In regards to the earlier motorcycle/automotive equivalence argument, I am not sure each company has an equivalent, but I think of Ducati as exotic, expensive, and very tied to it's roots - the demodromic valves, v-twin, trellis frame - they are very traditional. I think in this way, they are similar to Porsche and the 911 - the 911 uses an inherently compromised platform, a flat-6 when V8s and larger are in vogue, and up until relatively recently, an aircooled engine.

Would you agree with this assessment?