Actually have just over 500 which is out of character for me. Can't get a service yet cos dealer doesn't have oil filters (new special filter for these bikes) and claims they're on back order. Short of going into a rant, this is absurd that essential service parts are not available for a bike that has sold barely a handful. For Liam (who I believe has been pining for me for months) I'm getting on well. A truly magnificent bike. I, like others, was initially critical of its ergonomics being so tight, but it is easy to adapt to. Not sure about a non-stopper to Land's End, but it sure is a great bike. Far surpasses the 2018s, but its very different power band means we're generally riding around in 2 gears lower than the former Blades. The finish is superb, with most decals lacquered over, which I think has not been done for some years on the new Hondas, but could be corrected on this. Like @Ritchierich , I've installed the Evotech kit of rad guard, tail tidy, and pillion delete hangar, and most importantly, the front reflector delete option.
Nige, come on we are all desperate to know, what Weapons do you have in your Honda Armoury these days?
Mine goes for a service in a couple of wks dealer has offered I can take one out again while mine in ...to right ...N are you tempted by the carbon pack availiable.....so front fender...lower belly pan and tank cover 25% lighter ..
No special oil filter on them, my dealer has 2 types, one made in China and the other in USA for Honda.
Had my baby out on track today at Oulton Park and like @nigelrb was saying a lot of the corners I was in 1st gear to get good drive on exit, 2nd put it a little low in the rev range but have to say its bit of an animal affording the upmost of respect when opening that throttle. First session I was struggling for rear grip with the Power 5s, spoke with tyre guy, lowered pressures more and left the tyre warmers off, lots better, looking forward to trying the Power GPs when they make a 200 rear next year. The lads on pit wall reckoned it was the best sounding bike out there, especially exiting first corner on putting the power down, heaven knows why I didn't get black flagged for noise but glad I didn't
OMG you took the Power 5s onto track against all of Michelin advice....tut tut Sounds like you had a good day
I know, I'm such a bad boy. They were OK on track apart from first section but once set pressures to 31=F and 29=R they were great, nice and sticky by the end of each session.
Yes, but this, as contained in Owner's Manual would be accepted by most (and myself) as general Honda dealer servicing as opposed to being jobbed out to Specialist Ohlins staff. I doubt the Honda techs have such training, and presume that Ohlins wouldn't permit it anyway. Moot point overall, save the failure of dealer to bring this to my attention in the same manner as they did not refer the Service Bulletin running in procedure to me. None of us need to be spoon fed, but there is essential information in that bulletin that should have been imparted. This, I was told by Service manager of Blade Honda in Stratford-upon-Avon, and repeated today by Gregory Andrews of Suttons Honda in Bromsgrove who said: 'We do not currently have the oil filters in stock, they are on back order until the 4th September.' Again, not seeking debate here, merely evidencing my source. (This arose after seeking first service for my bike.) No argument there. These bikes sound friggin' magic when on song. Surely they'd fail noise tests at some circuits because I think it's louder than the 2017 - 19s and we all know that most of those failed tests. Glad you're happy with it on track.
Having now spent some time on the new model I can confirm that most of the comments and road tests are pretty bang on! So I’m really Happy I didn’t wait and opted for the V4S Corse edition at the beginning of the year... Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a masterpiece in many ways but totally flawed as a road bike! The riding position isn’t as bad once you get dialled in and spend some time in the Seat, it’s seriously easy to ride, fast or slow! front end confidence and balance is sublime out the box. The lack of low down power and grunt is very obvious so you just need to ride it in the sweet spot. From my point of view the biggest disappointment was it just lacks character and soul! and it doesn’t feel special enough considering the price point! ....
Was waiting for the new blade but opted for the V4S instead. Purely based on a late bike with the Akropovic exhausts and in the Corse colours Becoming available at a very good price! 1700 miles in and loving it The new Blade is still a stunning machine and very capable! Its just lacking some character. I’m sure with some trickery the lack of lower too midrange drive could be improved on. But If you enjoy dancing round the gearbox and keeping the revs singing above 7k then your going to love it
My 1st and 2nd services are also free although they tried to charge me when I went in for the 1st one. I'd like to think they'd genuinely forgotten. It would've cost me around £130-£140 iirc which I didn't think was too bad (especially coming from BMW). They changed the paperwork for one with £0.00 so can't give an exact answer for now. @nigelrb, surprising. My dealers first said they were fully booked for a good 3 weeks. Emailed the sales guy, they got me booked in for the first service in for the day I wanted which was within a week. No mention of backlog on parts. So far I think I'm the only one without a tail tidy currently have R&G crash protectors, Evotech rad+oil cooler guards, bar ends and swingarm spools, Honda high smoked screen and PPF all over (Bodyguard UK £120 DIY fitting or visit them for fitting at additional cost). I've got a set of boot protectors set aside as well as some heated grips... I use heated gloves in the winter but these are a backup if needed.
So while in for service today new one in black caught my eye...visualising the carbon pack on it so Tank , front fender, under belly pan would look cracking imo ...HONDA on the belly pan would look better in white lettering like ion the BSB bikes also could do with the HRC logo on top of tank ...hmm one to watch over winter...
Nice new ones always look appealing, unless you keep your bike in pristine condition never going out in wet miserable weather (not that we ever get that here in the UK right).. Will be very interested to see what sorts of deals start to emerge in the dark days of winter post Christmas. Will be even more interested to see if the insurance companies here in the southeast start offering reasonable quotes. But hey, it's always good to have something to dream / think about when trying to nod off at night.
Interesting tidbit during my conversation with BeMoto Insurance yesterday, who claim to have insured 50 of the new RR-R. I am very sceptical, but it wasn't a sales pitch because I was calling about a different bike. My view is that BeMoto is one of the smaller players and couldn't possibly have that many. I mean, has Honda actually sold 50 of these things?
