Hi guys, Looking to swap my Beemer and get back on a Blade. Anyone in need of a touring machine? 13k, ABS, toasty handles, original BMW panniers, Remus can, 1 year official warranty, FSH, Datatool C1, MRA screen, etc etc. 2012+ Blades (20th anniversary and younger) non-ABS are of interest. Cash on top if needed. Cheers
I have been thinking about buying one of those, but I'm not sure I'm ready to part with my blade (too old for you anyway). Can I ask what you think of it & why you want to change? I'm a little put off by the forks, reports about lack of feel from the front & slow turn in.
Hi mate. The bike serves it's purpose - it's a heavy touring machine. I personally think it's great for 2-up touring as well as long journeys (I bought it for regular travels to France to see family). Obviously you will not get the same level of sharpness from a 230kg tourer as from a light blade. I used to be a proud owner of 2 Hayabusas in the past - you really should compare the bike within it's class. And yes, Busas are more on the sport side of the "sport touring" whereas the beemer is leaning towards comfort/touring side of it (the power though!). Then again Busas are not as comfy and were pretty basic in terms of accessories/specs until recent years (and mpg is not as good). You also have the likes of FJRs and VFR and Kawas (1400 and 1-litre) - I haven't ridden those so can't say anything. I'm using the bike for occasional weekend rides (700 miles long round trip) across the channel and I don't have any problems with forks or turning. I do not normally push myself too much on those rides (it's mostly motorway miles anyway) and it's doing it's job brilliantly. So perhaps you need to consider basis the kind of riding you'd be doing on it. If you plan to take your bike to trackdays then just keep the blade. I'm looking to change it due to having to commute in London. She's just too fat for it (as in too wide/heavy for filtering). So in short - if you like your bends too much - get a busa (they're awesome) / keep the blade. If you're looking for a more comfortable touring machine then the beemer serves it's purpose really well - the level of detail and quality is worth the high(er) pricetag. Hope that helps. T
