Took an R1 out for test ride yesterday, thought I should see what the jap competition is like before I commit to a new 848 Corse. First impressions: it is wide, hot (legs and feet) and extremely easy to ride very fast! However it didn't feel special enough for the 12k it costs and the riding position was knees up to the elbows like you're squatting to take a dump! No finesse, snatchy, a bit toy-like. I also found it massively lacking in involvement compared to the 848 unless you ride it in full power mode. The dealer advised against doing that but I felt right at home thanks to being used to L-twin torque. In Standard mode you can't really feel the power of the engine the bike just goes faster as the revs increase. Its predictable and surprisingly dull. In full-on mode it's just too fast for the road IMO. Handles really well and I could ride it very quick round the twisties but I had no sense of acheivement in doing so. The 848 is a lot harder to ride and does require some skill but when you get it right it's just awsome. The R1 is no fun if you want to keep your license but I reckon on the track it would really sing. I got a little taste of that potential but I can't see how you would sustain that kind of riding on the road. The 848 is fun ALL THE TIME. So I was really surprised at the difference. I was expecting it to be a handfull, but it wasn't at all. I'd like another go because the full power of a litre IL4 is definitely a good experience but I wouldn't buy one. Result: Ducati 1, R1 nil. Are there any alternative bikes that can compare to a Ducati? MV? KTM? Will be trying a Fireblade next but I don't like the look of it and can't see it being any better.
Dealers must love you...shame George Whites closed, they had every brand under the sun down there you could try..or maybe thats why they went out of business
Whilst my bike was off the road last summer I took the opportunity to see what "The others" had to offer. 1st up was the S1000RR, I was excited about this as it had been hailed as the pinnacle of sports bike so I expected a lot. Ohh dear how disappointed I was, ok it was lighting quick... But that was about its only redeemable feature. Un involving and no sense of theatre you get with a Ducati, over the same bit of road I am quicker on my 999s. I could not wait to give it back!. I also played on a 2012 blade, this was a bit of a surprise as I kind of expected it to be ubber dull but I fitted on it rather well and was soon throwing it around like John McGuinness, obviously a better looking younger and slimmer JM!! I have always wondered what the cross plane crank R1 is like as the guy I bought my 999 had one and he rated it, I do like the noise they make
I heard the same thing about the S1000RR. After trying the R1 I have no desire to try it now. Interesting about the Fireblade, I did ring the Honda dealer back to decline the test ride having just come back from the R1 ride convinced IL4s are not for me. He thanked me for calling back but insisted I try it anyway because its nothing like the R1. So I will Wantz1: Had a breif go on a gixer 1000, think I prefered it to the R1, so the 600 might be worth a look. But golly they're ugly!
No ta, superbike is where its at for me at the moment. Just because. I was out on my 650 Vstrom last couple of days and had an awsome time while the sun shone, absolutely great fun. Not fast, but you can really chuck that bike about. Added bonus being you can see a bit of the countryside as you go
try a Daytona 675R, they have character by the bucket load and the triple engine sounds great, not too fast for the road either. its a bit of a like it / loathe it riding position (kinda like the 848 riding position) and it's pricey for a supersport bike but I love em. I would have one as a track bike all day long.
So you want fast but work hard to make it fast?! Try this... Used Sales 1 ...and see how hard youhave to try to keep both wheels down
I didn't say I want fast. I said I want fun and involvement. I'd love a desmo to potter round on just for the soundtrack though.
It may well have been that model gixr I tried, it was oldish. A chap let me have a go, so I literally went out for 5mins and 2 roundabouts. Didn't get past about 8k revs but it felt thick and syrupy. Felt a bit more solid than the R1.
A V4 seems like an obvious alternative, I think the nearest dealer is Fowlers in Bristol. Was the blade you tried the new model or an older one?
So what was the 'do I need a bigger bike' stuff about then? And if you dont want fast why bother trying the latest superbikes? And if you dont want fast, just engaging, get a smaller old v twin, you'll get it all with those, even to the point of engaging your legs as you push it down the road ;-)
I do like the look of them and they have a lot of kit on them for the money (Ohlins forks and shock). I sat on one in Bevan's and it was similar to the 848. Its tricky with the Ducati engine sizes that are in between everyone elses cc. Do you go up to a litre bike or down to a 600/675/750...
Lol no but honestly I thought I could be undecisive?! What is it you want from the bike? You are swinging from one extreme to the other and narrowing nothing down...seriously you want engaging an old 851 will do you. If you dont want balls out fast. But ou do. But you dont. But engaging. But easy to cruise with and desnt need lots of shifts. And fast, oh no not fast. You have/had/planned to get the best compromise bike, ie it does everything brilliantly, stick with that
