Ducati sales down 5% in first quarter 2013

[LowThudd]

So is HD suddenly going to be out of business or have to resort to using V-Rod motors in all their bikes? I guess I am confused about that even being a possibility.

[HotIce]

So is HD suddenly going to be out of business or have to resort to using V-Rod motors in all their bikes? I guess I am confused about that even being a possibility.

The rumor that HD will go water cooled has been going around forever. Yet, air cooled reign.

[Curmudgeon]

I showed that as an example of a 4v SS/ST style

likely will develop a frame similar to the Monster/MTS/Diavel/HM with the trellis/semi-trellis/cast mix.

I'd have preferred/would have bought an M796ST had one been available, on the order of an F800GT BMW, but I expect that ST sales were so poor in the past, this is no direction they want to pursue.

Where you are living, the politzei are using F800GT variants for some stuff, right? F-Series are not especially reliable either...., and the Rotax buzzes! I'd have been curious to see what fairing Ducati might have devised with a more upright seating position. I'll bet it wouldn't have had a snout like an insect either..., but what do I know.

I'm fairly sure they don't consider ST bikes much of a market sadly. Not enough with my taste to keep them moving out the door...

Just a comment on this thread and Q1 sales figures: It's not possible to interpret these figures although it's nice to have the model breakdown. You will not see the real picture until you see fiscal 2012 vs fiscal 2013. Not all models are produced all the time.

For ~ 10 years I ordered all the Porsches for one of the larger dealers on the planet. For example, some 911 build slots were only available in quantity during the dead of winter with snow everywhere. If you passed on the build slot though and were not willing to warehouse cabrios until, April or May, you'd be stuck with little or none to sell. That would have cost us a fortune although we DID have to pay for months of floor plan.

In any event, to understand the Big Picture, you need to know all the wrinkles; otherwise you can't truly interpret this stuff.

[Skybarney]

The FS 800 is my next bike!  I am going to wait a year but I can see that bike being the high mileage beast.  It would be nothing to put in 600 mile days on it.

[SpikeC]

 Ok, now I want a 900 SS fairing on my 1100 Monster! (If I ever get it back)

[LowThudd]

Ok, now I want a 900 SS fairing on my 1100 Monster! (If I ever get it back)

That would take some modding. They use a different frame. There is the 1000ss, if you need to replace your bike. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Ducati/Ducati-1000SS-02-current/

[SpikeC]

 I'm thinking more in the lines of an 888 or an early 90's 900SS.

[muskrat]

the SF and HM are hurting
the Monster S4R could happen...

This would make me JUMP at the chance to buy another s4r but I do love the Multi.  Still trying to justify a HM if ever there was a used one for a descent price....hell, who needs justification.

[LowThudd]

Not a bad deal on a HM here: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcd/3763940175.html

I think I would still prefere a Multi though. Just better for touring, though not nearly as light.

[muskrat]

not bad but I'm cheap especially for what will be my third bike and don't get me started on the shit I'm gonna buy for it to make it a capable "try and arrest me" bike. 

[LowThudd]

not bad but I'm cheap especially for what will be my third bike and don't get me started on the shit I'm gonna buy for it to make it a capable "try and arrest me" bike. 

LOL. Color me jealous. I am still bikeless and too low on cash at the moment to fix the problem. I love monsters, but I am looking more towards the Multi and HM as my next bike.

[hbliam]

Not a bad deal on a HM here: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcd/3763940175.html

I think I would still prefere a Multi though. Just better for touring, though not nearly as light.

IMO that particular bike is price $1500 to $2000 too high.

The Hyper is a great around town bike. Touring not so much.

[LowThudd]

Finding a lot of STs in great condition for reasonable money, but of course high miles. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcd/3795038496.html

I just wonder how long till a new lower end is needed.

[Speeddog]

Finding a lot of STs in great condition for reasonable money, but of course high miles. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcd/3795038496.html

I just wonder how long till a new lower end is needed.

Depends on a lot of things.
I've got a customer's 1098 at ~14k miles that spun a rod bearing.
My S4 (same engine as ST4) is at ~50k miles and it's just fine.

[nickshelby500kr]

It really doesn't surprise me sales are down in the first quarter. For most of the country it's still too cold to ride comfortably.

I am curious about other manufacturers sales figures for quarter one to make a comparison.