Great combination!

[Vitesse]

These posts are all so spot on. I ride an RC51 vtwin that's way faster than I'll ever be able to optimize; also in the stable is VFR 1000R V4 that I can only ride when it's cold (guess where the back two cylinders toast the rider); HD Deuce lowered 2" and dragbars and Vance and Hines pipes; and CB1000 inline 4 with Micron Pipe and smaller (1 tooth) front sprocket Naked Bike.
There isn't one that isn't a total pleasure to wring out (well, the VFR is a handful actually - weak brakes and suspension).
If Ducati made a longer, taller bike I'd be all over it.
And its hard to criticize Alfa's marketing when our US consumer perspective is so vastly different from the European perspective. They have only to perform in Europe right now. Does anyone know the production and registration data for the markets in which Alfa participates? I'm curious as to how effective Alfa really is in Europe. What percent of market do they hold and in what segments? Is the data reported as it is in the US?

[Bill77]

More news from Nascar TV:

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/moto...perbike/35248/

As far as V-twin vs. 4 cyl., maybe it is better to combine engine capacity with RPM capability and think in terms of "cc/minute". From that standpoint, it makes sense to allow V-twin engines to be a bit larger, to put them on par from a "cc/minute" standpoint.

I think that the allowance for V-twins in racing helps to keep thnigs interesting, but then I happen to be a big fan of V-twin Italian motorcycles. I once owned a V-four (Honda VFR) and that bike made great music, too. I doubt Ducati will make a V-four for the street any time soon, but maybe Aprilia will !!! Ooops, out comes my personal bias again....

[Franko]

> how effective Alfa really is in Europe. What percent of market do they hold and in what segments? Is the data reported as it is in the US? <


Really good question, I'm going to try and find out.

Glad to see Bill put "nascar tv". Ain't it a shame? There's plenty of entertaining, ratings-worthy motor-events other than Nascar, and yet we get only stock cars and drag racing. And chopper shows..

Frank

[Sprintn]

Pete,
I see your point that Alfa stuck to the old ways for too long and that Duc may doing the same.

By the way... the 916 is starting to get down there in price... maybe you should start looking agian.?.?

CHeers
Sprintn

[Franko]

Once again I don't want to hijack the forum to discuss bikes, even though they're Italian....BUT

I've been in bikes, particularly Italians, for a long time. I remember the frenzy when the 916 debuted, really quite a mob-scene. Now most anyone can find a good one for around $8K. Still a lotta good bike, if it fits you.

Being employed at a BMW/Ducati/MV dealer I just went through very similar activities heralding the arrival of The 1098. Just amazing unbridled desire on the part of the buyers, and great, organized pride on the factory/dealer side. I believe this will add interest to the "old" 916, so go out there and grab one if you wanted one previously.

> Alfa content>> When I heard about the Alfa/Duc co-sponsorship, I had self-serving thoughts along the lines of "will this add value to my '90 Quad?"

Frank

[Enrico]

http://www.biketestusa.com/Article_P...ArticleID=3382

For me it is no contest. Certainly a Yamaha R6 goes and corners harder, but it doesn't sound like or look like a thoroughbred machine.

[Franko]

Thanks, nice article!

The 749 is the only bike in 30+ years that had my right hand in pain after 45 minutes on the street, but it's definitely happier on a track..

That Triumph is just a sweet setup, backroads or tracks IMHO.

Frank