Ducati-Davidson?

The latest topic making the rounds is that Harley-Davidson might acquire Ducati.   Now that’s an interesting concept.  I can envision a few things already…

• A new marketing slogan:  Loud clutches save lives.
• A cruiser with the Harley look and a Ducati engine (the Impasta?).
• Sportbikes with tank profiles designed to clear beer bellies.
• The Desmo-Glide, or maybe the Monster-Glide, or perhaps even the Duckster.
• The Fat Boy, the Low Rider, and now, the Meatball (you  know, to counter that other V-twin company’s 8-Ball model).

And on and it on it goes.

It’s probably a good thing from a marketing perspective.   Harley needs to pull in a younger crowd to assure their long term survival, and Ducati having access to Harley showrooms can’t be a bad thing.  Here’s another thought:  Harley needs new technology to counter Indian’s flat trackers, and a Ducati-engined flat track bike might be just the thing for the Springfield mile.   And it certainly opens up a whole new range of T-shirt possibilities.   Will we see a new range of carbon fiber doodads for Harleys, or a wave of chrome plated parts for Ducatis?  Will Ducatis incorporate technology to shut down the rear cylinder at speeds below 120 mph?  Will racing leathers now come with fringe and conchos?

This is going to be fun.