[MadnohB]

at this early stage of our relationship I’m very happy and big time impressed.

It does seem to be a little less comfortable than the ’07 and sounds somewhat like a diesel when idling but………

the gear shift and tranny are super smooth, power delivery phenomenal and the slipper clutch………..keeps a permanent smile on my dial

[CBR929RE]

I thought the release was pushed back till like mid april. maybe thats just the states.

when you gonna get some track plastics for it?

[MadnohB]

For once the southern tip of Africa are ahead of the States then

[Red Rider]

Very nice! Looking forward to hearing more feedback about it from you.

[spiral]

I'm gettin one next week.........the white and black one...I've heard great things...my 929 has had its day...its been a loyal friend, but alas its time to change it. I love the looks of the new blade couldn't say no when I saw it in my local dealers shop

[MadnohB]

Been out riding and I am smiling (still).

What a bike, w h a t a b i k e!

Lets start at the beginning.

Reference point – ‘06 Blade and then ‘07 HRC plus two ‘06 Blades and a ‘06 VFR in the stable. I like my ’07 – performance, handling and styling, thus will be hard to please with something else.

When I saw the first pictures of the ’08, I thought “ what were they thinking” Followed the discussion on this forum on the topic and agreed with most……..mixed feelings but mostly skeptical. Later the pictures became more acceptable and after a while, I started to like it, but will it be possible to improve on such an outstanding bike like the ’07? ………..I am doubtful…….surely this will be my current Blade with different trimmings and a few new add-ons.

Received an invite for a test ride and when I laid eyes on the new machine, I was in love. During the 40km testride I started to realize this is something special and a week later I bought the bike…….still not in my heart convinced it is so much different from my previous bike.

Yesterday I did 200km and I was so impressed. However, today was to be the true test when we took the new baby, the ’06 and ’07 Blades and the ’06 VFR for another 300km ride……….what a revelation. During the ride, I swapped back and forth to the ‘06/’07’s to make sure I am not dreaming or imagining things.

To begin with, it is faster than the ’06/07. The slipper clutch is an experience of note and very surreal – never want to be without it again, the tranny is super smooth with lightning quick shifting and the handling is impeccable – very Honda like. The feel on the road is lively/600ish/slightly busy as opposed to the planted/solid/stable feel of the ‘’06/07. The wind feels slightly more on the ’08 but I must state, the ’07 has a double bubble puig screen and the seat of the ’08 is harder than the ‘06/07. A hint of heat can be feel on the rear of the right leg – nothing serious, just not use to it with the underseat can of the ‘06/07. Like the clean look of the display with some handy gizmos on offer by the BC for example the automatic canceling of the tripmeter after refueling. Don’t like the visible cable attachment to the clutch but I guess that's part of the non hydrolic operation. Do like the storage compartment under the rear seat/cowel.

For the skeptics out there (of which I was one), before your criticize further on the snub nose and funny behind, take this baby for a spin……..as far as possible preferably with some twisties in it……………..the proof is in the riding experience -this bike knocked me completely off my feet and caught the wallet somewhat unaware.

Is it so much better than the ‘06/07………mmh early days yet………very different though and most of the differences are for the better.

Methinks, Honda might have a winner here

[Crome]

Beautiful...can't wait to give her a go!

[firestorm]

I can't wait.... almost to the point where I'm going to camp outside the local dealship until they arrived. (Maybe a deposit and staying close to the phone makes more sense.) Thanks for sharing your experience!

[Red Rider]

Methinks, Honda might have a winner here

You and all the other reviews I've read have said the same thing. Sounds like a keeper...

[Abjatrer]

Much said about the instrument cluster - anyone who can post a pic of it ?

[MadnohB]

More info are displayed to the right of trip meter like for instance average fuel consumption

[ezekiel808]

that triple looks solid.....very nice bike!

as far as the street goes what advantages does the slipper clutch give you?

[MadnohB]

Pretty much the same as on the track. You cannot lock up the rear, approach a twisty/corner in any gear and at any time – even mid corner - select any gear without any consequences. No more blipping (getting the revs up) during downshifting……quite amazing once you get use to it

[MentalFacility]

Thats my dream, right there.

Gratz.

[mickpdx]

Wow, It sounds like a test ride is in order. I'm finding it hard to believe the improvements are so great as to get me to trade in my 06 1k? From what you guys are bantering about my curiousity id peaked now. Still love my 1k tho.

[Bigtoe]

Great review. Thanks for sharing with us.

Can one fit a slipper clutch to an 07? Where would one find one if you could?

[ctrl]

man.. i've waited too long i've order one three months ago and it's still not here. called the dealer today and he said three weeks to go, i hope he's sure 'couse i've had enough! and by the way MadnohB i'm also getting the same color.

[ldavis]

Originally Posted by Bigtoe

Great review. Thanks for sharing with us.

Can one fit a slipper clutch to an 07? Where would one find one if you could?

there's hundreds of places to get them,, check out motosport.com or just google.. .they are high dollar though! $$$$$

[Bigtoe]

Originally Posted by ldavis

there's hundreds of places to get them,, check out motosport.com or just google.. .they are high dollar though! $$$$$

UGH

[MACI4LIFE]

maybe it's just that angle but the front side looks bad.

it reminds me of a suzuki vsrtom. like the front end is very tall. very unagressive. good thing the performance makes up for it, but alas, i think i may be switching over to a 1098 when it comes to selling the blade

[MadnohB]

Think it’s just the angle.

Looks pretty aggressive to me even when compared to the beautiful ’07 and the front end is also slightly lower than the ’07.

Nevertheless, Ducati is a good choice……1098…….uncomfortable but excellent bike. In the end though, follow your hart……if it’s the right bike, the bike will choose you.

Just one request from a fellow Blade rider, - nothing at stake for me – do yourself the favour and at least give the ’08 a test ride……..let them blindfold you till you have mounted the bike

.......……….gents (and ladies) this bike is something special………..


ps. could not resist adding the picture of the rear ends

[soon2b954]

Great post, thanks for the write up and pics. I have mine on order! Can't wait.

[Bigtoe]

Originally Posted by soon2b954

Great post, thanks for the write up and pics. I have mine on order! Can't wait.

So are you gonna change your user name then?

[Robbo]

Well I finally got over the break in mileage and so off to the track we went this last Saturday.

All I can say about this bike on the the track is ... boy does it go..

I have been to Phakisa racetrack several times before on my K6 Suzuki and then on my HRC last year, so am pretty comfortable with the course and go alright around there. The only things I do to my bikes is pull of the mirrors etc. and run a set of the Michelin TD slicks, so this is what I did this time around too just so that I could ensure an even comparison.

The bike handles really well and you can feel the extra grunt out of the corners, but the real kicker for me came after I got timed in the 2nd session and when I came in and saw my times I was blown away. 2.2 seconds faster than I had ever been around there on my HRC !!!!! Also I was consistently lapping at or near that pace so it wasnt like a once off flyer either...

To say that I am pleased with it is a no brainer, more like Im over the moon, cant wait to get some more time on it to fiddle with suspension and get more used to it...Im sure in the future that time is only gonna get better

I will be very surprised if someone who has on 06/07 blade cant go faster on the new 08, its just so much easier to get it on....

[low-rider]

nice bike. i like pics and i like what i've read about it.

[MadnohB]

Neat.........

You going without indicators untill there is something available aftermarket and how did you remove the tail section?

[Robbo]

Originally Posted by MadnohB

Neat.........

You going without indicators untill there is something available aftermarket and how did you remove the tail section?

I might have to put it back on til I can get something else as the cops round KZN just love fining the bikers for any bloody thing they can think of...

The problem with taking the tail out is that it brings everything with it, brake light, indicators, plastics... It also is screwed in under the front seat to the undertray plastics so that has to be loosened before you can pull it out, so once you manage to get the whole piece out you are left with one giant hole under the pillion seat... Looks awesome from every angle other than behind where you can see the hole....still looks better than that giant shovel though..

[MadnohB]

On the demo bike at Honda Midrand, they removed that piece by cutting the stalk flush to the undertray - the holes are covered with tape/black sticker. Small indicators have been mounted on the sides of the undertray......mixed feelings about that from me....would not do it. I'm sure aftermarket solutions will start to surface soon.

Now, the funny thing........that rear that I did not like at all started to grow on me.......almost like a trademark of the bike

What I am going to do though, downsize the actual plate mounting so that nothing of the backing area shows once the plate is mounted

[.OrgOwner]

Awsome! Great feedback guys, great photos and it sure does sound like Honda has a winner with the 08 blade.

[954rr Irl]

Great reading there Madnoh & Robbo!

well impressed. Happy riding

I know exatcly where you are coming from with regards to how the bike rides and feels :-)