N.Y. Motorcycle show

[tommu56]

Originally Posted by dirtybike

OK, I think that when I walked in and the place was so crowded, I got frustrated and a crappy attitude. So I missed some stuff that I wanted to see. Was Metzeler there? nope I wanted to check out the Karoo3. How about Motion Pro? nope I wanted to see the Bead Pro.
I was hoping for more vendors with GS type stuff. Don't know if I just missed them, or they weren't there...

No real Adventure stuff.
I did pick up a Sixth gear tank bag I was looking for gloves with the squeegee on them only one vender all they has were small to large I don't think any of the Pirate crowd had small hands! Then I don't think they get water on their bikes because they would shrink.

[nachtflug]

Originally Posted by LI LT Owner

5 out 6 ain't too bad!

wonder how that ad read.

help wanted. must have perfect legs. as in f'ing perfect even without stockings because you won't be wearing any. also perfect breasts as in no fake ones.

just a bad picture of that girl they were all

[Detale]

Originally Posted by nachtflug

wonder how that ad read.

help wanted. must have perfect legs. as in f'ing perfect even without stockings because you won't be wearing any. also perfect breasts as in no fake ones.

just a bad picture of that girl they were all

Na man that pic is pretty accurate. I thought it to myself when seeing them at the show

[Speedo66]

Unfortunately, no one has posted a picture from behind showing their other "assets", which were substantial. Know Italians, I'm sure that was also a large part of their employment prequalifications.

[docgonzo]

Originally Posted by Speedo66

Unfortunately, no one has posted a picture from behind showing their other "assets", which were substantial. Know Italians, I'm sure that was also a large part of their employment prequalifications.

Hey, did anyone look at the BIKES at the show?

For the record, the little 250 cc street legal dirt bikes by Kawasaki and Honda were pretty decent. Not for enduros, but definitely reasonable for everyday woods riding and urban commuting.

[DavidBanner]

once again, Ducati thinking T&A will sell bikes. (#2 and #5)

it's 2013 fer chrissakes...the bikes still break and they're still too pricey. meanwhile, suzuki had an old fogey hanging out by the gixxers and hayabusas...because those bikes sell themselves (stone cold reliability and performance).

maybe Ducati needs to budget less money for marketing fluff and more for development.

[Detale]

Oh I did I fell for the new Honda CB's. For around 5,000 I may get my first new bike ever!!! Specs

CB500X




CB500F


Not so much their 10K 1100 retro bike. 10K!!!!!!!

[wpbarlow]

Originally Posted by DavidBanner

...maybe Ducati needs to budget less money for marketing fluff and more for development.

And yet... Ducati keeps beating their sales goals and are growing market share while Suzuki motorcycle was and still may be close to life support.

It ain't all fluff, and they've probably done more development (and delivery on the development) than most, if not all, of the Japanese manufacturers. They've studied and reacted to what the market's wanted-- expanding beyond pure sport bikes, improving reliability, and lengthening service intervals. And they've done this while still keeping their distinctive cachet. It's currently a very smart and well-run company.

[DavidBanner]

Originally Posted by wpbarlow

And yet... Ducati keeps beating their sales goals and are growing market share while Suzuki motorcycle was and still may be close to life support.

It ain't all fluff, and they've probably done more development (and delivery on the development) than most, if not all, of the Japanese manufacturers. They've studied and reacted to what the market's wanted-- expanding beyond pure sport bikes, improving reliability, and lengthening service intervals. And they've done this while still keeping their distinctive cachet. It's currently a very smart and well-run company.

if we're comparing the two...suzuki is celebrating it's 50th year in the states and it's millionth gixxer.

many more people will own or ride a suzuki in their lifetime. doesn't that count for something more than "exclusivity" and "T&A"?

"exclusivity" is the antithesis of motorcycling, IMHO.

[MCGMB]

Originally Posted by DavidBanner

if we're comparing the two...suzuki is celebrating it's 50th year in the states and it's millionth gixxer.

many more people will own or ride a suzuki in their lifetime. doesn't that count for something more than "exclusivity" and "T&A"?

"exclusivity" is the antithesis of motorcycling, IMHO.

Motorcyling is intrinsically exclusive -- how many bikes do you see out there compared to cars? Ducati is just more exclusive than others.

I went to the Ducati display and was very impressed. Along with having all their new bikes easily accessible to look at and sit on (some other places -- e.g.Triumph -- were cramped, though Suzuki was very good), the female reps were actively walking around talking to everyone, with tablets in hand collecting feedback (and e-mail addresses). They actually seemed interested in what I had to say --- who knew?! Judging from their new model introductions, it appears they've been listening.

Plus I like espresso.

[EvilClown]

Originally Posted by docgonzo

Hey, did anyone look at the BIKES at the show?

For the record, the little 250 cc street legal dirt bikes by Kawasaki and Honda were pretty decent. Not for enduros, but definitely reasonable for everyday woods riding and urban commuting.

Of course we did.



The other side...



Also thought this one was interesting...



Sorry. The Zero girls were on break when I got to the booth.

Speaking of Kawasaki, the new color on the KLR looked cool...



BTW, great meeting you and your lovely wife this weekend, Doc.

[RedPower]

Originally Posted by wpbarlow

And yet... Ducati keeps beating their sales goals and are growing market share while Suzuki motorcycle was and still may be close to life support.

It ain't all fluff, and they've probably done more development (and delivery on the development) than most, if not all, of the Japanese manufacturers. They've studied and reacted to what the market's wanted-- expanding beyond pure sport bikes, improving reliability, and lengthening service intervals. And they've done this while still keeping their distinctive cachet. It's currently a very smart and well-run company.

Thank You!
Well Said

DavidBanner

21K on a 999
36K on a 1st Gen Hyper
16K on a 1200 Multi
11K on another 1st Gen Hyper
1500 on a Panigale & no failures

Just lots of Gas, Tires & Oil Changes
Sure I've had to the check the valves, but after the intial break-in they've held good.
Only 4 sets of belts & now with the Panigale.....bye, bye belts

They may be a little more $$$ than the Japanese bikes but when most see one there's no mistaking it's a Ducati.
Japanese bikes on the other hand are cookie cutters.

I own an FZ1 also & everyone asks "what is it? Kawasaki? Suzuki?" etc.
15K & counting, the bike has been issue free also, but if it wasn't for the hard hitting powerband, it would have no Character.
That's why I will always own a Ducati
But to each their own.

Here's some "assets" some were looking for

[Detale]

Originally Posted by MCGMB

Motorcyling is intrinsically exclusive -- how many bikes do you see out there compared to cars? Ducati is just more EXPENSIVE than others.

I went to the Ducati display and was very impressed. Along with having all their new bikes easily accessible to look at and sit on (some other places -- e.g.Triumph -- were cramped, though Suzuki was very good), the female reps were actively walking around talking to everyone, with tablets in hand collecting feedback (and e-mail addresses). They actually seemed interested in what I had to say --- who knew?! Judging from their new model introductions, it appears they've been listening.

Plus I like espresso.

It all comes down to money. They cost more so they have more to spend on display space and marketing. Don't get me wrong I like them...alot, but I can't see spending that much on my hobby.

I also wouldn't categorize motorcycling as "exclusive" from what I've seen people who are new to it are welcomed in to the fold and I've been involved in many of the different internal clicks we have (sport bikes, pirates, choppers, vintage, dirtbike guys) Everyone seems pretty cool except for the occasional harley snob. There are more cars on the road because for most people they are more practical and easier to drive.

[MCGMB]

Originally Posted by Detale

It all comes down to money. They cost more so they have more to spend on display space and marketing. Don't get me wrong I like them...alot, but I can't see spending that much on my hobby.

I also wouldn't categorize motorcycling as "exclusive" from what I've seen people who are new to it are welcomed in to the fold and I've been involved in many of the different internal clicks we have (sport bikes, pirates, choppers, vintage, dirtbike guys) Everyone seems pretty cool except for the occasional harley snob. There are more cars on the road because for most people they are more practical and easier to drive.

Agreed, it ALWAYS comes down to money, no matter the brand -- the issue is how you choose to allocate your marketing funds. The Big 4 spends on TV, radio, billboards, internet, social media, race contingencies and so on -- certainly far far more than Ducati does in the aggregate, in the US anyway as far as I can tell. So as a prospective customer, where would I rather see a manufacturer spend their marketing dollars if forced to make a choice -- on TV, radio, etc...OR friendly reps listening to what I have to say, all the while sipping espresso.

I know which I'd choose. Please don't tell me you'd rather watch TV?

[Oilhed]

What I loved about Ducati: naked bike, trellis frame, cool motor and no hi-tech stuff. I guess those days are gone.