It does look like it in the photo Steve I donno if it's just the angle (slightly looking down) but I'll txt him to check it out I'm gettin a blast on it once he has run it in I'm sure Blade will feel like a barge after being on it! It has a 185/60 on the rear, Dougie says it just falls on it ear and he has never ridden anything that handles so well! But it is tall and very narrow!
Let us know what it's like, especially the suspension trev , take it it's all standard straight out the shop and not been tweaked. Also how much you weigh, and no cheating
Will do mate he has had the full titanium system put on it and was saying there is no need for a PC as there is usb in the tail and you get a pendrive with your map on it so that goes straight to the ecu where it's stored pretty cool stuff! Dougie's about a stone heavier than me and he said it feels hard but he's planning on a suspension set up! I'm about 13st 10 with gear on! Due to muscle mass you understand!....
I must admit I'm really tempted in ether the 899 or the 1199, I have been offered a cracking deal against the blade?..
I checked the chain, ive got about an inch and half of slack so seems fine, it will prob need tightened up in a few hundred miles. So yeah, so far its pretty epic, cant go above 5500rpm for the next 500 miles but im enjoying it still! Brakes are totally epic, its nice to be able to turn off all the rider aids aswel, although I like to keep everything on medium so to speak . Its actually got a longer wheel base than the blade, but yeah it is narrow because it doesnt have a frame, or a fat inline 4 . Its biggest trump card though is defo the handling, its telepathic, ive never ridden anything like it, drop your shoulder a fraction and it turns with loads of grip and feel, its epic. I loved my blade I really did, ive had 2 of them, I honestly cant really compare them because they are so different, but im glad ive tried something new! No niggles so far touch wood! PS - all that hype about how the pani's roast ur nuts I think is exaggerated, its warm at best - perfect for Scotland! Happy riding all!
Remember that when you sit on the bike the suspension compresses and the chain gets tighter, and I'm a heavy bastard so the chain is actually to the mm as per the manual. Well done Ducati! Bet your glad vw bought ur ass lol
I've only one criticism Dougie your avatar has to much Black in it mate a bit of colour would be nice! A touch of Red should do the trick
Went to Italia Moto in Lincoln today, weather and time permitting I'm off for a test ride on a 899 on Monday. Not sure if I can afford it so part of me is hoping I don't like it.
Don't do it, why not buy a new blade save 2k towards track days, new leathers etc... Plus double sided swing arm not a Ducati get a used 1199 if you want to go red,can't beat cubes.....
Missed this thread. I went with the wife to look. Got to the stage where I was going for a test run and if I liked it I would have one. BUT since getting on the blade over the spring I just thought why change. the blades a great bike and I'm happy with it so why change Re selling like hot cakes when I inquired I got all the "these are selling and waiting lists etc..." my reply to them was if I could not get one when I wanted thats no problem. I was in no rush. His face to this was interesting. As I'm not going to get pushing into buying anything because they are selling quick. I would get one when I'm ready Which is not yet
Well I never went. Hayfever did my eyes in big time last night and they were still bad this morning. Will do it though as I think they are the best bike for me out there at the moment. I don't need all the power of a blade or a 1199 and so I'm hoping it suits my style and rides well.
Ive owned a 1199 and couldn't wait to get rid of it, I had it about 6 months and that was enough, great round Silverstone even though it destroyed my back tyre !, but on the roads
I remember that weekend in April Mick gotta say dude you had balls of steel riding on Supercorsas on a brand new Pani in that pouring rain I was on my crappy old daytona and had a whale of a time but yeah gotta say I salute you for that one mate.
