'09 Honda Fireblade HRC vs Ducati 999s Mono '05/'06

Originally Posted by imaleon

Does anyone here currently/previously own(ed) either of these bikes? What would you go for?

I moved to an 08 Blade in candy/wine/whatever red after my 07 cbr600rr was stolen...I used the event as an excuse to step up It's quite a phenomenal machine...does everything just like the 600, just a touch faster!! I read a lot about the 600 being a bit "soul-less" despite being a great bike. It just seemed to do what you wanted without making any fuss or giving you any grief. Well, after having one I would agree...it was just like that. The Blade is the same again, just with a bit more grunt. It's comfy for distance too, no back pain or wrist strain after a 450 miles return trip on a work thing 2 weeks ago. It just takes much, much maturity as the right hand can do some serious damage to your licence and/or time you have experienced in a jail!!! I will hold my hands up here and admit to having seen the redline in 5th...but it made me re-evaluate my life a bit and swear to myself never to do that again!! All in all, amazing machine...

Downsides...well they had an early recall last year I believe due to leaks in the coolant system and they have another one running now due to clutch issues. Surprising as I'd usually bet my life on Honda's build quality. Also, oil usage is a MAJOR discussion point for owners at the moment (google it for details!!). I've not had it long enough to notice, but am keeping a very close eye. Oh and it churns out sooooo much heat I think it has actually cooked parts of my legs...apart from that, all good.