[JTC]

Originally Posted by joema

Haven't ridden the new 1300 yet. It's very similar to the 1200, just a few tweaks. Supposedly the fueling is much better. It took 5 or 6 software updates to get the 1200 halfway decent. The 1300 has a bit more power and torque -- always useful. Factory traction control option is also nice.

OTOH my CBR1000RR had good fueling completely stock. I have the aftermarket Bazzaz traction control. The CBR is a physically small bike -- it feels like a 600.

In some ways the CBR isn't that different from the K1200/1300S. The BMW is at the extreme sporty end of sport touring. It can do track days OK in the lower classes. The CBR is among the more comfortable, street-capable pure sport bikes. With soft luggage and a tank bag you could theoretically tour on a CBR, depending on your age and how your body matches the ergos.

In other ways they are very different. The CBR is vastly lighter and turns a lot faster. While you might aesthetically enjoy the difference, in most street situations you cannot safely exploit that difference.

Thanks - again great feedback from a fellow Vet class guy....

[untouchable4eva]

Seeing that there are some on here with the new bike purchased, what insight would you offer to someone who is debating between the 08 and 09 models? i see that the ABS system is obviously the big advancement, and am contemplating having that option added as well. Thanks in advance.

[joema]

Originally Posted by untouchable4eva

Seeing that there are some on here with the new bike purchased, what insight would you offer to someone who is debating between the 08 and 09 models? i see that the ABS system is obviously the big advancement, and am contemplating having that option added as well. Thanks in advance.

The main difference between 08 and 09 is the 09 option of ABS. If you don't want ABS and can get a good deal on an 08, that might be a good route.

ABS cannot be added after purchase to either 08 or 09. It is a factory option and the bike must be built with ABS if that's desired.

ABS adds about 11 kg weight and about $1,000 USD to the price. It works very well on both street and track. However we rode bikes for many years without ABS and survived.

ABS enables max breaking without lockup if the bike is mostly upright. It does not necessarily work if banked over. IOW it has no knowledge of bank angle, or how much grip is expended laterally for cornering vs how much remains longitudinally for braking.

Despite the 11 kg weight penalty, the CBR1k is so light this only makes it about the same weight as the competing liter bikes.

[splatty]

There also seems to be a feeling in the owners' community that the 09 bikes have different rings and may be better on oil consumption.

Although FWIW, my 08 has never really burned any at all.

[Beamish]

Originally Posted by splatty

There also seems to be a feeling in the owners' community that the 09 bikes have different rings and may be better on oil consumption.

Although FWIW, my 08 has never really burned any at all.

You are very lucky Splatty, seems like every Blade owning Brit I have spoken to has an oil burner in one way or other.

[splatty]

You say that mate, but apart from on here, I haven't heard of many.

Another forum I use, there is only one bike that has an oil problem. And my dealer techs reckon they haven't seen one bike with an issue as yet.

I don't really thrash my bike in any shape or form, but I don't rdie round at 40mph either. In between services, which was only 2000 miles, it has used approx 150ml.

[Beamish]

I can only talk about my experiences buddy. I am not going to say you are wrong. I hope you dont have any issues but I have lost confidence with mine. I am a Honda man and will probably buy a late SP2 instead, cant end up in two years with a Blade out of warranty that starts to use 1000ml plus per thousand mile.

[red08]

Originally Posted by untouchable4eva

what insight would you offer to someone who is debating between the 08 and 09 models?

Get an '09 ... and pass on the C-ABS.

[GazRR]

I fall more and more in love with my Blade by the day............and I am sooooooooooo happy that I decided to get one.

Absolutely the best Superbike in the world ever IMO.

Until the 2010 Blade comes out anyway!

[anthonyl]

Here's my baby as she stands at the moment.

Luimoto seat cover / Vortex Rearsets / Repsol Hugger / HEL RED rear brake line / R & G Tail tidy / Rizoma rear indicators / Rear seat cowl.

[DukeCBR2008]

Originally Posted by dev435

i'm with splatty not changing my exhaust its part of what attracted me to the blade in the first place in another way honda probably spent millions in r&d to get it right compared to third party exhaust manufacturers

I am kinda with you and splatty. Initially I liked the new look of the exhaust a lot, but then when I started the bike I felt like that I have started the mixer in my kitchen... Very disappointing, especially below 3.5k RPM.

Added the Yoshimura Full System in Carbon fibre (&PCIII) and it looks so much more aggressive, not even mentioning the sound (sound, not noise!!!)

Just stunning... adding lots of Carbon fibre and the black gilles rear seats to the bike now, so the looks will be just fantastic...

See a short video (shot with my new XR520, which is really good at low-light )))
YouTube - Yoshimura R-77 Sound Fireblade 2008 - 2009

[GazRR]

I am after a pair of second hand adjustable rearsets, if anyone knows of a pair for sale? Thank you.

Adjustable rearsets for a 2009 Fireblade