If Ducati make the Pani-whatjamacallit anything near as good as this mockup from MCN looks, then I might have to seriously re-consider my monogamous relationship with my beloved Blade... One word: SEXY!!!
It's the only bike I would even consider trading the blade in for. Really like the back end. Looks kinda like the RSV4 at the rear.
Ducati's look awesome and are fine as long as you potter around like most owners do. However if you use it for as its meant to be used i.e. 100% commitment on track, the parts wear out prematurelly and the reliability is crap. Blew up the gearbox on my Ducati 1098R at 120mph while downshifting for Druids Bend at Brands Hatch, rear wheel locked up and skidded across the corner into the gravel. Fortunatelly didn't drop the bike. Also went through 4 clutches + clutch baskets in 6,500miles !!! Blew the engine of my Ducati Desmosedici after passing a GSXR1000 at 180mph!!! Would I buy another Ducati, probably not!!! However that's like saying I would never visit a lap dancing club again..............................!!!!
Must say many a rider have made a similar change from something as sorted as a blade to a big thumping twin and regretted it. Had Ducatis since day one myself then moved to the RC8 so kinda used to them but it's easier ten fold to get good results out a blade than it is out a twin/ducati Not to say don't try one cos the sound track can't be beaten but test ride multiple times in all conditions if your not experienced with a twin cos the sex appeal ropes people in way before they realise it's a different riding experience Still, might get one myself if I fit
Think when you get a ride mate you may want to cut down those legs of yours, that 1199 IS going to be a monster twin! Posted on my HTC Sensation with Tapatalk
Have to agree with Rich here although not quite to the lofty heights of his accrued repair bills, my own experience is a bit like the nursery rhyme 'When she was good, she was very very good, but when she was bad, she was horrid. My own worry would be of walking into the dealers waving a cheque already made out to Mr Honda but walking out 10 minutes later with an 848 evo (and I mean walking as the battery would probably be flat).
I don't doubt that, looked at the figures and they look immense, however I'm still not convinced it's going to be big enough for an average Joe let alone a man mountain like me Seen the pics of bayliss riding it and he's swamping the thing and he's no big framed chap. It does get on my tits this, fuck it I'm off to buy a harley Just kidding, sod it, I'll bling up the blade over winter and then take a nosey in the new year.
