Will be good to know how you get on with the R1 keep us updated , although going from a 2005 bike to a brand new 2016 is going to feel good no matter what the brand , make sure you get one with the gear box sorted, screen sorted so the clocks don't melt, mind you won't matter on track as you will be moving so quick the sun won't get it
The blades not exactly got a great record in those departments either, 3rd gear on blades are known to be soft and the 2012 model blades with clear oem screen melted the clocks too!
The only way to get rid of Honda's electronic middle man c-abs system is to remove the lot, just poppin the fuse out still leaves everything running thru the various valves and motors and leaves a spongy feeling with more travel at the levers. Honda's own built c-abs system is not the same as the Bosch systems (fitted to almost every other abs equipped bike including other Honda's!) where it only comes into play when needed, Honda's system is always in play every single time you touch the brakes!
Think blade sales will suffer in 2016 , as for the money £13,250 I think a lot will buy the 959 . New blade for £12,800 or the duke with toys for £450 more !
http://www.honda.co.za/en/products/motorcycles/cbr/cbr-1000-rr-sp/#/model-overview/features/ Quite clearly states Limited Edition here
In 2014 hunts, dobles and many other outlets including magazines publicised the sp as a limited edition........then Honda decided it was easy to sell and make money out of it so the term was changed from limited edition to special edition! Searching for cbr1000rr sp uk still gives dobles and hunts original limited edition status in the description of the sp bikes but the new blurb on the actual sites now ready special edition as mentioned!
"Limited Edition" - limited to 150. Maybe it was just the salesman not knowing his stuff. Can you find any printed Honda sales blurb that mentions the "150" ? Usually the sales blurb would say what the limit is, that defines the "Limited Edition" Example - the limited edition Aston Martin Vantage GT12, they tell you straight out in the sales blurb that there will only be 100 produced. Otherwise, "limited" without being defined, is rather ambiguous.
Maybe Honda's idea of Limited is the same as an ISP's idea of unlimited? Not hearing much love for Honda from anywhere at the moment. Maybe they think that they are too big to tumble?
Almost every company comes out with a "Limited Edition" to make good money. After they can not sell them any more they make it a "normal Edition". Best examples are BMW, Yamaha, Aprilia etc. etc. etc. Just have a look at the Aprilia RSV4 RF "Limited Edition 2015". Only 500 are made. If you have a look at the new 2016 RSV4 RF you will struggle to find the difference except that the 2016 has an upgraded rear suspension and V4-MP etc.etc.
So the SP is essentially a normal Fireblade with tacky Ohlins (it looks no where near as good as the pay to order suspension) and can anyone verify the blue printed engine? One thing in its favour is The awesome (2014) HRC colour scheme with gold wheels.
Also, its easy to overlook that all 2014 Blades had numerous changes over the 2012 bikes in the engine, riding position (think its the clip on angle?), exhaust / injection settings etc. - The SP then adds the plusher suspension and blueprinted (read balanced as far as I know) engine. 2014 bikes really easy to spot by the thicker car like key vs the longer / thinner one of 2008 and 2012 ranges.
It maybe a South African site but the advert says Limited Edition now I could scroll the internet a while longer and find an old UK site saying the SP was/is a limited edition or just go on Dobles/Hunts like Shinysideup says but this is on a Honda official site saying LIMITED EDITION .......!
Also 2014 bikes have 'Upgraded cylinder head, Revised PGm-DSFI settings boosting top-end power and mid-range torque. Kentblade had a 2012 and now has a 2014 and sure he can tell the differences
My 5p's worth.......to have a Ohlins TTX rear shock, Ohlins front end and Brembos, I'd say you're paying for the privilege of having a bike with all that stuff fitted. No more, no less. I still reckon at the available price over the standard model it's a worthwhile upgrade.
Well look, they made less SP's than std blades, so in sense, it is "Limited" now get on it and enjoy it
All smoke and mirrors dudes! I've ridden ZX10 & 899 amongst others with all the hype the 899 was the worst didn't like anything about it but I absolutely loved the 675 Daytona and almost thought of buying the newer ZZR14 for a hour or two! I done this all whilst owning my Blade there is absolutely nothing out there that would make me trade my Blade in! It is a truly personal thing! My mate that has the 889 is all things Ducati (bike snob lol) and personally I still feel lucky to have my non abs HRC 2010 Blade it's just so bloody amazing! Never know it might be seen as Honda's K5 in years to come! Honda are full of shit not just with bikes but cars as well but when they get it right it is something to behold! I ain't no Jonny Rea as some of you know so I'm out for good times not lap times, I've never fell for any techno queens more to go wrong with no real advantages apart from Willy waving! I'm not all that sold on the Blades blueprint engine either no names mentioned but a RR7 with mods and SP with full titanium system 1 bhp difference on the same dyno at the same time RR7: 163 and SP: 164! I got mine done in not ideal condtions at Dynojet HQ on a hot wet humid August day in 2012 and she put out 166 I'm not willy waving just pointing out there's nothing in it apart from the number on the plate! Anyhoo my point is all hale the bike you love the grass isn't always greener!
