That's it. I've done it. The SV has gone and the void in the garage (and my heart ) has been replaced by the new blade (08 black/burgundy). I'm one of you now - when do I get to learn the secret hand shake? I spent the entire ride home, after the pick up yesterday, not not being able to see as my cheeks were obscuring my vision (the childish grin has yet to leave my face). I'll get some photos up soon, but I had to let you all know before I pop out on her again.
Best thing to fit, without a doubt before an end can is an HM Quickshifter - transforms the bike, only when you ride a Blade without one after using one do you realise how good they are and the difference they make. Well done on the bike - get the pics up pronto!
Forget the secret handshake, I'll get Rob to send you the forum tub of Vaseline then you just have to wait for the door bell, Stu.
Congrats on the new bike. I remember that grinning feeling so much, I couldn't believe it was legal to own something so damn quick is this over legislated and regulated world. It's a fab feeling and as it starts to fade away just give it a bit more of a twist and the grin comes right back. I have never ridden with a quick shifter and never considered one either. I won't crash this thread but I will go do done searching now I think.
It's taken a week but here are a couple of pictures: Just noticed that the underside of the exhaust is filthy The R&G Bobbins will be on soon. It seems a shame to ruin those perfect lines, but from other pics I've seen they don't seem to stick out like a sore thumb. So, here is my evaluation of the bike over the last 200 or so miles: 1) It's damn quick. Pulling onto the A38 at about 50, turn the wrist a smidge and within, what, 2 seconds, I'm at 75. And from a standing start - I can only imagine what the 0-60 is but I'm too scared to try it out. I've not lifted the front wheel yet and I have no intention of doing so (for the moment ) It's amazing. 2) It's comfortable. I'm 6'4" and I was expecting to ache after a while and end up with a numb derrier and a bad back, but it's not happened yet (although I've not had a good long ride yet). 3) It's so EASY to ride. I genuinly find this better to ride than the old SV650S. I'm really suprised by that, but I feel safer and more confident on it. I'll be getting my knee down on this (I hope). I've not managed it yet (on any bike), but it will happen. 4) It's a looker - over the course of the last 7 days I've had more comments about it than I did over the SV in 2 years. Every time I look at her I get a warm tingly feeling I'm so glad that I chose the Blade as my first step into the 1000cc world, and I hope that the 2 of us have a long and happy life together. So, when is someone going to teach me how to really RIDE this puppy then
Yep, I'll never forget my first ride on a blade - grinning for days afterwards - literally. Don't think I'll ever tire of seeing it when I take the cover off in the morning either. It's my fecking Fireblade. Congratulations and enjoy.
I was going to mention the dirty exhaust before Carl did but seems you have seen it anyway, hope you have made amends and got the sponge out fella.
Hi Stu Bit of a coincidence this, my mate has a SV650s at the moment and is looking for exactly the same bike you just bought. Ie same colour and year. Glad your enjoying it mate. I've had mine for near on 3 years now, and I still love it.
Hmmm... Not sure that that dirty exhaust can come clean... I hope so for yours!! Mine was like that after a month - like the paint comes off kinda... They obviously re-painted the bloody thing as it started smelling and peeling off black paint strips... Then looked like your does... I had a little vid on my phone showing when I parked the bike and little tendrils of smoke were coming off the painted bits of the can... That's why I got an aftermarket can... But the bike as a whole looks lovely!!
Some black high temp paint will get that exhaust looking good....they all did it to a greater or lesser extent. My old rr8 wasn't too bad, just a bit flaked off, but looked much better re-painted. Looked even better with scorpion on though eh matrix! Either that, or check eBay for the 10> exhaust. Not a lot of cash and have a shield to hide the nasty bits.
I had another look and my fears have been realised. Matrix and 1000rr73 are both correct - it looks like the paint is going funny and that it's not dirt. I happen to have some HT paint at home in a spray can - got for a chiminea that needs some TLC but I've not tried it yet, so apart from it being black I've no idea what it looks like. So is it just a case of masking off the other bits and spray away or do I have to do something more elaborate. I've never even sprayed a car (or a wall ) so this will be a first. Failing that I can either - 1) buy a new standard replacement or 2) buy a funky new can. I'd rather not spend any more money at the mo having just bought the bike, so spraying is my 1st option.
