Took my 09 HRC blade out for the first time this morning. The last 7 years i've had an Aprilia Tuono, a 1000cc v-twin 'super' naked for those of you unfamiliar. All i can say is how do any of you guys still have your licences?! The speed is just so easy and effortless. I barely got past 8k revs this morning and was doing 3 figure speeds everywhere. I absolutely love it, very pleased. Being back on a sports bike with clip ons is going to take some getting used to, and its so tiny? Its also completely silent compared to my previous bike. I had to keep looking down to make sure there was something there. Front brakes were better than i expected, makes me realise i got carried away with the bling upgrading previous bike. Oh well. Rear feels very low, and consequently tip in takes a bit more effort. Last bike had Ohlins rear shock set at highest hight, plus 190/55 tire. This is still riding on a 190/50 so that's got to go. The fueling seems a bit lumpy around 3k on and off the throttle, but other than that its magic carpet smooth comared to the old v-tiwn. No more loc-tighting my fillings. Oh and I forgot how painful riding a bike with a smooth tank could be. Always fitted Stompgrip/Eazigrip but haven't had chance to do that yet. Just as well I've had kids already! Very happy to be part of the forum and finally having my very own blade.
Sounds like you had a great time and getting on the blade gives me a Big grin every time i'm riding. We all love sports bikes for the speed. Just finding the right time and place to enjoy it. few and far between but enjoyable when you get a chance to open it up.
Before you do anything with your fuelling Mattie, try using the gearbox differently. If you're used to your apprilia, your new silky smooth 4 potter will be totally different from your twin. It might be that if you take a different gear it'll work for you. I find that 3 rd gear on the Blade turns it into a 'twist & go' but keeps it smooth. Depends on where I'm riding I'll have the odd drop to 2nd, or the odd venture into 4th.
Glad you're enjoying it, makes me grin as well & an occasional Whoohoo too Get a nice loud can on soon as, it would be rude not to
Hello Mattie definitely change the rear tyre to 190/55 makes a big improvement. End can and custom map with power commander fitted is the way to cure fueling . ( expensive option) Or £20 one tooth down on front sprocket which never leaves you @3000rpm for long. Enjoy the ride
Set up your preload too. I'm around 14 stone plus leathers and I'm plus one notch on the rear shock and I think 2-3 extra turns on the front and the handling is sublime (08 Blade) although fitting a 12 rear shock has made it even better. A 55 will make a big difference too as it'll raise the rear by around 8-9 mm.
