Thinking of getting a blade

So this is the right place to ask I guess?

Im currently considering my next bike and its down to a choice of 3. I think I might get biased answers here lol so I wont list the other 2 but whats the good points about the blade. Im thinking off a new Repsol as I have always loved the scheme since the days of Rossi
I also like the history and reputation of Honda and everything else associated with the brand. I know bikes as I work in the industry but I dont know the deep down and dirty nitty gritty of them and how they are to live with as its mainly racing I'm involved with so how are they to live with, running costs etc etc

Any help greatly appreciated but I would like to hear about any bad points as there must be 1 or 2 as with everything

Thanks

 

I LOVE my bike!!!

Does everything well for me...

Comfy, nice spread of power, handles brilliantly. Not even gonna bother to say fast, cuz all the litre bikes are fast, this one is no exception.

Known cases of a few that burn alot of oil, so do your homework... (08-11 models) MOST don't have an issue.

If you gonna race it, suspension might need some upgrading.

The lads will be around soon to give their input...

 

Dull, clinical, boring, effortless, too easy are all words people without one will use to justify to themselves why they haven't got one.

I looked at the R1 and the Fireblade. The Blade ticked more boxes for me for an all round, road/track/commute/touring machine than the R1 did. Plus I preferred the looks of the Blade.

Plus I feel Honda quality is still on-top of the pile, don't get me wrong they have their problems as do all of the manufacturers but my warranty folder for Honda is a lot thinner than the Yamaha one and we sell far more Honda's.

It will do what you ask of it with ease, it can go racing or shopping and everything in between. The suspension (2012) is sweet and the handling is sharp.

The only thing I did have to do was to change the exhaust for something a bit more fruity.

 

To be honest I don't have a bad thing to say about my bike, I ride it in all weather and have done nearly 1000miles on it in the last month. My thumb goes a bit numb during a long ride but thats more to do with dislocating it playing rugby early in the year.

 

The blade really is a brilliant bike, and as said does tick all the boxes...

Be interested to hear the other two options (guessing zx10 or bm) and think you'd be surprised at the honesty of the guys on here.

Currently got a blade converting to track and a r1 for road and they still talk to me!! (just)

 

A few more bits of info that are relevant.

It will be used only on the road. Im tall at 6ft2 and thin so this needs to be able to accommodate me. Im a fair weather rider only. I will keep most things stock like suspension etc but cant ride without a QS so will have one of those. I dont do a lot of mile either but when I do it needs to be comfy for a few hours of riding

That should cover it

OK, the other 2 options are a RSV Factory or the BM. Did think about the Panigale but dropped that idea like I did with a Gixxer

 

Currently on my 3rd Fireblade, does everything i need it too

 

The blade is a great bike.
Only spoiled by the oil burning and abs issues.
As said before, none of the litre bikes are without issue, so if you don't mind (possibly) putting in upto 1 litre of oil every 1000 miles it's fine.

 

Many don't have oil issues though - I'm lucky with mine and it's done over 15k

As for abs, simple way of solving that, don't get it! The brakes are fine without IMO, pull the lever and the bike slows down lol

 

Can't really fault it, put some good rubber on it and away you go! Very comfy, fast, handles and has the Honda reliability. Some say it's not very pretty, but it's not ugly! Iv'e had two other blades an SP1, R6, Harley ect and even with bits of me now aching more and more it's still the most comfortable and easiest to ride.

 

I opted for a non ABS version, didn't fancy the potential problems when out of warranty.

 

Whats good rubber for the Blade?

 

I have had 3 Blades in total 05/08/and2011 ABS i have had no oil issues at all and no ABS issues although if i was buying one i would opt for the none ABS .I have had all the other bikes bar the KTM and BMW and the Blade at the moment is the best looking and maybe the best road bike.

 

One man's meat is another man's poison such a personal issue in my opinion.

 

Check out the what tyres thread dude that will cabbage you for days.

 

When I'm ready to change, not sure how I could split the BM / Blade... would probably have to toss a coin (RSV is out, coz its Italian... I'm sure they're not as bad as they used to be, but I couldn't trust putting my money there!)

BM & Blade though... both got marmite looks, both impeccable build quality... I happen to think they both look amazing... arguably the Blade wears its mods better... but could be swayed by the extra ponies and electrickery on the BM...... ooooh decisions, decisions... good luck with it!!!

 

Love mine but it's an 07 Repsol so what's more to say....lol. So Bazzaz shifter then...? I needed a shifter gets me to the cafe' in time for tea...

 

Rsv factory for me all day long, specially over the bm

Totally stunning bike, trick as you like, goes like stink, sounds stunning and has character the bm doesn't.

But the blade has the smoothness, quality, proven record and is two thirds the price.

Tough choice but nice one to have

 

Iv'e got sportsmarts and find them really great.

 

I a 6'2" as well find mine comfy enough to ride all day, but mines a "classic" 05 model ...old and slow like me