Are the Stratas days numbered....

AussieHyper · Jun 2, 2015

I've noticed that the Strada doesn't appear to be for sale in some Asian markets and now in Australia, it is shown as 'available by special order' on the dealers pricing sheet.

Could it be that the Strada as a model has numbered days? Maybe in future Ducati will sell the Motorad with a strada kit.....in the same way they have optioned up the Multistrada. ie Touring, GT, Enduro and Sport.

Thoughts?

BelloStrada · Jun 2, 2015

My guess, and it's only a guess, is that like the under 1 litre Monster line, the Hyper will be updated soon with a variety of changes/upgrades/downgrades, the most significant being elimination of the single sided swing arm, along with who knows what else.
With the cost of the Multi being what it is compared to the Hyper, perhaps Ducati will offer an "in between" Hyper with Ohlins suspension a la the Motard SP, with some other goodies thrown in.
The way BMW (as well as KTM) are churning out new models, I doubt the Hyper will go away, but instead the line may be expanded to include a couple of versions, similar to the Monster offerings.
The above opinions are just that. I don't know jack sh*t about the inner workings of marketing and how product designers do their thing. Like I said in my first sentence, I'm just making a WAG.

Cozmo · Jun 2, 2015

As a new guy to this bike I sure hope not. More bike sales equals more aftermarket support and just more support/knowledge in general. This seems to be an already low volume seller, I hope they don't kill it off. Such a fun bike

duc · Jun 2, 2015

From a Ducati rep this past January:

duc said:
...Ducati has full intentions on continuing the Hyperstrada model and the future was all good for the bike.

See the thread here.

appliance821 · Jun 3, 2015

It would be a shame. I do think that if they lowered the price by $1500 - 2000 they would sell a boatload. For $14k you're really only preaching to the converted and, with its unique qualities, there aren't that many. With last year model discounts I see a lot of new buyers.

I think if cross shopped with the triumph xrx and the fj-09 (mt-09) it's a tougher sell now than 2013 when those didn't exist. I don't see it as a $14,000 bike, especially in the US where some characteristics are just not appreciated.

The other thing is that, while mine has been trouble free - there have been specific issues reported. It would be refreshing, and reassuring, if ducati announced a thorough diagnostic in those areas during scheduled services, with an eye towards preventative maintenance. Tricky since digital stuff usually works until it just doesn't but it would indicate that they've got your back. If they sell it at a luxury price - give luxury service.

With the scrambler they're really reaching into the mainstream market. The stuff I get from the salesmen like,"It's more handmade than other bikes..." isn't going to cut it. This market expects reliability and accountability. ie - It should just work.

On the other hand - if more people just got on the damned thing, more people would buy it.

nosequeponer · Jun 3, 2015

the trends in the european markets go to a more trail/touring oriented line (mt09, tiger, even MV has a hyperstrada like bike now) so i think they will continue with this line of products

zippy49 · Jun 3, 2015

appliance821 said:
It would be a shame. I do think that if they lowered the price by $1500 - 2000 they would sell a boatload. For $14k you're really only preaching to the converted and, with its unique qualities, there aren't that many. With last year model discounts I see a lot of new buyers.

I think if cross shopped with the triumph xrx and the fj-09 (mt-09) it's a tougher sell now than 2013 when those didn't exist. I don't see it as a $14,000 bike, especially in the US where some characteristics are just not appreciated.
<snip>

I've sat on an FJ-09 and it felt as big and bulky as a Multi. The Triumph triples just don't turn my crank the way this Desmo twin does! Not to mention that Triumph produces some real boat anchors, speaking as a former owner. You can't say that about anything in the Ducati lineup.

appliance821 · Jun 3, 2015

zippy49 said:
I've sat on an FJ-09 and it felt as big and bulky as a Multi. The Triumph triples just don't turn my crank the way this Desmo twin does! Not to mention that Triumph produces some real boat anchors, speaking as a former owner. You can't say that about anything in the Ducati lineup.

Haven't seen the fj but I agree with your general assessment of the bikes. To me the triumph is massive.

But they will be cross shopped and perceived value will be assessed. Things I value in the strada - compact, minimal, harder edged - may not be fully appreciated if you have to pay extra for it. And at 3k more than the fj it becomes a tough sell.

My comment is based seeing the number of new riders who bought after getting a last year's discount. Set the price at +/- 12k and you have new riders and a nice step up from the scrambler.

gatdammit · Jun 3, 2015

After recently stripping my fuel tank to change plugs, service air filter and wire a tuner, I don't feel cheated on the price at all. I can't say I've been inside the frame of any comparable Asian or Euro bike, but the attention to detail was amazing down in the frame. The wiring plan, plugs and weight saving ideas for mounts and supports was really impressive. Still broke a cheap *** fairing tab buttoning her back up but, I tend to ham fist plastic fasteners like it's my job.

appliance821 · Jun 3, 2015

gatdammit said:
After recently stripping my fuel tank to change plugs, service air filter and wire a tuner, I don't feel cheated on the price at all. I can't say I've been inside the frame of any comparable Asian or Euro bike, but the attention to detail was amazing down in the frame. The wiring plan, plugs and weight saving ideas for mounts and supports was really impressive. Still broke a cheap *** fairing tab buttoning her back up but, I tend to ham fist plastic fasteners like it's my job.

Never mentioned feeling cheated - never thought it. It's a fine machine, unique in its design. Just got off it after a fun little urban ride. Just pondering how they could sell more of them.

I'm sure its manufacturing quality is on par with Euro standards,but not Japanese, and not Honda's for sure, but nothing really is.

Get a spare fuse set, and a 4 mm allen wrench and you're almost ready for anything. I took off the lower fairing bolts with the super special 24mm reach around nut - bike seems fine without them.

Frank Rizzo · Jun 4, 2015

gatdammit said:
After recently stripping my fuel tank to change plugs, service air filter and wire a tuner, I don't feel cheated on the price at all. I can't say I've been inside the frame of any comparable Asian or Euro bike, but the attention to detail was amazing down in the frame. The wiring plan, plugs and weight saving ideas for mounts and supports was really impressive. Still broke a cheap *** fairing tab buttoning her back up but, I tend to ham fist plastic fasteners like it's my job.

I completely agree. In my third year and still a very happy customer.

I've had the issues with the CPU that a lot of us first year purchasers did, think the clutch is a mushy POS, and like everyone else, I'm not in love with the front suspension [although I don't flat out hate it like some]...but, I don't feel that I paid a dime too much for the bike. The engine is so far beyond my expectations it alone makes up for any gripes I might have.

Added plusses are the - I think - pretty amazing balance of comfort and performance, all in a bike that tosses around like a BMX. I mean I can literally ride it all day, bad back and all, and still have a smile on my face.

I like the wheels, think the stock tires are fantastic, like the stock exhaust just fine, the brakes would stop a Mack truck, the looks/styling have gotten nods of approval from Ferrari drivers [not kidding]. Not much to gripe about from my perspective. Do I care if another brand does ___ better? Not in the slightest.

BlueSwede · Jun 4, 2015

appliance821 said:
...

I'm sure its manufacturing quality is on par with Euro standards,but not Japanese, and not Honda's for sure, but nothing really is.

...

Re: Honda and other Japanese brands - Yes, Honda consistency and quality is legend. But, my goodness, their street bikes are boring, to me. I hear you guys that have written about Fireblades/CBR's, but as a buyer these bikes leave me uninterested. If I was looking for just quality and reliability, then, fine. In reality, I ride bikes because it's exciting, so the more exciting the better. I still find inline 4's about as exciting as sewing machines. Even with after-pipes, they sound .. well, almost silly... compared to a good sporting twin. No offence intended for the i-4 afficionados out there... Well, I'll give you this, the cross-plane Yamaha's sound better than the rest...

Jokeshopbeard · Jun 4, 2015

BlueSwede said:
appliance821 said:

...

I'm sure its manufacturing quality is on par with Euro standards,but not Japanese, and not Honda's for sure, but nothing really is.

...

Re: Honda and other Japanese brands - Yes, Honda consistency and quality is legend. But, my goodness, their street bikes are boring, to me. I hear you guys that have written about Fireblades/CBR's, but as a buyer these bikes leave me uninterested. If I was looking for just quality and reliability, then, fine. In reality, I ride bikes because it's exciting, so the more exciting the better. I still find inline 4's about as exciting as sewing machines. Even with after-pipes, they sound .. well, almost silly... compared to a good sporting twin. No offence intended for the i-4 afficionados out there... Well, I'll give you this, the cross-plane Yamaha's sound better than the rest...

Click to expand...

The thing I notice most now I've pulled the Fireblade out of storage is; it's just too damn fast for the roads (at least the roads I spend most of my time on). That in and of itself makes it less fun than the Hyperstrada.

In reality though, I've ridden a lot of different bikes over the last few years, and nothing really felt as much fun as the Hyperstrada, which is why I bought one. I certainly didn't foresee the day I'd move away from Honda as I love their focus on quality, reliability and common sense and I feel very familiar with their products.

Now if the excitement of the 'strada were combined with Honda quality...

BlueSwede · Jun 4, 2015

Yeah, it depends greatly on the roads.. if all there was around here were big sweeping turns and wide interstate highways with no speed limits, or twice the limits we have, well then a bigger bike might be more fun..

As for other and dirtier types of bikes, I'm very intrigued by the new Africa Twin from Honda. If I was getting one more right now, that would be the first one I would try.... hey, it's a twin, even if parallel..

kuksul08 · Jun 4, 2015

I've never felt cheated by the quality of the bike. The Ducati engineers are very creative and put a LOT of work into this bike. But the execution could have been better in some areas. I think the next gen of Ducati's will be even more amazing.

LiamWis · Jun 5, 2015

For Ducati to keep the price they want they need to add proper suspenstion.
If they did, the bike would be great.

Jibbs · Jun 8, 2015

I have owned a street triple and a '13 ZX6R, two bikes that are considered top of the class in their respective roles, and Ive enjoyed my 1 weekend with my strada more than the years I spent with either of those bikes, but I agree it does take a certain kind of mindset to get as much enjoyment out of a bike like this as possible. Namely, you have to fully appreciate the hooligan side of the machine, because I can definitely see someone who doesn't just thinking that it's a meh-worthy sport-tourer...thing.

For me, it's already got me thinking every time I see a field or a trail, "I bet this bike can take that", and it's much more satisfying to ride fast on backroads than either the striple or 636, both of which just felt positively bored doing sane-human speeds.

Now, all that being said, if it was still actually stickered at 14k I dont think I would have bought it. I got mine for 11 and some change as a new '14 leftover. If they lower the price on this down to the 11k range I can see sales going crazy because suddenly its butting in on the 10-12k price point and looking mighty good next to things like the 690 Duke or other 'character' filled bikes at that level, in a much more functional package

Are the Stratas days numbered....

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