Seriously. Let me ask this question - have you ever bought a numbered Ducati bike, like new or used ? (as in the true limited edition bikes that they number) ? If so, you'll understand some of the Ducati ownership experience that this falls under. If not, and you have no intention to ever do it - then you'll always be one of the others that stares at other owned Ducati limited bikes when they show up at stores, meets, etc. If thats the case - then guess what - you aren't their target market. . Their target market is (at current) - 500 people around the world willing to pony up 65K to buy their newest/fastest/lightest bike that they produced. My guess is they will not make much money on this if at all - but most of it will be reaped in the hype and cachet of the bike that it will bring the brand.
But seriously, this bike isn't a commodity item and it isn't a large production bike It's like when Ferrari puts out a crazy car that is limited to x number of cars. Just because you have the production version doesn't make your bike any less of what it is (or you for that matter).
Anyone who is a Ducati enthusiast knew this was coming. Ducati always make a limited edition numbered bike every few years (sometimes two in one year). . The panigale was destined to have one as well (and no the "R" is not it - it was just a mass produced better spec bike). Being critical because of the new model or because its out of ones price range (or willing to pay range) just doesnt make sense... next year (or the year after), there is going to be another bike that will probably be faster/lighter/etc etc as well. . It might be a production model, it might be a limited homologation model, or it might just be a collectors edition model.
