Fresh off of the overwhelming success of the Ducati Scrambler->ke4393, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has announced the company’s plans to introduce nine new models at the 2015 EICMA Motorcycle Show->ke3571 in Milan. Some of the new Ducati->ke622 models that are scheduled to be at the EICMA have already been introduced, including the new Monster 1200 R->ke1905. But there are also new models that are being kept under wraps until the show, including two models that will be slotted in segments that Ducati has yet to be in.

The arrival of these two new models is the latest indication of Ducati’s aggressive brand expansion as it tries to attract a group of new motorcyclists to the brand. Having new models in the fold will help in accomplishing that goal, but there’s still that issue of actually having a product that the market will appreciate. Besides, it also depends on what markets Ducati plans on entering. Based on past statements made by Domenicali about Ducati’s plans, a new scooter could be one of the nine new models that will make its debut at EICMA. Ducati could also unveil a new Scrambler variant, or maybe updated versions of the Diavel->ke3688 or Streetfighter->ke3409.

There are a number of different possibilities here and a different directions that Ducati can go as it prepares its motorcycle lineup for 2016. Despite the mysteries surrounding some of these models, what’s clear is that the company is making an all-out push to become bigger and more popular to the mainstream motorcycle market. The days of the company treating itself as an exclusive brand that catered to an select group of riders is fading fast. Ducati’s going mainstream, as it should have a long time ago.

Continue reading to learn more about Ducati's plans for 2016.

Why it matters

I can’t speak for Ducati and say what the company’s plans are for 2016. What I do know, and it’s pretty much an open secret now, is that Ducati wants to expand its reach in the motorcycle industry. It’s not content with sticking to the same old method of catering to a specific group of Ducati buyers, especially in a time wherein a lot of other manufacturers are also in the same boat.

As I’ve said in the past, I’m mostly curious and a little excited about the thought of seeing a Ducati scooter. If Ducati introduces a scooter at the EICMA show, it represents the clearest sign of the company’s intention to become a bigger player in markets where it had no presence at all in the past. A lot of old school Ducati loyalists will spew at the thought of seeing the brand “sell its soul” for the bottom line, but those same people will probably have kids and, maybe even grand kids, who might be interested in a Ducati scooter.

It’s a different time now and the sooner Ducati realizes that remaining niche and exclusive isn’t the most conducive way in growing the brand, the better off it’ll be moving forward. I’m looking forward to see what these nine new models are, especially the two models that will mark Ducati’s first foray into their respective markets. I don’t know what those two models are, but Im confident one of them will be a scooter. As for the other one? My money's on an electric motorcycle.