I quite like him, he's honest and objective and there's nothing wrong with that and despite all the abuse and shit that was flung at him the last time he remained polite and composed in his replies and that gets my respect. I'm looking forward to more of his posts and his ability to stir up the crowd.
I'm hoping if he does come back he'll be allowed to be a 'normal' member of the forum like the rest of us without some weird celebrity status. I kind of hope that he joins using a different name so noone knows who he is and treats him just like anyone else. We all have different things we like to do in our spare time. Some do LOADS of track days, some polish and preen their bikes and others go touring or commute daily. Some only get taxed for 6 months and go out on the occasional Sunday or are put away in collections. Some spend as little money as possible on Ducati's and others go and buy Superleggeras......its all good isn't it? If you don't like his videos (or your suspicions for his making them) that's fine, but surely there no need to have a go.......surely we are all the same in that we ride bikes and that's the most important thing? I thought the Panigale video was refreshingly honest. You wouldn't find a bike journalist being so direct in case the next new model wasn't allowed to be tested by that mag which would effect readership figures......Oh and I assume there's another video coming of the 2000 miles he did on the Pani in Europe which I'm sure will come from a different angle. If the 899 is a better bike in his opinion and good enough for him to spend his own money on, then great! Noone is bigger or better than anyone else on here so why not welcome one and all?
I watch most of his stuff, looks a decent enough rider on his track vids too. Find him entertaining and don't think he takes himself too seriously. You have to be a certain type of personality to present that sort of stuff in an interesting way and some people see that as ego ala Clarkson etc who i also find entertaining. I don't have to agree with everything they say or do to be entertained. Using your corporate font for the Baron is not the best way to stay anonimous Mr E if you read this. Liking your work in your proper job though.
So...... I have to eat Humble pie..... When I 'trolled' him last time, I had turned off the review of the Panigale because he seemed to just be so negative, however having now ridden one for more distance I can't fault his review, and actually later on he brings out some real positives of the bike. I watched a few more vids and while I wouldn't say it's all to my taste, I am a fan. So... Yes, come back Baron and I promise not to subject any more half baked tw*tty opinions before I consider them. PS... If his stable now includes a 899 and a Superduke 1290 than it must be about the perfect pair!
His review on the 899. Ducati 899 Panigale Review - YouTube He certainly prefers it over the big Panigale. I'm a convert to the Baron, his Euro trip was very enjoyable.
Yeah, I watched it this morning. Deffo seems to agree with others, interesting to see that the annoying (and come on 1199 owners, it is REALLY annoying) indicator button/changing the dash thing doesn't completely change the display. I kept looking down all the time on the 1199 and realising I just had a menu up asking what mode I wanted to be in!
I guess he loves it :-D That's got me smiling and remembering what riding is all about Looks like conversion both ways
Good review. I have to admit after watching that if I didn't already own the 1199 I would probably have taken a harder look at the 899 as a more usable road bike. But from the film the 1098 always seemed to have the edge and having owned a 1098 previously I maybe would find the 899 underpowered!?.
The power of the Baron, my mate was thinking of an 899 and just ordered one after watching the Barons review. Looks like they are in demand as he has a 4 to 6 week wait for one now.
I think the 899 review is one of his best videos. His enthusiasm really comes across, and it's good to see him on country lanes rather than dicing with London traffic. I'd also say that it feels like the vid gives a good impression of the 899's performance. Nice sounds too.
I'M the 1098 owner in the vid. The 899 is a great bike. I was very impressed, the 1098 does have the edge on it but not by a lot. considering its got some of the modern bits and its stunning looks its a great deal.
I was hoping in the vid that the bikes would be exchanged and that we'd have the Baron's comparison of the 1098 vs the 899. That would have been very interesting.
