Fireblade out, 848 in?
Discussion
So my 'fleet' comprises of a 98 Fireblade that's pretty minty mint, standard apart from Maxton suspension front and back and generally fettled to behave exactly as it should, and a 2000 VFR 800 that's super low mileage, very neutral and nice to ride, and a pleasant thing to run about on.
My mind is telling me I fancy something a bit more 'exotic' and I've been pondering something like a Ducati 848 to replace the Blade. Things I love about the Blade is its practicality and relative comfort, and the fact that for a 24 year old it's put together really well and well engineered.
It does, of course, ride very well in the context of a late nineties bike, but I'm getting pangs for something a bit more exciting.. I'm handy enough to not be intimidated by looking after a Ducati, so that part of the consideration isn't an issue.
What do people think? Stupid idea? I've not ridden a Ducati - and plan to put that right soon by having a go on something - but would be interested to hear people's views/experiences.
My mind is telling me I fancy something a bit more 'exotic' and I've been pondering something like a Ducati 848 to replace the Blade. Things I love about the Blade is its practicality and relative comfort, and the fact that for a 24 year old it's put together really well and well engineered.
It does, of course, ride very well in the context of a late nineties bike, but I'm getting pangs for something a bit more exciting.. I'm handy enough to not be intimidated by looking after a Ducati, so that part of the consideration isn't an issue.
What do people think? Stupid idea? I've not ridden a Ducati - and plan to put that right soon by having a go on something - but would be interested to hear people's views/experiences.
848 is a great bike but you won't be gaining a lot power wise, it won't be anywhere near as comfy, they are far more weighted onto the wrists than the Blade, they won't attract attention the way a nice Blade does, they are still in 'its a Ducati from a few generations ago' rather than a modern classic like your Blade.
I'd say to make the move worthwhile you need to go 1098 and at least get some shove to go with the looks .....
Not sure it will be game changing from an ownership perspective ..
I'd say to make the move worthwhile you need to go 1098 and at least get some shove to go with the looks .....
Not sure it will be game changing from an ownership perspective ..
I think the 848 will have around 20bhp more over a '98 Blade, but I'm guessing it'll be the torque from the twin will be the big noticeable difference, and that lump of torque will be lower down in the revs.
Dibs is right that the 848 will be heavy on the wrists by comparison, it'll feel tiny by comparison also. If you could stretch to a 1098 then I think you'll really feel the difference as you'll be sat on a 160bhp rocketship with the same ergos as the 848.
Modern Ducati's don't have any major issues if maintained, so I wouldn't worry too much, belts every two years, desmo service probably every 7500 miles from memory.
It's a big twin and you'll probably try and wind it all the way up to the red line which will be a lot lower than your Blade, but max power won't be at the top of the revs, plus the clutch will be horrible by comparison.
Dibs is right that the 848 will be heavy on the wrists by comparison, it'll feel tiny by comparison also. If you could stretch to a 1098 then I think you'll really feel the difference as you'll be sat on a 160bhp rocketship with the same ergos as the 848.
Modern Ducati's don't have any major issues if maintained, so I wouldn't worry too much, belts every two years, desmo service probably every 7500 miles from memory.
It's a big twin and you'll probably try and wind it all the way up to the red line which will be a lot lower than your Blade, but max power won't be at the top of the revs, plus the clutch will be horrible by comparison.
Mrs FB just bought an 848 to replace her 748. The ergonomics are far more comfy on the 848 and tbh when I rode it last weekend I found it very comfortable.
I have a 90’s GSXR 750 with similar power to the 848, I can tell you the 848 would eat it alive and it more comfy than the slingshot. If you’re anywhere near Kent you are welcome to come have a sit on and poss cheeky ride ride the block to see what you think ?
I have a 90’s GSXR 750 with similar power to the 848, I can tell you the 848 would eat it alive and it more comfy than the slingshot. If you’re anywhere near Kent you are welcome to come have a sit on and poss cheeky ride ride the block to see what you think ?
fastbikes76 said:
Mrs FB just bought an 848 to replace her 748. The ergonomics are far more comfy on the 848 and tbh when I rode it last weekend I found it very comfortable.
I have a 90’s GSXR 750 with similar power to the 848, I can tell you the 848 would eat it alive and it more comfy than the slingshot. If you’re anywhere near Kent you are welcome to come have a sit on and poss cheeky ride ride the block to see what you think ?
Looks lovely. I’m based in Hertfordshire so Kent isn’t too much of a schlep I have a 90’s GSXR 750 with similar power to the 848, I can tell you the 848 would eat it alive and it more comfy than the slingshot. If you’re anywhere near Kent you are welcome to come have a sit on and poss cheeky ride ride the block to see what you think ?
Just so happens I was in my local bike shop yesterday and I sat on a 99 blade and an 848 Evo back to back. Was surprised at how uncomfortable the Duc was compared to the Honda, it just felt all wrong to me, mostly down to having such a wide tank I think.
They look absolutely sublime though, just be sure to sit on one or better still take a proper test ride first. I'm not necessarily going to discount the Ducatis from my list but I think I'll be asking for an extended test ride before committing to anything.
They look absolutely sublime though, just be sure to sit on one or better still take a proper test ride first. I'm not necessarily going to discount the Ducatis from my list but I think I'll be asking for an extended test ride before committing to anything.
V1nce Fox said:
Good, older blades are becoming less of a cheap bargain bike these days. Theyve turned the corner. If you’ve got a good one i’d hang onto it.
Yeah, I caught mine just before they started to take off. It's relatively high mileage (just crossed over to 40k) but these things are bullet proof, and it's been very well looked after so I didn't worry. I've had more trouble with garage queens that have done bugger all mileage, and I don't feel so guilty just getting it out and enjoying it.
I did give it a thorough going over, valve clearances, cam chain/sprockets/tensioner blades, rebuilding the brakes as they were all fairly sticky, new head bearings, forks revalved and rebuilt by Maxton, and one of their RT10 rear shocks. Carbs were quite well worn - it had a Dynojet kit from almost brand new, and they used stainless needles then which wore badly, as well as wearing the needle jet holder badly oval so it ran as rich as a pig. Currently on standard jetting, with the standard can on it. I've got a period Akra full system that I think I'll stick on it, but it'll need rejetting, so enjoying it as standard for now.
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