Thinking of getting a blade

Love mine to bits.
I never was interested in Hondas until the 08 Blade.... Waited until 2011 and a short list of 4 others. To me, the blade is the best looking of the litre bikes, and let's face it, all 1000 superbikes are insane these days as far as performance goes.
It corners brilliantly, it's light, well built ( too well built in some areas as far as ease of stripping down) and very, very quick and smooth.
Lee is taller than you and looks like it was made for him. The zx10 and panigale is minute sizesise

 

I've possibly got the highest mileage 08 bike here, (dont ask) - not been without the oil issue, but I think its the early ones, and far, far fewer later ones use oil like mine did.

I'm 5'10 and find it comfy, some who are taller find pegs too high, and with the exahust where it is not easy to lower (sure somebody may have some rear sets / method)

I have HM QS which is mint, taken it to top of Scotland, south of France, into Spain, up highest mountain in Europe (La bonette) - ridden it in snow (has heated grips) , scorching sun , done trackdays, the ring - all sorts and it just wont die (to the annoyance of my mates ) - sounds like you are looking at new bikes, if you can accept the fuel use, the R1 is an awesome bike, and used ones are very good value (I had one and know how low I had to drop price) - but R1 = 32mpg, Blade always nearer 50 on a run - HUGE difference in costs, but if its low miles you do it wont matter - you HAVE to test ride an R1, and don't compare the cross plane crank engine to ANY other litre jap bike, its immense! (and I miss it) its also a much bigger, comfier bike than the blade.

 

Just got yourself a test ride booked on all 3 and let the bikes do the talking. the 08-11 models do have various recalls but its hit and miss which ones are affected. that is the only down side of the blade for me. if you get a good 1 then nothing will beat it,

 

Why is this, are they not having as much success with theirs??

Now, fuel costs and mpg dont concern me. I dont know tbh why I never even considered the R1 but yes agree, it is defo worth the time of day.

 

As said above, if your buying new and have the cash for a BMW or Aprilia then take them all for a test ride and work out if they are worth that much more than the Honda or Yamaha on the road.

 

When I get the time I will pop and take a look and get a ride.

Just like most of us, finding the time is the difficult thing with work (which includes some weekends) and having a young family although I would not change it for nothing

Thanks for all the replies so far

 

It depends on lots of different things. Like which model year you're going for but I'll pass some information onto you that came to me from a load of Nurburgring regulars. Including the guy who currently holds the lap record.

For the 2004 - 2006 model year.....

Blade = Well sorted, predictable handling. Linear power delivery. Boring to ride. One of them even described it as a "Bus"

GSXR = Not such a great handling bike. Perhaps flatters to deceive because of a stonking engine

R1 = Suspension needs a bit of work if you're going to ride angry but it's the best of the bunch

ZX10R = Hilariously fast but very mental.

 

Incidentally when they found out that it was going to be my first litre bike they said that the Blade would probably be the best choice.

 

I have just bought my blade (a little bit ago) but got the 954 due to me being a bit nervous of the oil issue, but look into it and ensure you have some kind of warranty that would cover it should you buy a '' burner ''. Good luck.

 

I have a rsv4r and i can tell you at 6ft2, you will find this torture on a long ride, amazing bike but not the most comfy thing in the world.

 

I have to agree with you on the crossplane crank r1's they are stunning road bikes i love they way it delivers the power i almost bought one when i bought the rsv4.

 

Choice is a wonderful thing especially when the options are so great.

Well I got a BMW coming in tomorrow so will get a proper look at one. Also got a Desmo coming in but not the most ideal bike lol

 

I've rode the desmo a few times, all I will say is you get a lot of value for money with any other superbike! And £26,000 plus vat for a bare motor is a reason not to buy one, oh and a grand for shims! My mate/customer has a fully loaded 2012 BMW and it does look the balls, way way better looking than most that's for sure, I think I've just netted him a pair of limited edition WSB silver OZ racing wheels for it, one of only 150 pairs! she will look nice!

I don't like to miss much....lol
OZ Motorbike Piega Forged Alumimum Wheel Set BMW S1000RR - Special Edition

 

But they sound like nothing else, a Desmo that is. A couple were flying round the IOM, awesome noise.

 

Oh yes they do! Another mate had the full termi, 7 grand but hey full Ti and you would think the GP team had come home it was AWSOME! I only rode with the race slip on but man, you'd buy one just for the sound!

 

You know! When they came out there was a fella in mcn, banker who had one for commuting and one for Sunday best... I was on moorgate one Friday and the noise was incredible, heard it from St pauls all the way down cheapside.

I'd never seen or heard one, but I'd seen a motogp bike so knew what it was straight away. I was blown away!!

 

I won't spoil the thread but my mate Dave at w m snells let me ride his a few times and looking back I don't think at the time I took in how good it was! but truly it was one of if not the best things I ever did! Shane Byrne rode it at silver stone and said it was better than his Althea superbike! he loved it...and man o man could he drift that thing poor Dave was pooping himself.....lol Would I have one.....if I could afford the rebuilds why yes, yes I would....lol My thanks was printed in the MCN too....