Had my trusty Blade serviced last week. While it was being pampered I took out a 959. Absolutely loved it, always wanted a Ducati. You have to ride it like you stole it, its a full on head down, arse in the air rocket ship. It handled great, sounded great, looked great. But could I live with it? Maybe not. I did some of the same bit of road when I got got the Blade back, riding at serious jail inducing speeds the Blade did not want to spit me off and felt planted and secure. Ok so maybe the 959 is great for a dirty weekend but would you marry it... not sure! Actually you might, at least get one for the weekend....
I've been considering this as a swap instead of going to one of the new litre bikes, as I really don't need 190+ bhp on the road. I do commute on the Blade throughout the summer though and I'm guessing the 959 will be similar to the Mille I used to own; heavy on the wrists and not a fantastically usable 1st & 2nd gear in traffic. I think I might have to test ride one just to see though.
I felt the same about the Panagali I rode a few weeks ago Great fun for a hour hooning about but I could not live with it, it was just hard work at slow speeds and torture in traffic, it felt very agricultural compared to the new blade. It did look great though
For me personally, not convinced it would be the best choice for trips abroad, although probably very good for local hooning about on. The Blade can be ridden head down across Europe to the races - no bother at all - next month packing the luggage on to the Blade to take to the TT - not sure this thing is in he same league as the Blade for trips like that. But if you are not bothered abut doing trips away then it might be fine ! That was my thinking anyway.
Never rode mine on the road but makes a great bike on track. tbh id seriously consider one on the road, they are deceptively quick, handle awesome and great brakes. be warned - aftermarket parts are ferociously expensive, and they are a complete cnut to work on. sounds awesome and sexy as tho
Test rode a Panigale a few years ago. After a bit couldn't wait to get back to the dealers. Getting back on the Blade to ride home felt like I had lost a fiver then found a £20 note.
I rode a 1098 when they first came out around 2008 and I didn't get far down the road before saying f-ck this it was awful and have never been tempted back, sure they have come on a fair bit since 2008 but just can't do it.
Tried one last week Very light to throw about, sounded great when wound up Pegs felt better spaced for leg room as slighter further back Bars surprised me, reach felt easier than blade Main thing, Tank felt too small and couldnt get me longs legs comfy round tank shape Had to pull stand down with my hand couldnt get in with boot Found it hard work at slow speed Superb for 10% of the time average for 40% and shit 50% Like said i jumped back on blade and felt like a comfy slipper Was gonna try a 1299 but only 1-2 left nationally and no more planned until new Pana comes out in 2018
My local dealer has a couple of 1299's and said he could get 6 more But you haven missed much, sounds from your experience its very similar to the 959
I watched that a few minutes ago, the Supersport seems to review well. For me, I think they've overpriced it by a grand or so though.
