Hi Dave.. Welcome to the forum. I've read through the welcomes, and I'm in agreement with all remarks on the short arse syndrome. I'm 5' 6 and have had various bikes in the past. But I have never looked back since I purchase my first blade. It's immaculate in what's required for us ( joe blogs). Get on it and enjoy. Remember to test ride, and when u do, job done.
Easiest thing to do is test ride one. They are lovely bikes but they feel different to everyone and most people on here including myself own one so we will blow its trumpet
Hi Dave - welcome to the forum. give on a test ride and see what you think and how it fits you. I did my Direct Access test about 10 years ago, ran a 600 Hornet for 2 years, then moved on to my first blade. Never regretted it. Really good mannered bikes, will go as fast (or not) as you want them to, and compared to a 600, pull well in any gear.