After owning 8 Ducati's over the years and having owned my 848 for around 2.5 years I am finding it more and more uncomfortable for me as my M.E has got me wrecked after every ride. My wrists are hurting, my arse is hurting, my back is hurting etc etc I have said a few times that I was thinking about changing to something more comfortable but after recent rides and aching limbs I am pondering over whether now is the time to do it especially with the offer that I have been given. I can no longer afford to buy the latest model bikes so my market is fairly limited as I can only look at what I can get for my current bike along with as little a contribution as possible. Now, my 2008 848 appears to be worth 'around' £6k standard but I have over £5k's worth of bits fitted to it that I have collected over time. I have worked out that the very most I could expect to get if my bike and all of the parts sold at realistic prices is around £7500/£8000. The thing is I would have to pull it all to bits and hope that all of the parts sold quickly unless someone wanted a bike with lots of extras already fitted that they would maybe fit anyway over time. A dealer I know that I have directed a few people to who have bought bikes from has offered me a brand new unregistered latest model Honda Fireblade for my bike and under £2000 and will give me 0% so 48 x £40 which is do able. This is literally thousands cheaper than any other new bike I have looked at. This is WAY above what anyone else would offer and is an quick easy way to get a brand new bike for very little outlay. I know friends who have done this exact change and they say that the Fireblade is so much more comfortable for them and does not have them wrecked after every ride. I should have let the dealer know this morning but I really love my Ducati's and have thought long and hard about what to do but I think that a 5 year newer bike for the small outlay is maybe a no brainer for what I want. Decisions Decisions
Sounds like a no brainer. No hassle of stripping the bike and selling the parts. Off one bike and onto another. I've got to find out what's worth keeping on mine and what needs to come off and sell seperately.
If you are finding it uncomfy, I can't understand why you'd continue to go down the sportsbike route with a blade. I love my sports bikes, but my MV leaves me feeling like I've been locked in the boot of my car for a month these days. I went down the Streetfighter route and love it. I can ride it all day, no problem.
The reason for the Blade is because of the price to change that I have been offered. Looking at other bikes they are £2000 + more which I cannot afford. Most dealers want the bike standard so offer standard money, the Honda dealer has offered MORE that I would get if I got top price for every part I sold and top price for the bike plus I still have my Slipper clutch and bling Speedymoto Top Yoke to sell !!!
I don't doubt it. I had Blades, GSXR's etc for years before I had my 1st Ducati. I find them soulless now. Every time I see one, I just see a big fat fuel tank They are probably, very competent, reliable and cheaper that the Ducati equivalent, but too bland for my tastes. There must be something in the Ducati stable for you, of course the financial package you've been offered for a new bike does make it attractive.
You do have my greatest sympathy.I changed to a SF848 due to similar problems and I havn't looked back. Sounds like a cracking deal you've been offered.Best of luck whichever route you go down.
I think that sounds like a good move. you will not be disappointed with the blade or the reduced running / servicing costs. they are top top bikes that look good and as fast as hell
On longer rides on my 999 my wrists are ruined and are still sore for a fee days after. I don't want to give up sports bikes just yet. My tool of choice next time wil most likely be a blade
Hope you get something sorted mate, plenty of trick bits for blades too mate shame your top yoke don't fit my FGRT803s or Id be after it, nice bit of kit that! Get a blade ASAP and meet me over on 1000rr.co.uk good luck mate!
Cheers Arthur and others, think I am going to go for it. We buy any bike values my 848 at £3900 !! Which no one in their right mind would accept but after looking at all the 848's for sale I think £5500 is about the going price for a quick sale. My parts would not bring as much as I thought as I do not have the Showa shock so would have to either leave the Ohlins on or buy a Showa, same with the carbon front mudguard and uprated brake calipers. So, realistically I think £7500 would be the very top of what I could raise which is nowhere near what this dealer has offered just to hand the bike In. He will even deliver it to my door and pick the 848 up. looked at Multistrada etc but no one anywhere is remotely close to this deal apart from a 2010 model with 25k miles. I do not think I will ever be offered this kind of deal again and Arthur you seem to like your Blade.
The blade is a good bike. Its comfortable and competent. You may be back sooner than you think though :smile:
I do mate I love it! Mines an RR7 but still does it all and does it VERY well makes my 848 feel like a moped speed wise but on the other hand it's SO smooth ALL of the time I just love it! Later blades are better all round and it adds up to a much sharper bike, massive mid range power even over s1 and 10r but again typical Honda, those who say its bland loose me! Open the throttle more is the answer! New blade handles so well with pin point precision...
I would have liked the Repsol Arthur but it's another £1000 and no interest free so basically another £30 a month which doesn't sound much but when we have two new cars to pay for and only my other half working I do not want to push it !!
It was a while ago I was looking at any prices of new bikes mate but tbh I only have the repsol as it looked good at the time....lol and these were a so called limited run...yeah right...lol Tbh I'm happy plodding round on anything but as far as superbikes go the Honda is great IMO and very easy to live with day to day.
blades a great bike, had a few, last being a 2007 model in 2007 , cant understand the "bland" comments , does everything well in my opinion, handling superb, comfortable and goes like a rocket and a great looking sportsbike,,,, I always had new sportsbikes and came to a stage that they are all pretty much same same and excellent machines and decided to buy a modern classic as such and got my 996 and really enjoy it and think it has character, also bought a hyper 1100evo beginning of the year, to me a sportsbike with straight bars and also great fun but a more modern feel, anyway don't think you will be disappointed with a blade, kev
I had a 2007 hrc colours blade - the one I messed up on and head on'd a vectra. That was a sad end for a great bike - toured to mugello and back, commuted, back roads the lot - bloody good bike, great handling / fast as / looks, comfort(ish - 18 hours one day due to poor sense of direction lol), all good really. Very different to a v twin but not bland - think that's a generic / unfair label. New ones apparently even better. I'd have another if it weren't for superstition!!
