Hi as above took out Thunderroads demo bike today. I had 7 different Blade models before I moved to GSXRs after not getting on with my 2008 blade. First impressions this is fast, very fast the mid range is fantastic. It is also the best sounding standard Blade I have ever ridden. After 4500 revs it just starts to sing, it turns really well and just feels safe. I also thing they stole the gearbox from Suzuki by far the slickest box so far on a Blade. I did 135 miles of mixed road riding before the fuel light came on and showed 45 miles left not bad for a 16 litre tank. It is geared down a bit I think 6000 rpm = 90 mph I found myself looking for 7th a few times as it pulls so hard in 6th. The display is a little overpowering I just set the TC to 2 and the EB to 3 and left it alone. When I came back the new GSXR demo was registered as well so I went out again for about 40 miles that is also impressive but I didnt think it was quite as eager to rev as the Blade, my lasting impression is that on the road the Blade is a better bike although next week I will take the GSXR out on the same route I took the Blade for a better comparison. Now if only they did the SP1 in black !
Be interesting to see how the GSXR compares to the Blade, especially when the Suzuki is a good few grand cheaper.
Was just having a quick look on the net and these were the prices I was seeing: Fireblade SP £19,125 GSXR R £16,000 Fireblade (Standard) £15,225 GSXR (Standard) £13,249
Watched Lambs video last night followed the other video on the aprilia RSV4 RF. Great info so worth having a look. On the blade i believe he explains a lot if you are planning to spend almost 20k on a bike..
The best part of £20k pits the SP1 against some very nice Italian exotica, and I know which I would prefer.
A guy I know was at the press launch in Spain he told me he was 10 sec faster on SP1 but he is not a track rider and usually rides adventure bikes.
I was wondering what would it cost for the SP1 options on to the base model probabley more than 4 grand though.
I like the way the 08 blade was out in front at one point ....you can only go so fast on the road all it does is it makes you smile when you open the garage door...not always quicker ...and 20k lighter....
Your right, I just found the 08 a bit snatchy low down I had one of the first couldnt get a can for it, the new one doesnt need one. A hugger that worked cost £400, double bubble £150. but this new one is the new generation still needs a better hugger but as always the first time one goes straight past you and it will, you will start to wonder.
Had one out yesterday and kinda agree on all the positives. Negatives are pretty minor really. Kept hitting the horn instead of indicator button, screen and front fairing seemed lower, bike was way lighter and felt smaller than mine, needs a gel seat. My conclusion was that I wouldn't trade my current blade in for one. Although if I won the Honda competition that wouldn't be so bad. If I had to go out and buy a new bike it would be the blade though out of all of them.
Good to hear a positive review. Im definately the type to be wanting the newest machine but like you i doubt i will be upgrading from my current blade.
