![A CUT ABOVE](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387350424/1711949664/articles/1UvdX7_dx1711953501486/A-CUT-ABOVE.jpg)
Some 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 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.
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.
Denne historien er fra May 2024-utgaven av Fast Bikes UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra May 2024-utgaven av Fast Bikes UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![CLUTCHING AT FLAWS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/F0WvBU8bs1720782969505/CLUTCHING-AT-FLAWS.jpg)
CLUTCHING AT FLAWS
While the majority of bike launches take place somewhere sunny and warm, with a prerequisite of exciting roads with minimum traffic, Honda chose the south of France for the e-clutch versions of its CB650 and CB650R.
![THE COST OF INSURANCE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/Azucwzj6D1720782601426/THE-COST-OF-INSURANCE.jpg)
THE COST OF INSURANCE
Are you wondering why bikes are getting harder and dearer to insure? Read this...
![TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 765 RS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/QttE1bQiN1720782110636/TRIUMPH-STREET-TRIPLE-765-RS.jpg)
TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 765 RS
To many of you, it won't come as a surprise that the Trumpet came out on top.
![KTM 990 DUKE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/nhKLCDAZF1720781828797/KTM-990-DUKE.jpg)
KTM 990 DUKE
Where do I start with the KTM? I need to talk about the looks. KTM has been very open that it knows the styling of the 990 is not for everyone, and if you don't like the look of it, then buy something else.
![MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 800RR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/1B2PPlX351720781416632/MV-AGUSTA-BRUTALE-800RR.jpg)
MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 800RR
The heritage and racing history of MV is rivalled by so few, and seeing how this particular test was at a race track, I couldn't wait to see what the Brutale had in store.
![STREETFIGHTER V2](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/nn0Glx7QI1720780591284/STREETFIGHTER-V2.jpg)
STREETFIGHTER V2
Last year we did the Homologation Special test on the Isle of Man, where we pitched the Ducati Panegale V4R, BMW M1000RR and Honda Fireblade SP against each other to see which came out on top, and it was a resounding victory for the Duke.
![A2 ASSASSIN ADRILIA RS 457](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/ZicdHJ3my1720779486298/A2-ASSASSIN-ADRILIA-RS-457.jpg)
A2 ASSASSIN ADRILIA RS 457
Good things do come in small packages, as Aprilia's A2 eligible RS 457 goes to prove
![ROADTEC™™ 02](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/v7QJJtpGy1720779110355/ROADTEC-02.jpg)
ROADTEC™™ 02
Metzeler's new Roadtec 02 proved the perfect sparring partner in the wet, the dry, and while pinned around the TT course.
![PROJECT 37 A TEST OF TIME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/pdfwey6y31720778683278/PROJECT-37-A-TEST-OF-TIME.jpg)
PROJECT 37 A TEST OF TIME
In search of fame, fans, and a circuit lap record, Timmy's undertaken the task of seeing just how fast Suzuki's new GSX-8R will lap around the iconic Cadwell Park circuit.
![BMW M1000XR: BALLISTIC Bliss](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1748301/2tz3tRSQ61720773254383/BMW-M1000XR-BALLISTIC-BLISS.jpg)
BMW M1000XR: BALLISTIC Bliss
In a world where we constantly want and expect more than what's come before, the M1000XR delivers in ways few others could ever dream of... on road and track.