I know we all have our favourites, and I wondered why? I’ve had my RR7 and my RR-B and have to say out of the two I (only just) preferred the 7 based on the aggressive looks and the hydraulic clutch. Before I came on here I hated the look of the 08-12 blades, hated the front. But after seeing so many it grew on me. Main reason to buying a B, for me, was the colour scheme, and the fact racefit do a growler for it. Looking back now, I don’t think I’d change it for anything other than a 2016 SP, it’s grown on me a lot. And as with my RR7 (HRC) it always gets looks and comments from people on brand new litre sports bikes. And the noise What’s your favourite era, and why?
I love the later shape and it's an absolute animal compared to my old RR5, but I wish the newer ones handled like the older ones and were as comfortable. The new one just feels like it would spit me off if I misbehaved. Plus I love the old underseat exhaust.
I spent over 11 years on an RR-N, 4 years plus with an RR-4, almost 12 years on an RR-8 and now have a 2019 SP. Each one is easier to ride faster, handles better and brakes harder. But I still miss my red/white/blue 1992 RR-N.
I still love my 2012. I loved the simplicity of my older blades but the crap gearbox and rubbish brakes let them down a bit. My year 2000 model the brakes improved but I found it a bit boring. Loved my 2007/2009 Repsols but Whilst some like the attention they give I didn’t. So for me my 2012. I loved the look of the 2014 Non ABS SP and the recent SP2 and would love a new SP blade but the price and all the electronic wizardry means it will be a no go for me.
Mixed bag this, never had a bad Blade, it’s always been the best all round Superbike out there, not always the sharpest or fastest, but always a good handling bike, where unlike a lot of very good competition, you can use more of the power more of the time, probably why It’s been such a good road bike over the years. Caveat here, my knowledge stops at 2014 model, as electronics are clever but not in my interest list. Best looking Blade RR6/7, would still love to kill and dismember the bastards who nicked my RR6, the new rad was bloody expensive. Most complete Blade of all the Blades I’ve owned, RRE, just such a perfect balance of handling and power, in the hands of a good rider a real weapon, just ahead of the 954 IMO, which was the pinnacle of the first gen Blades. Sheer quality engineered, well a lot have been, but 95K in 3 years on a 929 and nothing much more than warped discs, tells you something about Hondas DNA at that time, shame they’ve lost it now. Biggest flop, it wasn’t the bike it was the ABS, only will Hondas engineering and marketing staff know why the persued it after doing so much development work with Bosch then canning what was/is the best system. Japanese arrogance and pride comes to mind. After all that, the RRR I have, compared to modern Blades is politely called old skool in this day and age, but if you were bought up on bendy Jap 2 and 4 strokes with tubes of oil for suspension, brakes that didn’t and tyres that were designed only to keep the rims off the ground, survived and lived to tell the tale, is such a blast to ride, it’s just shows the genius of the design and engineering dedication that was crafted into it, and from that acorn has sprouted all the great bikes out there today. If you never owned or ridden one, do it before you die, you might be surprised just how good they still are.
After a line of Suzuki, then a CBR600 then a VFR800 I got my first Blade in 2000, RRY. Loved it, but px'd for a RR3 in Yellow. Didn't feel much different to me, it changed a bit after going under a Fiesta....then a RR6 with the insurance payout - plus a shed load not in the insurance Got a Repsol 2011 which I kept for the longest time till this year. I find the new one more agile in every respect although those flashing dash lights were a pain in the arse. I'm not a decent enough rider to think I get more than 50% out of any of those bikes, all I know is that I feel 150% better when I'm on one.
I remember visiting NEC bike show and seeing the 2008 Blade for the first time thinking how can a company produce a bike with such a ugly front and who would buy one ? I hated it ! at the time I owned a R1 which in my view it was the best looking bike around and did everything perfectly, but then wind forward about 5 years and I was on the lookout for something else and to my surprise the choice was either a HRC or Repsol Blade. After looking at a number of Blades I finally purchased non ABS Repsol 7 years later I've still got her. I love the attention the bike gets on the road and when parked up, for the last 3/4 years I have considered selling and getting something newer as she is now 11 years old, but deep down in not sure I would be happy with anything else she is just perfect, however due to a change of circumstances I may be able to keep the 09 and purchase a 2nd bike the options are V2 Pani, later Repsol or non ABS SP.
I've got an RR6 and 2019 SP, and they're very different bikes. Was somewhat shocked to discover the RR6 is a better road bike. The SP obviously better on track, yes it turns quicker, goes and stops better too - but it's too stiff and too cramped next to the RR6 for the road. Also doesn't sound as good, or have the throttle response that gives the same degree of instant BRRRRRPPPP joy. That's just the direction all super bikes have gone in though, as they chase lap time. The 2017-19 blade still a very nice road bike compared to its contemporaries, which are all bloody stiff and digital too.
If I could find an absolute minter.....and sadly they're few and far between, I'd happily replace my 2018 SP (when she goes back in 12 months) for a 2003 954rr. In my eyes the best blade ever made and this thread has just brought the bike to the forefront of my mind again. I was looking at these at the same time I was looking at R1's and at the time the R1 was the right bike for the right money.....mint and 3.5k. If I'd of found a similar 954 I'm pretty sure it would be sat in the garage now! Anyway I'm off to scour ebay to see what's about! Thanks for that @mk3golfcab just look at it
@PauloHRC With you there brother, another 954 is on my shopping list, just loved that bike, absolute beauty went in less than a day the week before Christmas locally, was gutted
This is the first blade I have owned. Its a 2015 non abs version. I've had various cbr6000rr, yamaha r6s and r1 race bikes but this is the first blade. I got it at beginning of lockdown as had money spare with not spending it so chopped my 2003 cbr600rr in for it. It was a friend that recommended I get a blade with budget I had.he said one of best bikes he's ever had and was lookingninto possibly getting another one. He has had a s1000rr , zx10r and tuono since getting rid of the blade. I love my blade but I got to admit I was expecting it to have some more oomph unless I've just got used to the power somewhat. The finish is brilliant and I'm not expecting any issues with it as its honda.
Hands down only second in colour scheme to the white/blue 954, get my blood pumping as much now as when I was a pre-pubescent lad
My mate brought over his 08 model back when I was on a ninja, he had that dark red model with a one piece carbon tail end. Loved the look of the rounded front and it was the reason I bought a blade. Initially looked at the same shape in repsol colours and It was only that the 13 plate I have now came up for not too much more money with next to no miles on it. Initially still preferred the earlier shape but the slightly updated look grew on me. Some angles I think it looks amazing and others it looks a bit odd to me. Something to do with the side profile and area between the mud guard and nose. Got to say, the newest version has really grown on me after seeing it in race spec on tv. Wasnt a fan at all when released but think it looks great now.
07 for me. Newer ones didn't do it for me after the ABS fiasco, and whilst I can appreciate the 954 it always looked a bit lardy to me, and the scud for an exhaust was just a no-no
I've only had two so can't really add much. My 929 was a great bike and I kept it for about 8 years I think. I didn't find a better bike until I got my 2007. I've had it for nearly 6 years and haven't replaced it because it was superb on the road and I absolutely love riding it on the track which I exclusively use it for now. I made a mistake when I sold my 929 because I thought what I bought afterward was going to be better. Won't be doing that again. If I smash the 2007 to bits on track I'll go buy another one because I like it and don't need (or want) anything else.
