Hi guys, having been a diehard Honda man for years I've always hankered after a Ducati and I'm currently mulling over chopping in my 2010 Fireblade as a part exchange on an 848 evo from my local Ducati dealer. The bike in question is a 2014 with 300 miles on the clock so it's basically new and is 100% standard and is red. The asking price is £9995. I'm not sure what I'll be offered as trade in value on the blade so it's all up in the air at the moment. I'm just wondering am I mad to consider such a fresh 848 when I could pick up one a few years older (albeit a non evo) for a straight swap in terms of price for the Honda. Advice and opinions welcome!
for that sort of money you could be looking at an 899, but the 848 evo is a cracking bike ok not as fast as the blade but it will put a smile on ya face there cracking bikes go for it. Coming from a blade id be looking more at 1098/1198 though ,there cheaper and faster and give a blade a good run for its money.
And get ready for the 848/1098/1198 to be more uncomfortable on the wrists from a Blade till you get used to it. And welcome Dave
Thanks for the replies! I don't want to open a can of worms here but (factoring in residuals, looks and reliability) if it was your money, what would get you the most bang for buck Ducati-wise for fast road / track day use say if you only wanted to spend around £6000-£8000?
Morning and welcome, i'd plump for a 1198 or 899 coming from a blade. The 1198 is a fantastic bike bit harsh lower down but once your on the gas its great the 899 is sweet- flick-able-much more refined lower down and pulls like a train not as quick but great fun, or for a few more pennies go for the 1199:sunglasses:
id go 1198 (i would say that as ive got one) there are fantastic get the base model and tweek it, so much bike for the money!!
Model choice is a hard one and down to the individual, but I'd be more concerned that you are happy with the transition to a two cylinder which is nothing like as smooth at low speeds and can be a pain through traffic.
All very valid points folks. Many thanks again for your input. I have never actually rode a 1198 or any big V twin Duke so it's probably a good idea to try as many out as possible.
I think the 848 would be good if u really want a unique and authentic Ducati experience, but that's too much money tbh even for one that's as new. I have had a 2013 and now have a 899 having had a Daytona 675 in between and tbh coming from a fireblade u might struggle to get your head around a 848. If u just don't like the 899 then for sure look at a good 1198 but for 10k I would be looking for a 1198s with Ohlins on. Good luck, u need to accept that you want a Ducati because a fireblade is probably the best all round sportbike u can own. Nowhere near as exciting though imho
Update! The sales manager from Ducati contacted me this morning and offered me £5500 as a trade in value on my blade, which I think is very decent as similar blades are for sale locally for circa £6000 on Gumtree. He said he can do the 848 Evo (2014 with 300 miles) for £9495 so it's basically a £4K upgrade. Decisions decisions...
You can't go far wrong with an 848 but for that money would have to be the last SE model with alloy tank. TBO I have to agree with what the others say, for that money a 1198s with TC and all the toys. Whichever you go for try to get some test rides in then make a decision.
I would ride a few and then decide. I came from a 1000cc Aprilia and tested an 1198 and 848 back to back. I purchased the 848 simply because it was more involving to ride and had enough power for me but there is no doubting if you want arm wrenching torque the 1198 is better.
Go for it if u think it's going to do the job, but try and get him a few hundred more in the right direction, maybe make him sweat a bit. You will want a new rear shock Spring unless your pretty stocky, and a 14t front sprocket and Oberon clutch slave cylinder is a must. For that money it should be totally perfect, not a mark on it, so good luck, certainly will be nice! Does it have termi's or stock exhausts?
Agree with the above. Plenty about with termis on. If you get one with std cans on, after a few rides you'll be wanting to change them. So there's £500 for a decent 2nd hand set of slash cuts. Double that when you decide to go for the full system! Defo worth it!
