you sure Al? i thought they came in straight at £13.5k and sold naff all.... hence why you dont see many white and red frame ones? tbh price was off my radar untill 2011 when i was looking at the blade, didnt even try the R1 as was £3k more than what i got the blade for.
The big bang R1 sold the least of all the R1 models and also of all the main 1000's hence why no other manufacturer has developed the cross plane crank style engine. Sadly it hasn't been very popular as sales go....
I'm sure Russ didn't pay 13.5k for the bike without the add on's mate, but then he did buy it in December 11 when the 12 was out with the tcs. Like most, Russ does think the R1 produces way more power than it does. Russ does ride "like he's stole it" and loves the way the bike delivers its power. But, is it juicy which became especially apparent on our tour and even Russ has admitted that unless its bone dry and warm, the power delivery can mean your taking your life into your own hands every time you pull away. I've personally seen him spin the thing on countless occasions, perhaps that's just the way he rides! Plus side, sounds awesome, his Matt black and gold looks the dogs and with a tooth down front sprocket pulls some serious wheelies in I think most gears (taking nothing away from Russ's ability, which is something to behold)
Had a 11 plate R1. Loved the engine, the noise & the looks but IMO the blade is a lot more easier to ride fast.
I might go agianst others and say I prefer the nose of the R1 more. my duke was real quick off the mark which is what I like in a bike and I did have a bit of a race with a 10 model R1 and I was able to hold him off until I got to sixth gear.it was the same sort of result that I would have with my mates 10 model blade but the only difference was I was able to drop the blade a little more and when I did get into sixth the blade was able to pull away faster than the R1 but that was at stupid mph so I wouldnt really worry about that too much.good handling and low down torque is what I really want in a bike.
Riding at 100% legal speeds back from Donington Park to Manchester today I saw average of 43mpg - which is way better The bike is so flipping quick in general use I fear for my licence, it just hides the speed.
I might be taking the plunge tomorrow. I've seen a lovely R1 I'm keen to do a deal on, just got to get my blade back on the road tomorrow.
What's the deal, colour etc? My local dealer has a lovely swan replica on a 12 plate, fully tricked up for just under 10k
