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Recently Mrs suggested that maybe it’s time to look into a new bike. My 2004 VFR800, I’ve had since, well 2004, and I’m not silly enough to seek confirmation of her suggestion (in case she changes her mind). I’ve had my eye on this recently. Though not the yellow one. Ducati Streetfighter 848 Yesterday morning I got to have a ride of the Demo bike at the dealership. First impressions (compared to my VFR) very narrow at the seat, but taller felt like the front was missing…. no fairing, panel is set closer in etc. pegs a lot closer to the ground so legs are a lot straighter. That was a big surprise. Fired it up and a nice V-twin warble from the pipes. Bit of a crackle. Very nice sound and I wonder what other pipes would sound like on it. Then we left on the demo ride, basically a follow the leader with a guy from the shop and a couple of others testing other bikes (a BMW S1000RR and a couple of K1300). Awesome brakes neat sound very responsive engine once you’re over about 3000rpm. hopeless shaky mirrors (but I think all Ducati’s have that problem!) Easy to ride and a fairly upright position But I finished up feeling a lot less interested than when I left. Well no that's not right... I'm totally confused. Eventually, I'm sure I could get used to another bike. I've always been the kind of person who rides around a problem, rather than obsess about it. The VTEC change for example. It's never bothered me, I've never felt out of control when it's kicked in (even in the wet, or on curves. I think part of it was the newness, and part of it was the whole "don't like group rides" theme that's been growing over the past twelve months. It was a group test and rather than "going for a ride" I spent the session worrying over where were we headed, where is the leader, where are camera and cops, which lane should I be in, are we turning here or there etc etc. So maybe I need to get out with that group again and ride the same route again. Or should I try a different style of bike. For example I've always had a soft spot for the GSXR750 or the Ducati 848. Maybe a full on sport bike is more what I am feeling. Or maybe its a case of take my savings, and redo the forks, rear suspension, get a rear hugger etc for the VFR. As you can see, the ride has left me more confused that ever!