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I've just returned to m'bikes after a 16 year break and bought myself a '17 plate Ducati Supersport S. Last bike was a YZF750 which was brilliant, but the SS beats it in every way, even being about 15 brake down on power (maybe a little less with the Akro pipes). You also get (most) of the latest fancy electronics - ABS / Traction Control / Rider modes / Up and Down quick shift.
I did consider getting the current model which has the latest electronics package which essentially means you still get ABS when cornering but I guess I'll just have to be a little bit careful... The quick shifter is a revelation - full power clutchless up/down shifts and pops and bangs too on the way down (sorry world!). Jumping on a 100+bhp bike as the first ride after a 16 year break was a little intimidating for the first couple of miles, but I had a very experienced rider with me and as people have said elsewhere it's all about how you treat the throttle!
Cost of a new Supersport S spec'ed like I wanted came to almost £20K and mine was £7.5K, so basically if later this year I want something with a bit more go and all the latest electronics (i.e. the six axis IMU), I'll be getting a late low miles V2 Panigale to go alongside the SS for a total spend of £20K.
Also - what's not to like about that view from the turbo?
Get your training done and get going with some test rides
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They do look that way to someone who only really knows cars. To get near the acceleration of a bike you’d need to spend £50k plus, so 10k on a Fireblade and the kit does seem cheap.
10k Ducati vs 100k Ferrari etc.