Fireblade or 899?

[Zebrs]

Hi all, I have been contemplating a new bike for a few months. Aim would be to pick something up in the new year prior to it warming up a bit.

I’ve been riding for 3 years and have an MT09 that is a toy only for nice days and evenings. I fancy a sports bike and front runner has been a 2014 - 2016 Fireblade as seems to be a good first sports bike ie it won’t spit you off and will generally behave. Also want ABS (aware about c-abs problems) and I’m also looking at the old Fireblade as I’m led to believe it’s a bit bigger and while I’m not the tallest, my height is in my legs! Personally I also think they look great, especially with a Taylor Made exhaust.

I happened in to my local Ducati dealership yesterday as I had half an hour to kill. Ended up chatting to the chap about a lovely 899 panigale they had. Now, I learnt to ride on a twin and found it a bit vibey hence I wanted at least a triple for my first bike. I’m not sure how I’d get on on the 899 but I’ve been offered a ride of the 959, but man it looks good! Much watching of YouTube has convinced me this might be a viable call.

Would I be insane to think about one as an alternative to a Fireblade? I don’t do mega miles but understand the Duke is fairly expensive to maintain. Both are about the same on insurance.

Welcome any thoughts.

Cheers, Z

[Ho Lee Kau]

S1000RR, 2015-2016 model? Also roomy and has lots of aids (heated grips!).

Personal view, I rode 899 and F3 800 back to back, I gave back the key to Ducati and forgot it, but I did remember the F3 800.
899 got hot real quick, and that was in April.
Fireblade will be a smoother ride.
Ducati without one-sided swingarm just does not look right.

[Mr OCD]

The blade is a damn good all round bike especially for road riding ... I’ve also ridden the 899 / 959 as whilst smooth for a v-twin the heat emitted from them is ridiculous ... it was 12deg outside as well when I test rode! I got off sweltering!

[rodericb]

Ducatis' are a bit of an acquired taste. Look for the "good bikes which turned out to be rubbish" thread here. Safest thing is to have at least two test rides on a 899, 959 or whatever. You won't form enough of an opinion with just one - especially if you've never ridden a Ducati, or at least a highly strung v-twin, before.

[RemaL]

I can only comment on the Blade but I had mine for 5 years, toured , tracked and road riding and as posted it was a great all around bike.

Was Faultless and did everything I asked of it and more. Just a great bike

[cbmotorsport]

Blade will be smooth, comfy and reliable. Probably a good option.

Don't discount other litre bikes, GSXR/R1 etc. Yes, they're a bit more of a handful, but no bike will just spit you off. Maybe more exciting longer term?

Don't get me wrong, I had a blade for 8 years, and it was faultless, and I was very sad to see it go.

[Zebrs]

Thanks for the replies all.

I’ve booked myself on the 959 on Saturday to see how it goes and maybe kill the option or include it. Going to try not to rush into anything, and consider it all over winter.

Funnily enough the S1000RR is also on my want list (being a big BM fan anyway) one came past me with a beautiful pop on the upshift last week, but I reasoned it’s good to have something to move up to and 200bhp was probably too much at this point.

[Baldchap]

I'm 5'9" and in good nick. The 959 was painfully small for me. If you're thinking the new Blade will be too small then I'd imagine the 959 will be.

Lovely and stable when cranked over and a gearbox Honda could learn a thing or two from (only one Neutral in the whole thing!), but very, very small and no fun whatsoever below about 70mph.

I can see it would be an excellent track bike but as a road bike I couldn't get on with it.

[Motorsport3]

This is an interesting debate. I bought an 899 a couple of years ago basically because i loved looking at this thing. As was mentioned earlier it certainly gets hot, doesn't like driving around city etc and feels small (I am 6'2). I did a track day last month on hondas and while I didn't use the fireblade (I was on a CBR600RR) I appreciated the riding position and how easy it felt to sit on it and go fast. As a weekend toy and for limited use I would still go for a panigale as it feels much more special to me. But if i had to have a bike to use more, maybe even commute then i would probably choose a honda.

[Ho Lee Kau]

I rode 959 in Mugello. I'm 6.1, did not feel it was cramped, but I'm not professional rider. It did get a bit hot under my butt even on track.

[Zarco]

Not ridden either but I want an 899.

[Walter Sobchak]

Both are great bikes, I’d probably go for the Fireblade between those two, but just go with what you like best.
Have you considered an RSV4?, worth a look too, loved my one, still miss it sometimes.