motorcyclebloggers.com

I have a soft spot for Italian motorcycles (and shotguns) ever since I bought my first Aprilia.  On the one hand you have the Aprilia brand which is struggling to say the least.  Struggling to keep dealers open and sell bikes and struggling to support us owners with much needed OE parts.

On the flipside, Ducati NA seems to be in growth mode.  Not just a couple of years ago, the company was being kicked around by different owners and having its own financial troubles.  Maybe that tide has turned. 

What is even better is their new product line.  The future 1098 and Super ‘tard and the current Monster 1000 have been drawing a lot of interest in the brand.  I am a little surprised that Ducati is doing so well given how awful the current superbike looks - both of them!

All I can say is Bravo!

…from powersportsbusiness.com:

Ducati North America reports a record 2006 Friday January 12, 2007For 2006, Ducati North America sold 8,100 units, which is a 16 percent increase in sales over 2005 and marked another record-setting year for the motorcycle manufacturer. The Desmosedici RR street replica, the 1098 Superbike, the Hypermotard and Troy Bayliss’s championship-winning season in World Superbike spurred the sales growth. The Canadian market led sales growth, with sales up more than 50 percent. Ducati is now one of the two best-selling European motorcycle brands in Canada.

The Monster family led retail sales and the 2007 Monster 695, which began delivery to customers in May, continues to be one of the top selling models. The top-selling Ducati in 2006 was the Monster S2R 1000, which was in its debut year. Ducati motorcycle-related products 2006 revenue increased more than 40 percent in the clothing business and 25 percent in accessories.