It's that time again when a trip to the bike show has opened your eyes to a whole bunch of other bikes. Gets you thinking ooh maybe that such and such a bike could be fun or easy to live with..

So I'm contemplating getting rid of the Duke 990. It's had 'the usual mods' done so isn't really going to get any quicker. The suspension has been set up well and it rides nice so this may be change just for the sake of it. Plus my buddies are now riding the new suzuki gsxs 1000 and I don't want to get left behind!

I fancy a 2011/12 blade. It's got abs which I think i'd like. A fairing so my neck doesn't turn into the hulks. A smooth tractable engine etc..

So if you've already made the move to something similar was it worth it and what do you miss?

Total dilemma!

A motorcycle injury has left me with a shit back. I tried to ride an 06 GSXR 1000 for a while after only riding the SDR and S3 for a while. Was uncomfortable as all hell on public roads (Actually I was in major pain riding it), and lacked the fun factor that our streetfighter style bikes' bring with their midrange and torque. Not to mention the much more forgiving seating positions.

why a blade?
try the 1290r
i have owned a 08 1000rr blade due to mc accident i couldnt
tuck in.
several naked biked later i bought a 1290r
you wont have to worry about keeping up
if fact the new superbikes wont catch you
till the top end.
put a full akra system with map and its game on.
love power wheelies in 4th gear at over 100 mph !!!!!

Get a 1290. You will never look back.

I'm not looking for a 1290 because they are too expensive and I'd like a bike with better wind protection. Otherwise yeah sure

Can you own both?

just buy the 1290 SDR and you never stop smiling!

The thing with Motorbikes (for most of us) It is essentially a toy and there is nowt wrong with having a dabble at something different, lets face it, putting that question forward on this forum is liable to get a biased response but every guy on here has more than likely had numerous motorcycles before they landed on a SD (and given time most will migrate onto another brand motorcycle!!!! Bet ya' will viewtopic.php?f=9&t=25989

Had a blade of slightly earlier vintage but essentially the same bike.

Was very capable and actually quite comfortable but Ifound it really dull. These things are a matter of taste of course but it did everything well without being exceptional at anything. Most of all it was efortless to ride fast so gave you little sensation or rerward for doing so. I traded mine for a K5 gixer 1000 (see avatar) which was better and then that for the SD which was totally diferent, slower but more fun especially on the road.

For going super fast or long I also own a ZZR1400 so I guess I'm lucky in being able to have tw very different two wheeled animals

Bikes are toys so if you fancy a change just do it. I wouldn't be too surprised if you end up back here but whatever the outcome I'm sure you will have fun!

What would be a solution is something that stops the front end being light at high speed and a bikini fairing of some description.