For umpteen years manufacturers create different models as a prototype or as artwork to "sniff the climate".
Today it's quite easy with the digital aids. Somehow these photos always get 'leaked' with a somewhat vague blurb using the correct words pointing to a broad new horizon. The hey we're gonna build this is always in the copy. They magically appear on websites such as this and sometimes as a small pic in a web or print magazine. They then sit back with toothpick and read these forums which today are the most cost effective way to reach their customer base. FREE.
Yes, our opinions that we innocently post are the most important covert intelligence they gather.
They get calls from dealers ranging from omygod what is that abomination, or hey that's sorta cool, to when's the release date I want ten of them.
To prove the point about 3-4 years ago there was a well written questionnaire/survey about Ducati clutches seemingly posted by a forum member although I can't recall which forum (s) it was on. An MBA written piece that when digested I could see through as written by someone that has no interest in bikes. Pure marketing was the determinate for it's creation. The kind of sales stuff I do.
It went into the psychological rationale for dry clutches. Click for an answer type questions. I and obviously sufficient others responded sure,,, wet clutches on all except for the top end superbikes. We want our marbles in a coffee can sound. Today we see more wet setups such as the 848.
As to this drop down cruiser thing, it ain't gonna fly. If they are dumb enough to build it it'll sit on the floors and wind up as 0 mile units on ebay within 14 months at prices lower than dealer cost. Nobody will touch it at Ducati prices. That market will buy Japanese and not Ducs. I'm sure, read hope,,, Ducati knows that as their demographics are quite different. Ducati owners pay cash. Cruiser owners have to finance their lunch with the wifes permission.
But again, today it's essentially free for the manufacturer to sniff around. Can't fault DNA for that!