Fast Bikes Magazine May issue **FREE 20 PAGE PREVIEW**

RACING AT

BUYER’S GUIDE

ROSSI’S RANCH

TAKING ON THE LEGEND IN HIS OWN BACKYARD

SUZUKI GSX-S750

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NAKED MIDDLEWEIGHT

TESTED RUBBER MA Y ISS 202 UE 4 415

MICHLIN POWER 6, POWER GP2 AND ANAKEE – ON ROAD, TRACK AND TRAIL

Y WH DA’S HON4 E 202 BLAD E FIR HE IS TISHED WE’VE FIN DUCT VING PRON CRA BEE

2024 KTM YAMAHA DUKE 99 90 MT-09 REFINED RENEGADE HITS A NEW HIGH 10 YEARS ON

KTM’S ALL-NEW BENCHMARK BRUTE FOR THE SUB-LITRE NAKED SECTOR

ISSUE 415 MAY 2024

74 TESTS Honda Fireblade launch ................. 16 The Blade is back – and it’s sharper than ever thanks to a raft of saucy updates for 2024.

28 FEATURES

Rating rubber .................................. 66

KTM 990 Super Duke ...................... 28

Johnny’s been out to Jerez to put Michelin’s new, sporty Power 6 and Power GP2 hoops through their paces.

Yamaha MT-09................................. 38

It’s not every day you get the call to race Rossi in his own backyard, but that’s exactly what Timmy’s just been and done.

Used Bike Guide.............................. 60

We check in with the amiable Brit ahead of his call-up to Suzuki’s prestigious SERT world endurance squad.

There’s a new champ in the sub-litre naked department, as Johnny explains after sampling the 990’s firepower.

Ten years on from its inauguration, Yamaha’s head-banging MT-09 has been given some tasty tweaks.

Suzuki’s GSX-S750 is something of an overlooked, affordable and desirable package. Here’s what you need to know.

COLUMNISTS

Christian Iddon ............................... 96 The season starts soon and Iddon’s ready to get stuck in.

Racing Rossi.................................... 74

Dan Linfoot: The world at his feet . 90

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Steve Parrish................................... 98 More madness and wisdom from the man they call Parrish.

38

WELCOME

Chasing the highs

T

here’s a real fine line between pleasure and pain, as I was reminded first-hand a few days ago at Portimao. Motorbikes are awesome, but highsides aren’t. I’ve come to that conclusion lots of times in my many years of motorcycling, and after a five-year break from this extracurricular activity, I was back in the throes once more, staring down on my CBR600RR as it jettisoned me unceremoniously. I don’t know what hurt most; the tarmac or the journey back to the pits, where I had to hand myself in front of my mates. What a sausage! Just moments before, life was exceptional, rinsing the living daylights out of this much-missed supersport sensation that’s now back and better than ever (full review next issue), but in one foul moment, the broad smile was wiped from my face and substituted by a

battered hip and a dislocated index finger.

The funny thing is that the latter didn’t matter. The number one goal was to get back on track as quickly as possible – which I was in all of 20 minutes later, once more splashing around a wet Portimao with a big old grin planted on my face.

To anyone who isn’t a motorcyclist, it’s hard to explain such a mindset, but I figure that most of you will completely understand my attitude and approach, with my biggest fear that day being the authorities telling me I wasn’t fit to ride.

Maybe I wasn’t, but when play came to an end that evening, I obligingly agreed to head to the hospital for x-rays and my finger was slotted back into place. Did it hurt? Yes, but not as much as missing out on the afternoon’s chance to ride the ’24-spec Firebalde that afternoon, on slicks, in the dry, would have done. That

was pretty damn special and one of the high points of the year so, of which there have already been so many. As mentioned last month, this year’s launch season has been nothing short of sensational, and it’s far from over yet, so I’d better rein myself in and start behaving like the middle-aged man I am.

But I can’t see that happening any time soon. More to the point, I like the way motorcycles make me act and feel, let alone who it gets you knocking around with. Prior to the piss-taking, there was at least two minutes of genuine concern from my mates on the Honda launch before they got stuck in, with McGuinness at the helm... and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Enjoy the mag,

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PLA NET FAST BIKES – NEW ME TAL

, NEW S & REV IEW S

WDS WORDS: SIR ALAN OF DO

2024 HUSQVARNA SVARTPILEN 801 It’s been a bit difficult to know where to place Husqvarna’s various recent roadster machinery. As you should all know, the classy Swedish brand is part of the same firm (Pierer) which owns KTM, GASGAS and WP Suspension. And its machinery shares the same fundamental powertrain and chassis foundations, so the Svartpilen and Vitpilen (‘black arrow’ and ‘white arrow’ in Swedish) bikes have used the engines and frames from the 125, 390 and 690 Duke models. The Svartpilen is a subtle retro-scrambler, and the Vitpilen is an unfaired café-racer, with both using the same unique design language that screams ‘IKEA’ to all right-thinking folk.

The current single-cylinder machines are all perfectly decent; there’s usually a chassis upgrade, they get the peak power output from the KTM engines, and if you like the niche styling, the price premium is probably well worth it.

But for many folk, just buying the KTM Duke will be the more obvious choice.

10 MAY 2024

This might change things, though. It’s the new Svartpilen 801, and as the Husqvarna naming rules dictate, that means the LC8c 790 Duke engine is a proper 799cc DOHC 8v parallel twin motor that makes 105bhp/87Nm and is a total hoot.

And having this bonkers powerplant in a sharper, quirky roadster design seems much more tempting than the 401 and 701 variants. There are limits on the power and usability of even the best singles (and the KTM 690 single is a cracker), which largely disappear when you move up to twin cylinders. Peak output of 105bhp is plenty for most uses, and with the sharper chassis kit and aggressive-looking geometry, it could be a proper weapon in town, on B roads, and round twisty tracks. A supermotard with extra benefits, if you will.

The specs are decent. It weighs 181kg without fuel, which is a few kg heavier than the Duke 790, but still pretty sweet. The WP APEX front fork is fully adjustable, while the rear shock from the same brand is rebound/ preload adjustable-only.

Brakes are standard J. Juan four-piston radial calipers with 300mm discs, wheels are cast aluminium, and the bike comes with the excellent Pirelli MT60 RS supermoto rubber.

On the electronics front, there are four selectable rider modes

(street, rain, sport, plus an optional dynamic mode), and an optional dynamic pack which adds introduces 10 levels of slip adjustment and five levels of anti-wheelie, motor slip regulation, and cruise control.

There’s plenty of standard trickery, though: cornering ABS (with Supermoto mode) and traction, quickshifter, and phone connectivity are all present and correct on the basic model.

In terms of the styling, the natty slash-cut exhaust silencer is distinctive, while the short tail unit and hunched-forward tank cover gives a proper aggressive stance.

It’s a premium-looking, mature piece of kit, and you can see why it could appeal to those less keen on acid-orange paint schemes. A gorgeous colour TFT dash and top-notch chassis fitments and trims all rounds off the upscale package.

For some reason, Husqvarna’s original teaser action shots showed a camouflaged bike racing round an ice lake, which is probably a little out of the typical use range in the UK but looks very cool. There are also some dirt-track shots, so you get the idea.... this will be a bike for the on-trend rider who wants a bit of oomph with their culturally significant, slightly esoteric, beard oil-friendly steed. It’ll cost £10,499, which is a grand more than a 790 Duke, and it should be in the shops by June. www.husqvarnamotorcycles.com

Keep an eye on our online channels – Facebook, Twitter, and the Fast Bikes website (www.fastbikesmag.com) – for news as it happens.

NEW MOTOGP IN FOCUS BOOK

2024 MOTO GUZZI V85 FIRST RIDE – RETRO ITALIAN CROSSOVER MACHINE IS SURPRISINGLY SPORTY There are a few bikes in the market at the moment which are actually much more fun than you’d ever think from their spec sheet and performance figures. The Moto Guzzi V85 is one: launched back in 2019 as a soft, retro-styled middleweight adventure tourer, it used the classic Guzzi transverse air-cooled 90-degree V-twin two-valve motor, in 853cc capacity, complete with shaft drive. Power output was about 75bhp, it weighed 209kg dry, and was actually really nice to ride.

Comfy, stylish, and grunty enough, it did a solid job against the likes of a

Kawasaki Versys 650 or low-spec BMW F750 GS. And now, for 2024, the little Guzzi has had an overhaul, with a new variable valve timing set-up and three different variants: a Strada with cast wheels, higher-spec TT model, and a TT Travel with hard luggage and more kit. The variable valve system is just there for emissions compliance (Euro 5+ is coming next year), but it also boosts peak power to 80bhp. It’s a very simple system, which it has to be since there’s only one camshaft for the overhead-valve engine, with just

a simple physical advance/retard mechanism that uses centrifugal force via moving steel balls (like the Suzuki GSX-R1000 system). That phases both exhaust and intake timing back and forth by a fixed amount but enough to give the engineers what they wanted, with no electrical or hydraulic gubbins needed.

On the roads around Almeria, where we rode the new bike, it was hard to notice the extra power and torque. But chasing the Italian test rider down a superb mountain road, the V85 was hard to fault. The chassis is nimble and taut, the modest power output never overwhelms anything, and even the front brakes are strong enough to push really hard. The long-travel suspension is a bit basic and bouncy but gives loads of ground clearance, and the OE Dunlop Meridian rubber has plenty of grip.

When you’re not trying to die on mountain switchbacks, the V85 makes a decent middleweight tourer.

The TT and Travel versions add a load of kit: luggage, bigger screen, heated grips and seat options, Bluetooth connection on the colour dash, and cornering ABS and traction control.

There’s a load of factory bolt-on options, and the TT model’s red and white paint job is handsome stuff indeed. If you’re looking for something a little bit quirky that stands out from the usual Japanese or Germanic options, the V85 range is well worth a look.

The new 2024 V85s are on sale now, priced at £11,200 for the Strada, £12,000 for the TT, and £13,300 for the top-end TT Travel. www.motoguzzi.com

The publisher says it’s a coffee table book, but we don’t see any fold-out legs.

Nevertheless, this 168-page tome is packed with saucy imagery, behind-the-scenes content, and glossily high production values. It’s an officially licenced product, and is on sale on the MotoGP online shop, as well as through the Motocom UK direct online channel, costing £50 including postage: https:// buy.stripe.com/ fZeaFy7Nmc5z7Sw288 or www.motogp.com

METZELER ER ROADTEC C 02 TYRES The latest ‘supersporttouring’ fitmentt from Metzeler, the Roadtec 02, ticks all the boxes for fast road riding in alll weathers.

There’s a dualcompound rear tread and 100% silica compounds, and a new ‘Adaptive Tread’ design, which is claimed to actually change the shape of the grooves depending how hard you ride. So, when you go a bit slower, in the rain, say, the grooves open up to clear water more, but as you push harder, the tread blocks push together and the grooves close up a bit, giving more of a slick surface. It’s cunning stuff, and features on both front and rear fitments. Fast warm-up, good grip, and a comfy ride are all promised.

Available in all the usual 17in fitments, as well as a couple of 19in fronts for road-biased adventure tourers. RRP is about £380/ pair. www.metzeler.com MAY 2024 11

PLANE T FAST BIKES – NEW METAL

, NEWS & REVIEW S

2024 TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 STORM R AND GT We don’t know whether to applaud Triumph for boosting the power output of the new Rocket 3 by 15bhp (nearly 10%) or berate it for holding out on those ponies for the past few years. Because the Hinckley engineers have produced this serious power gain without a single hardware change to the gigantic fore-andaft triple engine. They’ve simply dialled in the additional oomph via the engine management system, presumably by tweaking rev limits, throttle plate openings, and fuelling changes. Of course, when you have 2458 of god’s own cubic centimetres to play with, phat gains are a bit easier to access, but it’s still impressive.

The 2024 bike’s performance figures also boast an extra 3ft-lb of torque to 166ft-lb @ 4000rpm.

Those two numbers make the

Rocket 3 both the most powerful and the most torquey bike ever made by Triumph, now pipping the 178bhp Speed Triple 1200RR on pure peak power (the Rocket has been the torquiest bike full stop for decades, of course).

Grunt injection aside, the new Rocket 3 gets a couple of updates. The wheels are now 1kg lighter cast aluminium 10-spoke items, and the bike now has an additional name – Storm. There are two variants, the Rocket 3 Storm R and the Rocket 3 Storm GT – with the R having more roadster kit, and the GT a bit more touring comfort.

The GT’s

seat is lower, the bars are wider and pulled back, the flyscreen is bigger, and there’s a pillion backrest built in. The GT also has front-mount footrests and pedals, with the R placing those parts in a more conventional mid-point.

The seat, screen, handlebar and footpegs can be swapped around though, so you can specify your own set-up from the dealer using the accessories programme.

The new bikes will be in the shops soon, priced at £23,195 for the R and £23,895 for the GT. www.triumph.co.uk

GUY MARTIN CONFIRMED AS SPECIAL GUEST AT THE INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW, SPONSORED

BY CAROLE NASH, IN APRIL The countdown is on as motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await the return of The International Classic Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash, at the Stafford County Showground on April 20/21.

Guy Martin, renowned motorcycle racer and TV presenter, is set to headline Sunday's festivities as the star guest of the two-day event, while celebrated TT icon Phillip McCallen takes the spotlight as Saturday’s VIP. Dubbed ‘the Big One’, this annual show has become a highlight on the calendars of motorcycle lovers worldwide. With a mesmerising array of exhibitions, trade stands, and live demonstrations of classic bikes in action, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience steeped in the rich heritage of classic 12 MAY 2024 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

two-wheeled machines. The show, which features thousands of enthusiasts and collectors all gathered at the showground, is the perfect place for Guy to share stories ranging from his daring exploits on the Isle of Man TT to his captivating engineering challenges.

Showgoers can certainly look forward to an unforgettable experience!

Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “Guy Martin has become a beloved figure in the world of motorcycles, with his charismatic personality and impressive career. I am sure this really will be a date for the diary!”

One of the highlights of the event is the prestigious Best in Show award, which recognises the most outstanding classic motorcycles on display. With fierce

competition and meticulous attention to detail, each contender vies for the coveted title, adding an extra layer of excitement. Prepare to be wowed by a dazzling display of meticulously restored classics as club members proudly show off their prized exhibits. From iconic British marques like Norton and BSA to exotic international treasures, every corner of the showground will pulsate with the heartbeat of classic motorcycling heritage.

Advanced tickets are now on sale at www.classicmagazines.co. uk/product/show/id/17 for £16, saving you £4 on the gate. Secure your tickets now for a thrilling journey at the International Classic Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash. Get ready to ride into history!

MAY 2024 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 1

O ES T & TRICK ALL THE LATEST, CO OL

ES T PERF ORMA NC E PRODUC TS

DAINESE MUGELLO 3 D-AIR SUIT Dainese has released its latest top-end D-AIR airbag race suits and they look pretty sweet. The flagship is this kangaroo leather Mugello 3 D-AIR, which the firm claims is the most advanced ever, with even more lightness and protection, plus luxurious comfort levels. It comes with the cutting-edge triple-activation D-air® Racing airbag and a pentaxial elastic system, which is claimed to offer the very highest levels of performance and safety

on the track, while maximising comfort.

The airbag now allows for up to three activations – so you can swap out the gas generator three times yourself before the airbag needs a service. And the riding mode by Dainese lets you select the airbag use mode depending on whether you’re on the road or the track. The new Mugello 3 weighs 20% less than the lightest suit with an integrated airbag system currently on the market, and

there’s comfort fabric on neck and cuffs.

Pro-Armor protectors on shoulders and hips give even more impact absorption, and outer titanium plates improve sliding in a fall, so your body doesn’t dig in and start rolling (which causes more serious injuries). New kneeslider fitment design, a hydropack waterbag kit, in/out boot calf fitting, and two-position elbow sliders all keep the Mugello at the top end of race suits – but at a hefty price.

RRP: £3999.95

www.dainese.com

ALPINESTARS SUPERFASTER TECH BOOTS These flashy short boots from Alpinestars give a bit more protection than a trainer-style riding boot and are packed with protective, sporty

RRP: £260 14 MAY 2024 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

tech. There’s a semi-rigid internal ankle brace system with malleolus protectors, and an Achilles tendon guard, plus outer TPU impact absorbers on heel and toe, and a reinforced sole structure. The firm claims the microfibre and Rideknit outer shell is designed for day-long riding and walking comfort, with soft PU foam and EVA cushioned linings, and a simple but secure zip/lace/ Velcro closure system.

www.alpinestars.com

BEELINE MOTO II SAT-NAV More of a ‘sheet of paper in a tankbag’ navigation fan? Bored with ever-larger massive HD colour screens? The Beeline Moto II sat-nav might be for you. It’s got a simple, compact display which works with a phone app to give easy-to-see, ‘glanceable’ directions. It’s a self-contained unit with its own battery inside so no wiring and comes with quick-release mounts so you can stick it in your pocket when you stop. The latest II version has new LED alerts, a mini-map view, glove-friendly controls and an even brighter anti-glare display.

RRP £199 (gunmetal/silver edition) £179 (black)

www.feridax.com

PRODUCTS

OXFORD ARROW AND SHIELD BAR-END MIRRORS

SPADA BLADE HOODIE

Neat bar-end mirrors from Oxford Products, which come in ‘arrow’ or ‘shield’ shapes and are 360-degree adjustable for the perfect rear view.

Designed to fit 22mm handlebars, they have a universal fitting, and come with 12mm and 18mm expansion bushes and an optional spacer.

SDOC 100 BIKE WASH The proper gear for washing your bike makes a big difference. It’s easier to get the grime off, and the chemicals are carefully selected so they don’t damage plastic, metal, or paint finishes. German brand SDOC100 makes some great stuff, including its gel cleaner bike wash. It’s pricey stuff but works really well, with the gel formula sticking to vertical surfaces and getting to work on grease, oil, and grime straight away. We’ve been to the factory (rock and roll!) and seen how seriously the firm takes its testing – this stuff won’t fade paint or give white residue on aluminium. It’s got a new UK distributor, Fowlers, so should be available near you or online.

The UK Spada brand has been relaunched by its owner, Feridax, and is releasing a whole range of new riding kit with higher-spec design and materials. This Blade zipped riding hoodie is a good example: it’s CE-certified to level AA, with a durable four-way stretch outer polyester material that has a microfleece liner bonded in.

It’s tough, abrasion-resistant kit, but has a premium, comfy feel too. It comes with level two CE armour already fitted in elbow, shoulder, and back, and has a clever two-piece hood design that stays flat when riding. Concealed thumb loops at the cuff and a longer hem with jeans fitting prevents riding up, and adds even more protection in a spill.

RRP: £69.99

RRP: £17.99/750ml

RRP: £129.99 https://spadaclothing.com/

www.oxfordproducts.com

www.thekeycollection.co.uk

LS2 FENG GLOVES

HJC RPHA 1 LOVIS HELMET

A high-end track-focused fitment from Chinese brand LS2, the new Feng gloves boast carbon-fibre armour on knuckles and palm, plus Superfabric reinforcement for added abrasion resistance. TPU impact absorbers on the wrist and metacarpals provide extra protection and the Feng gloves are rated KP1 under the CE glove standard. The cowhide and goatskin construction gives strength and flexibility, while elasticated panels increase comfort.

Touchscreencompatible fingertips and double Velcro wrist and cuff fasteners round off the sport spec nicely.

HJC isn’t messing about with this helmet, it claims – the firm says it’s NOT for pottering about and DOESN’T have all the usual niceties of a touring road helmet. Instead, it claims that the RPHA 1 is the exact same lid used by its riders in MotoGP and WSBK, with FIM homologation, extensive venting, a clear racing wing, Pinlock 120 visor insert and emergencyer release cheek pads. There are four oute shell sizes, with a carbon/glass fibre hybrid construction and d wind-tunnel developed aerodynamics. The quick-release visor has a locking closure system for extra safety, and it is – of course – fully

RRP: £99.99

RRP £699.99

www.ls2helmets.com

GB RACING ENGINE PROTECTORS FOR 2004-2010 APRILIA RSV MILLE AND TUONO Riders with older bikes might feel a bit left out on here from time to time – so this one’s for you! UK crash protection firm GB Racing is throwing it back to 2003 with a new set of engine case protectors for Aprilia’s secondgeneration V-twin RSV1000 and Tuono models. The clutch and alternator

cover kit is now available for the 2004-10 RSV1000 R, Factory, and Nero, as well as the 2005-10 Tuono models. And the clutch cover also fits the original ‘Mille’ RSV models, with the firm promising an alternator cover fitment for those older bikes later this year too. Nicely done.

RRP: £95.77 (alternator); £78.59 (clutch); £165.65 (both)

ECE 22.06 approved, as well as FIM homologated. Available in sizes XS-2XL, and in a range of graphics, the Lovis version is a couple of hundred quid cheaper than the race-replica versions.

www.hjchelmets.com www hjchelmets

LAUNCH

WORDS: DANGEROUS PICS: HONDA

Four years on from the revolutionary revo release of the RCV-inspired Fireblade, Honda’s given its flagship sportsbike a masterpiece of a makeover.

S

ome bikes just sound that little bit naughtier than others, that little more special, but even then, few come close to the audible ecstasy that was booming from the ’24-spec Blade as I rounded Portimao’s final corner. Throaty, deep, and suggestive of absolute lunacy, you’d be forgiven for thinking I was on some trick racebike, with kit electronics and more firepower than you’d find down the local army range. To cut to it, it’s obvious this wasn’t the Blade of last year – not just by sounding different or looking different, but also riding different, too. A few days earlier, I’d been primed for this

by Havier Beltran, Honda Racing UK’s team manager, at its headquarters, where he’d gone through the mass of changes

16 MAY 2024 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

that have put the Honda on a whole different level to the two versions we’ve seen hit the market since 2020. The list was long and impressive, and chief among the tweaks was the introduction of split-throttle bodies, which meant that while cylinders one and two would be set to kick off the initial part of the punch out of a bend, the other duo would be moderating constantly to maximise the delivery of the remaining ponies as lean angle was reduced and the throttle position got cranked open. Why? Well, it turns out Honda came to realise that accessing the latter model’s armwrenching 214bhp was nothing short of terrifying at times… for both the rider and the rear tyre.

HONDA FIREBLADE

LAUNCH

The front end is ridiculously good...

While there is undoubtedly so much to love about the revolutionary Blades of the last few years, I’d be lying if I said the either of the 2020-plus machines have been a polished product, in my opinion, with odd niggles dampening the brilliance of this flagship headbanger. On specs alone, it’s been exactly where it needs to be since the get-go, but often lacked the refinement to make it as manageable and potent as some of its rivals. The good news is that Honda has recognised this, going to town with the 2024 machine in more ways than you’d maybe

18 MAY 2024

imagine. Sure enough, the Blade sports a new tank, reworked bodywork, and has unmissably different wings that are smaller, mounted further forward, and still maintain the same amount of downforce while encouraging a more positive attitude for the front wheel. Scratch the surface a little further and you’d be forgiven for thinking the frame is a mirror image of what’s come before, but that’s simply not the case; it’s been honed to within an inch of it life, losing a whole kilo in mass while being fine-tuned for big gains in torsional (-15%) and lateral

(-17%) rigidity. Less weight is never a bad thing, and a chunk of the savings have come from removing internal bracing and expanding what is dubbed the thin-wall zone, but the real gain over the first iteration chassis is the added flex. The old frame was simply too stiff, unforgiving, and a hang-up for corner exits where grip was often compromised, made all the harsher by the Blade’s on/off power delivery.

To ensure all that hard work on the frame was capitalised on, Honda turned to Öhlins, once more to develop and deliver next-

HONDA FIREBLADE

Wheelies in the wet.

What could possibly go wrong?

LAUNCH

TECH DATA

Honda Fireblade RR-R SP ENGINE:

Type: 999.9cc, Bore x stroke: Compression: Fuelling: Claimed power: Claimed torque:

Liquid-cooled, inline-four 81mm x 48.5mm 13.6:1 EFI 214bhp @ 14,000rpm 113Nm @ 12,000rpm

CHASSIS:

Frame: F suspension: R suspension: Front brakes: Rear brake:

Aluminium diamond 43mm Öhlins NPX Smart-EC 3.0 forks USD forks Öhlins TTX36 Smart-EC 3.0 monshock Four-pot Brembo Stylema calipers, 330mm discs Two-piston Bremobo caliper, 220mm disc

ELECTRONICS.

Riding modes: Traction control: ABS: Quickshifter: Autoblipper: Wheelie control: Launch control:

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

generation electronically-governed pogos.

Called the S-EC 3.0, they feature new Spool Valve internals, refined settings and a fancy preload guide screen… more on that later. It’s all still governed through the proven five-inch TFT dash that features nine levels of traction control, five power modes, several user modes (including two that are customisable), three levels of engine braking, three levels of wheelie control, three settings for the quickshifter, and just for those occasions when you’re feeling a little fruity when leaving the supermarket car park, you even get traction control.

All of this was being hammered home during the model’s presentation in Portugal, frazzling my brain in the process – but not to the point of missing out on a particular soundbite that smacked a huge smile on my face. Let’s not beat around

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: Seat height: Wet weight: Fuel capacity:

1455mm 830mm 200kg 16.5 litres

INFO:

Price: From:

£23,499 www.honda.co.uk

The new Öhlins allow for preload direction.

20 MAY 2024 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

the bush: the ABS on the last two versions of Blade has been horrendous for track usage, but a new race addition of a calibration option means you can fully disengage the rear and all but do the same to the front, minimising any risk of intervention.

With my enthusiasm piquing, the moment finally came to get my head around the smorgasbord of changes made to the motor. While the output is still a saucy 214bhp, the way in which it reaches that impressive figure has changed significantly, with peak power and torque being achieved both 500rpm lower than before. That’s not a feat you often hear, with added revs typically being the gateway to more power up top. So, how have they managed it? Well, over the course of two beers, countless presentation slides, and the best part of an