Longer term thoughts after a period of ownership? I think this is probably going to be the way I go next spring. I've discounted both the R1 and GSXR. For me, and I know this is subjective, part of the litre sports ownership comes down to looks and having sat and looked around both they really don't float my boat. In reality Supernakeds are just going to become a bit tiresome. So I'm back to keeping my 2015 or looking at the 2017 and the 2017 is starting to appeal more.
I like the GSXR and was on my shopping list but the aesthetics of Honda specially the way the exhaust blends (RR8) compared to the twin chimneys on the Suzuki & the built quality won me over. The Yamaha was uncomfortable (for my frame) and not put together as nicely as the Honda. roll on 2017, the Yamaha looks even more focused and uncomfortable! The Suzuki just as good a match for Honda in terms of performance but I hear is more comfortable and the exhaust a little less objectionable for me. If you intend to live life below 70~ 80mph, super-naked are good; above that tiresome as you mentioned. The 2017 CBR being a radical change for Honda in terms of electronics, I would give it a good two years of sales for problems to be highlighted and hopefully ironed out. It is a lot of money! I think your 2015 is a cracking bike (if you don't have the ABS issue!) if unmolested
My deal finishes next spring so I either buy it or give it back. I'm of a mind that if I'm going to buy something it might as well be new. Style wise the latest Blade seems to tick the two minor points I'd improve on the 2015, the exhaust and the single running light. Nothing major but I've never been keen on the under-slung exhaust from an aesthetics and cleaning point of view and the number of times I get told one of my lights isn't working . . . Nothing major and being lazy nothing I've bothered rectifying, but now someone's done it for me it could be a winner.
OIC. I agree with you if you change best would be to get a new one. Otherwise for me I would keep my existing one (if I am happy with it of course) rather than getting an 2nd hand one and stepping into unknown territory. I did find the single running light curious at first but got to enjoy the wink when I flash somebody. It is also much more noticeable when alerting other road users compared to 2 filament light bulbs
Have a good long test ride, then If you like it and can afford it, why not just buy it. Don't listen to too many others options, it's what you think of it that counts.
