Too old for a Sportsbike
Discussion
Was lucky to have the day off and was out and about on the bike. I had set up a test ride on the current Fireblade (I've never ridden any Blades). I was looking forward to it, even if the Fireblade is no longer top of the super bike tree.
It was a very good bike but overriding impression was discomfort and pain. I might not have helped that I took a circuitous and good route to the dealer on the S 1KR so had been riding a good 90 minutes already. Still, I hadn't expected the Blade to cause such a problem for my knees, wrists and arse. When I got onto some decent roads and could keep the speed up it was okay but the good roads were interspersed with 30 and 40 limits and the last half an hour was not nice. I had to get the bike back so couldn't stop for a break (which I would have done otherwise). I'm not that old, not overweight and reasonably fit for my age but clearly I am now too old to ride some sportsbikes! It was a relief to ride home on the BMW.
Overall I would say I preferred the Fireblade 10%-20% of the time (in the corners) but overall the BMW is better for me. The Honda had an aftermarket exhaust but I still preferred the sound of my standard bike. For takling some new roads I found near the dealer I think the BMW was perhaps easier to ride quickly but then I am used to it now so that is probably a factor.
Feeling old :-(
It was a very good bike but overriding impression was discomfort and pain. I might not have helped that I took a circuitous and good route to the dealer on the S 1KR so had been riding a good 90 minutes already. Still, I hadn't expected the Blade to cause such a problem for my knees, wrists and arse. When I got onto some decent roads and could keep the speed up it was okay but the good roads were interspersed with 30 and 40 limits and the last half an hour was not nice. I had to get the bike back so couldn't stop for a break (which I would have done otherwise). I'm not that old, not overweight and reasonably fit for my age but clearly I am now too old to ride some sportsbikes! It was a relief to ride home on the BMW.
Overall I would say I preferred the Fireblade 10%-20% of the time (in the corners) but overall the BMW is better for me. The Honda had an aftermarket exhaust but I still preferred the sound of my standard bike. For takling some new roads I found near the dealer I think the BMW was perhaps easier to ride quickly but then I am used to it now so that is probably a factor.
Feeling old :-(
I try not to put weight on my wrists and don't have a problem with the BMW but ended up having more weight than usual as legs were so uncomfortable. I don't remember having such problems pre accident (but it was a long time ago and I was obviously younger). Maybe I just need to spend enough time on a sportsbike so that my body adapts.
Odd. Just spent over an hour on an 899. No real problems with my knees nor hips. So different to my reaction to the Blade. Much slimmer than the Blade and different riding position must make the difference. Right hip ached a bit getting off but that is not uncommon even with the S 1000 R.
The 899 felt a little gutless after the S 1000 R. Or rather much more gear dependent. I went for a 3rd gear overtake at full throttle. Didn't scream away like the S 1000 R. Didn't seem as happy to sit at 60 in 6th. Once I got it out of town and found a decent road (B4011) it felt very good. Liked it a lot. Don't think I could have one instead of the S 1000 R as that covers more bases. In addition would be lovely but not sure how to manage that. It might go pop too.... (got in there before Loon!)
The 899 felt a little gutless after the S 1000 R. Or rather much more gear dependent. I went for a 3rd gear overtake at full throttle. Didn't scream away like the S 1000 R. Didn't seem as happy to sit at 60 in 6th. Once I got it out of town and found a decent road (B4011) it felt very good. Liked it a lot. Don't think I could have one instead of the S 1000 R as that covers more bases. In addition would be lovely but not sure how to manage that. It might go pop too.... (got in there before Loon!)
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