Oh yes Nigel, but I don’t think you can expect much less from Italian engineering? Looks first is the story on everything isn’t it?
Precisely. And if you missed my comment yesterday, I said: 'If this bike (2020 Blade) did not have 'Honda' on the tank, I wouldn't have a bar of it.' It felt like crap but looks a million bucks. I'm now in the process of dropping 15 kilos by April so I can fit into the thing.
Not surprised Nigel! Look forward to your reviews on the triumph and new blade next year. For what it’s worth, the street triple I had handled very very well. Only almost lost the front once. And my license once too
Don't swipe me off to soon N will be on the sp until July at least with many tales still to tell ....make the most of warrenty left and last of the free service inc brake fliud change may be even next Dec before I change in 2021 as for the new one I won't test ride one as to small ....but no big Christmas dinner for you this year quite welcome to join me for a pedal as you work your way to Moto GP jockey size ....did find the lid I was looking for going for a mm93 winter edition Shoei great fit and quality.....Shark GP pro nice but just 2 shell sixes so in a small lots of padding.....Agv GP pista r was nice but not on par with Shoei...
I'm not convinced the new blade making a great track tool holds true. Kwak have dominated outside of MotoGP for some years and yet you don't see huge numbers on the road. Maybe a trackday regular can comment on their popularity on the trackday scene, but it hasn't translated in to road sales.
In India (2018 article) sales of the ZX10R increased 840% year on year selling 47 units in August alone compared to zero CBR Fireblades in the same month.
Cheers Woz. You'll probably agree that outright value for money, the R1M fulfills most of our fantasies. If you're thinking that way, because of their online ordering system, and the 'supposed' only one production run per year, you might not find any available after July. No similar issue with Ducati of course. I'm thinking you will test the Blade, not as a prospective customer, but just to see what it's all about! I didn't look at helmets at the NEC. Just too overwhelming. I have a Helmet City fairly close to me (Cheltenham, Glos) so will mosey down there on a dry day and suss out the carbons. I'm still spewin' I didn't take advantage of that Honda service plan that you got for free. Won't make the same mistake again though!!
got to have a nosey at the bike show yesterday I know from personal experience of having used a few different bikes from all eras some bikes just feel right when you sit on them others you don't, gotta be said that was one of the most crucifying bikes I've sat on for my tall height on par / worse than an r6. Even if I wanted one the seating position rules it out for me beyond cramped but I am 6'3 was interesting as after not using my 2010 blade for a bit getting back on that I was reminded how comfy the 2010 is for leggy riders like me not to keen on the direction Honda have moved in. Although I did read a magazine feature saying they had changed focus for the blade to the track which I can sort of understand. Loved the dash on the new blade though that seemed quite trick I am in the camp of bike prices are spiralling out of control in relation to wages though for the higher end stuff anyway. Just my humble opinion certainly looked aggressive though
Strange choice of riders for the TT don't you think? 1 a complete newcomer and the other with little experience. No doubt good riders but you'd have expected them to bank on someone with more experience at the TT to settle in an all new bike? Perhaps they couldn't tempt a Hickman, Harrison, Dunlop, Hutchy type name onto the new Fireblade as it is brand new and untested?