Ducati for sale: $1.34 Billion USD

[DogBoy]

I think if some company  that WASN'T Italian bought them, that'd be best -- Ducati seems to throw itself on the merci of the government on a semi-regular basis, but I don't think that will work for a while -- Italy's having a tough time . . ..  

I predict an Indian firm -- imagine the comedic possibilities with Ducati launches once they are owned by Tata.

They were owned by a U.S. Venture Capital firm, The Texas Pacific Group, for over 15 years or so and those years saw Ducati rise from a basically a kit company to a modern manufacturing concern. I don't remember Ducati throwing itself at the Italian government during those years.

[Mike-H]

Probably because it wasn't viewed as an iconic Italian company back then.....as opposed to now

[Royal Tiger]

Fiat would be a natural fit as well.

[Mike-H]

Fiat would be a natural fit as well.

If only (I wish)

[DogBoy]

Probably because it wasn't viewed as an iconic Italian company back then.....as opposed to now

1996-2005?

 

[Meemuh]

Monster Tata's

We can't have those threads on here any more.

[Croak]

Google should buy them, they buy a company a week on average.  And this is way cheaper than Motorola.

[Royal Tiger]

Google should buy them, they buy a company a week on average.  And this is way cheaper than Motorola.

Nothing much to add.  Just wanted to say; Croak the magnet gray Tuono is one of my favorite bikes.  Very nice!  

[Croak]

Thanks, I'm quite fond of it myself.

[Royal Tiger]

Best color ever on the 1st gen Tuono.
 

[boogeyman]

Google should buy them, they buy a company a week on average.  And this is way cheaper than Motorola.

Motorcycles that ride themselves?

[Orson]

Ducatis were already iconic by the mid-1970s, when Cook Nielsen rode one to victory at Daytona. They already had the status of being the best handling mass-produced motorcycles.

If historians had to pick a moment that signaled their downfall, it would have to be when they got whooped by Guzzi's MGS-1 at at Daytona in 2006.

Guzzistis the world over still light a candle every March to mark the anniversary of the thrashing.

[jfurf]

Well Harley does have a lot of experience selling clothing.  Seems Ducati has a somewhat similar model.  They may be a perfect fit for each other.

This would be big news for douchebags everywhere.  

[Royal Tiger]

India has kept Royal Enfield rolling, building exactly what they always have, while making minor modernization tweaks along the way. They're doing just fine. They're the Harley of smaller, non-US builds. Bajaj and Tata are amazingly huge and diverse companies, and have kept India strong in the motor vehicle world, including a ~40% ownership of KTM, and a partnership with Honda that outsells in one year what Honda has sold in the US since Honda America was founded.

I wouldn't count out India at all.

When Royal Enfield can get the logos to line up on both sides of the tank I'll believe you.

[Fun Dog]

As far as China & India?  YUCK!  What a way to kill a classic brand.  Both countries have the quality control of a 7 year old with ADD on a Coco Puffs high.

 That's funny.

[Justin]

Anyone interested in going in 99.999999999999999/0.000000000000001 with me?

[Dan K]

Thanks, I'm quite fond of it myself.

I miss mine.  Also rigged it for commuting, but that ended quick when I decided to keep my FZ1...which was replaced by my Sprint, leading to the Tuono being replaced by my D675...still miss the Tuono...










- Dan

[atadaskew]

When Royal Enfield can get the logos to line up on both sides of the tank I'll believe you.

Yup, the  Royal Enfield Bullet C5 that I test rode was fun in the way anything with 2 wheels and is powered is, but was garbage in every other way.
The US selling price of $6700 is just insane.  Suzuki sells a 650cc cruiser for $5200...
The Enfield looks and feels like it should, maybe, cost $2K new.  I have a feeling that is what it sells for (if that) in India.

[Royal Tiger]

Yup, the  Royal Enfield Bullet C5 that I test rode was fun in the way anything with 2 wheels and is powered is, but was garbage in every other way.
The US selling price of $6700 is just insane.  Suzuki sells a 650cc cruiser for $5200...
The Enfield looks and feels like it should, maybe, cost $2K new.  I have a feeling that is what it sells for (if that) in India.

Excellent post.

I'm sure they are much more "affordable" in other markets.  I wonder why the price gouge?  I think Ural would do better here as well if they were less expensive.

[bomber]

Enfields are less expensive in India (which makes sense) . . . but not a whole lot less expensive -- they are big bikes there, by far the largest semi-commonly seen motorcycles in the country . . . .