Ducati Monster Forum

Back in July '08 my life hit a wall financially and I had to sell and old Jeep and my Monster.  It was a 2007 695 I had lovingly modified through hard work and a bad low-side/high-side that added some character.

After many months of saving money and losing a ton of weight (and getting in shape again - see the "get fit thread") it was time to get a new bike. 

I really, really, really wanted an 848, but with my finances the way they are that was out of the question.  So a search began for a bike that would fit my needs.  It had to be faired, it had to have torque and it had to be reliable.

I bought a 2008 Honda CBR 1000 rr.  The bike I bought was actually a press bike / demo bike with 1,300 miles on the clock already and I got a SMOKING deal on it.  Almost $6,000 less than the OTD price of an 848!  I also get a full warranty and the original new title!

What an exquisite machine...  As much as I love Ducatis, this bike is something special.

Sorry all, but I love the DMF, and I just had to share.  Sorry if I disappointed anyone!

Here's a picture:






(http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/suspectsunlimited/IMG_0811.jpg)

Congratulations, beautiful bike! (and congrats on getting fit)
Don't worry about going to the "dark side"; those are fantastic bikes. I'm especially a fan of the speed sensitive electronic steering damper  [thumbsup]
Hope you enjoy riding again, and you can always get another Duc later.

Although it lacks the "DUCATI" mystique .. No need to apologize for a FIREBLADE !!!

SWEET RIDE !!!

~DaVe

Awesome bike!!  [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

That bike and the 1098/848 are a tie for the best looking SBKs out now IMO. I'd love to have one...but I don't need all that power, and I love my 848.

two wheels and a motor and it's all good

Great god! Look at the SIZE of those mirrors!
Nice bike man ;D

The mirrors are the first things that are going.  I've got very wide shoulders and I've NEVER been able to see with stock mirrors.  CRG lane-splitter, here we come!  The steering damper is so good that the best thing I can say is I don't notice it.  Granted, I've only ridden it about 60 miles so far, but it's so confidence inspiring it's not funny.  One of the video reviews of the bike said it'll make heroes out of riders, and I have to agree.

It's a lot of bike - I'll be the first to admit it.  I spent that 60 miles only getting out of 2nd gear 3 or 4 times.  I maybe tagged 8,500rpm twice.  The feel of the bike is perfect for me, and I need to explain why...

When I use a computer, I set up the mouse really sensitively, basically I move it 1.5inches and it's all the way across a 21" screen.  Same thing with the 'Blade - I twist the throttle 1/2 and inch and I'm jumping from 40 to 80.  It functions exactly the way that makes sense for me.

Depending on what NYC does with an insanely STUPID motorcycle noise regulation bill, I'm waiting on modding the exhaust.  It needs help, though! 8)

Thanks for the compliments, all.  I know this bike splits opinions as to its appearance, but I love it!

My favorite:

http://secure.compwerkes.com/Detail.bok?no=437 (http://secure.compwerkes.com/Detail.bok?no=437)

My neighbor had one in Seattle.  I like the design and color combos Honda did. 

Be careful though..it's a hot lil' bike.  His was stolen and another one that I know of was as well! 

I want a full review when you get used to it.

Great bike, congratulations. :)

That bike is dead sexy, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  Congrats, and good job on that deal..  [thumbsup]

thats not a dark






just say'n   [laugh]

It's very difficult to go wrong with a Honda.  [thumbsup]

but.... sometimes Hondas do go wrong

(http://www.cmsnl.com/news/img/honda-dn-01.jpg)

Dude, that CBR is sweet! Don't let anyone tell you different! It would be my first choice in a Japanese bike.

The DN01 on the other hand...  [puke]
Honda really threw the dice on that one - snake eyes!  [laugh]

Congrats even if it's not a Duc!

Congrats!  I really like the look of the new CBR, and from what i've read its a very capable bike. 

Alas, no Ducati "soul"  [roll]  but, hey, if it tickles your pickle, screw the rest of em!

Honda makes fantastic motorcycles, and that CBR is no exception.  I had a 954 a while back and loved the damn thing 

Bike looks like shit!


This is a Monster forum ya know!  [evil]

Congrats.

Just glad you are back on 2 wheels [thumbsup]

I tell where they went wrong...They went wrong by not updating the Super Hawk. I would have bought a new one If there was one to buy, but now Im riding a real Ducati and not just a knock off.  ;D

+1, or maybe an RC51. I was planning on getting an SBK this summer, but given the reliability problems with my M696, if it doesn't improve I might have to (gasp) get a Honda instead.

First of all, thanks for all the compliments and compliments.

Here's an ironic thought for you...

My avatar here has my name in a spade with the title of "Usual Suspects".  That's a name me and 7 of my riding buddies call ourselves (totally tongue in cheek) because we all ended up going on the same rides.  The best part of that?  We met on the DML...
(for reference - goldenchild, Cru Jones, Dizzle, Pakhan, Beattie, rcpete, patricks2r and me)

At that time of the 8 of us, 6 of us rode Ducatis.

Today, only 3 of us even own a Ducati, and 1 of them is selling his.  On a ride this year there will only be 1 Ducati, guaranteed (Pakhan), and at least 5 Hondas.  Go figure...

Congrats again tommy its a keeper!

yea no soul but fast as balls

Very nice.  There's a guy who runs the local weekly rides around here that had an 848 for quite a while before he switched over to the CBR and he can't say enough about the thing.  In fact, I get mostly the same comments out of him that everyone else has said.  "It's not the Duc, but I still love her"  :). 

traitor... ;D

But Hondas just run and run and run and run...

Where's the fun in that?  ;D

Funny you say that...

I have a list of mods to do this weekend in preparation of a ride we're doing Sunday that will take me all night tonight and all day tomorrow.  (Frame sliders - which involve cutting plastics, HID lights, tail chop **see!  Ducati's aren't the only ones!**, and turn signal/mirror replacement).

At least I'm just cutting plastic with the tail chop, and not spending an hour with a cheap pipe cutter from Ace Hardware!

There is something to be said about pulling a bike out of the garage and just riding it. Never doing valve jobs or anything like that.  ;D

+1

I know I could look it up.  But what kind of specs are on a 2008 CBR 1000.   180hp?  What kind of torque? How much does it weigh.   I know it's a monster forum but I've been seriously looking at Japanese hardware for the track.   It's just a matter of economics.  I can offord to throw an older GSXR down the track but a duc.  well they are a little more expensive.  That and I'd cry throwing a duc down the track.  Having said all that.  The monster is going to the track for this year.  :)

Quick heads up to everyone - the Fireblade is REALLY tough to work on.  The fairings are impossible to disassemble without a detailed shop manual and some assistance with someone who has done it before.

First round of mods done - second and third still to come... [bang]

The bike has like 150hp or so and about 75 lb ft of torque.  All I know is I can do 95 in 3rd at maybe 6,000 rpm. 8)

Wet weight?