Tank Slap - Motorcycle Forum

Had a test ride on this this afternoon. Was a bit touch and go whether i would bother seeing as how crap the weather was this morning but the sun came out to play after lunch so i scooted down to JHP Ducati for a quick run.

All i can really say is its the only sportsbike out there that tempts me to buy one. Its easy to feel the 916 genes in its DNA. Still the same rock solid stability in corners but with added turning agility. In race mode it doesn't lack power but you do need to rev it to get the bike really shifting. At 6.5k it feels like a lot of extra horses suddenly kicking in. Its very comfortable too considering its a Ducati sportsbike. And the noise. How the feck do they get that through noise testing? Eveywhere i went heads turned to see what that noise was including those in their cars. It would have been fantastic on the B500 a few weeks back.

I will have another test ride in the spring when its warm and dry again. This afternoon definitely felt like the end of the season. Starting getting cold in just leathers.

Sounds good Duke how did you find the handling and braking ?

They are a very nice looking bike.

Loved it. Not sure the brakes have quite the instant stopping power of the 848 Corse i tried last year but plenty of feel to them.

The handling was spot on for me. Still that rock stability that the 748 possesses but the 899 turns much quicker and with less effort.

Yeah nice looking bike, it would have gone a lot quicker with that wind brake removed off the back lol

Nice quick review duke. I like them I have to say. Much more accessible than it's bigger brother.


It does make the plate look enourmous!

I must test ride one of these so i can compare it to the 1199, as Cookiemonster said i think its a lot more accessible than the 1199, it cant be any worse thats for sure. !!

kingfixer wrote:I must test ride one of these so i can compare it to the 1199, as Cookiemonster said i think its a lot more accessible than the 1199, it cant be any worse thats for sure. !!

What were the biggest issues with it for you Mick? I know you had build quality concerns but beyond that?

I loved the 899 when I rode it. It just seemed to have so much character. Those exhausts get hot under the seat though! You would not want to be stopped too long on a hot day.