Economic reality has kicked in. By the time I get shot of my 08 aprilia tuono, sell the kids and a kidney I can just about scrape together £5-£5,500. That seems to get me a low mileage rr7 with dealer warranty, or higher mileage private rr8. Faced with that option, which would you go for. I've always wanted a Blade so will be happy just to be an owner, but the 08-11 is my absolute favourite. Coming from an Italian v-twin, on top of all the exciting reasons for buying a Blade, there's a sensible motivation longing for the hassle free Honda ownership experience. Thanks for your thoughts.
Lower nileage 08+ models do come up for around that money if you bide your time. Personally if it were me id try get an 08+ causr by the sounds of it youll never be happy with the previous model.
RR7 no using oil problems for one in my biased opinion lol no comparison in looks and performance wise not a lot in it bought my RR6 new its now done 36000 with no problems and with some sweet mods is putting out 175bhp at the wheel nuff said
Have an RR8 and had no problems with it burning oil! Also goes further on a tankful compared to the 06/07 model, is lighter and more agile too
Every one is different so get and test ride both, a lot of people say the 08+ is a better ride but I am tall and of large build and found I preffered the handling of the earlier model Plus IMO the 07 looks much nicer But like I say book s couple of test rides before you decide and see what suits you best
Yes, same here..the rr7 looks more aggressive that is why i went for it. It just clicked as an overall package. Personal choice mate, wont be disappointed by either
That is such a personal thing and only you can choose as they look like entirely different bikes in terms of styling... you say the 08 is your absolute favourite, you going to be happy with anything else? For me the rr7 looks a little dated now but again that's personal as I know a lot of people prefer it... the choice is yours.
I had the same predicament earlier in the summer after having also sold my V-twin of 5 years (SV-1000S). I ended up looking at both and making a decision from there - I preferred the styling of the 08+ blades but obviously the 06-07 bikes were a few hundred quid cheaper and 'appeared' to be bigger bikes. While I didn't manage to get a test ride on either model, I sat on both and went from there. Like most have said already, such a personal choice, you're better off going with your gut feeling and trying to find a test ride on one. If you like it job done! If not, try the other model. Good luck getting a test ride though! Oh, and I went for the 08 model in the end and so glad I did - beautiful bike and comfy too - I'm 6ft and it fits me just right.
I also had a similar choice, well sort of. I was really keen on an 06 plate blade with an under seat akroprovic pipe, sounded the dogs dooh dah, was in red and black and looked awesome, took it out for a ride and hated it, though I think this might have been certainly in part due to squared off back tyre. Put me right off getting a blade, the dealer talked me into test riding a 10 plate blade, and although a little over budget, I thought, why not I am here now and took it out. Instant love affair going on and within the first mile I knew I had to raise the funds for it. For me personally the choice was made within that mile. Glad I did as I think I would have always been wondering what it. You absolutely have to go for what suits you best, irrelevant of the year, it the model 08+ is a big thing to you, then don't settle for less, you wont be happy
I bought my 09 sight unseen over the Internet but with loads of quality pics. I've owned plenty of litre bikes and this is up there with the best. Previous bikes include RRV & RRW Blades, 01 R1, 01 Mille-r, K3 & K5 Gixer thou. Go with an 08 you won't regret it, even the front end looks have grown on me.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice. Just agreed a price for a RR9 this morning....excited doesn't even come close to covering it!! Will be a proper member of this forum very soon!
