2008 FireBlade - Ugly or Interesting ?

[John451]

Looking at these detailed Pics of next years 'Blade find some bits look interesting and from some angles the design looks kinda odd, what do people think 2008 'Blade Ugly or Interesting ?

Linky to 2008 FireBlade Pic's:
http://www.bikeland.org/story.php?storyID=34530




.

[SFPA]

I think it looks great minus the extended tail. Sharp bike overall.

[alter ego]

I like it so far. At least its different. Some of the 2 tone paint schemes on the US spec bikes look odd on the new plastics. The CBRFORUM has some good pics too. They say its light and about 172 crank hp. I bet it looks better in person.

[midias]

That is hot and FAST

[John451]

Originally Posted by alter ego

ISome of the 2 tone paint schemes on the US spec bikes look odd on the new plastics.

Maybe thats it, I quite like the Red with Black graphics but the Metalic Red / Silver dosn't quite work with me....also thought the seat looks too bulky in comparison the plank like seat on the current 'Blade / 600RR then again I know which would be more comfortable for distance. H'mmm 2008 'Blade Honda's new Sports tourer ?

[WhiteKnight]

That is actually (and maybe you already knew) the 08 1000RR. As far as I am concerned, it rocks. Would I like one? I'd have to sit on/ride on to know for sure. But I do love the looks of the all black one the best.

[stewartj239]

I don't know. It's going to take some time for it to grow on me. The biggest turn off is the tail section. It looks like they ran out of time and just tacked on what they did. It is totally out of proportion with the rest of the bike. The exhaust looks a little out of sorts to me as well. I think the best looking CBR to date was the 2005 model.

[RVFR]

Heres a ton more photos here.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Galler...Back=1&Media=1

[goinphaster]

Originally Posted by RVFR

Heres a ton more photos here.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Galler...Back=1&Media=1

some of those photo's were of components of different bikes, triple clamps and fuel rails to be exact.

I'm sure it's going to grow on me over time. Most bikes are beautiful to me, some are purely from performance technology standpoint. others though, leave me yawning (harley).

[RVFR]

Yes, it's starting to grow on me too, that white one is looking nice to me. to bad thats a European color, wonder if Canada will get em?

[nozzle]

I don't like the signals on the mirrors because of accidental tips many folks have..$$, but it looks fine. I like the lines of most parts of the bike except the exhaust nub. I wonder what the aftermark exhausts will look like?

My eye expected a rear wheel fender mounted to the swingarm like the motoGP bikes. Don't know if I like this better or not.

So where are the V-4/V-5 bikes MCN said were coming...with the newly patented engine-mounted split frame?

[John451]

Originally Posted by nozzle

I don't like the signals on the mirrors because of accidental tips

Maybe its just fashon, the GIXER 1000 has had them for a few years and looks like Kawasaki's 2008 ZX10R Mirrors have the winkers incorporated in the mirror stems.

[VsVFR]

That kawasaki's muffler is awful! I know that you could replace it, but come on don't make someone have to replace it.

Anyway back to the homeland. I love the inlaid honda emblem in the tank. That is a nice touch. The rear fender looks like it is going to be a pain in the tailsection to remove and do anything useful with. Most bikes you can just cut off, but that thing is going to take some serious re-engineering. The rear brake light looks like something off of a mid 80's standard. The fairing looks nice, but kind of reminds me of the latest generation of Suzuki gsxr's for some reason. Those appear to be the smallest rider footpegs and longest curb feelers in history. It looks like in the event of a tipover the mirrors fold up towards the top of the windscreen. I'm sure that was designed in to minimalize damage, but in the real world it may not be so effective. Luckily they have some on ebay with blinkers for $45 plus shipping. And last but not least, it looks like the muffler could really catch some water if you ever leave your bike outside in the rain. I wonder if it has drain holes in the bottom of it. I bet it does.

Sorry for the tangent but you asked. I do like the overall look of the bike. And bet that it will be extremely fast. No 'blade' for me though. I do however keep praying for another vfr, with changes.

VsVFR

[Taz]

is it me or does these pics look photo shoped ?

The bike looks like a R1 / R6, the name on the engine case looks blurred & looks like 6 letters aka YAMAHA, & to top it off, why wouldn't they put it in the Red Rider Mag for new bikes for '08 ?????

Somethings fishy here

Last I heard from my sources was they haven't decided on the Litre bikes yet & may even make a '08 1/2 bike release.

[John451]

Originally Posted by Taz

is it me or does these pics look photo shoped ?

They are legit but point taken some of the 2008 'Blades design Hint of Yamaha's latest R1 & R6 models, but as I reckon they are the best looking Sports bikes on the market maybe thats no bad thing.

[John451]

Front or back view best ?

Having a look at these new and detailed photo's in my favourite Red/Black scheme I am having some difficulty in working out which angle I like best, the front looks attractively aggressive in a "Bird of Prey" way but the angled rear seems to call out plug in, twist and go.

[stewartj239]

Maybe we could Photoshop in a better looking tail section and exhaust, but I don't think that it would make production.