009 Sport Classic Line

[krilli]

Originally Posted by bupton

I hear you there. Give that thing a nice round headlight and call me for dinner!

Maybe I'm a touch of a retro grouch here, but I just like the traditional look better...

That particular Multistrada is the only bike, ever, that a "Batman" style headlight did any favors - IMO. Which is one of the biggest reasons I like it

I hear you though.

Round lamps on motorcycles, and long hair on girls, unless good reason given.

[YellowDuck]

Originally Posted by wolverine

Or they could just keep the GT around, and replace the other SC models with an updated Super Sport line for 2010. SS696 and SS1100 anyone? U.S. has the worlds fastest growing sport bike market...it would make sense.

Sure, but I think Ducati's recent experience has led them to the conclusion that there is not a lot of market potential for a true "sport bike" with an aircooled motor. The f.i. supersports were nice bikes in a lot of ways, but miserable sellers.

Personally, I think if they could make a new supersport that was similar in concept to a Bimota DB5 they might sell some, but the price would have to be less than an 848, which would be a difficult trick.

There just aren't enough people out there who recognize how sensible a big 2-V twin can be as a sport bike motor for street use. People tend to think that they need 150 hp, and it never occurs to them that they can't touch all that hp in an inline 4 even in second gear unless they exceed the speed limit by a huge margin. And those people who do get it are mostly riding Buells.

[MajorSoftie]

There's another factor that affects the future. Liquid cooling, and the narrow operating temperature range that it allows, makes it much easier for manufacturers to reach emissions goals.

[DUCeditor]

Originally Posted by YellowDuck

The f.i. supersports were nice bikes in a lot of ways, but miserable sellers.

That was for two reasons, neither of which was power related: 1) Many potential buyers didn't like its looks. 2) Unlike the `91-`98 model that it replaced, it was found to be quite uncomfortable.

The earlier model it replaced had a much more civilized riding position. One could ride it all day at any speed with reasonable comfort.

The reason for the change in ergonomics was (IMO) an error in Ducati's thinking. They reasoned that the ST2 (just then released) filled the need for an all-day riding machine and that thus the SS could go with more track-oriented ergos.

I was closely involved with the company in those days and spoke about this on several occasions with Pierre and others. I thought (and told them) that the target market for the SS was quite different from that of the ST. On the one hand the company demonstrated they understood this by targeting the ST's ad campaigns toward the high-mileage (read: BMW) set. SS riders, otoh, were most often mature riders - and by that I mean experienced, not old - who understood what type of power worked best on the street and also what type of ergos allowed for real-road sport riding. The later SS simply didn't work for them. And as for the looks with it's exaggerated Supermono 'sharks mouth', well...

Too bad too, because ergos aside it was a wonderful bike that improved on its very popular antecedent in several ways. (Here are my initial published riding impressions: www.duc.bz/one_quick_ride_.htm )

-don

[DGJ]

hey Don,

wouldn't you say that the Sport 1000 S in a way replaced the SS? probably less comfy and has a classic look, but the 1/2 fairing 900SS from the 90s is quite similar... no? So in a way, with the full line of SCs, Ducati covers the SS fans, the mid-range Monster fans, and brought in a new style (new for ducati) with the GT. All this with one line of models bearing little differences. Cost effective and the customer is pleased... makes sense.
best,
David

(and yes, the later SS line was a mistake... well equipped for the money, though...)

[DUCeditor]

Originally Posted by DGJ

hey Don,

wouldn't you say that the Sport 1000 S in a way replaced the SS? probably less comfy and has a classic look, but the 1/2 fairing 900SS from the 90s is quite similar... no?

Yes! And frankly, if my uh.. "experienced" body could deal with the ergos I'd own one. I love it for its elegant simplicity and oh, so right, looks.

But, ergos aside (which are even tighter than the late SS's), the suspension components are where it falls short of wearing the SS's mantel. That is why I think Ducati can yet find an expanded market for the bike by making a few, relatively inexpensive, modification/upgrades to its design.

But if its ergos fit you ride it proudly. I certainly would!

-don

[bupton]

Originally Posted by DUCeditor

But if its ergos fit you ride it proudly.
-don

And if they don't, ADAPT!

[Bly]

Originally Posted by bupton

And if they don't, ADAPT!

Yep, ride it till it fits you.

[DUCeditor]

Originally Posted by Bly

Yep, ride it till it fits you.

Good advice! (I did that until I had been riding over twenty years)

Originally Posted by bupton

And if they don't, ADAPT!

Good advice! (I did that until I had been riding over thirty years)

Now, after forty+ years of riding, its an orthopedic surgeon or a GT1000.

-don

Ps - I chose the GT

[corks67]

woosey :-D


but agree i had a 96 900ss and tried one of the 900ss efi for size, fark, talk about uncomfortable, way leant over to the low bars, that silly tank pad thing sticking in my gut,,,ouch

maybe if i was taller and skinner....