There is a small mention of the 2012 Blade in the current Bike Mag, the major change appears to be the suspension front and rear. They also rate the blade agaist the ZX10 and whilst the writer ends by saying he would buy the ZX their comparison would make most people buy the blade. Perhaps thats why even with a 10% drop in sales the blade is still the forth best selling new bike in britain and the ZX is 15th. Its a very interesting article on why the Blade has such good road handling, the key is balance, the blade has a 26mm lower centre of gravity compared to the ZX.
It looks as if the S1000RR is going out all guns blazing with upgrade to the current model to now take on the blades brilliant torque.... i know there is a big difference in price between the two but the S1000RR looks as if trying to be the best
Gotta say I think it does, even my beloved GSXR 1000 why you'd need traction control on the road is beyond me anyway, I dont think anyone could ride the roads to the limit of the 1000 class 10 years ago let alone now when the 1000RR came out they tested it against my model GSXR 1000 and despite the BMW being amazing they chose the cheaper GSXR as it was more useable and involved, if your pushing a 600cc bike that hard let alone a 1000 you need to be on track where all these "toys" are designed for use. On road bikes they are nothing more than bragging rights, I ride 2 1000 cc sports bikes neither of which I can ride to their capabilities but I am Very heavy so a 600 would be dull but I have said it so many times I bet not even 1% of bike owners can ride them near their limits!!!
I just couldn't live with the styling of the BM. I really thought about buying it but in the end the oddball styling put me off and still does.
I thought the same about the blade before i bought it....my Mrs still cannot believe i bought one as i slag of the front no end ..... but hey god its a crackin bike
Fugly dan, fugly! And cheap looking, and had a tacky ninja name... It's also green?? What's that all about
You say that mate, I'm pretty quick on roads but no guy Martin, but when I tested the bm, the traction control was kicking in, White light flashing, power stuttering and anti wheelie cutting power all together on crests of hills! Was far too obtrusive... No fun whatsoever... All about gizmos that the bike would be better of without
They obviously didn't like handing the bike of the year title to Aprilia this year in fast bikes lol... The Blade had 2008 + 2009 in a row before the electronics started getting introduced
Totally mate... If all bikes go that way I'll be gutted! I won't sell my blade EVER if gizmos come compulsory... Lat of the great pure 1000's in my eyes... Not that I'm saying I won't go with the times, I'll just keep the old girl for nostalgic tear ups!
