Just watching Australian Superbikes, which run Superstock rules ( flashed standard ecu, standard forks with Spring change, standard brakes with changed hoses, pads and discs, standard wheels...you get the picture ) and, yes, you've got it, that old, outdated, non electronic controlled fireblade is leading the pack. Don't you just love an underdog.
Well i hope that they can do better this season as it's been 5 years since a blade won that championship
Sorry I thought you meant Australian superbikes ASBK, that pic is from the Australasian Superbike Championship, part of the Australian FX superbikes lol, its all a bit confusing down there with their split off series
I think the other series is, essentially, like the privateers cup and was won by "Mad" Mike Taylor on a kwak.
Well not to sure as I do it follow it much, WSBK, BSB and MotoGP are my main series, to busy to watch much else But anyway back on topic, I would rather have an SP than the 959 But my next bike wont be either of them
".....bulbous blade." "....showing its age." I cannot remember the last time I read an article that ...... me off so much, as that article in MCN. Meanwhile the 959 was described as "...lust-inducing and utterly brilliant." It is one of those articles that changes the way you look at things, in a different light. And sadly for MCN and Ducati, that paper that cost me £2.20 will cost them my respect and trust.
I had a demo ride on a Panigale, I really didn't like it, got back on my blade and I was smiling ear to ear.
There's nothing new in this attitude. Years ago I read an article, Ducati v Honda, where the Ducati (851) practically fell to bits during the test, bits fell off and the bloody thing boiled, but they still chose the Duke over the Honda. Honda must have been left wondering what they had to do to get praise from this journo. I see in this weeks MCN article they're boasting about being the first journo's to test the Ducati which probably helps explain the bias.
It very well may be.... Have you tested one? It's only one persons opinion.... If you rode it and didn't agree then it's cool. But can hardly think you can hate Ducati for it? Lol Remember the blade has been around for ever.... And as good as it is.... They must of ridden, tracked, toured and tested blades to death so they will always get excited by new machinery that offers something a little different..... Wouldn't get so worked up about it mate. Only a motorbike review
Probably right, but watching them like a hawk ! The fast lust-inducing comment is such a classic, that I have put it on the footer of my comments !! see below !
I learnt my lesson back in 1998 bought one of the 1st R6 on the back of a MCN review and so did my best mate , he got on well with his as used to riding a 250 I hated it ! Rev the tits off it and flighty front end that would tie itself in knots, did the Suzuki school at Mallory on the old dated As they said then 600 sold the latest and greatest game changing bike and bought a GSXR, since then I always test ride , a happy rider is a fast rider
It a purely personal thing with bikes! I mean I could never ever see myself on a Harley! I'm not really into twins, unless they're fit and leggy! I just don't like the sound but that's just me! It does get on my thrupenny bits when a review is so bias but Ducati is all very much about the name and image! It's the Italian thing!!!.. World Ducati Week!!! FFS Need I say more all very Gucci!! I much prefer Honda Fireblade Fortnight at the Isle of Mann TT Beeaawwoooohhh!!!
I suppose this sort of thing comes with the new ownership of Ducati, now they are owned ultimately by VW. They will have benefited from VW's deep pockets, in some way, to help them along. But with it probably comes a ruthless corporate approach to media and product placement. New product, do not be a shrinking violet and hope to get noticed, but get the money and influence working to get it noticed and pushed to the front of the queue. This is the power of massive corporates with big behind the scenes influence, and we are treated as suckers !! In the end they just become less and less credible, and even funny !
No mate, Ducati have long been the darlings of the media. Although I think MCN's article was, as usual, biased not so much for Ducati but against Honda the fact of the matter is that Ducati have upgraded a well selling two year old bike whereas Honda have done little to the blade in eight years.
Me too. There is more to a bike or car than top end speed, or the ability to set the fastest lap time. For me it is the total experience, and the Blade was the one that made me smile the most, and continues to do so.
Well lets face it, bikes are very subjective, what some like other will hate, that's life guys, get over it and enjoy what you do, and as its a Blade forum, I'm guessing thats the blade I love the Suter MMX500, mate hates it, he can't stand 2 stokers, whats gives lol 195bhp and 130kg weight, what's not to love (apart from new pistons at 3k and new crank at 5k lol) oh sorry to go off topic
