Why are Ducatis more popular than Guzzi's?

[oldbike54]

 Paul Smart winning the Imola 200 6 years before Hailwood won at the IOM didn't hurt .

 Dusty

[Tusayan]

Paul Smart winning the Imola 200 6 years before Hailwood won at the IOM didn't hurt .

 Dusty

Both are important historically but were irrelevant to the market by the early-mid 80s when effective Japanese sport bikes came out and Ducati was almost dead, selling 1500 bikes a year and Government owned.  The reason that is not the case now is Cagiva (CRC), the desmoquattro engine, 1990s Superbike racing, Carl Fogerty etc.  by the late 90s Ducati was selling 60,000 bikes a year and they have never looked back in terms of sales.

[stormshearon]

I have a limited knowledge set, only having owned two Guzzis and two Ducatis. I traded my last Guzzi, and very nice, well sorted 2015 Stelvio in on my current Ducati Multistrada 950. The duck is 150 pounds lighter, which at my age (67) counts for a lot. The ride by wire and the riding modes that go with it are big pluses for the Duck. Fuel economy is better on the Duck. THe Duck does not vibrate like an industrial paint shaker. The Stevio had a much better seat. If Idrop the Duck, there is a decent chance I can get it back on its wheels myself - not so with the Stelvio.

The Stelvio was a really good bike, despite the weight and vibration. The Duck is lighter, quicker and more of a blast to ride - and the Stelvio was no slouch. THe Duck is way more sexy - at least in my exprience as it is the only bike I have ever owned that elicited favorable commentary from persons of the female persuasion. Maintenance is higher on the Duck  if you have the valve adjustments done by the dealer, but it is doable by a decent home mechanic if you take your time and there is a ton of assistance on the web and good videos of the process.

[stormshearon]

Oh - and I just rememberd. There are a lot of old pharts riding Ducks. Maybe the demographic is slightly less aged than the Guzzi folks, but not by much. But the Guzzi folks ride a heck of lot more mileage. Seems a bunch of the other folks have multiple Ducatis, but don't accumalate a bunch of miles on any of them.

[LowRyter]

        They're equally popular at my house

           



             Paul B

       

           

OK, I'm 2:1 Guzzi but my Guzzi criticism remains.  My new bike is a Duc

[blu guzz]

my son has whatever the high horsepower multistrada was in 2011. with hoses going everywhere and flat paint, i think it is as ugly as home made sin.  it is fast as hell, but very nervous, like a thoroughbred horse that hates being held back.  if you hit a bump and you hand jiggles, you will gain 5 mph and then overcorrect so it is jerky. the suspension is electrically adjustable and is real nice except he has some electrical gremlins.  it uses michelin pilot road 5s and is a standard fitment to most sport bikes and sport tourers, so a plus for finding tires as long as you don't care about the on road-off road type of tires.  the seat leans forward slightly pushing your junk into the tank, this with a sargent seat and the seating area allows no shifting.  wind coverage with a cal sci shield is pretty good. so, i let him ride the new v85.  he is 32, so finally has some sense.  he loved the perfect fueling and the totally relaxing riding feeling.  when he is behind me, i often see him stretching his legs down.  i think if he rides mine a few more times, he may head to enzo's  to see about a trade.  after all, power like that is fun the first dozen times you roll your eyeballs back, but when you are going 400-500 miles in a day, its not everything.  only one small comparo, on the whole i love the look of the slightly older air cooled ducati sportbikes 898, 900ss, 916, even the paso, the monster with its air cooled beauty hanging proud for all to see.  kind of what i like about the guzzi too, air cooled in the breeze. there are cool looking guzzis from days gone by as well.  good discussion.

[LowRyter]

Blu, consider:

950 Multistrada

[drbone641]

Ducati is more “popular”, in my humble opinion,because of the introduction of the Multistrada. It sold more Ducks than anything ever had. That kept the dealer network in good shape and gave them momentum to build on their offerings. Guzzi May have their own Multi in the V85, however the dealer network is much, much worse than Ducati’s.
As for the twitchy suspension of the 2011, it is much less capable than the air cool 1100S with fully adjustable Ohlins

[TodkaVonic]

I don't wish to rub salt into the wound, but, seriously, this thread is like an exercise in masochism. Why is Porsche popular? I mean we here at Volkswagen make German cars too? Why do so many people buy Porsche's? Is because they're, by and large, lighter, faster, sexier, as reliable, sexier (yeah, I said sexier twice), and have a terrific dealer network, is that it? Did I get it right? Are those the reasons? Why so many people buy them? Are those...the...re... .sons....?

Jeeesus.

[Huzo]

Ducati is more “popular”, in my humble opinion,because of the introduction of the Multistrada. It sold more Ducks than anything ever had. That kept the dealer network in good shape and gave them momentum to build on their offerings. Guzzi May have their own Multi in the V85, however the dealer network is much, much worse than Ducati’s.
As for the twitchy suspension of the 2011, it is much less capable than the air cool 1100S with fully adjustable Ohlins

I reckon the Monster could/should share some of that kudos....No ?

[stubbie]

I'd think It would be that Ducati is more prominent in the public arena than Guzzi. Just turn on your TV any weekend and you'll see The World Super Bike ChampionShips, Moto GP just to name 2. And who features prominently on these 2 events, not Moto Guzzi.

[Devildog]

Guzzis can be really sexy too.

[Tusayan]

Guzzis can be really sexy too.

He seemed to think so... 





(She’d be not much short of 70 now, wonder whether she’s still as smokin’ hot as the Le Mans?)

[fotoguzzi]

I'd think It would be that Ducati is more prominent in the public arena than Guzzi. Just turn on your TV any weekend and you'll see The World Super Bike ChampionShips, Moto GP just to name 2. And who features prominently on these 2 events, not Moto Guzzi.

what tv channel can you see this on? I can only find WSB on premium channels that cost extra and BEin Tv with MotoGP is not even on directv. If wsb is on directv, what channel?

[Tusayan]

I don't wish to rub salt into the wound, but, seriously, this thread is like an exercise in masochism. Why is Porsche popular? I mean we here at Volkswagen make German cars too? Why do so many people buy Porsche's? Is because they're, by and large, lighter, faster, sexier, as reliable, sexier (yeah, I said sexier twice), and have a terrific dealer network, is that it? Did I get it right? Are those the reasons? Why so many people buy them? Are those...the...re... .sons....?

Jeeesus.

VW makes Porsches.  VW makes Ducatis.  None of the three are very sexy to me in 2019.   One of them was once quite sexy... Guess which one.

[Huzo]

See, not long ago we saw that Guzzi eschewed the trend towards chasing increased sales by subliminal and/or overt displays of T & A.
Personally if two supermodels were together swapping lipstick on a Guzzi in a compromising position acting provocatively, it would not have one ounce of bearing as to whether I bought the bike or not..
But.
When you see a scarcely clad young  lady with strategically placed back lighting, drawing your attention to the contact patch between herself and the seat of the bike, then compare that to Ewan Mc Gregor staring wistfully into the distance pondering how much he has to give to his (now estranged) wife...?
You can see which one will grab the attention of the young male would be owner.
Point is..
Guzzi will need to do more than build good bikes. They need to build bikes they can sell that are also...good bikes.
To do that they will need to get into bed with Bennetton or similar and sell accessories for new young owners so they don’t instantly look like old farts.
And get hold of the guy that looked after Triumph’s PR.
In a previous post some guy said, “ you pickup more chicks on a Ducati”, lamentably I think he’s right. There is something that draws the cashed up young computer geek to a Ducati and not a Guzzi. Guzzies don’t look “ modern”.
Regrettably, as it stands at present, I think the demographic that drifts this way, have already cleaned up the mess from their 40th birthday party, and decide they’d like a “ nice old man’s bike that’s all day comfortable””
It’ll need to change.
The new Le Mans will need to kick butt.
Guzzi may not be able to pull a rabbit out of a hat !
But with a bit of effort..a hare out of their arse...?
Or all they’ll do for the next 99 years is sell IC engined and electric bikes to old blokes in the twilight of their motorcycling careers...(like me.. )

[oldbike54]

I reckon the Monster could/should share some of that kudos....No ?

 The scrambler sold in large numbers also .

 Sorry , that Multistrada thing is one ugly motorbike . Gak 

 Dusty

[fotoguzzi]

There is something that draws the cashed up young computer geek to a Ducati and not a Guzzi. Guzzies don’t look “ modern”

[SmithSwede]

Not sure I can answer the popularity question or speak to the more modern Ducatis.    But I will say that my 2013 small block V7 Guzzi has been, beyond question, my all time favorite bike for 6 years now. That is, until I got an old 1996 2 valve 900SS.   That Ducati just keeps growing on me.  The more I ride it the more I like it.  Might knock Guzzi out of #1 at some point.    Not very modern—air cooled, carbs, no ABS.   

The Guzzi is charming and engaging all day, in a sweet and gentle way. The Ducati is considerably more engaging; almost brutally visceral.  Overall handling of the Ducati is very much better, as are brakes and engine power.   It feels noticeable lighter. 

Too early to have an opinion as to comparative reliability. 

I think both the Guzzi and Ducati are exceptionally beautiful machines.  Exposed air cooled engines, honest, purposeful design, no extraneous plastic and gee-gaws.   

[Knuckle Dragger]

I've always considered Ducatis to be sportier, & Guzzis classier, than each other. 

[jacksonracingcomau]

Looking at the question there is only one correct answer

Dick’s Lexia

Of course Guzzis would be more popular than Ducati’s

Plural beats possessive, just a numbers game

[JohninVT]

In the eyes of the unwashed masses, Ducati is an aspirational brand.  Guzzi is not.  Like Harley, Ducati is an iconic brand that non-motorcyclists recognize. 

I get lots of comments about my 1400 but about half of them come from people who have never heard of Guzzi.  When I had my ‘93 900SS, EVERYONE knew it was a Ducati.  One of the reasons I sold it was the attention it drew. 

[earemike]

Timing & little luck

Imola 1972 & Paul Smart (Ducati didn’t expect to win), Paul commented in an interview how trick Jack Findlay’s Guzzi was but that’s racing...

Move forward to 1987 & the Daytona was looking good but they were having trouble finding the right alloy for the head, meanwhile Ducati released the 851 & Guzzi missed the boat. Shame really as the 1288 race engines were pushing over 140hp.

The LM3 was hugely popular but what did Guzzi follow with? 949cc & not much more. I love the Tonti framed bikes but when other manufacturers keep dropping new models more different from previous models where is the average punter going to drop their money?

When the Americans took over & updated the slab sided bikes they had had solid market share.

Oh & they couldn’t afford Hailwood who was positive about the V7 sport?

[blu guzz]

I am with Smith.  The Ducati is the girl you don't take home to meet Mama.  The Guzzi is the girl you marry. 
I think what I was saying is that the Duck makes demands on you and the Guzzi just takes care of business.

[john fish]

At my last bike meet, I let a couple young guys ride my '00 V11 Sport.  2 didn't like it-- their opinion was that it was an "interesting bike that occasionally tries to kill you."  The third thought that it had "character".  He may have just been being polite.

Now, if I had put them out on  one of those beautiful Duc 900's with that 2 valve air cooled engine, they probably would have fallen in love.  The Ducati is lighter, handles better, and has an amazing engine (one of the best of all time, imo).

I can't blame them.  The fact is that Ducatis work better from a rider's point of view.  Guzzis are tractors for those of us who like tractors and their durability and big honkin' metal bits.  And it's fun to rail around on a tractor sometime. 

Edit:  One of the things that I liked about the new V85tt during my test ride is that some of the tractor like qualities had been toned down a bit.  It's smoother than most Geese.  Kinda like a Duc.

[kingoffleece]

The press plays a part, too.  Bikes in general, and Ducati in particular, are rewarded with high ratings as the horse power goes up.
I tend to keep all my motorcycle magazines, much to the displeasure of my wife, for years.  Looking back at times at the reviews of the same model of bike reviews really shows that what was "unbelievable performance and all that" is "the old bike this replaces had XYZ faults addressed in the NEW bike" ad nauseum.

Having had the privilege of following some very accomplished riders I'm always aware how much the rider means to the equation as opposed to the bike.  At least as interesting is that riding with these folks made me take plenty of training to up my game so as to be able to maintain contact with the group.  Goal achieved, and suddenly it no longer had the satisfaction expected.  But that's personal.  The point is, as so many hunters know, "it's the gunner, not the gun".  Geez, did I digress or what?

As an aside, if any of you snowmobile, which I'm sure some do, it's very similar to biking in that the highest horsepower sled with the latest race replica details is "always best in the shootouts".  I recall being in the UP of Michigan with several others, one of which was a professional motocross racer.  he had a 440 fan cooled sled-about like having a V7 and everyone else on the 140bhp plus bikes-in the sled world.  I got a chance to ride this machine and could not believe how this man could be SO FAR ahead of all the rest of us, including some very talented amateur local racers.  There's a point here somewhere.......... ...

[Rough Edge racing]

 From what I read 2/3 of Ducati sales were and maybe still are Monsters...Take a ride on a Ducati, if you can't figure out why so many riders like them, you might want to check to see if you have a pulse....

[Kev m]

When I answered THE MONSTER earlier it was specifically because that is the bike whose sales they rode to much higher production numbers. Since then the Multi and the Scramblers have contributed to growth as well, but it was the Monster that got it started.

Edit:  One of the things that I liked about the new V85tt during my test ride is that some of the tractor like qualities had been toned down a bit.  It's smoother than most Geese.  Kinda like a Duc.

I keep saying this. If there's a sliding scale between an old fashioned Guzzi big block (one end) and a modern Duc (other end) the V85 has slid closer to the Duc than any Guzzi before it. This is going to be positive for a lot of people, though it probably isn't so for me. But that doesn't mean I don't think it's a good idea for Guzzi. Especially if they do both, continue models that are closer to the Guzzi end of the scale while developing models closer to the Duc end of the scale.

[jpv7]

Not sure I can answer the popularity question or speak to the more modern Ducatis.    But I will say that my 2013 small block V7 Guzzi has been, beyond question, my all time favorite bike for 6 years now. That is, until I got an old 1996 2 valve 900SS.   That Ducati just keeps growing on me.  The more I ride it the more I like it.  Might knock Guzzi out of #1 at some point.    Not very modern—air cooled, carbs, no ABS.   

The Guzzi is charming and engaging all day, in a sweet and gentle way. The Ducati is considerably more engaging; almost brutally visceral.  Overall handling of the Ducati is very much better, as are brakes and engine power.   It feels noticeable lighter. 

Too early to have an opinion as to comparative reliability. 

I think both the Guzzi and Ducati are exceptionally beautiful machines.  Exposed air cooled engines, honest, purposeful design, no extraneous plastic and gee-gaws.

Having owned both a '97 900ss like yours, and a V7ii, I understand completely.  A '90s era Ducati is sort of like a modern Guzzi.  Both need a little sorting out to make them mine.  The '97 Ducati needed a few of its electrical connections sorted (like regulator and alternator) and the Guzzi had an oil leak from the alternator cover, plug wires, etc...It's really not fair to compare them from a performance standpoint, as the 900SS/SP model I had was equipped with fully adjustable Showa, and the V7 with junk basically.  The 900 on a tight twisty road is magical.  I miss that and will probably get another.  While looks are subjective, the later, fuel injected Terblance versions worked even better. 

[SmithSwede]

Now, if I had put them out on  one of those beautiful Duc 900's with that 2 valve air cooled engine, they probably would have fallen in love.  The Ducati is lighter, handles better, and has an amazing engine (one of the best of all time, imo).

Correct.  That old 2 valve Duck engine is not the most powerful, rip-snorting motor ever made, but it is absolutely enchanting.

I was surprised how often people would walk up and comment on my Guzzi.  Well, that has been nothing compared to the Ducati. 

My only complaint about the Ducati so far is that Dusty invokes some kind of obscure “noise ordinance” and requires me to shut off the Ducati engine when I’m 1000 feet from the Cedar Vale pavilion.   I think he’s just jealous of that dry clutch symphony.