Sold my rr8 , and still not sure if it was the right thing to do because it was easily the best bike iv rode up to now, I'm thinking of getting an 09 plate zx10r , but haven't ridden one yet but have been on an 07 older model. The rr8 was great and looking at reviews it still kicks ass in midrange from all the top 2009 litre bikes , I'm looking to buy something that's a bit more aggressive that's why I'm thinking of the zx10r with it's really strong motor, I'm also considering a cross plane r1 , Just wondering what everyone's opinion is on switching away from the blade
Variety is spice of life, look at wot u like and can afford and then go do sum test rides round the dealers
The cross plane R1 is a very different bike to the Blade - will feel like a whole new riding experience. Other suggestion to try is a KTM RC8r for something special (and good deals about on them brand new too) Many more bikes in the UK than Ireland so suggest looking at BikeTrader.co.uk and MCN plus ebay - its not really any hassle to buy from here - flight over and ferry back from Holyhead on new bike.
Test drive a Panigale, very different to the blade, but if you want something that will get your heart rate pumping just by opening the garage door, and make you laugh like a mad man when you ride it, you could do a lot worse.
I went to Millenium yesterday and they have a low mileage RC8r down stairs in the used section I have always fancied one and although not looking to px I was drawn towards it ......But soon backtracked rapid ! Reason I have always thought the front was a bit iffy but I was stunned how pig ugly the thing is close up ,so that's put that little thought out of my future plans.Forever.
I think the rc8 looks like a sick horse haha, iv been looking on eBay.co.uk alright alblade , flights are cheap and alot more variety in the uk than Ireland, I haven't even thought of the rsv4 , I may look into prices , iv had an 02 rsv and not really looking to go back to vtwin but a v4 would be nice . @freedom that's the stigma I want in a bike but funds won't allow one right now
Having owned a CP R1 I can say it is a cracking bit of kit but IMO it doesn't come close to the Blade in terms of performance. The low end torque and grunt is great but when you're mixing it with other normal firing inline 4's at the top of the rev range it runs out of puff quite rapidly. The mode switch is a nice feature though with Std (Normal road mode throttle sensor restriction for slower acceleration.) Mode A (Hooligan mode full power and throttle response is sharp.) Mode B (Fluffy mode reduced power output at the back wheel and sluggish throttle response designed for poor weather conditions really.) The RC8R was fun but does look like a freak formation of Mashed Potato. Handles well though better than the Ducati 1198 but not had a chance to try the mighty Panigale because I have a feeling that it would be so good I would want one and I just can't justify the expense of that. Also had a S1kRR briefly too again great bike lots of modes but then it has a problem with the sump plug corroding from the inside out and BMW despite numerous recalls haven't managed to fix it yet my mate has had his recalled for the same issue 3 times now and had 3 new sumps. At the end of the day it's what feels right for you that matters you may get the best out of the Kwacky and love it. I test rode a 2011 Zx10R and my god it's a hooligan machine but for everyday use for me it was a no no because the ohlins were smashing my wrists to pieces after just 1 hour on the test ride. Hope you find the right bike for you and hope that some of that has helped you dude.
Pop along to the NEC bike show at Birmingham, you will have every bike under one roof where you can sit on, twiddle with, examine pro's & cons, then maybe decide which you like and what feels the best then arrange a test ride to confirm when your home.
ive just sold my 09 zx10r and I must say the blade feels tame compared to the zx10r but I haven't spanked the blade yet I could tell the throttle response on the blade was a lot less responsive low down in the revs and the zx10r is a lot harder on the suspension to hard on the front even with it turned down I liked the zx10r but my wrists didn't the blade is a better ridding position for me but everyone is different if your looking for something aggressive then the zx10r maybe the bike for you it pulls hard from tick over right the way up to the redline I had a r1 before the zx10r and the zx10r is better in my opinion
Thanks speedy , ye I think I'll be goin for a zx10r , was in a shop looking at an 08 one at the weekend, I might go back and see about a test spin this Friday , There is a few for sale privately that I'm interested in too , but I'm not sure if I want stealth black or flash green haha
im sure your be happy with a zx10r, mine was green only colour to have in my opinion, i had a racefit growler on mine sounded awesome, first thing I would do is have the suspension setup, if your similar build to me I have the suspension settings for mine, which improved the ride alot
Look out for ZX10Rs 2009ish-2012ish (?) with incorrectly machined seating for the starter motor! The2nd hand marked must be plagued with them by now. I would avoid buying an affected bike at all cost as the recall work was a real bodge from Kawasaki: dimpling the crank case and sticking resin putty over the seating area! The official recall bulletin (see Google) describes the potential problem as "oil may pool on top of the crank case and potentially contaminate the real wheel leading to crash or death!
