Negative on the mods Drag, maybe a carbon Yoshimura exhaust down the road. I've kinda gotten out of the mod mode a bit, just ride heck out of them, they're really amazingly good right out of the crate these days.

I'll have to try the 19x20 just to see how I like it Drag thanks! The only prob with the BST wheels was the front is the same from the 14 but the rear was a different hub so I had to buy a new rear. But I'm real happy with then on the 10.

That sucks! I thought they were the same!!! I gather from several sources that the forks on the ZX-10 are great while the shock is sub-par so you could without the forks. However, Ohlins are pretty! lol

Yeah I've heard the same thing. I'm going to do the rear first I think.... then revalve the front. unless this is a good year and I'll do both the front and rear at the same time.

Yeah I've heard the same thing. I'm going to do the rear first I think.... then revalve the front. unless this is a good year and I'll do both the front and rear at the same time.

Well I'm jealous but I wish you an excellent year Somefun. Hopefully you can get that KTM as well!

@Zx14Beast, ride report on that new R6? Got any sweet mods on there yet?

Dragking you might have been right, should have gone for an exotic. I'm hardly riding the new bike, not even 400 miles in the last month, usually I would knock that out in a couple of days. Kind of second guessing myself and wishing I'd gone for the '13 in the red, white and blue HRC colors, too many red bikes...lol!

get new fairings or paint it if it's just a color change you want.

Just finished reading all 9 pages (so far) and found it hilariously ironic that the thread started out on sort of a down note that we're at the peak of sportbike evolution and will never see the massive performance and technology gains again that we've enjoyed recently yet during this discussion, two members went out and bought new bikes... one of which is at the very end of its lifespan (Fireblade) and the other is essentially the same bike that it was in 2006 when it debuted (R6)! Don't get me wrong, they are still both very good bikes in their respective classes but hardly state of the art.

What do I know though... nothing in my garage is state of the art!

Maybe I'm just jealous. LOL!

Hayabuser that was the whole point of the thread, after looking at just about everything on two wheels I picked a bike that is at the end of an 8 year life cycle with no electronic bells and whistles, straight analog in a digital world. The CBR has been in continuous production from '08 to'14 but still remarkably competent and still able to win track based literbike shootouts given the right venue. As expressed, yes it's a bit boring in a stock state of tune but hugely competent for going fast on track or fast road, ask just about anyone who rides IOM TT races for proof e.g. John McGuiness. It kind of puts an exclamation point on my opening paragraph in this thread, where is the quantum leap? it's not there, McGuiness will most likely set another track record at the IOM this year and win the Senior TT....on an 8 year old design.

The CBR has been in continuous production from '08 to'14 but still remarkably competent and still able to win track based literbike shootouts given the right venue. As expressed, yes it's a bit boring in a stock state of tune but hugely competent for going fast on track or fast road, ask just about anyone who rides IOM TT races for proof e.g. John McGuiness.

The CBR is a superb machine that does everything right, I love the design....but I digress. In the case you referenced, in my opinion, bet on the jockey, not the horse.

I'm not saying the CBR1000RR is the best bike or the fastest, heck I have two, an '07 and a '12 model and I find them almost docile but you can't argue with the results. These top riders go for the CBR time and time again, 2013 IOM Senior TT results, top three places Fireblade.

2013 Senior TT final standings.
7 June 2013 6 Laps (236.38 Miles) Mountain Course.

Rank Rider Team Speed Time
1 John McGuinness Honda 1000cc 128.943 mph 1:45.20.394
2 Michael Dunlop Honda 1000cc 128.737 mph 1:45.30.486
3 Bruce Anstey Honda 1000cc 128.584 mph 1:45.37.999

Whats next? Electric motors will push the envelope much farther than gas engines. Look at the McLaren P1. Electric motor supplementing the gas engine during low boost and during shifts. The acceleration numbers are crazy for a non awd car. quicker even than a Veyron up to a certain speed.

So, this will be the next target. It will be very expensive for now, but prices will come down.

http://www.gizmag.com/lightning-ls218-unveiled-specs/32142/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers

LS218, 218 mph top speed. over 200 horsepower, and 168 TQ! that's what will get it done!

Now just get it under 20-25K, please! I'm sure its over 40K with the biggest battery packs, for now.
Give it five or ten years.

Yep, Ebikes are coming, just gotta get the range up to a useable level.

Just like electric cars, electric motorcycles have a niche. Barring a breakthrough in battery technology there is not going to be any dramatic increase in range for either electric bikes or cars. So we're left with a range that might approach a tankful of gasoline but you can fill a tank in a couple of minutes but you can't charge a battery pack (yet) in less than 8 hours or so.

But I agree, the price will undoubtedly come down and someday I might consider getting one. For a daily rider an e-bike might just be the ticket. But will these electrics mean the end of gasoline powered motorcycles? Time will tell but I doubt it.

Just finished reading all 9 pages (so far) and found it hilariously ironic that the thread started out on sort of a down note that we're at the peak of sportbike evolution and will never see the massive performance and technology gains again that we've enjoyed recently yet during this discussion, two members went out and bought new bikes... one of which is at the very end of its lifespan (Fireblade) and the other is essentially the same bike that it was in 2006 when it debuted (R6)! Don't get me wrong, they are still both very good bikes in their respective classes but hardly state of the art.
What do I know though... nothing in my garage is state of the art!
Maybe I'm just jealous. LOL!

BEST QUOTE OF THE MONTH!

Hayabuser got a valid point! Or maybe like Kruz mentioned the exotic bikes aren't worth the price of admission. Myself, I always felt like you bought a Japanese bike/car for value and a German or Italian bike/car for the experience. I know a couple of Ducati owners and they are the first ones to point the issues out. Seat feels like a rock, bike gets too hot and doesn't commute well etc. However, they say that the level of expertise and commitment it takes to become one with those machines is totally worth it. A little bit like being with a woman and feeling like she could love nobody but you (if I must continue with the women analogies/metaphors). Now the Hondas, those just sleep with anybody lol. There is no pride in riding those well. Look at Casey Stoner, he became a legend just because he kicked ass on a Duc.

As far as the TT goes, I feel like McGuiness could win on anything with two wheels. The TT is different from other events because it takes so much time to acquire the skills to win it. Some guys even change machinery and keep winning so it tells me that the rider is more important than the machine. Plus, the Blade has arguably the best chassis and since you're allowed to bump the power it's all she wrote. That being said, I'm thinking McGuiness looses this year. He's still nursing that scaphoid fracture and Michael Dunlop has won the NW200 on that new Beemer of his.

Kruz just sell a couple and get you an exotic. Go all out, treat yourself. Ducati Panigale Tricolore S (I see one on youtube put out 175hp and about 90tq), RSV4 factory or MV Augusta. Then we can hear you complain about how the Panigale works properly only with Pirellis, or how you have to stop every 30 min to fill the RSV4 up.

Another negative test on the SP

I know you can't stand the S1000RR/HP4 but I think the folks at motorcycle news are as honest as they can be. Also check out their Accelaration Test with the ZX-14R and rivals. A couple of years ago the Beemer won, this year the ZX-14R (special edition). Top speed in stock form still goes to the beemer though. I think that they are credible.

* Last updated by: dragking on 5/30/2014 @ 9:52 PM *

Under the right conditions (places with charging stations), the e-bikes will be much more viable. The ls218 says it will charge in 30 minutes at a fast charge station. I could get with that. But I agree, not totally practical just yet. Close tho. I think they are claiming 180 miles with the big battery pack.

For its intended purpose, that would be great. Ride out to my favorite twisty roads, smash some corners; and ride home. probably wouldn't want to ride it more than 150 miles at a time anyway, and for back and forth to work.... no gasoline = win.

If I live long enough, I'm sure Ill have some sort of electric only vehicle. Heck, I'm the perfect candidate. 5.8 mile (one way) commute to work, in hardly any traffic (midnights). The only reason I haven't considered one yet is either cost (my cars are paid for), or that I do take trips farther than 60 miles to visit family and friends.

As far as the TT goes, I feel like McGuiness could win on anything with two wheels

Possibly but the fact remains, the top riders in the superbike class always seem to choose the Fireblade at the IOM, there has to be a reason unless they're all retarded or on Honda's payroll.

There's nothing wrong with my new Blade, extremely fast and competent machine, faultless handling, just needs some character injection to give it an attitude. Mods are needed, more noise would be a good start, the bike is so quiet in it's stock form it sounds like a very fast moped...lol.

I just came back from a ride on the new bike this morning, I'm split between which bike is better, my ZX-10R or the Blade, they're very close in almost every department, Honda has the huge midrange hit but the ZX-10r has that bad ass top end pull that's intoxicating. In every other category, they feel like the same bike, both excellent.

The HP4, naah I'll have to pass. Remember, I rode a '12 S1000RR about a year ago, had it up to 140 mph on the same curvy roads as my 10R, back to back. I prefer the 10R, at least on that road on that day. That might change if I spent more saddle time with the Beemer, don't know but not interested enough to drop $18-25K to find out.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 5/31/2014 @ 8:03 AM *

Possibly but the fact remains, the top riders in the superbike class always seem to choose the Fireblade at the IOM, there has to be a reason unless they're all retarded or on Honda's payroll.

I think it's more than a possibility. The Blade dominate the TT because engines aren't stock and racers run basic electronic packages if any. The chassis is arguably the best and super bikes are pushing 210-215 hp. The TT is all about balls and hp! So you basically have an overpowered bike with a stellar chassis and as a result you can spend more time at WOT. Sorry for repeating myself. The competitors (ZX-10, BMW, etc) are different. Their chassis are less forgiving so they rely on electronics which are a hindrance at the TT. You have jumps, wet areas, places where you have to wheelie etc. The only places where electronics provide an advantage are World Superbike and MotoGP, maybe BSB that's why the Hondas consistently crown racers King of the Mountain. I read an article on the Blade a couple of years ago and Honda spend more effort and $$ on the TT compared to other manufacturers and have more experience. The guy who designed the Blade used to fly to the TT and help develop the bike there. Even M Dunlop said that the data Honda has on the circuit gives an advantage to Honda. All of this makes sense because the title the Blade was built to conquer is King of the road. Now the problem is that people like you and me want exactly what Marc Marquez is riding. Race bikes that are barely street legal. At the same time we turn around and bitch about a bike being too hot, not comfortable etc. We can't have it both ways. You have enough bikes that now you can afford to have one that's difficult to live with. I know I'll give myself one more Japanese bike. A liter for 50/50 riding. After that I'm going exotic.

There's nothing wrong with my new Blade, extremely fast and competent machine, faultless handling, just needs some character injection to give it an attitude. Mods are needed, more noise would be a good start, the bike is so quiet in it's stock form it sounds like a very fast moped...lol.

That's the thing Kruz! You can't buy character, especially for a Blade. In my opinion this is a purist bike. The pipe will just make it sound nice. That's one of the negative about it (at least on the ZX-10 you can get a flash and the bike instantly pick up a nasty attitude I sat on it, fell in love with the ergo of the bike and without starting the engine I know I could ride it to a good pace but when I found out that a full system wouldn't give me anything I was kinda of turned off. Wheels would be a good upgrade but the chassis is flawless so I doubt you'll go that much faster. Maybe brakes and rotors but that will just make the bike even more reassuring. The bike needs more but at the same time it's hard to improve it. Now I understand what Hub meant when he said it's a Joe Average bike. We kinda brushed on the subject with Dogo when he was here for the motogp weekend. I told him about the S1000RR/HP4. He replied he had no need for it because he had a 190 hp Blade! He doesn't even run the electronic package it has for it and beats everybody. His best option if he was getting a new bike would be the ZX-10R. Chassis is pretty good, bike is light, no bottom but nothing a smaller front sprocket can't fix, add a flash and you're good to go. I remember you telling me about that and I was skeptic! Now, I'm realizing that it's the best package out there. It's sad to say but Honda needs to jump in the power and electronic war.

I know you're not smitten by the Beemer but I sincerely think that you would love the Panigale even the 899 after you got over how much $$ you spent for it. As far as the Blade goes, your first order of business is too overhaul it so well that you won't throw a leg over the 2007. You should start with a RCS19, suspensions work, a pipe and then maybe wheels. You should be able to find all those parts used at a good price. It won't transform the 12 into something it wasn't already but it'll make the 07 obsolete.

Kruz I know someone in the market for a used CBR 1000. Fort Knox Kentucky. Probably a bit too far but thought I'd mention it. eh, if you knoock a couple thousand off the newer CBR, I think you could sell it fast right there in TX.

That would be a huge waste of $$ but you'll definitely going to make somebody happy. Instead, sell the 2007, it would be silly not to and get some mods. I bet you can get a pair of BST's, a pipe and an RCS19 for that dough. Heck you might be able to squeeze some Braketech Axis full floating rotors and a set of rear sets! Build you own SP! Don't feel bad about spending the $$. I was reading on the Aprilia forum and guys were drooling over BST's and other expensive mods, which is crazy given the price of the bike. I wouldn't touch a Panigale though. Maybe just some nice fluid reservoirs and call it a day. So happiness does have a price. You can spend japanese bikes kinda of $$ and mod the heck out of it or buy a super expensive bike.

Well, I just got back from a 250 mile ride in the twisties and I rode the '07, she didn't give up anything to the fast guys in the A group, most were CMRA riders and the '07 definitely was holding it's own on a fast paced road ride. I don't know why everyone wants me to dump that bike, yes it's an older design but still relevant, that's the point of this thread. BTW the Boyz were doing top speed runs, they took me to a perfect spot out in the middle of nowhere in North Texas, 2011 BMW and 2010 ZX-14 were neck and neck in he mid 180's, Busa with a big guy on board got trounced by both. All told almost everyone did at least one high speed run, your's truly excepted, I know what my bike will do .....lol! B group got pulled over by DPS and the trooper wrote everyone in the pack a warning citation, how he missed us I don't know as we were several minutes ahead. All in all a very fine afternoon with no injuries, tickets or accidents.

I don't know why everyone wants me to dump that bike, yes it's an older design but still relevant, that's the point of this thread.

Kruz a 1996 Honda Black Bird would still be relevant with the right rider. The thing is you have two Blades and from 2007 to 2014 the design hasn't changed much. I could see somebody keeping both a 2007 and a 2012 ZX-10 but those two Blades are pretty much the same bike. I was complaining about the ZX-14R not being revolutionary enough but compared to the Blade evolution, it is not even close. We're not (at least not me) saying the bike is obsolete or anything. At the end of the day happiness can be had on a moped so when I nitpick at a bike it is not solely because of its competition but also because of the time we live in and the technology that is available.

I don't know why everyone wants me to dump that bike, yes it's an older design but still relevant, that's the point of this thread.

Kruz a 1996 Honda Black Bird would still be relevant with the right rider. The thing is you have two Blades and from 2007 to 2014 the design hasn't changed much. I could see somebody keeping both a 2007 and a 2012 ZX-10 but those two Blades are pretty much the same bike. I was complaining about the ZX-14R not being revolutionary enough but compared to the Blade evolution, it is not even close. We're not (at least not me) saying the bike is obsolete or anything. At the end of the day happiness can be had on a moped so when I nitpick at a bike it is not solely because of its competition but also because of the time we live in and the technology that is available.