I'm a big fan of the Blade. On track, it just makes sense, but it's not without weaknesses. Before I get stuck into the bits I don't like about it, let me hammer home what(firm), which ensures you get a precise and planted machine at all times. There's no slop in suspension, which leaves you feeling supported whether you're braking hard or gassing out of corners. The engine is another high point. It's stupidly fast, fiery and characterful, yet there's a ‘but’. To get the best from the inline-four, you must keep this thing in the sweet spot. Below about 8000rpm the bike feels broken, and it's easy to find yourself in that zone owing to the bike's stupidly tall gearing. Whatever gear you think you should be in, go a gear lower and you'll get the best of the Blade. It was the only bike that demanded I used first gear at Donny as it simply wouldn't pull second out of the hairpins. It takes a bit of getting your head around, and the same has to be said for the Honda's brakes. They have so much potential, but the ABS algorithms ruin the party long before the Brembo Stylemas get a chance to show you just how well they can haul this thing up. It's a real shame, more so because you learn not to trust the brakes and ride accordingly… slower into bends. If there was one thing I'd ask of Honda, it'd be to sort this issue out. It makes a mockery of an otherwise exceptional machine.
