Q Why is it so revvy?
The new Blade’s redline is now at 14,500rpm and big revs equals big power. Its new inline four-cylinder motor is more compact and has an over-square bore and stroke (81mm x 48.5mm); the same as the Honda RC213V-S Motogp rep and almost identical to Ducati’s Panigale V4 R. The engine is crammed full of lowfriction coatings and lightweight titanium, all in the pursuit of speed.
To get the best out the new engine you need to pile on the revs because unlike the best of its rivals, there’s nothing to boost low and midrange power. Aprilia’s RSV4 1100 Factory and the Ducati Panigale V4 S have 1.1 litre V4s; Yamaha uses a crossplane crank and uneven firing order in its R1; the Suzuki GSX-R1000 has variable valve timing and the BMW S1000RR has the brilliant Shiftcam.
Compounding the peakiness is its ultra-tall gearing — 144mph in second gear, if you are so inclined.