I know what you mean. That's why I'm looking at dealers. I can't be bothered with the arse-on of selling mine.
As everyone has said, you have to ride an R1 first, the big bang engine is like no other so ignore any comparison / reference to the previous R1 (I accept chassis may be similar / suspension) I have had 2 and loved them and loathed them equally for same reasons but engine was so good and on the right roads (for me open fast sweepers where they go brilliantly) they are epic. They may not be highest power but somehow manage to go at warp speeds. In town it was a pig in traffic but an ECU re-flash helped a huge amount. for me they are were considerably thirstier than the blade - back to back riding the blade would do 45 - 50+ , the R1 never more than 30 - 32 and it never appeared to change no matter how it was ridden. I will prob. try the MT-10 in time which is the R1 BigBang engine in a more real world / upright riding style.
After doing a bit of thinking I'm pretty much settled on going down this route. Just change out the old girl for a anniversary Blade. I've liked the look of these ones since they were brought out. Particularly in that colour. I have to say I didn't realise they could be picked up for that kind of money. Thanks to everyone for their input!
