I visited Ducati Barcelona today, and was chatting with the owner. He was telling me that next year they're going to have a local 696 production class. They'll allow Termis, a beefier triple clamp, rearsets, adjustable levers, and removal of lights, etc. But the motor and suspension are stock. Sounded like a great idea and a lot of fun. 

That sounds awesome...

Of course, I kinda wanna see the Harley Bagger spec class. Straight pipes, hard luggage, and beanie helmets required

Quote from: desmoquattro on October 21, 2009, 09:54:43 AM
That sounds awesome...

Of course, I kinda wanna see the Harley Bagger spec class. Straight pipes, hard luggage, and beanie helmets required

I am imagining chunks of hairy back skin all over the track..

While I love the idea of small bike classes I always think of little-bike-racing as utilizing inexpensive, reliable models.  Ducati simply isn't the first name that comes to mind.  Did they address this pervasive perception (at least in the US) or do they feel that the 696 truly qualifies as cheap fun on the the track? 

Quote from: mostrobelle on October 21, 2009, 10:30:46 AM
While I love the idea of small bike classes I always think of little-bike-racing as utilizing inexpensive, reliable models.  Ducati simply isn't the first name that comes to mind.  Did they address this pervasive perception (at least in the US) or do they feel that the 696 truly qualifies as cheap fun on the the track? 

I imagine that in EMEA, with import duties and exchange rates, it might qualify as a relatively inexpensive bike. Oh, hey, and if you crash you can just take off the plastic tank cover and replace it!

Then again, he was talking to a Ducati dealer...Faberge eggs are inexpensive to them.

I like the notion of a pretty much spec class.  Dunno that Ducati is the best bike to choose, but any spec class would be fun.  At least Ducs crash better than Japanese bikes (see Tigre for confirmation). 

Quote from: Spidey on October 21, 2009, 11:16:14 AM
I like the notion of a pretty much spec class.  Dunno that Ducati is the best bike to choose, but any spec class would be fun.  At least Ducs crash better than Japanese bikes (see Tigre for confirmation). 

and, duc riders crash into other riders better than japanese bike riders (see spidey and DTM)

FTR, I don't think that DTM or I have ever crashed into anyone while either we or they were on a Duc.  It's all been japanese.  And I *think* that both Tigre and datv have only been taken out by Japanese bikes.

Quote from: Spidey on October 21, 2009, 02:05:24 PM
FTR, I don't think that DTM or I have ever crashed into anyone while either we or they were on a Duc.  It's all been japanese.  And I *think* that both Tigre and datv have only been taken out by Japanese bikes.

Tigre took a Triumph up the tiger den.

00OOOooo bad visual.

Quote from: Desmostro on October 21, 2009, 09:37:28 PM
00OOOooo bad visual.

dtm, digging the hole deeper and deeper  (pun intended)

It would be nice if they would let the riders at least modify the front forks. I believe those are non adjustable...