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So, in light of a recent incident involving my beloved FZ1, I'm currently at a crossroads on whether or not to total the FZ and get something new or fix it and keep on riding it. During this process I decided to visit our friends at Seacoast Sport Cycle in Derry, NH in order to check out the new Streetfighter from Ducati that I've been pining for. I was welcomed by a sales person named John and we instantly got to talking about my consideration for twins, Italians in particular. During my visit I was surprised at the offer to take a few different machines out for a test ride......a very new experience to say the least.
Based on our discussion, John graciously offered a ride on a 2008 Aprilia Tuono in addition to the Streetfighter S. I opted to take their Arrow-pipe-equipped Tuono out first, saving the best for last.
I gotta say, within the first mile, I was instantly impressed with how the Aprilia felt in all aspects....ergos were good, turn-in was excellent and the brakes were solid but the biggest surprise was from the 1000cc twin and the power delivery that didn't seem to taper off at any point in the rev range. Roll the throttle from 2k and it pulls all the way to the top. I didn't hit the limiter (nor did I need to) but that motor doesn't seem to run out of breath.....ever. Me having ridden only I4's, this came as a huge surprise and really grabbed my full attention. "How could this be?" I asked inside my helmet yet continued to thoroughly enjoy my test machine as well as my new education on what current twins can offer.
I returned from the suggested loop and I, after my experience with the Tuono, was extremely excited to try the Ducati next. This excitement would quickly be squashed the instant I swung a leg over it.
Ducati has made a stellar machine with the Streetfighter. Plenty of power from the 1098 mill, insane brake power/feedback and general awesomeness throughout but the one thing that negated all of that goodness.....ONE thing....a $40 heatsheild placed just aft the right footpeg. Within 1000' from the dealership I was already sick of riding it. I simply could not get my foot positioned comfortably enough to fully enjoy the offerings of the rest of the machine. Something I wish I wasn't saying because, had Ducati not run the exhaust in that manner, I'd happily be posting pics of my brand new Streetfighter right now.
Now my struggle is this--> fix the FZ or buy the Tuono. Decisions, decisions.