after having a nc-30 and having a break for 3 years i was drooling at the chance of having a blade it`s a 1998 rrw black and titanium with a race can and standard apart from that.the big disappointment with the blade (compared to the nc-30) is the handling it feels like it is pushing the front end and feels a bit vague going into corners well cranked over i have been told it is because of the 16 inch front wheel,but i must be getting used to it because i`m going plenty quick enough now!this bike feels solid and well made and far more comfortable than a r1 or gsxr.anybody who say`s they need more power than this can provide in the giggle zone 8-11,000 rpm must be **** crazy because it`s like being on the starship enterprize at those revs!very smooth motor and good for my pillion with room to move about,don`t take any notice of bike mags saying it`s outclassed in the sportbike market because nothing has left me yet! my bike has done 5000 miles is mint and cost 3,700 pounds what more could you want for your money.the bike is slightly nervous at speed but is cured with a steering damper so i`m going to get a sprint one.this is one truly awesome bike(nothing like the previous model)it will do whatever you like pottering to thrashing,if u want a sportbike but carry a pillion now and again and don`t live with the throttle to the stop this bike is perfect.the day i picked the bike up i had to ride it 150 miles back home after not being on a bike for 3 years,within 5 minutes i felt at home and got home quite relaxed and ache free apart from my hand going to sleep.go and buy one it`s ace