All speculation at the moment as I obviously haven't ridden the bike but should that be the new blade then I will be majorly disappointed. The long wait for a new blade can only be justified in my eyes by a fully updated model. Not the same with some add on's... We will just have to wait and see.
I would be surprised if it is just a quick make over of the current model as the WSB team are saying that they can't wait for the 2017 machine. Unless there were some major changes in power output etc. why would they be looking forward to it. For me I will ignore all the magazines guess work and wait and see what we get. Hopefully they don't loose the road focus of the current model, so perhaps a standard one aimed more for road riders and then a much uprated SP version aimed at those wanting to take it racing
Those are the American colours which hopefully we won't see. Bike clearly has a new frame, swingarm, subframe. Suspension wise you'll probably see like said before 2 versions. A base model and then a more specced model with semi active suspension. Bike as far as I have been told will be up there power wise with the likes of the R1. Only thing I'm worrying about is that it also looks about the same size as a R1 which is a very small machine.
I'd be surprised if that is the 2017 model! Honda owns Showa and it doesn't even have showas latest forks as already used on the zx10 and gsxr If it is the new model! My money won't be on a new Honda when I change
That has the same frame and swinging arm and even rearsets as current blade, even the wheels are the same! Honda say cosmetic refresh new bike next year!
It does look smaller than the current model - but it appears to have a decent tail section for putting a bit of luggage on. As a road bike, the ability to carry a 50 litre roll bag is right up there with requirements. As a road bike , if it cannot carry a bit of luggage then I don't want it, simple as that. If Suzuki can make their new variable valve technology work reliably, then that is a real competitor to this new Fireblade (IMHO).
If you look at the frame near the front you'll see it is different mate. Also swingarm is more like the current Kwak and different rear subframe.
Apparently, (According to the dealers) November is when it will be unveiled, but if it is the one shown in the images, I certainly wouldn't throw money away for it, waiting a decade for a new blade and that's the best design they could do? Poor. hopefully it isn't that and it is far better looking and obviously a better ride. Lets wait and see,
Well that (as the kids say) Sounds Sick! October the 4th release date, sooner then the dealers mentioned, not long to go to see what all the commotion is about. Still have to agree with LambChops, not liking the half fairing look
Sounds like they have went ride by wire throttle and have a auto blipper for downshifting. Now then where's me wallet
Well I'm planning on going to the Cologne Intermot show, so it will be good to see it in the flesh, but not holding much hope going by the pics !!
I'm liking the front end but not the sides. Gorilla on a Blade Could it be possible ? There was King Kong