Honda CBR 954 RR - Peoples thoughts and experiences please

[Andy OH]

Chaps,

I'm seriously thinking about a Honda CBR954RR, 2003 model with not many miles on it. Has anyone any thoughts, experiences and advice on theses bikes. I know they need a steering damper as they can be a bit flighty and the particular one I'm looking at already has one fitted and a couple of other goodies.

My 2005 R1 has now done 65,000 miles and it's time for it to go. I'm thinking about the last real Fireblade as I've always liked this particular model and I don't want to spend much money on a new bike.

Your thoughts, experience and any advice at all would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Andy

Edited by Andy OH on Thursday 24th September 21:11

[Andy OH]

I managed to sell my R1 for £3,000 on Saturday and then on Sunday morning bought a very mint 2003 954 Fireblade, it's done 4,400 miles and looks like new, well it does now after spending four hours cleaning it yesterday.

I'l try to get some pics soon and post them up here.

Thanks to all the guys who replied, there weren't many replies but they were very useful

[Andy OH]

Yoda & Y2Blade,

I'd be interested to read what your experiences are and also what you've changed on the bike.

Cheers,

Andy

[Andy OH]

Cheers chaps. The Fireblade I have bought is a 2003 model in red & black and has only 4,450 miles on it, and it is absolutely immaculate. I'll get some pics this weekend a post them.. It's got an Akrapovic can, Sprint steering damper, Harris exhaust hanger, single seat cowl, I have fitted an Hid headlight conversion (I used one of units from my previous R1 as that had two), I am going to fit a R&G tail tidy and crash bungs and that's about it. I may at some point (when funds allow) have a PCIII fitted and have a bespoke map.

I have only ridden into work today (70 mile round trip) and the bike seemed incredibly easy to ride and just took it in it's stride. At first I was having doubts about changing to a 954, however, I am very pleased so far.

Yoda thanks for your reply, very interesting.

Andy

Edited by Andy OH on Monday 28th September 22:46

[Andy OH]

Chaps, I need some help! When accelerating normally I can feel a bit of a knock, it is also evident changing from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd.....I know the chain isn't loose if anything it is a bit tight. The bike has only done 4,800 miles in 6 1/2 years. Could it also be wheel bearings or maybe the cush drive rubbers??

I am going to loosen off the chain this evening and see if that helps.

Any thoughts would be welcomed.

Thanks,

Andy

[Andy OH]

Just got back from the tyre shop I use and they seem to think the cush drive rubbers have a little more movement in them than the mileage suggets and suggested to replace them. The front & rear wheel bearings and sprocket carrier bearings are fine.

The knocking only happens once you've changed gear, released the clutch and back on the throttle; it doesn't happen at any other time. One of the guys from the shop rode the bike and he said it wasn't really that evident, he said he could feel a little movement but said that was normal drive train movement.

I'll replace the cush drive rubbers and see what happens, maybe I'm just being rather particular and it's all in my mind