That's getting more like it, sorry didn't see you were Northern Ireland. I personally don't think u will find a 848 Evo gutless, maybe it's just me but the whole theatricality of it just makes it feel pretty cool, just make sure u get a 14t sprocket as it totally changes the ride! And a grippy seat to protect your man parts!
Cheers Phill! To be honest a Fireblade is wasted on most of our roads over here. I find myself tickling it around at 60-70% of its capabilities. As far as track riding goes I had a 600 track bike but being 6'2 and 14 stone I found myself catching a lot of bigger bikes in the twisties but being murdered on the straights. My thinking is that the 848 evo might be a good middle ground in terms of performance. I'll be able to wring its neck on the road and it'll have a good bit more grunt than a steel frame CBR600F on track!
id go 1098 if it were me. i think you would get used to the 848 and wonder what the bigger bike was like,you can ride a 1098 slower so your know what the 848 is like then, with a simple twist of the throttle your off and grinning like a cheshire cat!!
If that's what you are after, my choice & for the money you're looking at spending, I'd go 899. Honestly I would and have.. What you have just described is basically a 899..
I've owned 848 & 1098, ridden the 1198 and 848 evo but enjoy the ride of an 899 more than the previous generation. There are only a couple of characteristics I miss! I prefer the feel of the brakes on the 848 and that great feeling when you crack open 1098/1198 motors; the riding position, flickability, revvy motor and quickshifter more than compensate!
If u change the gearing a fair bit, I.e 14 tooth front and perhaps bigger rear then the 848 is really lively! The standard 6th gear is useless below 95mph which helps to hide the power it's got! Personally I would say go 848, either way ignore us because the arguments would go on forever, ride them and buy whatever u want.
Guys - once again, many thanks for your responses. I decided to bite the bullet and take the deal on the 848 Evo. Picking it up on Christmas Eve!
The red one with only 300 miles on? Are u getting the first service done as part of the deal? It's a £170 service at Ducati prices
PS - in theory this bike should really have had its 'run in' service according to Ducati's service plans. It's 600 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). Must check to see if that's been done. It'll feel like overkill too but the belts should be done next year by the letter of the law.
Yeah, that's correct. Is it coming from a Ducati dealer? It should definitely have had the oil dropped. I bet u can't wait until u get it! Pics when u do??
Yeah it's a proper Ducati dealer. Can't wait! I'm a fair weather rider only however so it'll be staying in my heated, de-humidified basement until the spring getting polished and fettled!
Happy days. That reminds me; what is considered to be the best stands for these? Don't know whether to go for a spider stand like the Warrior ones Demon Tweeks do or go for a single sided rear stand and standard front... I had a Warrior spider stand for my last Fireblade and it worked well but when it was elevated the bike tilted away from the stand, which I didn't like. Great stand / lift otherwise...
Yeah, I think the R&G elevation ones are pretty solid! Or look for a Ducati Performance one on eBay, but they are pricey. My buddy has a £70 one off eBay and it looks good but is a little wobbly
