The dash uses a similar layout to that of the R1 with a conventional tacho sitting beside a large LCD display unit that provides speed, odometer, 2 tripmeters and a clock (yee-ha). A smaller LCD is situated below the tacho and displays the coolant temperature.

The blade is fitted with Honda’s latest ignition security system (HISS). The key is encoded with an electronic signature that the bike must recognize in order for the ECU to allow engine operation. It can not be hot-wired nor can it be beaten by swapping the ignition switch.

The headlight has 3 halogen bulbs, with the centre unit in operation on low beam and the other 2 bulbs kicking in when switching to high beam. The headlight is okay but no better than its competitors. For some time now most bikes on the Australian market have been fitted with a ‘pass’ switch on the left bar that enables you to flash the high beam or hold it on for brief periods. I have grown very accustomed to this and normally use the ‘pass’ switch when coming to intersections that have blind approaches or when cornering at night. I try not to have high beam on all the time at night as when courtesy to other road users necessitate switching back to low beam it normally takes a few moments for the eyes to adjust to the change in lighting conditions. So I missed the ‘pass’ button that is not fitted to the blade but I am sure that most will not even notice it missing.

Under seat storage is excellent and very welcome. Access is by way of inserting the ignition key above the number-plate which releases the lock that holds the pillion seat down. It is hinged and has a bigger volume than any of the other bikes in its class along with being a lot more convenient to use. I fitted my gloves, shoes and a cable lock in the compartment and still managed to get it shut. The toolkit is also situated in here and is quite comprehensive. You will probably have to use the toolkit when adjusting the chain, as the rear axle nut is bigger than most bikes. I think it would be around 30mm but we don’t know for sure as the toolkit item did not have a size stamped on it. Our 27mm spanner did not get close to fitting it.

The blades fuel tank remains 18 litres in capacity but has been redesigned to place the load lower and more to the rear, closer to the centre of mass. The tank is smaller in its external dimensions - 10mm in height and 40mm in length has been trimmed off. The tank accepts a magnetic tankbag well. The fuel light comes on when there is around 4 litres left. A 300 kilometre or longer tank range should be quite viable if cruising at the national speed limit.

Comfort is excellent for a sportsbike and a lack of vibes make cop infested highway crawls bearable. A little weight is on the wrists, but the leg-room and seat are excellent.

Sitting at a standstill the engine temperature rises quite rapidly to sit around 103-104 degrees and does cook the legs a little. It does not provide quite the thigh BBQ that the R1 does however.

The radiator seems to be a bit too prone to rock damage.  We know of 3 blades in Australia to be temporarily sidelined due to radiator damage. It is yet to be seen if Honda will consider retro-fitting some sort of protective cage over the radiators, but if it was my bike I would definitely be considering such a move. I wouldn’t be following my riding mates as close as I normally do either.

There are 3 colour schemes available for your $18,090 + ORC ticket price.

• Andes Blue Metallic (with Winning Red and Ross White)
• Black (with Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic)
• Lapis Blue Metallic (with Sunrise Yellow and Ross White)

Would I buy one over the R1, ZX9 or TLR? I honestly think the answer may be yes.

In my eyes the R1 or TLR may look better, and the ZX9 is possibly more fun - but as a complete package I think the blade holds the edge in performance and practicality.

It is those little things like the storage compartment and cold starting procedure that would probably sway my decision in the blades favour - and lets face it, they are all bloody fast.