I managed 170 odd miles today and it could have been more but for Matt46 and his brand new (collected yesterday) ZX10R. Met Matt46 at Cedar Court (M1/J39) at 9am as we normally do. Spent 15 minutes admiring each others bikes and chewing the fat about where to go for the day. Finally we decided to head to Derbyshire and the Peak District. So we set off with me in the lead as he was getting used to being back on a sports bike again. We headed back to Holmfirth then took the A616 for Woodhead pass. The ride was brisk given that we were both running the bikes in Pandora was performing admirably. I love her! Totally composed, pin sharp steering, and lots of grunt and noise . We then turned off Woodhead and headed towards Glossop. Riding through Glossop was relatively uneventful because of the traffic. Whilst riding I decided we'd head towards Matlock where we could stop for a brew and some breakfast. Next location was Buxton. As we were coming down the hill into Buxton Matt started to wave at me so I pulled over. His bike had died and it wouldn't start again - just 56 miles on the clock. Sounded like the battery. Bugger! We had stopped near a tyre and battery shop so managed to wheel his bike into there where one of the kind technicians tested the battery. The battery was ok but needed charging according to youngfellamelad. He then said that there was a bike shop not too far away who could help so Matt called them and they sent someone to come and have a look. Anyway he managed to start it by using jump leads to his car. Result. However we needed fuel so Matt was concerned that if we headed to a garage he may not get it started again, so the bike technician said he'd follow us to the garage just in case. Anyway the bike died on the way to the garage and Matt managed to roll onto the forecourt. The Bike tech had another look but declared that the rectifier was shagged. Next thing to do was get a recovery truck out to get the bike back to Padgetts at Batley so they could sort it. After about 30 mins Matt had it all arranged and he told me to go as there was nothing left to do. So I rode back home coming via Stockport, Manchester, and Woodhead so I was using a variety of roads, speeds, traffic situations etc. Pandora is a dream. A very different ride to Eva, and absolutely sublime. She can hustle in the twisties, dawdle in town (without roasting your leg) and the gearbox is fantastic. I've never had a gearbox so good. I finally got home after almost three hours after leaving Matt and I've cleaned and put Pandora away till the next time (maybe tomorrow depending on what SWMBO has planned for me). Matt is now back home after dropping the bike back off at Padgetts. They told him that the ZX10R had had a recall to replace the rectifier but they'd not done it on this bike. As you can imagine he's a tad pissed off. Its little niggles like this that stick in your mind, and you never trust the bike again. On the plus side, and being totally selfish, I had a ball on the 899. It attracted attention wherever we parked and it is a fantastic ride. Simple as that. Do I have any regrets chopping Eva in. No. Not yet anyway
Good write up ET. Nice to know what an ex-848 owner thinks, especially one that was very happy with the 848. I've been tempted ever since they came out but want to wait until next year at least. I nearly asked what sort of deal I'd get when I was at Ducati Aylesbury the other day, somehow managed to resist. It's getting harder to do so... :Bucktooth:
Oh and it's much more comfortable too compared to the 848. I'm guessing the bars are slightly higher than the 848.
probably, it does feel a more relaxed position, the bars and bike fitted well. didnt you have yours lowered.
Yes I had the 848 lowered as at standard height I couldn't get my feet down. But the 899 is standard and it's ok. Not brilliant but ok
Thats pants for Matt, brand new bike and all. Padgetts shoulda really had this covered with the PDI for starters. But easliy missed (?). Great to hear you're enjoying the Pani. I was looking at a red one here in a local dealer, 16,995 euro. I can get one in the UK or Northern Ireland and land it a few quid cheaper, still dunno what to do....
Did another 150 miles or so today with Bettes. 'Twas a good run out. Can't wait till it's had its first service and I can really open her up
