Looking at buying my first blade - hopefully this weekend, and trying to decide between an 09 or a 12. I've posted this in the newbie section, so apologies but I really need some help. Anyone had both? Pros or cons? I used to be indecisive but I'm not sure now...
obviously the 12s gonna be a better bike that's the evolution of the model only you can decide if its worth the extra money but if its the wrong colour (from your other post)could be worth waiting till 1 comes up plenty out there! good luck.
The 2012 model is a slightly better option........ but you only have to look at no changes since RR8 "08" plus unless your a experienced rider cant see average road riding will notice much difference.......... its a brilliant model whatever year bike you choose.......and im sure you could get a real bargain with a slightly earlier yr.
Buy Moz's - a sorted pre 2012 one is better than a bog standard 2012 by a long shot. The bikes are so similar - you can always add a 2012 shock for about £150 - £200
As Repsol Rob says, you cannot go wrong with any, all great. I bought the 2012 blade, simply the best superbike I have ever owned, one of the best bikes ever, love it. I don't see myself as a riding god but this bike does its best to help me think I am Last of a dying breed.
Got the ABS in the 2013 HRC colours bike is brilliant and would have ABS any day IMO. I have had to yank the brakes on a few times, but because of those who are blind to bikes and thankfully no lock up. Without a doubt best bike i have rode Those that have rode for years may have a different view.....
all i can say is IMO the 08/11 looks nicer the 12/13 is a better bike but it is essentially the same bike so think hard about if it is worth the extra pennies, the 08-11 model did a 130+mph lap at the IOM tt in superstock form so you decide if you really need the updates of the 12/13 model
Agree! Performance wise no road rider will notice any benefit in the 12/13 models at all, bar suspension. MY12+ had the Big Piston fully adjustable Showa forks and matching rear unit. Taz the snazzy wheels Taz the much nicer fairing and nose section, the 08-11 models were criticised in the press for being a bit bull-nosed but TBH they look fine to me. Taz the full LCD Dash with LED shift lights, gear indicator and lap timer etc etc etc Taz nicer HRC paint (the fastest colour if you're unaware BTW)
The 12 onwards bike is slightly better, not quite so good-looking and has wheels that look a proper lovechild to clean. And, for those that say looks are subjective, I say that I am, as Winston Churchill would say, right.
My own take on the bikes, back to back, you can feel the improvement on the shockers on the 12 bike, that for me was the biggest gain. No doubt a bit of fettling on the 8-11 bike will get you close. Dependant on your riding regime, its just something you can only know. The clocks look better and give more info, but I am one of those riders that tends to spend more time looking at where I want to end up rather than admiring the LCD. For me it was not worth the extra couple of grand to take the 12 bike over a used 10 for the riding I mainly do and the miles I crunch. Then there is the wheels, if you have a similar cleaning aversion to bikes that I do, forget it, they look like a friggin nightmare. As for the overall looks, when I first see the 08 Blade, compared to my old RR6 I thought it looked like a bus. But its grown on me a bit, although I think colour plays a part, and its a very individual look up front, marmite I guess. The 12 looks sharp but looks like any number of bikes from the front end IMO.
TBH I have no need or inclination to try it, but from memory of reading the manual it's a combination press of the two reset buttons to the left of the dash then you use the Start button to activate and stop the timer. It'll store previous lap times as well amongst other things. I'd gladly swap it for a visual Fuel Gauge though!
yeh fuel gauge would be good. i went out on mine before reading the little book thing so i havent got a clue how the dash works yet. i had a good fiddle with it though
[QUOTE I'd gladly swap it for a visual Fuel Gauge though! [/QUOTE] Me too never, used the laptimer and don't think i will ever
