The problem I have with all this is the SP moniker being bandied about as the norm when it should be special or limited,the difference between the two models doesn’t justify a massive price difference in my opinion plus the bike has no race pedigree as of yet just look at the poor souls who bought the 17/19 SP2 models a disaster on the race tracks and the TT which no doubt contributed to the lack of sales huge depreciation and massive discounts being offered,if this bike fails also I think Honda on the superbike stage is done and would be a massive shame,I think I’ll stick with my 14 SP for now at least it won at the TT
It's still a 'J' model though which is the latter SP2. My point in highlighting that is that it must 'devalue' all other SP2s, because if a dealer is faced with an owner trying to ask for 17 - 18 grand as a part exchange, the dealer will knock us down straight away and say: 'We can buy a brand new one for £16K. Not exactly 2 years though; the 'J' models landed in March 2018. Not being argumentative my friend, just clarifying my position in my oft' posted statements that our bikes (purchased at RRP) have devalued enormously. The fear now of course, will it be the same with the new SP? True. I can't see it either. The homologation parts, namely the wings and lengthened swingarm are already on the SP so there'd be no need for a higher spec model. Further, the flack Honda has copped over the ability to immediately access HRC components for race and track works, together with the inability to 'adjust' the ECU for various parameters, a matter handled personally by member @RC45 , I don't think Honda would dare promote another 'track ready' bike.
Yes, I understand. A lot of other variable will come in to it also. I'm merely 'regionalising' currency.
80’s shell suit springs to mind! to much red and the blue isn’t great in Matt finish, shame really as the Aprilia is a great looking bike
Nice effort .... But they failed again!!... Might well have all that horsepower but it weighs in like the rest of the fat bunch of super bikes!... Taller seat high, further reach, foot pegs further back, shorter screen, 45mm lower tank screams racing bike ! Not a great road bike combination I’m afraid.... it will also be soulless like most of the other Japanese bikes. Digital misery if it starts having a brain fart! Let’s face it how many ongoing issues with the current model? ..... What no shift cam? They are already behind the game and at that price point People want perfection!!... All a load of bragging rights.... How many more aids can they fit on this shit? .... Did I mention though I really like the look and the spec figures bar the weight.... But...... Here’s the thing This other bike looks and sounds amazing, has character, and a well sorted electronics package.... I’m a over a year in with the Pani now and haven’t looked back. But if I had to return it would be one of theses..... Will get my running shoes on ......
It will be very interesting in a years time to see what we will all be saying about the new blade and how it has done in BSB, WSBK and the TT. I really like the the look of the new blade and knowing that one day I might actually own one.
So far it has past the looks test, and the spec seems hugely improved. Now it has to perform in races - at least not fail. We know that the race bikes are in some ways different to the bike in the showroom. But after watching the race bike come last by 50 seconds in every race - but told not to worry because the road bike is different - is not going to wash as a sales strategy. See what they can do in 2020 - maybe get it entered in the NW 200 and the TT.
Hey guys (and gal). I know many of you are devoted followers of black livery. I'm still in study mode of the 2020 and on looking at the black version, just wonder whether it really gives any 'visual' indication of being a totally new bike. Thoughts? To me, it's just another bike.
It has all the same 'visual' indications as the same model in the red and blue paint scheme. You could argue that all black bikes look the same to a certain extent but your argument suggests that to identify a bike as 'totally new' it would have to have a 'totally new' paint scheme. I'd rather have the new blade in black than the R1M. What's with all that blue detailing?
Front mudguard looks like it might have the same part number as 2008. Not bad if you have a carbon one and upgrade I suppose!
They've got that carbon R1M in at the local dealers and it does look stunning in the flesh...if I was after a newer top spec bike I'd be tempted with this.
UPDATE: Obtained some definitive information today: Press and media launch at Qatar from Jan 27 to Feb 3 2020. Bikes to be released to dealers in April 2020. No definitive pricing available as yet. A bike will be on show at NEC. (Couldn't ascertain whether basis or SP, but one would imagine they'd show the SP) This week's MCN has a write up, but only a recap of pics and text plucked from various websites.
