I'd say on tracks like Brands Indy it may well do well, Blades barely get into 5th gear too short.Gp circuit with higher speeds I bet it loses.
not with me mate, own the blade just for track, old R1 for road and like to think i'm quite realistic about each bikes abilities and the fact that there are better bikes out there for any given task. but for road riding (and track it seems given your lap times above), i just think the blade is a better bike, coming from what ive seen, know from the guys that ride them, and fellas with blades et al that have tried them.... bike v bike think blade wins, and no doubt there are guys out there that would smoke me on their RC8's and me on a brand new blade... that said, still think the RC8 is awesome, offers a look and character the blade lacks, and is prob very involving and rewarding to ride which is why you would own one.... just need to try one to back that up! ha ha
All true mate.. Sideways here you are just to answer the question Brands GP 2009 RC8 1:32 Brands GP 2013 ZX10R 1:29 Same race CBR1000RR 1:30 Its always interesting to see the time, and damm SOOOO many ZX10Rs in SS1000!
Same here mate , would love one but had the same problem with it, was in the showroom and had to virtually fall/ roll of it Shame tho stunning looking bike
RC8..... I absolutely love ours, Its a right animal... and that engine just sings to ya.Oh and im 5ft 4inch...
I've had one. Great bike. Some issues with gearbox and oil leak on 08 models. All put right by recall by now. Big Vees are very marmite. Totally different experience to the blade, but good different. Feels much slower than the blade as the engine isn't screaming like the blade does. Very deceptive.......grab a handful, guess at the speed then look at the speedo. I guarantee you will get it way wrong at first. Adjustability is great. Handling is superb, but again very different to the blade. You have to make the 8 do what you want where as the blade seems to read your mind. One big criticism is the price of exhausts. An Akrapovic costs over £2000! Supply and demand I guess. I would say, if you haven't ridden a V before, ride before you buy. Some will love it, some will hate it. Just expect it to be very different from any IL4
In April this year I decided that I had to have an RC8r,I love the look of the bike it's so different from any other sports bike.I did a lot of research on the internet and eventually went for a test ride at the nearest dealer...1.5 hours from my house.The bike handled really well,cos it's a twin it was very narrow,I fitted it perfectly even without the multi adjustments,the engine had loads of torque but close up,I thought the bike looked a little agricultural.My research also uncovered a few little problems which wouldn't have been a problem if I was a bit more handy with the tools.To cut a long story short,I chickened out because of poss maintanence issues poor dealership cover and re sale values on them,went for some test rides on other litre sports bikes including the blade and the rest is history,IMHO the blade out performs the RC8 in all aspects,except maybe cornering,wouldn't want to ride pillion on the RC8 either!
Love Rc8's, perhaps my next bike. Having rode a couple I can say there is no way on earth they compare to a blade in terms of all out speed and power- haven't rode the new r version btw But then the same comparison happens between the blade and other more powerful bikes- in the twisty's Kev (who Jimbo and Jez refer to) is as quick as anyone, in an out and out straight line drag he's left standing. Bike or rider, who knows
Resale is a good point and so is the quality of the bikes finish. My partner loves to go on the back of the bikes I get in and own if she gets a chance, shes not shy of a wheelie or two and don't mind some lean angle too....lol The 09 R model I had on loan she said was the most comfy bike she has ever been on the back of and the way it rides two up was shocking, It rides just the same with two as it does solo.. I have NEVER rode another bike where you can take someone on the back and keep pace like you do on your own, my best memory of the R was my elbow running through the long grass road side with Val thinking to myself this thing is awesome!!! The paint rubbed off the tank in the two weeks I had it on loan, if it was mine Id have been pi$$ed!
Some useful info there chaps. This weekend I'm gonna get a road test on one. If it don't float my boat I'll invest in an 09 blade.
