Already replaced the nose cone on my blade after a lowside at Brands when it was 3 months old, I found a complete fairing set in black and swapped the damaged or scuffed fairing parts, 2nd time out a stone made a hole in the replacement nose cone so I'm in the market for another replacement in black. Oh and if you happen to have some OZ wheels then I could be persuaded to make you an offer
I know of three people who ride the newer blades, 08 and on, and they have all suffered holes from stones. I've never heard of other bikes, or older blades suffering the same fate. A trade off between shape and materials methinks.
The 'blunted' front , or Budgie look as described by non blade riders to me is a fair size but I've heard more stories of people breaking the top sides off. Venture shield would perhaps help or at least keep the parts together.
Yep, I've heard similar and I think venture sheild may be on the cards the only other option would be sourcing some CF replacements. One of a small number of issues I have with this model as good as it is to ride I worry Honda have succumed to the engineered to break strategy apparently employed by the vast majority.
Mate 07 Repsol holed in France while we was touring by a stone good 20p size hole and 2 3 inch cracks
Didn't know the 07's suffered from the same weakness. I suppose if your going quick enough and the particle has sufficient mass its possible. I remember my boot being hit by a loose bolt from a friends bike when getting a shift on and that felt like it put a hole in my foot.