Do We Need an 848S or 848R?

I've gotten three e-mails in the past week asking if there is going to be an 848S or 848R model for 2010.  Ducati's position ever since the launch of the 848 was that this model is already spec'd similar to the prior 749S model, it already has the high-comp motor, the high-lift cams, light crank/flywheel, etc.  The 848 already has a higher power-to-weight ratio than the 999 had!  I remember at the original 848 launch event, the comment from Ducati was "any customer wanting an upgraded 848 can easily create one just with a few purchases out of the Ducati Performance catalog." In order to fit an 848S into the lineup, they would have to "downgrade" the 848 by softening the engine and putting on a Sachs shock and cheaper wheels to be a $11,995 bike, and then put the stuff back in, plus a damper and maybe the Ti-Oxide Showa forks and monoblocks from the 1198, and it's a $15,495 848S bike. Really the only place to go from here is an 848R, which would only be produced if Ducati goes racing with the bike, just like the prior 749R, and that would get Ohlins, 1198R TTX shock and linkage, Ohlins damper, probably more power and it's probably a $19,995 bike. I really don't think there's room for that many models any more, the one that I think is missing is the lower-spec, $10,995 air-cooled fully-faired sport bike (new SuperSport) to give a more entry-level Ducati sport bike option.  Don't hold your breath for an 848S or 848R any time soon, just bolt on a couple of upgrades and make your 848 into whatever you want!  We can provide examples if necessary, just look into our race trailer and you'll see what I'm talking about!