I thought the new fireblade already had the best aeros in its class? Think it was top of some high speed head to heads I read. I will be ready to eat my words come November but I think you are all mad thinking Honda will do anything other than a colour change for 2019. Look how long it took them to come up with the 2017 bike and even that wasn't an all new bike. Could they really update an already updated bike?
The Japanese don’t like to be shamed and after bringing out 3 ‘new’ bikes as they called them that were behind 2nd or 3rd generation bikes on the track and road of the competition might have them thinking again?
I think we see from this thread the results of media hype and active promotional marketing. We are all interested, speculating, and expressing opinion over what will be released. This is a Honda 'dream' to have its customer base on edge just waiting to see what will drop onto the showroom floor. Some will be excited, some will be disappointed, but even with disappointment, some will stay with the marque. I still think Honda is flogging a dead horse by continuing the Blade in its present - or close enough to - form. But I will still be excited to see the release. Speaking of the marketing drill, last November at the NEC, Honda had its C125 'Super Cub' on show. It's been hyped about for months, been written up in media reports, said to be released her in 'autumn' but still no sign of the bike after nearly 10 months. For frig sake, a woman can conceive and bear a child in less time! I have actually asked my dealer when I might be able to buy one and the reply is 'we don't know'. My point in mentioning this is that since last November, myself and presumably others have had the C125 on their mind. Now we are seeing the same with the proposed Blade.
Nige, nothing new there about dealers being clueless. Well either clueless or talk complete horse droppings. I am 22 years into owning and riding Fireblades. I think it has run it’s course now. Honda we want a V4 that is affordable to the type of people who will actually ride them.
That is a stat to be proud of! Congrats. I feel we share the same opinion that the Blade's lost a bit of it's 'edge'.
Nige, notwithstanding I am very brand loyal. The Fireblade has and will continue to be my ‘go to’ bike. Just wish it was £9500 for a brand new one like it was 10 years ago. Unfortunately my RAF pension and delivery drivers wage won’t stretch to the dizzy costings of an SP2. Plus reality check, I have two speed these days, slow or slower.
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesoci...Ox927uV5M8RCPZeq_K4SIqQAFRqUcvqLMDPi5ZPSMxupI I wonder will any of the electronic updates be retro-compatible. I'd say the decoupled anti-wheelie / traction control won't.
I think this is rather disappointing news for the non-track riders. I am not big on some of the electronic wizardry, so for me, there is no incentive to buy a 2019 (not that I was really a candidate) with a revised paint colour. This remains 'essentially' the same as the 2017 with a few mods. I think Honda is being left behind in many respects.
Agreed, all the hype about 200+ HP had me convinced. I will not be placing an order for a '19. I think an BMW is in my future.
You could impress him if you use these: https://www.westminstercollection.com/p-808L/The-Battle-of-Hastings-Silver-Coin-Bar.aspx
No. I think many of us agree the 17 -18 is superb; what we are saying though (by my impression) is that no serious advancement has been incorporated into the 2019. My 2018 is a keeper because it is superb!
