Seeing how quiet the forum is at the mo', and the amount of registered interest in new bikes, this thread will hold all the good info - I hope. I have already made my points about the proposed 2020 Blade and that if it's a fizzer I would consider BMW or Yamaha R1. Have already ruled out Bee Em because of some reports and its overuse of 'plastics'. My interest in the R1M is becoming more intense. I attended Worcester dealer yesterday ( https://www.skellerns.co.uk/index.aspx ) and had a close and personal with a std R1 followed by a long discussion. Sitting on the bike surprised me. It claims a seat height of some 860mm which concerned me, but once on the bike it was no issue. Rider's 'triangle' is brilliant, and, dare I say it, better than the 2017 - 19 Blade because the Blade feels so small in comparison. No comment on quality because I'll wait to see an 'M' at the NEC, but for one who has been Honda all his life and never having owned a Yamaha I am more than impressed. I guess that would be reinforced by the Yamaha converts on this very forum. So, in summary, 2020 seems to hold a lot of new directions for different riders. If Honda doesn't come good, they'll definitely pay the penalty.
It feels a bit wrong to be bigging up Yamaha on a Fireblade forum. I really hope Honda do come out with something great for the new Fireblade - a crisis of management if they do not. They surely have the resources and expertise, but if they are hamstrung by a bureaucratic leadership then nothing will get done - committees of bureaucrats are for ticking boxes not producing extraordinary advances and vision. As for Yamaha, they make great stuff. When I bought a small Zodiac RIB I asked a boating mate what is the best outboard motor for it - he said get a Yamaha, so I did. I wish Honda all the best, and hold no grudge against them, but I am not going to wait for them if they do not produce the right product at the right price - that is the power of the Market and free will. You pay your money and take your choice. Let us see what they come up with at EICMA
Quite true, and I am equally worried that I'd be 'bigging up' Hondas if/when I join a Yamaha forum. Fair to say we've had similar discussions about BMW and Ducati and a spattering of interest in Kawasaki H2. Strangely, I don't recall any conversation/interest in Suzuki's GSX-R1000.
Maybe the testosterone has died down in my older years but I find litre sports bikes too intimidating and fundamentally too expensive. I take my hat off to anyone who can afford one. Further to that with all the electronics I would not like to own one and keep beyond the warranty. At this rate I think my next bike will have pedals.
Understand your point, especially as some of us are buying bikes that would see a really good car in its place. I am sure domestic/family situations also dictate the amount of money and time we can devote to our hobbies. One exception here might be our friend @PauloHRC who has a bottomless pit of 'hobby funds' and a full vocabulary of deceptive, sweet murmurings for his wife. There is a case for loving and maintaining the classics, but for me, also a case of experiencing the shiny and new innovations compared to the 1970's new innovation of the electric start. [in general production] Oh, and as for the testosterone, mine will never 'die down'. Try overdosing on this stuff:
Since sportsbikes have gone digital the pace of development of electronics will probably slow. I remember when digital cameras came out - I would change the camera every 12-18 months, and the camera would be better spec, and improved. Now that has slowed. The picture quality is now fantastic - the autofocus and white balance are superb. If I upgrade that camera in 18 months will there be any significant improvement ? no. I feel like that with my R1. The electronics are proven, and not a dangerous ongoing test that is using me as a guinea pig. They are sorted. Will the next generation of electronics be better - surely, but not massively better and probably not that I would be able to notice. I love the responsiveness of the thing. Strangely this is more noticeable at slower speeds. The smallest bit of throttle in second gear and it will move effortlessly along, without even noticing the slightest effort from the bike - as if friction does not exist. Even if the bike is not ridden fast all the time you get spoiled by how easy everything is - and the few other bikes that I have ridden since feel unbelievably slow to get a move on. Honda could still hit one out of the park - they have the potential. That would be amazing to see. Otherwise the Kawasaki H2 variants are an interesting development. A mate has been to see the Kawi dealer already, to see about the new H2 super naked - he will get one that is for sure. Otherwise the appeal of a Ducati Monster 1200 R or S appeals. Old school massive V twin with all of the electronics and sophistication of a modern bike. That appeals somehow, in red !
I'm a convert to Yamaha as you know Nigel, I will tell you though I did find the R1 riding position a bit too agrresive, but having fitted rear sets and helibars it's now perfect and a lovely bike to ride. Having now done a bit of work on my R1M I can say I'm very impressed with how well it's put together. As Mattie said the electronics are well sorted And if you like gimmicks the gps data logger on the M is just fantastic
Very interesting. As I mentioned on the Yamaha Forum (where you sussed me out) for me, at 5'9", the R1 felt a larger bike than my current (2018) Blade with the rider's triangle familiarly the same. Maybe you're taller? I've downloaded the Service Manual, courtesy of the forum, and am presently studying all the electronic quirks.
I'm 6'4" Nigel, The R1 has a longer reach so feels more roomy which I like, but it has the lowest bars to seat ratio of all the sportsbikes hence it does feel aggressive. The electronics are great and you can update settings from your phone or tablet which it a nice modern touch
You can lower the R1 easily by 20mm without it affecting anything - like side stand length, and other issues. You can get "Dog Bones" ? kit from a reputable manufacturer that can be fitted to the lower suspension attachment somewhere - this will bring it to the same height as the MT-10 that is 835 mm- it also serves to drop the back a bit and makes it less ass in the air weight on the wrists.
I've heard of that mod on many bikes, but not for me. I can't help but feeling that it would compromise the handling in some (maybe minor) way. Makes me wonder though if @Lozzy 's friend, Di, has had hers lowered?
The Yamaha techs at the YRE days recommend dropping the forks through the yokes, so they are flush with the cap, which achieves the same thing if you're not a short arse. apparently it improves stability, not done mine yet but I will. Nigel yes with some bikes I agree, I did a suspension set up on an MT10 that had 25mm lower "Dog bones" but i could not set the front sag correctly as it was so low at the back there was too little weight on the forks, it must have handled like a chopper
A bit more detail below and old pic: https://jalopnik.com/honda-adds-unprecedented-fourth-r-to-the-2020-honda-cbr-1839485456
So the ride height on the R1 is higher then?? At 6'3" that is appealing to me as I do find my blade a bit on the small side and I can't see Honda making their bike bigger for next year. As for build quality, Ive had two R6's in my time, first and second generation models and the build quality has always been spot on so I imagine they are equal if not better than Honda now. I too have been thinking about changing to Yamaha, but it will be another two years before I do. I have to get the most out of the SP for the time that I have it and I'm doubtful I'll keep it past the PCP term. So for me it'll be a 2022 R1 or a year or two old one. All depends on what Honda come up with I suppose.
I am now swaying to the new v4s those wings will be great for resting my latte on.....last years model also dropping like a bomb I am pleased that it wasn't just me that said it was hard work to ride quick....they have soften it slightly ...also the new V2 150bhp v twin would be a great road bike at 15k
The new Panigale v2 is an interesting option. The lack of single sided swingarm always put me off the 959 etc., just wish I was still in a position to buy one. https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2019/10/23/2020-ducati-panigale-v2-first-look-11-fas
Having had a 848 for a few yrs this does look in option....although would be hard to give the sp up for one if I had a lot of dosh I would have both ....suppose we all woukd
