As are most of us on here. But unless you're a professional racer, you'll likely be as quick, if not quicker on the KTM. Bearing in mind it has all the toys (traction, electronic suspension, quickshifter etc) so it is the equivalent of an SP. Considering it is £11k new not £23,500, you'd need to have your head read to dismiss it out of hand . Sometimes we need to think a little differently.
That looks a bargain for someone. Looking at that genre of hooligan adventure bikes - Ducati Multistrada - even the baby 950 S has some go.... Again tempting away road going sportsbike riders - as hooligan as you need for solo (and a bit of luggage) road riding....
I'll have to agree Nigel..... KTM is a great bike and you get a lot for the money but I'm definitely not done with sports bikes yet!! As long as my knees will still bend I'll be on one!
Yep, that's the crucial factor, Paulo!! I'm presently doing advanced calisthenics so I can fold into the new Blade!!
Alastair, we're on two different tangents here, I think. My view is that aesthetics play a great part in our purchasing decisions. For me, it's not all about 'being quick, if not quicker' on another bike, it's also about the looks, appeal, and emotional rewards a bike can offer. Granted, the KTM, as you point out, has all the 'aids' we have on our SPs, but for me, it fails dismally in the looks department. On your theory though, I do need my head read for choosing the 2020 Blade over the KTM, AND paying the twelve-odd grand to 'dismiss it out of hand.' I didn't blindly walk into the 2020 Honda though. I have widely posted my consideration of both the R1 and BMW S1000RR because it it those aesthetics that fuel my purchasing emotions. All in all, I'll fall back on my oft' repeated cliche: It's all about horses for courses.
Talking of R1's Wouldn't mind this, but at £35k and only 20 made in red, i guess I will just have to wait
Yes a special edition bike based on Endurance racing suzuka 8 hours and such, hence the lights. Only made 20 and £35k each
https://shop.alpharacing.com/shop/i...Path=393_902&products_id=24872&cPath=393_902& BMW is not far off, much better spec.
Rumors of 2021 R1, more power, improved electronics, seamless box, VVT and winglets... So looks like 2021 will be my upgrade year with either new R1 or Blade
And zx10rr surely GSXR as well....be good if Ducati could design winglets like Honda so not to look like a trip to Halfords ...
I'm a bit of a Ducati fanboy but I think the wings look shit too... Ruins a very sexy (if a bit chubby bike).... The R1 will only be as good as their ABS... The rumoured engine stuff looks great but if their brakes are still rubbish then I'll be well disappointed... Can't afford a new one but in a couple years when they've come down a bit I'd love one again...
Keeping my hopes up for an R1 with Brembo's ...one can dream, not sure why Yamaha won;t fit them as standard on the M at least?
I've been told there will be another new version of the s1000rr next year. Not sure how true it is and if it is, why they are replacing it so soon after the latest release.
Also a counter-rotating crank for the 2021 model ? I wonder if they will stretch the wheelbase a bit like Honda has with the new Blade - they might have to if they are going to get that serious about things. It will be awesome - Yamaha don't mess about
Roll on 2021 then, 2020 has Been a crap year for all, 2021 sounds like it will be a fun one with so many new bikes to choose from and hopefully this damn virus under more control Fun fun fun
The BMW will have been around 3 yrs took one year due to delay in production could be due a facelift ...