Patent application submitted suggest that Ferrari may be considering producing a motorcycle, The patent covers the design of an “internal combustion engine having two cylinders, which are arranged in a ‘V’ configuration.” Ferrari has also filed a trademark application for the name ‘Cavallino’ (pony in Italian) for use on a vehicle without precision of type, car or motorcycle.
This interest for motorcycles may be correlated to Fiat Chrysler Automobile Group (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne’s intention to maximize the use of the Ferrari brand to benefit the development and growth of FCA. The Ferrari brand has strong international appeal and if a motorcycle were to be produced it would offer an alternative to Audi’s owned Ducati motorcycles.
Very Interesting
Cavallino is first and foremost a town in Italy – Who’s coat of arms is a ‘ Horse ‘ – from which a famous Italian WWI Ace came from – who’s family gave the crest’s use to Enzo for his Cavallino Rampante racing stable – Which was later used for his Ferrari automobiles when he struck off on his own – Therefore ; Defining the word cavallino as ‘ pony ‘ is a little used slang in Italy – And guaranteed ‘ Pony ‘ aint the word Enzo had in mind ! Its a town ! Who’s symbol is a ‘ Horse ‘
FYI ; The reason FCA is considering making motorcycles is because Marchionne has a severe case of VW-Audi and BMW envy added to the fact that Audi beat then FIAT to the punch in buying Ducati
I’d be more interested if we find out they’re going to compete with Ducati and mass produce very nice 20k dollar bikes. If they’re going to make 100 hand made 150k dollar collector’s items…not so intereted.
Agree with BobS here.
If Ferrari – that btw has a severe case of FIAT – has half a brain cell left, no guarantee after the old man himself has gone to join the big race in the sky, it would mop up BIMOTA and make the FERRARI BIMOTA.
Nothing wrong with DUCATI as matters stand – I am (for one) a huge fan of the new Scrmabler; the de facto leader of the production “retro cafe” clan, as the Sport Classic was, only better looking.
The real question in the Superbike category (assuming Ferrari will aim at this sector) – nobody has a price competitive alternative for the Japanese machines. Who ever can clinch this ‘title’ will make real revenue – the only entity with the cognitive- and capital wherewithal is Audi/Ducati.
There are many high end exclusive motorcycles to choose from. Will the market stand another ?
Who knows and many will not care except Rich middle aged blokes who will not probably have the skills or testosterone to ride a Prancing Horse to it’s full potential.
Envy may not be a good reason to build a Motorcycle.
What next McLaren ? It is amazing that even in these tough times emotion can over rule the ledger.
Hope it is a brilliant bike and adds to the texture of Motorcycling.
Sounds like another exclusive bike for Jay Leno’s garage.
The Ducati comparison is always made when speaking of Ferrari. But remember, the “F” in F4 from MV Agusta stands for Ferrari as they helped develop that motor. So, in essence, a Ferrari motorcycle already exists although to the masses it will never be a Ferrari unless it’s red and emblazoned with the Prancing Horse badge.
Nevertheless, MV Agusta’s modern record in racing cannot remotely compare to Ducati. So if Ferrari creates its own bike and seriously races it in Moto GP then I suspect there would always be a market for its street derivatives.
It takes a 1/4 of a million dollars to build a car that is as fast as a $12K Hayabusa, I wonder how much a Ferrari motorcycle will be? Not knocking Ferrari just curious where this will go?
@SIGFREED – “nobody has a price competitive alternative for the Japanese machines”
For 2014, BMW’s S1000 RR is priced competitively with the Japanese liter bikes. And, to your point, they have made real revenue. Many journalists rave about the BMW over the similar Japanese bikes.
Yamaha R1 ($14,300) vs. BMW S100RR ($15,150) vs. Honda CBR 1000 ($14,000) vs. Kawi ($14,300)
@James Kiwi – “tough times” ? The motorcycle industry has been back for a while judging by the # of new models introduced across a wide variety of genres.
@JZ – no one will race in Moto GP with just 2 cylinders, not even Ducati. Their GP bike is a v4
It would be interesting to see what they come out with?
High end or a “normal” priced bike
Hi tech “toys”, definitely !!!!
The market will decide like it always does
Will easily find a market with every Super Car (regardless of marque) owner around the world, the higher the price the better!