As far as I know, the latest ABS system is fine. The first generation system has well documented problems (that Honda won't admit to). The front brake lever would intermittently go back to the bar, as if it were suddenly full of air instead of brake fluid. It was also a bitch to bleed when the time came to replace the brake fluid - something like a 4 hour job. I must admit, I haven't had that pain/experience, but my local dealer did confirm that. If you're going to buy from a dealer, get them to remove the system. It saves quite a bit of weight too. All ABS systems have a 'self test' / warning light. It's dead easy to get that sorted by just earthing one of the dash wires. Otherwise it stays on permanently. No-one likes to see that! In reality, because the ABS was so rubbish, I think most bikes of that model year are now sans ABS. Like I said before, they're awesome. I went from a VTR 1000 to this Blade, and it's like being fired out of an effing catapult! Also, the folks on here are great. Oh. One other thing to bear in mind. The Ultra Low Emission Zone charges in cities are probably around the corner. The 08 onwards are Euro 3. When the rules change in whatever city you live near, the arse will fall out of the value of non-compliant bikes, as well as cars.
Every review I've read of the RR8 suggests it's a brilliant bike, (as they tend to for the RR6 TBH). Was reading an old bike mag last night and McGuinness was singing it's praises and suggesting it was that good it remained largely unchanged for several years thereafter. Looks is always a personal thing, I must confess I have a leaning towards old(er) bikes. Have yet to see a bike that looks as 'right' as a ZX7R, even my RR6.
That's interesting feedback, I had a quick eyeball over one near me and the guy tours around Europe on it.. He's got gilles rearsets and helibars and rates it for comfort! I was looking at gixxers but they are quite dinky and it's not Honda I sat on an 09 600rr and although it was comfy enough I looked like a spider monkey trying to **** a tortoise...
McGuiness reckons the RR7 was his favourite model of blade. He’s got one he takes to events etc. As for the emissions I seem to recollect a thread on here about emissions in London? It was confirmed by TFL the RR7 confirmed to even their standards
My mate's is an '04 model.. It's a fair size. Not huge physicaly but bigger than the more modern models for sure. Definatly more of a reach than the blade from the same era - it pumps up a muscle on me that I don't really have on the underside of my upper arm, But like you say it's not a Honda. First time he took out the blade he raved about: - the fit. - the smoothness of the power delivery. - the steering damper. ...and after another run on it a couple of weeks ago he took to looking at other bikes. The gixer's been a good bike to him and he's had 14 years out of it but I know what he means, it's showing it's age more than the same generation of blade.
Gixxers seem to be quite marmite don't they! I love the mid-noughties versions and if I had adequate accommodation for it I would take my bro-in-laws ex-racing advice and get a 750 for the track... I guess I'm swayed by my 04 600f4i still looking like new after a wash and 31'000 miles - half of which has been solid commuting, meanwhile my colleagues Gixxer seems to look like a white-dusted barn find after half that mileage...
I came from an old 600F (1989) to my current 2008 blade - love the machine! In actual fact I was looking at the version before as I preferred the look, sharper, with the underseat exhaust, but the 2008 grows on you. Big fan of the stubby nose now ahah. Also commuting into London I wanted to be sure to avoid the low emissions charges... was under the impression the RR7 was a nono for emissions. I'm 6.2 and built like a rake. I find my bike very comfy. I've done long days every day for two weeks straight round Europe and don't have issues. Knees get achey after three hours or so on the bike but then it's time for a slash anyway... only nod to comfort is the upgrade honda e-comfort seat. Like others have said, coming from the 600, opening the throttle on this machine feels like you're leaving the atmosphere IMO.
