[Ducati] 1098 Superbike

[Georgeb]

>  "The bike will have (as the 916) single side swingarm and underseat oval 
> silencers. the front fairing is ispirated from the 916.

There's already one of these, it's called the MV Agusta F4-1000. Okay, it's 
not a twin, and it has four pipes, but really, this IS the evolution of the 
916. And it's is beautiful, but, it's been done. By the 916 authority. So 
the 916 evolution nitche has already been filled.

>  But in a nut shell I think that reverting back to the 916, all though one 
> of the sexiest bikes ever designed...it still shows lack of design 
> innovation and leadership!

To me, there's no doubt that the 916 was georgeous, for its day. I too did 
not immediately take a liking to the 999 because it was so different. But 
after I saw it in person, and rode it, I was in love. Not one of those 
instant-but-fleeting loves like a catchy tune that is imediately liked but 
quickly annoying, but rather something that has character, and depth. Like a 
good album that everytime you listen to it you discover a new favorite song.

If you were to put the 916 next to a 999 and asked someone who knew nothing 
about bikes to pick out which one was newer, I doubt anyone would pick the 
916. The 999 was fresh, different, and cutting edge. (maybe bleeding-edge) I 
too will be disapointed to see a step backward if that is the outcome. But, 
that just means I'll keep my 749s a while longer.

I'm sure the new bike will be great, and as long as it performs well I'll 
probably buy one, but I hope Ducati continues to push the design envelope 
rather than stay in a comfortable rut. That's what makes me proud to be a 
Ducati owner.

George