How come everyone is so keen to have a punt at the Fireblade ? It seems the media just hate the thing, because it has not gone along with their electronics game plan yet still looks gorgeous, rides beautifully, took the lap record and win at the Senior TT and still sells very well. The likelihood of me buying a 959 Ducati after this (make sure the Ducati is in front on all the pictures) article is 0%. They can stick it.
I find it best not read/ believe anything written in any of the Bauer media rags due to their obvious bias to German bikes or bikes manufactured by German owned companies.
Old and boring ? Last year some bloke got 8 months in prison for doing 153 mph on Blade, that he took for a test ride in the back roads - wasn't even his bike. John McGuinness 132.7 mph average lap of the TT - not some Go-Kart track surrounded by kitty-litter. Senior TT win including the lap record is massive. Trying to make yourself look better by slagging off the others is a sure way to pi$$ people off. That article has made damn sure that I will never buy one.
I don't think they hate it just stating facts the bikes basically eight years old and not as good as the latest crop of bikes
But what they wouldn't give for the Blade's sales figures ! It still accounts for about 1/3 of all sports bikes sales of 1000 cc and over
I bet the TT winning blade costs a little more than our bog Std one Would ne intersting to put bog Std 1000cc bikes around the TT and see who wins
I'm not knocking them I I'm not knocking them I love my blade but the fact is its an old bike it would be fairer to put it up against a eight yr old r1 or zx10
Paying for my bike on the never never over 4 years so I had the choice of every bike on the market really the difference in monthly payments is tiny when your talking about that many years and high prices. I chose the Fireblade! I rest my case ladies and gents, choices are what makes us human. Bike press is a money making business never forget that!
Me to I rode them all and bought the blade as I felt the most comfortable on , it's the fastest I have ever ridden as the bike is well balanced and great engine delivery, remember when the 899 come out that was the bike you'll ever need! Yet on the road all the ones I have passed don't seam to turn in , all the latest Ducati on track have had ££££££££££ spent on them and hours of development to get them where they are, buy what you like, not someone else's opinion especially MCN same old articles over and over again yawn....yes it might be 5kg lighter but when the rider is 16 stone plus and looks like they are riding a mini moto up there Arse who cares....
Me to I rode them all and bought the blade as I felt the most comfortable on , it's the fastest I have ever ridden as the bike is well balanced and great engine delivery, remember when the 899 come out that was the bike you'll ever need! Yet on the road all the ones I have passed don't seam to turn in , all the latest Ducati on track have had ££££££££££ spent on them and hours of development to get them where they are, buy what you like, not someone else's opinion especially MCN same old articles over and over again yawn....yes it might be 5kg lighter but when the rider is 16 stone plus and looks like they are riding a mini moto up there Arse who cares....
Maybe I am a bit old school but I personally prefer old mechanical grip any day over relying on electronics to give me a false sense of security and to let me know when I have been a muppet, I would rather feel it and know to back off. I will stick with the Blade and when the new one comes out I hope that is not over furnished with nanny state rider aids. Only my opinion.
Well The way tech is going on new bikes, the new blade (if it ever gets here ) will also be full off them, it's the future mate And apart from ABS, I don't see the "nanny" state having much to do with it
That's one very bias motorcycle reviews! I've ridden the 899 and Blade back to back and there is nothing that special about the Ducati! Now I know it's horses for courses but I couldn't wait to get back on my Blade as I found the 899 skittish, narrow and underpowered basically underwhelming and overhyped! or to put is another way SHITE!!! The mags often give the Blade a slating due to the lack of gizmos and now it's the only litre bike on sale without any! But I say it all the better for it
I reckon all this tech is overrated. I once hired a self drive van I climbed in and settled down for a kip. I woke up six hours later still outside the hire centre. So I called out the RAC who were useless they couldn't find anything wrong and I had to steer it while they towed me home.
Just about to go for a spin on my "ugly, low tech, old, slow (186 mph )" motorcycle. Engage Rider modes: bacon sarnie - check can of coke - check look out of window - check Mission status, go.
