As posted I would not change from a 2011 blade to a 2012 but would upgrade to another blade in 2013-2014. More than likely I would keep my current blade as a track day toy and but another bike if i'm allowed
I think that's the point, it's not that it ISN'T an improvement, we all know it is, we all read the magazines etc, but it's just that it's only improved in the areas that most of us will never really delve into, thus at the moment it does not seem worth the pay off of swapping, especially if one is not that flush. Maybe in a year or two when the changes are a bit more radical and my bike is significantly older...
I don't think it is perhaps a 'jealousy' thing in the majority of cases. I think it is more about personal taste, justification of costs, what a person wants from a bike etc etc. In my case, I have spent a small fortune on bikes in the past, virtually every one I purchased I spent money on modifying. I decided I did not want to keep swapping and changing. I am basically a person who is' never happy with what he has got' , be it woman, house, car, money, bike, clothes etc. So having determined ( at the age of 55) this was me, I decided to be 'discontent' and learn to live with it. There isn't a bike I have ever found which is 'totally' right for me. Thus I decided to buy a Blade that was the best fit and little by little make it into MY bike, just the way I want it. A 2012 Blade would have cost me less than I have spent on my 06 (including it's purchase price) and I havent finished yet. A 2012 'anything' would not be my choice at the moment, my bike is evolving and with each change I am learning to get the best out of it and enjoying owning and riding it. I do not feel jealous about anything, hell if I want something I just try my hardest to get it and usually do. As for speed, nothing is too fast, it just takes time to get it under control and for me the fun is pushing harder every time I ride, except on the days i just want to bimble around like a 56 year old. Looks and style etc are personal preferences and it doesn't matter a stuff if someone does not like my bike or think their bike is' better' because it is my bike and it is what and how I want it.
Well well sounds like all the angles have be covered to justify everyones happy place. Not long changed to 12 blade from my much loved 08 so here's where I am. I don't think I would change from a 10 or 11 coz I tend to run the wheels off my bike and enjoy the great big change when I fork out all that cash. Don't care about looks to much but still appreciate sitting after a run admiring a bike that's put the smile on my face. The new bike is definitely more planted therefore faster before it starts misbehaving. Scottish roads are hard work for any bike and a great test of suspension. I agree that Honda have done the right mods on an already accomplished machine and I am the type of person who believes that no matter what mods I do,I could not beat 4 years of Honda development. Better to have the latest with some personal touches than to throw thousands at it trying to keep up, but that's just me. The time I spend after playing on my bike cleaning, maintaining and fitting essentials is enough for me and over the years have noticed that time in the saddle seams to cure all initial thoughts of niggles or shortcomings in the machinery. Black 2012 blade with brembo rcs,k&n,stomp grips,Ventura luggage brackets,gps mount,r&g engine case sliders and wheel bobbins,goodridge hoses,home made (steel) rad grill,integrated tailight. Titax flip-up clutch lever.
Never rode the 12 so hard to pass comment on how much better it is than my 10 plate. I'm like most, would ideally like the latest model but at the same time have to justify spending the cash. I already have a 300 Bhp golf, a tuned 370 and the 929 so I just can't justify spending anymore on boys toys right now unless one of the cars go. Yeah the 929 is now 12 years old and is no comparison to the RRA, but it keeps up with most on a ride out a still puts a huge smile in my face. No doubt round a track it would be different story, but on the road it comparable just a lot harder.
I had a go on a black 2012 a couple of weeks ago which felt extremely comfy but thats the only real impression it had on me! In other words it didn't blow me a way like my RRA did, so I won't be upgrading anytime soon! A bit of an anti climax im afraid! Especialy after the salesman's hype! But I'm not slating the bike in anyway! It's a gorgeous Blade & absolutely oozes kudos but for me it's to much the same as what i've got! Also I'm not takin anything away from the boys who bought one by any means! It's a personal thing and there is no doubt if i owned one i would be finding improvements over mine with every ride! I absolutely love my bike so it would have to be seriously special to make me consider parting with her
