[Helios]

I found an article on Auto Evolution about how Ducati should make more small displacement bikes. Here are some of the interesting points I found.

Ducati is still very much anchored in the high-end of the market. The market is changing towards small displacement bikes though. Ducati needs to get moving or risk being a victim of inertia.

With rumors of a Ducati maxi-scooter and a lower displacement Scrambler, this is where Ducati will really bring in new customers and more money in the near future.

Other companies that are traditionally higher end are finding the opportunity in smaller displacement bikes. Take a look at BMW and Harley Davidson. Both are expanding their line-ups with more affordable and less high-powered models.

Do you think that Ducati needs to follow this industry trend, or can it survive off of its traditionally more high-end and exclusive models?

Read the full article here --> Why Must Ducati Change

 

[exhaustleak]

I agree 100%

 

[ScramblerFan]

Seems like they want to expand so doing this would only help in their situation with what they want to do.

 

[exhaustleak]

they continue to go up the CC range.

But they haven't really explored the lower CC motorcycles.

 

[Zeus]

People would jump at the chance to buy a cheaper and less powered Ducati bike. I don't think it would tarnish Ducati's brand or anything. Ultimately a company should probably try to compete in as many segments as it can. Even if a small displacement Ducati costs more than a Honda small displacement bike, I think people would pay the bit extra so that they can have a Ducati.

 

[dukes]

they continue to go up the CC range.

But they haven't really explored the lower CC motorcycles.

I think both would benefit them, but lower CC's is where a lot of mass sales will be made, they might as well venture into those segments

 

[project]

I think both would benefit them, but lower CC's is where a lot of mass sales will be made, they might as well venture into those segments

with audi ownership they certainly have the cash and the capacity to venture into high volume models.

although because they have financial protection from audi may be exactly the reason they never reach down into half liters and below.

 

[exhaustleak]

the lower CCs sell very well in Asia

and the market in Asia is no doubt MASSIVE

 

[dukes]

the lower CCs sell very well in Asia

and the market in Asia is no doubt MASSIVE

I seen pictures of places in Asia and notice people use motorcycles and scooters a lot so it comes to no surprise that lower CC bikes are in high demand. Ducati definitely can have a place here.

 

[project]

the lower CCs sell very well in Asia

and the market in Asia is no doubt MASSIVE

yea but to be competitive in those asian markets you need a local production and a low low price. I'm not sure if Ducati is interested in the capital investments or the razor thin margins...

 

[exhaustleak]

if they came out with a 300-500cc monster for cheap I'd be all over it. probably forget about the scrambler all together.

 

[dukes]

if they came out with a 300-500cc monster for cheap I'd be all over it. probably forget about the scrambler all together.

Not sure about it being cheap but it would likely be one of the best bang for your buck premium 300-500cc bikes out there, well worth it if you have the coin

 

[project]

if they came out with a 300-500cc monster for cheap I'd be all over it. probably forget about the scrambler all together.

you're not the only one! But i don't think Ducati is interested in going that low for the same reasons Ferrari isnt interested in making 4 cylinder economy cars... they don't have to...

 

[exhaustleak]

I think Ducati would benefit well from an entry level model

not like they are doing amazing.

 

[project]

I think Ducati would benefit well from an entry level model

not like they are doing amazing.

but they're doing well enough, especially now that they are owned by Audi they don't need to focus as much on growth. Although they do have big plans for the indian market so its possible we get some lower displacement ducatis derived from that market, however everything I've read about their Indian intentions mentions mirroring porsches entry strategy.

 

[exhaustleak]

if they want to grow internationally they will have to offer a lower displacement and cheaper model.

 

[project]

if they want to grow internationally they will have to offer a lower displacement and cheaper model.

but thats assuming that Ducati wants to be like a Honda or Yamaha. I just don't think that they're interested in making 100-250cc bikes for developing markets.

I think the logical first step is a Ducati Scooter, if we see something like that then small displacement motorcycles could be imminent...

 

[dukes]

100-250cc bikes don't only have to be for developing markets, even bikes in that range appeals to guys that buy big 1000cc bikes. it would just expand on the types of customers they get

 

[exhaustleak]

doesnt have to be 100cc or 250cc

even a 300-500 is nice.

 

[dukes]

doesnt have to be 100cc or 250cc

even a 300-500 is nice.

I agree.
It's a good lower range for them to get into while still keeping some great performance.