I saved just over a kilogram in weight on mine going from standard to carbon fairings! So Honda could have saved a bit more going to carbon but that would just be copying lol
So my local Honda dealer has got the new blades in. One standard and one SP model. Now the bikes haven't been sold yet and there is signs all over them saying not to sit on the bikes. WTF man.
Think most dealers have one of each to show and aren't expecting to be able to get more quickly hence asking people not to sit on them to keep them pristine in case they have to use one of them for a sale
That's a 20k bike, I think even having it on show is a risk for the dealer. If I was paying that sort of money I'd not want it have been sat on with all the tiny marks thinks like zips, jeans rivets, watches / rings can accidentally cause. Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk
I guess so, people flinging their children on bikes etc is bound to leave some marks. We are not all monkeys though and I guess most of us take care when handling bikes that don't belong to them. I just wanted to sit on it to see if it felt any different than my RR9. The SP however feels really light in comparison, even with that exhaust on it. Apply some cheap 3M clear film to plastics should help prevent any scratches etc and doesn't cost much. Easy to apply and remove. I just don't understand how you can sell a bike that you're not allowed to sit on
Damn right they don't want people climbing all over them. If they become demo bikes it's different. When I bought my blade I made sure it wasn't one out of the showroom, i asked for it fresh out of the crate. They even agreed to waiver the pre delivery inspection test ride for me as I wasn't keen on it being ridden in any weather by the technician. So yea it's nice to see dealerships taking care of the bikes.
L Looks and sounds a lot better, a shame you have to pay 15k plus extra to get the bike to look right
In MCN this week - Interesting comparison between the 2016 Blade SP, and the new 2017 version. the new Blade is 8% easier to change direction, that is to overcome the inertia and tendency for a bike to continue on its course. the new Blade produces more torque throughout the rev range, but much greater between 8-10 k revs the old Blade has a bigger screen and wider fairing that gives better protection at speed. the old Blade is a tiny fraction quicker over the 1/4 mile (overall time) There are obviously other differences, but it seems the new Blade SP has better torque curve, more power, better suspension, is lighter and generally more agile. The overall review was very complementary - "this one of the highest-quality most advanced motorcycles to come from Japan" And, of course, it is a lot of money ££ !
My local dealer have one standard and one sp in as well, for pre-ordered customer to test ride and I was invited in for one last weekend. The offical UK launch date will be 8 APR from what I heard... I had about an hour of riding on it, didnt play around much with electronlic modes but did go on motorways, town road and some filtering as well. The bike is noticeable lighter when sit on and moving, handling wise is feels lighter than a 2007 CBR600rr and the position is bit more comfortable, and with more front end feel. Power wise its pretty good, pulls well through out the rev range from 2k-near the redline(didn't have much chance opening up because of traffic). The standard suspension is gerat through town (very bumpy) road and works pretty well riding a bit quicker. Its pretty good overall. Anychance of sharing it here if you have a copy?
Just get an MCN, it is a really good edition this week - loads of stuff, more than usual; stuff about the 2017 MotoGP season - money well spent !
Got a test ride booked for tomorrow at 10am on a standard one. Riding mine down and then jumping onto theirs. So can do a good side by side comparison.
Vertu - bit of a trek for me (bob is closer). But i need to pickup a new battery so i'd thought i'd kill 2 birds with one stone. Dont get a good vibe from Bob M
Popped into Brindey Honda, Wolverhampton today, as always the Sales Manager, Kevin Brown was as helpful as they come. Had no issues at all me sitting on it, even pulled it away from the side screen to give me more space. First impression are good, it looks amazing, love the headlights and rich colour scheme made it stand out, however the 'can' has to go, it truly is in my own view the only thing that lets this bike down from the aesthetics point of view.
Most people can afford the monthly I think the sp1 is about £124 a month .....its just the balloon payment at the end however if you change bikes often then why not it's rent a bike....same in the car world now all on pcp due to the prices ....a bit of me thinks why not .....but 75% still thinks no.....we'll see..
