I don't think that any models like this one are geared to the US market, which is totally different market. IN Europe, bikes are basic transportation (what a concept!). The parking lot at the parking terminal in Venice, Italy, has more bikes parked there on any given day than I see in an entire day of riding in LA. It's a bit like the Rock store on Sunday, and we are talking VENICE, the one with canals! Go to any mid or large size Italian city and you'll see what I mean. Friends of mine who are professionals (investment consultants, doctors, university professors) back in Italy have scooters because they can get through traffic and park easily (and gas is at 1.22 euros A LITER, a euro is about 1.2 dollars, you do the math...). For that kind of use you can't beat a scooter with its storage, relaxed riding position. etc. I owned a Vespa P200 (200 cc, 2 stroke) and in that environment it was a great ride, much better than a Ducati 999 would be.
The point is that here we are in a different environment and the market is very different. Aprilia, for example, lives and dies with its scooter line. The tuono, mille, etc. are more for prestige, the bucks come from scooters.