The DFWM say anything thread

[Cher]

Ducati North America news:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/17/officially-official-ducati-north-america-seeks-new-ceo/

[muskrat]

I'm submitting my resume ASAP.   

[Cher]

No, no - pick me!  

I didn't know Michael Lock had come from Triumph before his current stint at Ducati NA.  It would be interesting to see him return there; a renewed focus on distinctive styling across the Triumph range would be great for everyone.

[Pinocchio]

When a company states in a press release that a departing exec is "stepping down to pursue other opportunities", my first thought is of a Roman general falling on his sword as an alternative to being flogged out of the city gate. I suspect that putting their head of sales in as a temp DNA CEO means that the US/Canadian sales figures since 2009 are not up to DMH's expectations.

Why? The Hayden replica was a failure, the MTS 1200 (a great bike at the wrong time) is not exactly the market-killer that was hoped for, the Streetfighter is on the ropes, and the Monster is starting to look like a pit bull in lipstick. The market for new motorcycles is not exactly booming, but Ducati hasn't been able to achieve a marketing breakthrough with any of its new models.

I think taking a more conservative approach to model development and styling, similar to Triumph's marketing strategy, would have been a wise thing for DMH to have done this year.

[muskrat]

I'm going to have to agree with "most" of what you said.  Banks are only loaning 80-85% of used bike values according the NADA/KBB (whichever they choose).  New bike rates are higher than normal so DNA has starting offering some cheap financing rates - good for traffic but we'll see if it improves sales.  I do LOVE the Strada but too pricey for me at this time although if they added a radio I might be interested. 
I personally am holding onto the cash I have/had during these times.  If they don't extended the tax cuts at year-end then I'm holding on for even longer. 

[junior varsity]

the MTS 1200 (a great bike at the wrong time) is not exactly the market-killer that was hoped for

no no, its doing quite well - see the wait times worldwide for people who have ordered one.


i agree with most of the other things, but I do love the streetfighter - just a hard time to sell motorcycles period.

[muskrat]

how many Strada's are they making this year?  I doubt we can get a firm number but lets try anyway. 

[junior varsity]

i have no idea, we'll know after the year is over. They are cranking them out as fast as they can.

[Pinocchio]

no no, its doing quite well - see the wait times worldwide for people who have ordered one.

I would imagine the multi to be in higher demand outside the US. I want one badly, but I haven't ordered, and won't this year, because I can't get enough for my other two Duxs on the used market. A lot of us have a wait-and-see attitude where new bike purchases are concerned.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/gare-maxtons-amazing-intimidator-puzzle-would-make-scaramanga-pr/

[fastwin]

That guy has way too much time on his hands. What's up with the blue finger nail?

[muskrat]

stay OFF hwy 23 in Arkansas south of I40.  We came up that way today through Talihina and it SUCKED!!!!!  North of 40 was a dream though.  The Hardley made it and she was loaded to the gills too.  it's 88 here now. 

[Ronr]

It's 80 here 

[muskrat]

try 73 now...........

[CajunR]