Woah, what a machine!! I had the pleasure of test riding a '13 plate demonstrator from my local Dicati dealer on Saturday. Had the bike for about 3 hours and visited some of my favourite roads on it. I currently have an ABS 2012 blade with almost 20,000 miles on it. Biggest differences for me were: The brakes - absolutely astounding!! I'm sure the earth slowed down a bit when I braked hard?! I've got to say it blows the Honda C-ABS system out of the water in how quickly it stops the bike. Riding position - surprisingly comfortable actually and very ergonomic in how you can 'fit' into the bike. Real easy to hang off too. Not a noticeable difference in weight on my wrists compared to the Blade. Wider bars help the steering input too - it just wants to corner and does it amazingly well with so much ease! Weight - it feels SO light! Flicks easily from side to side and just sitting on it there appears to be a lot less weight (perhaps lower centre of gravity in reality) than the blade. Power - Cor, that thing does shift!! Approach 7-8k rpm and all hell breaks loose!! The noise aswell with the Termignoni system is highly addictive and dare I say it frightening! It thunders along! I'd say the blade would do better with a roll on in 6th but I think the Panigale would be all over it once it came on song. The dash and electronics - what can I say, there's so much to play with. Adjustable ABS, traction control, electronically adjusted suspension, engine braking, power modes, and more! Pulling over and softening up the Ohlins suspension with a few presses of buttons via the dash display and handlebar switches was excellent - the ride went from too stiff and bouncy to firm but compliant, egging me on! The jerky throttle response was less of an issue in '195Hi' mode where the throttle input sees some adjustment. The negatives: Heat soak - I was hot, and it was only 18c on Saturday! As soon as you stop the exhaust heat attacks you, so the few times I sat at lights I was really feeling the heat. Lovely for winter rides... If you've got the balls to take that thing out on cold, slippery roads?! Not a huge issue if the bike is purely for fun Low speed throttle control - it does not like going slowly or filtering! Having to slip the clutch to somewhat smooth the ride out, and on-off throttle was a little snatchy. The Blade wins hands down with how seamless it is transitioning from off throttle to on, and holding a constant slow speed. Finish - stunning visually, until you look closer - panels not clipping together, lack of attention to detail in areas of the fairing finishes let it down a bit. Price - at £20k it's a lot, but then again what it gives you in terms of bike I can almost justify the price in my head. Forged Marchesini wheels, electronic suspension, a bit of bling and Ohlins front and rear bring the S model up by £4k compared to the base model (which I test ride a year ago and was unimpressed with, mostly due to the stuff ride and jerky throttle) All in all I was massively impressed - an epic bike oozing with character. For the first time ever I got back on my blade and felt disappointed... Spongy feeling brakes, heavier feel, just 'too easy' to ride... I never thought I'd say it about my bike, my pride and joy! Still, it's a superb road bike and much more compliant on the road, but will I ever get quite the same thrills compared to the 1199?... I'm unconvinced now :-( Now comes the hard part - what the hell to do?! Sam
Sam, try an r1 with traction, you could get one for 10k Not same league but half the price and bigs of bling, special engine. Till you ride one for 3 hours dont knock it. Not same I know but one to consider
Cheers Alblade. I'm all for riding a variety of bikes as there's such a vast difference out there between each of them. Is that the Big Bang R1 or the new model?
The thing is I'm drawn to the Ducati for the noise and styling more than anything, plus being bonkers to ride!
Thanks for the info Sam, Good write up. I won't go anywhere near a Ducati dealer cos I'm a sucker for bling and nice looking bikes.Yes those Ducks look awesome even the older 1198s.I think I'd keep to the right side of er indoors and keep what I've got.That way I don't miss what I haven't tried.
I had the same feelings coming to the blade and that was only from an 848, brakes were poor,slow turning and not really an inspiring ride. the low down throttle problem is in all the dukes but dropping the gearing makes it a far better tool around town.I rode mine over winter and the heat from the exhaust was great, in summer with leathers I had to stand up off the seat at junctions lol.
You can't beat a bit of Ducati for noise or character. Just be prepared for endless piss taking by jealous types who would really want one but can't afford it. I've had Ducati's since 2008 and it's ceaseless. It amazes me the vitriol that it brings out of some people. It's a motorbike for gods sake, we should all be in it together.
yeah I hand on heart can say there was a bit of an attitude with some when you pulled up on a duke.I was riding a gixer,bmw and a 848 at the same time so I got to see that it wasnt in my head, I even had one guy ask had I ever rode in the rain or was I another cheque book jockey
There are many bikes that could be "better" and more "reliable" the BMW is a GREAT bike and SUPER fast, but the old saying You buy a jap bike with your head and a Ducati with your heart comes to mind. I ride many GREAT flagship bikes and we could argue the ZX10R is a better bike than a S1000RR but few will stir the soul like some of the European bikes, you know it's special when people who have no interest or knowledge of bikes come over in garages to say nice bike etc like they do with Ducati and MV etc. Anyway the blade is the best road going pure power superbike on the road right
Absolutely. I love my Ducati's, but the blade is hard to beat as an all round package. Its astounds me each time I ride it and has me chcukling to myself within my helmet.
I got the blade for the fact I knew I could do the work myself and that it was pretty solid engine and chassis (as I do it myself). when I had the duke it was the initial smile factor everytime I opened the garage and the voice in my head saying "yes you have the brand you admired as a kid". unfortunately I had to part company and that makes it worse as I know what I am missing.I need a lotto win so I can keep the blade for the work horse and a duke for the twisty road blasts.Is the base model panigale really bad? see they are going around 12k now
I think the base model would be more than adequate, however I really like the S and I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person. If I went for the base model I'd always be thinking 'oh I wish I just forked out a little more...' One big showstopper though is insurance... I can't get it much below £2k per year which is far far too much, so it looks like the Blade is likely to stay. I must say I've been enjoying the Blade commuting to and from work this week, and with its new chain and sprocket set it feels silky smooth again. Could hardly straighten a couple of links on the old chain, although 19k miles isn't bad going for a chain on a litre bike... Sam
Is group 17 a sliding scale then? I thought all group 17 bikes would be about the same? £2K is a lot. What does the balde cost you?
Think it just depends on the area, age ncb etc My blade is less to insure than a gixer and more than An 848 where I live.
And not only that group 17 it may be but if you have a 8-10k bike it's not going to be a similar price than a 20k bike. I will be looking and test riding a few bikes next year. 899 being one and I intend not to sell the blade but keep it for the track and get a new road bike. price is a big point but not as important as ho comfy the bike is and feel I get from it And great wright up Sam
And my Classic Ducati is worth 2 of the blade, but it hardly affects the premium at all. I think it upped it by £40
