MY VIEWS by Martin, UK  1997 916 Biposto 5th June 2000

You asked me what I think of my 916.........................

I have done around 1500 miles, including a trip to the Northwest 200 early in May.
Well, I have to admit it came as a bit of a shock, after riding nothing but Japanese bikes for the last twenty four years.
The clutch........well, and they say Yamaha clutches are dodgy..........I have to keep dropping up and down the gearbox through town. I never had to do it as much as I have to on the Ducati, on any bike I have previously owned.
The gearbox..........I'm sure there's a neutral in there somewhere, I find it from time to time, but again, a new experience after several Jap multi's.
The engine.........fast enough to have fun on, but the old 'Blade would have slaughtered it in a straight line.
The handling...........definitely far superior to the 'Blade, and it stops better too.
Reading the above, I can't understand why I love it either............but I do.
I think at the moment at least, I really cannot see myself selling it. OK, perhaps for a better Ducati, but certainly not to replace it with anything else. Perhaps I will get myself another 'Blade if and when I could afford to though, because I really do miss that 'Blade rush when it hit 5 grand........and then I can keep the 916 in the dry when it rains.
MARTIN

Update 15th June 2000

Poxy thing..........first the fuel sender packed in, now one of the oil hoses has started to leak.

As put so well by the fit bird on the lynx advert.........I forgive you.(916)

Bloody FireBlade never did any of this though, but then again, I didn't go into the garage just to look at the 'Blade........I do this thing !

MARTIN