Ducati concept singles

[DewCatTea-Bob]

" I do believe that Ducati did actually get as far as building a prototype single based on the Pantah engine, and named the Rollah/Utah. "

____ Thanks for your pic of the 350-Rollah Jezza ! _ (You posted it while I was still writing-up my own post mentioning those 350-models.)
__ It's body-work styling looks like about 1979/80 era but, I had thought that they were conceived no sooner than 1982, back whenever I actually first heard of that pair of 350s.


Greatful-Cheers,
-Bob

[MotoMike]

"
... That type of muffler became stylish only cuz it represented a hot-rod type of look, since those mufflers were supposed to provide increased-performance (while also staying quieter), thus the function-over-form look became the 'In Look' . _ And to that I say oh-phooey, give me an old light/slim glass-pack muffler over one of those mail-truck bombs any day, as I certainly prefer the much nicer old-fashioned look over any extra horse-power that those over-sized elongated-cans may provide. I really believe that an exhaust-system can actually ADD (even greatly) to a bike's appeal, so why do anything to detract from otherwise nice styling-appeal, with the addition of big ugly exhaust-plumbing that's better kept hidden as much as possible !?!
(Is it just just me again?)


Hopeful-Cheers,
-Bob

It's not just you Bob. And it's not only the fart can mufflers. It is every aspect of the motorcycle design. I generally like the form following function model. but the form today is largely following the racing motorcycle function. Not practical in the real world where a comfortable seat and a riding position that doesn't put you into contortions would make sense. Then at the other end of the spectrum is the I want to look like an oulaw biker and look like a chopper riding biker dude. In both cases fashion is driving the bus. Logic doesn't even get a position on the pillion. From what I can see only the modern Boneville, Ducati GT1000 sport, and the Moto Guzzi Sport Classic are motorcycles that make sense from a practical point of view. All the singles i have seen are off road inspired or are entry level harley wanna b's. I liked the 80's Yamaha SR500s. Those were sweet bikes.

Man, that Rolla was sure an ugly motorcycle. you woud think they could have done something to lessen the visual impact of that belt cover. I never heard of those.

The supermono provided a glimpse of hope, but that was a high zoot cutting edge tecnology tour de force. I think it was based on some twin as I recall reading it had a dummy connecting rod that moved uner the hump in the crank case to provide some balance. but it was very exotic and the engine was not pretty even if it could be put in a naked street bike.

I would like ducati to make an air cooled single that performs well and is reliable. I don't need it to be the fastest bike around. I guess that doesn't fit with Ducati's model. Though I see they have dropped out of superbike.

regards,
Mike

[bettyann]

My take on this subject. Maybe 10-20 years they'll be jet or magnetic powered Ducati's.
and all the 1098's will be obsolete. My generation will still love OHC Ducati singles if we're still alive.
Look at the old farts that are nuts over Indians, I know just how they feel, we relive our youth through the 1962 200cc ts we rode to High School, a hi-tech belt drive does not impress us. Capt Paul

[jezza]

Capt. Paul, you are right. We love what we love, in this case old Ducati singles. Although the modern ones are impressive, they do nothing for me at all. I grew up on Honda singles and bevel twins, and my current ownership of a 250 Monza is frankly a 30 year old dream come true. I couldn't be happier.

Ducati make sporting motorcycles, and if they were to produce a modern take on the single I think that they, of all manufacturers, would have the best chance of success, but history tells us that the buying public don't seem to be impressed with a 'mere' single. Their loss, and, unfortunately, ours also.

I can't help but feel that if Ducati were to have the balls to produce a 5/600cc single with good power and light weight, the prestige of the brand alone would ensure good sales volumes, and it would go without saying that the bike would be amazing.

[dsmess]

The modern ugly mufflers are probably cheaper to manufacture...one reason they are so prolific.
My vote for the best looking motorcycle muffler made is the Conti used on Ducati bevel twins.

S

[PhilA]

Forgive me for resurrecting an old thread but pics of the Utah can be seen here:

http://www.philaphoto.com/imageLibrary/ ... p?album=72

Another concept/testbed single:

http://www.philaphoto.com/imageLibrary/ ... ?album=905

[double diamond]

I recall in an article on the Alistair Wager street replica supermono a quote from Domencali to the effect “opening the throttle on a single, the experience is not so satisfying…”. If this is the perspective of Ducati product development, I wouldn’t expect any singles anytime soon. Concept #1 looks like so many H-D XR750 inspired specials. Not a bad look but it looks like a Harley. Concept #2 is much more Ducati inspired, but the modern identity i.e. Monster/Hypermotard/Streetfighter. I’ve always regarded the W/C bevel single scramblers as the original euro hooligan bike, dressed for the ‘60’s. Fashion is apace, hence we have the Monster today. But a single? Not much market there, at least in the US. All those longing for a classic styled modern single recall what a sales disaster the Honda GB500 was. MW

[Octane]

I would trade my left nut for this.
http://www.philaphoto.com/imageLibrary/ ... p?album=55

Its at the top of my all time most wanted list.