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SparkyBlue · 03-19-2004, 07:28 AM

JB and Sean are mysteriously quiet on this one. Come on guys, give it up. Curious minds want to know

jfgilbert · 03-19-2004, 07:41 AM

It is nice to read all these expert comments from people who explain why they do not own or ride a Ducati. No, a half hour test ride or a few miles on a borrowed bike do not count.

For the record, I have more than 5,000 miles on my 6 months old Multistrada, have had no problems, and have cancelled my order for the gel seat because the stock seat is fine after a little use. I think I can judge that better than those who have just read a few test reports.

Of course, I am not an expert track rider, I do not have the skills to use 150+ hp, and have done most of my 30 years of riding on roads and streets, which that bike is perfectly suited to. So, obviously, my opinion cannot stand against those of the pundits armed with test reports, tech specs, and hearsay.

You do not have to like their bikes, but the MC world would be much poorer without Ducati.

gbrummett · 03-19-2004, 07:45 AM

Most new FerrariÂ’s and PorscheÂ’s cost more then a new Z06 Corvette or Viper, and many have similar to or even less usable / measurable performance. Bottom line, performance numbers alone do not a purchase make. Anyone having heard the howl of a Ferrari at redline will immediately relate to the buyer purchasing a new Duc.

I donÂ’t own one, but I can understand wanting something other then the same old same old look and sound thatÂ’s on every block even if it does cost more and doesnÂ’t run a 9 second Â¼ mile and do 189 mph.

SRMark · 03-19-2004, 08:02 AM

Ducati has introduced quite a few new models in the last couple of years. With those changing designs come changing manufacturing processes, shifting suppliers and additional production personnel and/or job changes. All of those can contribute to decreased operational efficiency and increases in cost per unit. Hence the decline in contribution margin/gross profit. The changing world economies and increased competition can also serve to reduce unit selling prices. That too can reduce margins. When combined, the resulting loss is understandable. Hopefully the bean counters can respond in a timely fashion and Ducks will continue to fly.

SRMark · 03-19-2004, 08:06 AM

Happiness is wanting what you have and you sound very happy. Ducati will be happy when they make more would-be owners happy.

cyclox · 03-19-2004, 08:41 AM

I'm curious to see how the new line of "classic" replicas does. Seems as though they're mostly comprised of off the shelf parts and did not require extensive new tooling investment. If so, and if they sell, they'll make a pretty good profit on them.

Betamax · 03-19-2004, 08:49 AM

sheesh

Betamax · 03-19-2004, 08:51 AM

the point is about value for dollar not look.

way to get your panties in a bunch about nothing...

03-19-2004, 07:28 AM	#21
SparkyBlue Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 45	Re: Ducati Profits........Or Not JB and Sean are mysteriously quiet on this one. Come on guys, give it up. Curious minds want to know

03-19-2004, 07:41 AM	#22
jfgilbert Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 29	Re: Ducati Profits........Or Not It is nice to read all these expert comments from people who explain why they do not own or ride a Ducati. No, a half hour test ride or a few miles on a borrowed bike do not count. For the record, I have more than 5,000 miles on my 6 months old Multistrada, have had no problems, and have cancelled my order for the gel seat because the stock seat is fine after a little use. I think I can judge that better than those who have just read a few test reports. Of course, I am not an expert track rider, I do not have the skills to use 150+ hp, and have done most of my 30 years of riding on roads and streets, which that bike is perfectly suited to. So, obviously, my opinion cannot stand against those of the pundits armed with test reports, tech specs, and hearsay. You do not have to like their bikes, but the MC world would be much poorer without Ducati.

03-19-2004, 07:45 AM	#23
gbrummett Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 512	Performance Numbers and Reasoning are not why you pay more for a Duc Most new FerrariÂ’s and PorscheÂ’s cost more then a new Z06 Corvette or Viper, and many have similar to or even less usable / measurable performance. Bottom line, performance numbers alone do not a purchase make. Anyone having heard the howl of a Ferrari at redline will immediately relate to the buyer purchasing a new Duc. I donÂ’t own one, but I can understand wanting something other then the same old same old look and sound thatÂ’s on every block even if it does cost more and doesnÂ’t run a 9 second Â¼ mile and do 189 mph.

03-19-2004, 08:02 AM	#25
SRMark Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,465	Re: Ducati Profits........Or Not Ducati has introduced quite a few new models in the last couple of years. With those changing designs come changing manufacturing processes, shifting suppliers and additional production personnel and/or job changes. All of those can contribute to decreased operational efficiency and increases in cost per unit. Hence the decline in contribution margin/gross profit. The changing world economies and increased competition can also serve to reduce unit selling prices. That too can reduce margins. When combined, the resulting loss is understandable. Hopefully the bean counters can respond in a timely fashion and Ducks will continue to fly.

03-19-2004, 08:06 AM	#26
SRMark Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,465	Re: Ducati Profits........Or Not Happiness is wanting what you have and you sound very happy. Ducati will be happy when they make more would-be owners happy.

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03-19-2004, 08:41 AM	#28
cyclox Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 50	Re: Ducati Profits........Or Not I'm curious to see how the new line of "classic" replicas does. Seems as though they're mostly comprised of off the shelf parts and did not require extensive new tooling investment. If so, and if they sell, they'll make a pretty good profit on them.

03-19-2004, 08:49 AM	#29
Betamax Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 236	thanks for missing the point entirely sheesh

03-19-2004, 08:51 AM	#30
Betamax Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 236	thanks for missing the point entirely the point is about value for dollar not look. way to get your panties in a bunch about nothing...