There are worries that “Dieselgate” will have an effect on all the makes in the mighty Volkswagen Group, which includes Italy-based Lamborghini and the same Ducati. But Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali, at the unveiling of the new Monster 1200 R, said the case will not have an effect on the expected eight new models that will be unveiled at the EICMA show in November. But the Volkswagen Group is expected to cut heavily on long-term investments for all makes. VW might even have to kill the new edition of its flagship Phaeton luxury sedan and other models. At EICMA, I have a strong suspicion that Ducati will make a second attempt at building an exclusive super plush luxury-touring bike along the lines of the Harley-Davidson FL models. This, some may recall, is not the first time Ducati has developed a “Ducatiglide.” In 1964, US importers Joe and Mike Berliner asked for one, and the legendary Doctor Fabio Taglioni responded by giving life to what at the time was the most impressive touring bike ever: the Apollo prototype. This Ducati essentially duplicated the style of the Harley Electraglide, but featured a 90-degree 1270cc V-4 with 100-plus horsepower. At the time, this would have outclassed the performance of Milwaukee’s 45-degree 1200cc V-twin. 
The Apollo never went into production, but the genes have remained embedded in Ducati’s DNA, because Bolognese factory is at it again. This time, the power will come from a 90-degree V-twin, a new development of the eternal 1198, the engine for all seasons. While I have no definite information of the displacement, I expect it to be somewhere between 1250 and 1300cc. My guess is for a displacement increase coming from a slightly longer stroke, since there is not much meat left in the crankcase for a bore increase beyond the present 106mm. To achieve a displacement in the region of 1250 to 1300cc by boring, the present 1198 crankcase should be substantially beefed up, which would require a substantial monetary investment. We all know that’s not likely in the current climate. Also, this new “Ducatiglide” (or should I call it “Desmoglide” given the desmo four –valve arrangement) will be more about torque than horsepower. And the stroked 1198 undoubtedly will deliver plenty of grunt. High revs are out of question, so even with a less than optimal stroke-to-conrod size ratio, secondary imbalance vibrations will be marginal. At this stage, if Ducati wanted an even bigger V-twin, it would be more logical to invest in the development of a stroked Panigale 1299, a true state-of-the-art design. That would be an unbeatable engine. Your thoughts, please: Would you like to see Ducati build this new “Ducatiglide?” 
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