“All round excellent sports bike. Comfortable enough for longer rides without sacrificing sporty position and feel. I have changed exhaust system removing the exhaust valve and changed brake line to stainless braided and sintered pads. Power commander not really necessary on the road. Excellent engine and good build quality. I would like an RSV4 but I don't think quality lives up to a Honda.”
“Amazing acceleration, cornering, howling Arrow exhaust, grin factor is about 1 million. And does 50 mpg on my long commute between Corsham and Winchester, amazing economy considering the velocity. Long distances give me pain in my knees, butt and wrists - so I made a "comfort" seat from a salvage seat pad, thick foam, vinyl and staple gun. The extra seat height eases my knees and the padding helps absorb the hard ride over Wiltshires lumpy roads. If I had spare cash to spend on the bike it would fit softer spring and set it up for fast road use and bar risers to ease the wrist pain. (and get the 'comfort' seat professionally made).”
“Having had an older 96 blade i expected it to be super smooth and a lot more power full , but i found the gear box very clunky a tractor gearbox the mechanic said when i complained , built like that to make it last.
The old blade was smoother and easier to ride and more comfortable but i had the new blade in repsol colours which made it stand out .
It is very reliable ,never needs charging over the winter ,never needs anything really ,no burning of oil and is fast but my mate has a panigale which leaves me standing.
I love blades but they are not comfortable to ride long distances more of a ten mile sunday burst”
“I bought my blade new in 2006 spend loads on mods and done 38000 miles on it and love it as much now as I did when I got it and there's nothing out there I would change it for”
