1098?

Just looking at it again, I don't think it's the headlights that's the problem, they are indeed stunning, it's the air intakes that break up the clean front end. The mirrors shouldn't have been a parts bin job - shame that.
That swingarm is a work of art. Zorsts look awful, not their positioning but the outlets, but I'm sure most of the bikes sold will get replacements anyway.
I'm not interested in the power - all large capacity bikes these days have far more than the average rider needs or can handle anyway, it's pub-talk stuff that!
Not knocking it's awesome power, don't get me wrong - I just personally don't need it.

Lastly, it looks tiny!

I hope that Ducati sells lots of them, I love Ducatis and even though I haven't liked to look of some of their bikes, as a firm, they produce the best bikes in the world - fullstop! :)
 
Ducati should be making plans for the 750 because it would probably turn in to be the massive seller that the 748 was.
 
I hope they sell lots of them as well, just I won't be buying one. It seems to me that the factory are more worried about the technical side of the bikes and forgotten what it is that made people like us love them and that is "passion". I reckon the styling department are working a one day week for the last few years. Less than a handful of members on this forum could ride ANY modern Ducati anywhere near it's limits so an even faster one with potentially even better handling is largely irrelevant. I completely get the Sedici philosophy but an average looking bike for the real world? I reckon it looks better than the 999 on first glance but it just doesn't look like a Duke should imo. Sorry...:(
 
dam said:
More Pics
Click to expand...

Well.....I'm having one.

297kph in a corner and my knee down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thats all my gremlins banished in one hit!


FOR SALE

Ducati 999r XEROX. The real thing, not a copy (BOOM BOOM)
Never been raced or taken round those scary corners fast.
Never been dropped or started with a screwdriver cos I forgot the keys.
It did race a Tornado once, but like the moon landings it was all fake.

lets start the bidding at £1. Highest bid above £20000 gets it!:D :D
 
Ducati.com has the flash promo 1098 movie on line.

I can see why they've done it but they've probably lost me as a customer for a new SBK next year, if i wanted a designed by committee bike i'd go buy a blade, if i wanted a nicely styled bike this can't compare to what Robbiano's done with the look of the DB5 or even an F4.

Its sad to see the lack of originality in it, almost every part is copied from other companies bikes, lights, fairing shape, seat unit, dash and then magically they've lost a load of weight just to compete on numbers.

I'm sure it'll sell well though and they are prepared to lose customers who are more interested in design in exchange for increased sales.
 
Just bought the rag mag and placed it on the kitchen top to inspect up close.
Now at these times I always seem to think kids and wives are the best for most straight up and honest shoot from the hip talking, so on page 2/3 there is a picture of the 916,999 and 1098.
Question to my son and wife which looks the best..................................................................................................both answers 916..................emmmmmmmmmmmm!
 
I've been looking at this carefully and I think it's nice, to a degree it follows market trends but as Martin says it's a proper evolution and is a response to customer feedback.

There are only so many ways you can shape a fairing, style mirrors, place vents, redesign swing arms and shape seat humps. All "styling" is largely cosmetic, with a certain functionality evident. There may be similarities with other modern bikes but, like stereo and hi-fi, televisions, white domestic goods, computer equipment, there exist "period styling clues" - you can't get away from that. Style and design belong largely to their generation, have a time and place. Nobody these days would or could design and equip their house on Bauhaus or Art Nouveau or 50's styles. Well, you could but it would not be easy. Two wheels, centrally placed engine, suspension fork/rear shock, petrol tanks and controls all need to be there and you cant do much about their positioning, shape or implementation. Radical is not always needed, otherwise we would have to possibly see hub centre steering (again), shaft drive (again), adjustable swing arms (again), upside down/inside out/anti-dive/remote reservoir front forks! The one area which is as yet unaddressed by ANY manufacturer is different frame sizes or adjustability. Ask Steve999 with his experience of getting a bike to fit Pauline. People on here, Ed I think, have already questioned the size/shape - viz. "it looks small". Mountain bikes can do it, why not motor bikes? An adjustable seat height and position without expensive aftermarket options (which don't really work) or compromise solutions (thick foam, thin foam) would be brilliant. Oh and a proper comfy seat!

I believe it is true to the Ducati concept and comparing it with a picture of a Ninja or R1 is nonsense - it is red and with underseat exhausts - so? The horsepower/weight/torque figures have to improve otherwise it would be classified as "not developed" or a "soft style upgrade". Sure, nobody out in the real world can outride even a modern 600, but that isn't the issue. It's producing the power etc. in a different package that's the attraction. To generate sales and progress the brand. As has been said, it's bragging rights in the pub fodder to get off on the figures. But they mean a lot to all of us - press, sales, punters, etc. Sure it's not as radical as the 999, but look at the mixed reception that got retains even now. The 1098 should sell well and I hope it does, if I can afford one I might be tempted come the summer. The "twiddly bits" - can ends, mirrors, exhaust shields, seat humps will all quickly have custom options available anyway from the "aftermarket" and even "factory" supplier routes. Oh yes, and it probably is a poor man's desmosedici, but I would be happy to give it house room. Martin - what sort of a deal can you do? :D

That's my two penn'orth any road! Anybody riding their outdated, underpowered, ugly, pretty, old style, two wheelers this weekend? I fancy getting out Sunday, see "meets" thread for more.
 
Prices are quoted as being around £12,000 for the base model £14,000 for the S.

Can't wait to see one of these bikes for real.

Hopefully Ducati Leeds will have some sort of Launch do. Maybe they could replicate the comic with 916, 999, and 1098 lined up or is that gonna start a bun fight.

Ray.
 
Ray said:
Prices are quoted as being around £12,000 for the base model £14,000 for the S.

Can't wait to see one of these bikes for real.

Hopefully Ducati Leeds will have some sort of Launch do. Maybe they could replicate the comic with 916, 999, and 1098 lined up or is that gonna start a bun fight.

Ray.
Click to expand...

it would be good to have all the 4V superbikes lined up 888, 916, 999 (all innovative and designs which were ahead of their time), now stick a 1098 next to them, I doubt if anyone will say innovative or ahead of its time in years to come... I suppose commercial success revolves around pandering to the masses and mediocrity so the small few who do get their pleasure from owning a bike which is "new" in design terms look elsewhere, c'est la vie :)

Pete, Yamaha had the Morpho projects early nineties, designed by G K Dynamics who have done a lot of work for them including the V Maxx and R1, these 2 design studies involved having an adjustable bike which adapted to the rider and focused on improving ergonomics, it never went anywhere, probably because it wasn't deemed commercially viable....
 
Gizmo said:
it would be good to have all the 4V superbikes lined up 888, 916, 999 (all innovative and designs which were ahead of their time), now stick a 1098 next to them, I doubt if anyone will say innovative or ahead of its time in years to come... I suppose commercial success revolves around pandering to the masses and mediocrity so the small few who do get their pleasure from owning a bike which is "new" in design terms look elsewhere, c'est la vie :)

Pete, Yamaha had the Morpho projects early nineties, designed by G K Dynamics who have done a lot of work for them including the V Maxx and R1, these 2 design studies involved having an adjustable bike which adapted to the rider and focused on improving ergonomics, it never went anywhere, probably because it wasn't deemed commercially viable....
Click to expand...
I get what you mean and commercially viable can often go against consumer desire. It just amazes me that it can't be done that's all. Surely it would help sales of whoever managed to do it? Seems to me a good project for a decent industrial design student.........:)

I reckon the next Duc will be the big innovation, whatever that will be, and agree that this the 1098 is probably an interim as you say. It is evolution rather than revolution, but it doesn't make it a bad bike. And I still don't believe it to be ugly, a copy or a less than worthy Ducati for all that. It will tempt some people back anyway because of the 999's aesthetic deficiencies (think how that was/is slated at times for it's appearance) and could mean some deals on 999's............... Overall it should be good for everybody.
 
rockjock, i never compared the 1098 to a pic of the R1, i just know what an R1 looks like, and it looks like something i dont like.
Yamaha are trying to become japans ducati (look at the differences between 03 R1 and 04 R1) id hate it if ducati became italys yamaha.:(
 
gordj65 said:
rockjock, i never compared the 1098 to a pic of the R1, i just know what an R1 looks like, and it looks like something i dont like.
Yamaha are trying to become japans ducati (look at the differences between 03 R1 and 04 R1) id hate it if ducati became italys yamaha.:(
Click to expand...
I know what you mean, but I was just making a general, non-specific comment. sorry! There have to be many similarities as I said - you can't re-design the wheel! :) Many, many style features have the same generic base these days.
 
Is it true that the Kill Switch is near the throttle in easy reach of the right thumb........same old, same old........ Im not parting with my cash!!!! ;) ;) ;)
 
The way this thread is going the value of my 999 will rocket!

Roll Up! Roll Up! Roll Up! Get yer 999 here!:D
 
rockjock620 said:
I get what you mean and commercially viable can often go against consumer desire. It just amazes me that it can't be done that's all. Surely it would help sales of whoever managed to do it? Seems to me a good project for a decent industrial design student.........:)
Click to expand...

This is why i always advocate pushing boundaries with design, if all you do is give people what they think they want you'll never improve anything. If you create a true adaptable, ergonomic bike it won't "look" like accepted current design no matter how good the designer so will be seen as a freak just like the Tesi, Yamaha GTS, even in some ways the 999 were. they can't be successful in the short term and manufacturers can't see a return so never put them into production. IMHO companies like Ducati should be prepared to keep moving forward with bold design as that is what makes them what they are, if they just want to trade numbers and headlight shapes with Honda and Yamaha its a battle they'll lose.

A good example the way they could have gone is with Robbiano's work at Bimota, he's altered the way frames are made and created a modular method of frame construction to take them forward for many years to come, i see nothing anywhere near as clever in the 1098, its a bike "designed" by sales and marketing not industrial designers and engineers :(
 
What happened to that design award Ducati ran, remember stilleto shoes and coffee machines, even a Mountain Bike ?
 
fergie said:
The way this thread is going the value of my 999 will rocket!

Roll Up! Roll Up! Roll Up! Get yer 999 here!:D
Click to expand...

I'd like to think so cos my 999 is due to be replaced next year but i think I'll be stuck with it or take a heavy loss trading in for an F4 :(

There was an interesting line in the MCN write up which claimed the 1098 will be in dealers very soon.
 
Gizmo said:
I'd like to think so cos my 999 is due to be replaced next year but i think I'll be stuck with it or take a heavy loss trading in for an F4 :(

There was an interesting line in the MCN write up which claimed the 1098 will be in dealers very soon.
Click to expand...
Ducatidirect advertising the bike for sale on fleabay now! :rolleyes: Gizmo I am with you 100% on this styling thing. Goes back to thread freak started about why we buy Ducati. If Italy is known for only one thing it is STYLE!!!!! Bimota, MV etc can produce distinctive bikes why the hell can't Ducati now? Mr Terrblanche perhaps? Yes it's nice to think your bike is a bit of a development from the last model but not at the expense of individuality. Yes some of us will buy it because we won't buy anything else but that will be those that are sitting on 996/998 that wouldn't buy a 749/999 and age issues arise and they will buy this rather than an R1 or whatever. But those with a 999 etc will generally sit and wait for something better to come along. Just look at the last couple of years at what has been produced. Flogging the Monster to death with new models because it is the only Ducati still selling in numbers. Multistrada.. great all round bike but not everyones taste. The classic range.....there was an opportunity badly missed. Great concept but what do we get? A "nearly nice enough to buy" bike but tank looks as if it has "dropped" at the front, a seat that looks as if it came of a 1940's Fergie tractor and to cap it all the exhaust from hell stuck on the side! Yes you can buy a set of termis at a grand but why should you have to? You've just spent almost £8000 on the bike. Can you imagine your local japanese dealers salespitch.."Yes I know the exhaust on our brand new R1 looks hideous but give me a grand and it will look a bit better".... punter is out the door heading for Mr Honda or whoever. So Ducati relaunch it in 2007 and sort of fix it again. It's STILL not what it should be though. But who will buy it if they think 2008 is going to produce another effort? The only way this is going to improve is when the diehards like us TELL the factory to get the finger out because WE are keeping the operation afloat. New fans are going to be thin on the ground if they can buy a similar looking Japanese bike for £5000 less. Design is limited to an extent by location of engine,forkes,seat etc., but so are cars. So how come the latest Lambos and Ferraris don't look like Mondeo's? Sorry this state of affairs reminds me of the eighties when Ducati lost the plot and frankly having gone through the turmoils then they should have learnt their lesson. Rant over!...:mad:
 
The way I see it is that we are only speculating on what/where/how/who/why etc. The pictures in the comic could be right or they could be the biggest smokescreen ever!
Who knows. Or even cares.
Its a new bike and I for one will still be rolling my old bones straight into Ducati Glasgow to stare open mouthed at it. I might hate the thing. I might love the thing. Who cares. Its our new baby. It might in the words of Chewin' the fat....."one right ugly baby", but so what. I'm gonna buy one and so will lots of you.

And here is the best bit.

If like they say it CAN drag a Gixxer Thou and it wins on the track then its job done.

AND THAT SWINGARM!!!!!!!!!! Pass the Kleenex!
 
Dave G said:
Anyone else noticed the clumsy looking heatshield on the right side covering the up pipes? :o
Click to expand...

That's where the exup valve is, which begs the question is it a real exup or a faux one whose primary function is one of noise compliance. Interesting to compare distances from head to valve on 1099 compared to R1.

I think the styling is a bit of a mish mash all round with a bit of F1 wing thrown in ( which seems to be common to all cars in the last couple of years) on the air intakes. But they couldn't replicate the Sedici front end for obvious reasons. I think they would have been better to put more distance between the lights and the intakes, but that may have been too much of a 916 styling cue.

What really strikes me though, when you compare the 916/999/1099 ( I'm not buying this 1098 cr*p!) is that the new bike makes the 999 look badly dated.
 
fergie said:
arj
The 999 is far from dated. Thats a silly comment.
Click to expand...

Sorry but I stand by that. The Roundcase 750SS, Squarecase 900SS, Pantah, 750 Sport,851,888 & and 916 still look cool. I'm afraid that the 999 just looks clumsy & awkward to me.
Despite that, I believe that the 999 is a much better bike than the 9**/8 from a riders point of view.
So then you get into a book vs. cover argument.

My missus who for some strange reason thinks they all look like bunnies ( must be the mirrors me thinks!) thinks that the 1099 is far prettier than the 999 which she thinks is weird.
PS she hates the looks of my Multi if that is any consolation!
But then again so do I!
 
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