Hi there I still own a 2010 Triumph Street Triple but more and more long for something faster, either a Blade or ZX10R or Z1000. At the moment I'm a bit put off buying a Blade due to the excessive oil consumption the 2008+ Blades allegedly suffer and I'm also put off the ZX10R due to the recent recall on 2010+ models due to a potential oil leak from the crank shaft housing and the way Kawasaki goes about the corrective action: sticking some resin putty over the thin part of the housing to seal the weak area in case it cracks. I've ridden a few bikes so far but none of them took my heart: Triumph Daytona 675 - uncomfortable and slowly accelerating unless above 50 mph Triumph Speed Triple 1050 - heavy and cumbersome, not faster than the Street Triple 675 Triumph Tiger 1050 - comfy but extremely ugly and utterly boring Z1000SX - fantastic engine and gearbox, comfy, nice styling, cheap and ughly plastic dashboard and no gear indicator; the naked brother Z1000 would appeal to me a bit more than the half-faired "SX"
The 'Street' is a tough bike to follow - hate to write this, but have you test ridden a 'Big Bang' R1 - the 2009+ bikes, dont consider a red / pink frame one at any cost as you will struggle to sell it. But.. the engine is the most charismatic you will find of any of the litre bikes - nothing like any of the other Jap / BMW bikes. They can be had for a good deal - yes its a bit thirsty but depends on your riding habits - weekend / evening blat about the Peaks or intercontinental touring? - for £7 - £8 an R1 with a black frame, decent cans, decat pipe is a tempting bit of kit. - message me if you want more details.
only a small % actually burn any great amount of oil, some dont burn a drop, most only need a 100-200ml top up every now and then, but then there are the unlucky few that can get through 1ltr per 1000 miles
Hi, thanks for the post. I haven't ridden an R1 (or a Blade or ZX10R for that matter) as yet. So far I've been looking at CBR1000RR (build quaility, reliability, good-ish for road riding, not much electronics and beautiful clean styling) and ZX10R (styling mostly). The R1 and gixxer don't appeal to me as much but I might consider them in the end. Weekend and evenimng blasts into Peak District and a trip to Scotland once a year is my typical riding, I might do a few track days if time allows - on a road legal bike though.
Yes I can do a ltr per 1000 miles no problem an that's on a 2011. But to be fair it's still a great bike
I have been reading about the oil consumption and I have done approx 800mls since I got my 2009 1000rr, and it has hardly used any oil so it does seem it is only a few and not all of them not sure what the problem is, but mine seems ok!i have done 1 track also in that mileage.
Lets not turn this into (yet another) oil consumption discussion (should get them all moved to one area) The 08+ Blade is the easiest road bike to ride quickly, has the best handling / suspension as standard and is plenty fast enough - plus it feels like a 600 on steroids Loads and loads available so take your time and find the best you can with your money - lots coming up for sale on here, and if not forum members can keep an eye out at dealers. THe biggest deal I know is an 2011 Repsol at Jordans near Bradford, tiny miles, mint bike for £7700 - if you want that act fast - still has plenty of honda UK warranty on it - if you want the link let me know but sure 2 mins on google will find it.
Welcome to the forum, having gone from a speed triple to a blade I'm glad I made th jump. And 18 months on I'm loving it. Th blade has been good for fast road riding, touring Europe and track days in that time.
the blade is a lovely bike and very quick throughout the rev range but jeez is it ever a boring bike.
Not when you twist the throttle dude.I have mainly had all the sports bikes ex a Ducati and in general they are all very similar yes the Blade may be easier to ride on the road fast but having had two of the early zx10s bouncing all over the road who gives a crap not me!! Fast / not to heavy on fuel/good resale value/ Good looks/ Great handling/ not to bad on rear tyres/ no big deal ''my bike has fell to bits'' recalls.This is my third and boring its not.
couldnt agree more except my rear is shagged after 1900 miles. Also i didnt enjoy playing "which way will you try and kill me today" when i had my zx-10
By the Power of Greyskull, man, sell everything you have and buy a post-2009 Fireblade! Shoot anyone who tries to stop you. Almeria and back in 4 days (motorways. Long story) and hardly a drop used. Kawasaki? Pound in the box. Shame on you!
The Blade is more for sport riding while the Kawa is very good for daily commuting and riding in more upper position. They are two different bikes for different use. The Kawa got enough power, so you don't feel like that you are on a pizza scooter. Both are amazing bikes.
