Well I have put a deposit down on a Black '56 Blade. All seems standard apart from crash bungs and some protection. 22k miles, but hey it's a Honda. Dealer but still seems a good price and they will change tyres, oil and chain/ sprockets if needs be. Is there anything I should particularly look out for on this model, or just the usual service history checks etc.? They do the HPI checks etc. Thanks
On the service record have a look to see if the valve clearances have been checked. Its expensive to do so some peaple dont bother, if not ask them to do it.
Yes check it's had full 16k service including valve clearance, I sold my 2005 blade at 21000 miles and it was a great runner, no real problems as long as serviced well Check chain and sprockets for wear too
Had my rr6 since new and racked up over 48k miles. Only problem I had was the radiator developed a leak a year ago. Other than that it has been regularly serviced and has been faultless.
Thanks guys. It all seems very straight. Sprocket and chain look good and just appears to need a new front tyre. I have a set of Pirelli Diablos which should be okay and the dealer will fit, unless someone thinks they are rubbish on a Blade? Back tyre legal but square...straight liner!! They have to do a safety check before I can ride and so I will do a proper paperwork check then. It has had a chain tensioner which suggests that some one may have looked after it. Just a random query. The Honda decals on the side of the tank. Are they lacquered in or transfer. This has some fairly gaudy red ones which need to go it they have the original underneath.
Just one thing to note, if the bike is an rr6 model I don't recall the black bike having red logos, I thought they were grey logos (could be wrong). Double check they are genuine fairings and not Chinese copies.
I;m not expert so perhaps a look at the photos will shed some light with current owners? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191838961505?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I think that is the standard paint job. Belly pan was a different colour to the upper. One thing with this model is that the regulator/ rectifier can be an issue. Do a search on the forum regarding that for more info.
Okay right, So it would seem to be a late registered 05 model so better looking out for an 06 or still a good example of the marque?
I personally would go for an 06 onwards (but I'm biased). Depends what price you're getting it for? Have a look at what rr6/rr7 are going for.
I had the RR5 was a good bike, however if i weas after one again i would for RR6, it is a better bike than the 05. "While retaining the basic structure of the 2005 model year engine, the 2006 model year engine featured straight cylinder head intake ports and larger exhaust ports. Adjustments to the shape and timing of the valves raised the efficiency of combustion, intake and exhaust, resulting in a more advanced engine with stronger torque at low to midrange speeds. The diameter of the front brake disc was increased from 310 mm to 320 mm while its thickness was reduced from 5 mm to 4.5 mm, and the rear brake featured a new and more lightweight and compact caliper. These changes raised braking performance while reducing vehicle weight" plus a better looking fairing
06 is what I thought it was. Can have for about £4400 with 3 months warranty, new tyre, oil change and 12 mths MOT, so does that sound reasonable?
I have nice rr7 for sale. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111937918991?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
Got to be black and an 06 or my insurance has to start again as I am keeping my Blackbird. Got some thinking to do then. Pity, It looks a really nice bike. I guess it must just be a late registered '05.