True about the back end. Looks as if it underwent a design change halfway through production and no one knew how to finish it. The 'floating' number plate assemble and rear guard is crap. Would look much better with a full guard to match the front. Will be interesting to read the magazine reviews!!
Shame they changed the tail from where they were with the prototype. As a super naked is mid 140 bhp enough these days to fend off the competition??
I think it probably is enough power but it’s going to have to be very carefully priced to fend off the MT-10 and the S1000R id say, I just think it looks dreadful, the mock up shown above looks much better, it may well come in different colours which would help, the tail looks a bit pointless for a pillion so they should have made it a single seat.
Never thought about that but aye you’re right, especially as it can apparently out drag a new blade it might be a bit flighty with the front wheel, probably got anti wheelie though if it has the blade electronics package.
Think Honda have missed the boat again....but I'll reserve judgement until I see it in the flesh in a couple of weeks.
I traded my old CB1 for the new blade earlier in the year and I wish I hadn’t. This thing is just mad. Great on the bends, but give it a fistful on the straight and the front end comes up and I chicken out before the WC kicks in. That’s if it does kick in and I’d appreciate it if anyone with experience could confirm this as I’m not getting any younger and my heart is taking a pounding, not to mention my under kegs. The CB1 would do it at low speeds, but this thing’s doing it at a ton plus and since I won’t be going on track days, the thing is just wasted on me. I’ve never been one for how a bike looks, as I never thought the current model looked that great. It’s the fun factor and the old CB1 had plenty of it. The new bike will be faster and handle even better due to the riding aids, if my experience with the new blade is anything to go by. So regretfully I’ll probably be trading in for the new CB1 when it comes out, depending on the upcoming test ride reviews and my own personal test ride of course. For the record, I think the new bike looks better than the old model in its own way. I think the lost trade from the diehard sports naked enthusiasts will be made up by the retro lovers.
