Fireblade 2008/2009
Discussion
Battlecat said:
I have a 09 HRC Fireblade (actually for sale but I'm a long way from you) and although it needs topping up more than the GSXR I had previously, it certainly doesn't "drink" oil. I'd estimate just 100ml twice a year. Its certainly not like I buy a new bottle of oil each time.
The fact that it uses oil at all puts me off... I've never had a bike use oil between services! 
trickywoo said:
Aren't they are bit of a pain to work on also with the tank having to come off to do virtually anything and the fairings being a pain to get on and off?
I helped a friend with his; the tank is a finger-trap, lots of sharp edges so be careful. Everything is buried deep inside...getting to the plugs looks like a mammoth task and I think it is true of the previous model fireblade. Could be easier to remove the radiator!as for oil burning; I think its general consensus among auto manufactueres (car and bike) that up to 1 litre per 1000 miles is acceptable. They dont state under what riding conditions. In any case, a good leading question is "what oil do you use when topping up?". if they then point to the hundreds of empty bottles in the corner then you know it's a burner
Other than that they are really nice bikes I think. My dad test rode one as a possible (and probably going to be) swap for his '06 gsxr750. Loved the engine, found it comfortable, loved the handling.
Edited by thatdude on Wednesday 5th November 15:43
rat840771 said:
My 2002 with 20K miles GSXR 1000 has done 2 x half day track days and a total of 2500miles in the last year and not burnt a drop!
My 2004 R1 with 33,000 miles and has done 15,000 miles in the last 12 months and three track days has not used a drop 
(ok, the oil has been changed three times
) thatdude said:
I helped a friend with his; the tank is a finger-trap, lots of sharp edges so be careful. Everything is buried deep inside...getting to the plugs looks like a mammoth task and I think it is true of the previous model fireblade. Could be easier to remove the radiator!
as for oil burning; I think its general consensus among auto manufactueres (car and bike) that up to 1 litre per 1000 miles is acceptable. They dont state under what riding conditions. In any case, a good leading question is "what oil do you use when topping up?". if they then point to the hundreds of empty bottles in the corner then you know it's a burner
Other than that they are really nice bikes I think. My dad test rode one as a possible (and probably going to be) swap for his '06 gsxr750. Loved the engine, found it comfortable, loved the handling.
Cheers... you have to remove the radiator on the R1 to remove the spark plugs as well as for oil burning; I think its general consensus among auto manufactueres (car and bike) that up to 1 litre per 1000 miles is acceptable. They dont state under what riding conditions. In any case, a good leading question is "what oil do you use when topping up?". if they then point to the hundreds of empty bottles in the corner then you know it's a burner
Other than that they are really nice bikes I think. My dad test rode one as a possible (and probably going to be) swap for his '06 gsxr750. Loved the engine, found it comfortable, loved the handling.
Edited by thatdude on Wednesday 5th November 15:43
PMSL... it's likely to be a trade sale TBH. Just browsing at the moment... clearly it's getting quiet as had two dealers on the phone today after my initial enquiry. Try that in Summer!
Clearly the stumpy Blade is the new R1 as far as BB is concerned. Quite fancy a white and black 2008 bike myself!
My main worry with the oil burning 08 bikes is the fact they are also fairly down on power. If it's only 300 bikes out of 2500 UK bikes per year then it's still a worry you might pick up a lemon. If it's 300 bikes out of the total 2008 worldwide 40 - 50,0000 is better odds.
My main worry with the oil burning 08 bikes is the fact they are also fairly down on power. If it's only 300 bikes out of 2500 UK bikes per year then it's still a worry you might pick up a lemon. If it's 300 bikes out of the total 2008 worldwide 40 - 50,0000 is better odds.
moto_traxport said:
Clearly the stumpy Blade is the new R1 as far as BB is concerned. Quite fancy a white and black 2008 bike myself!
My main worry with the oil burning 08 bikes is the fact they are also fairly down on power. If it's only 300 bikes out of 2500 UK bikes per year then it's still a worry you might pick up a lemon. If it's 300 bikes out of the total 2008 worldwide 40 - 50,0000 is better odds.
Worldwide mate, and every owner had a recall notice, so either its been done by now, or, if it hasnt, its still valid so you could buy one, contact dealer and get a free top end rebuild and service.... My main worry with the oil burning 08 bikes is the fact they are also fairly down on power. If it's only 300 bikes out of 2500 UK bikes per year then it's still a worry you might pick up a lemon. If it's 300 bikes out of the total 2008 worldwide 40 - 50,0000 is better odds.
Just buy an 09 one and don't worry, if you are bothered.
09 onwards also had the ABS option if that's your bag. A marvelous system - I tried to fool in on the road and failed, but they are prone to big bills if they go wrong and are a complete b
h to work on for even a fluid change. It's actually a 'brake-by-wire' system.
You can work out the model year from the colour schemes. Although they've always had a black colour that is trickier to age, there are differences in the years around frame and swingarm colours. The 08 colours are fairly obvious and only ran that year, if you want to avoid an 08 model registered in 09.
Plenty of low mileage private ones knocking about and tend to attract a better class of owner than your average Gixxer thou or AAAAARRRRRRRRRR 1.
As safe as sports bikes get to buy private second hand.
09 onwards also had the ABS option if that's your bag. A marvelous system - I tried to fool in on the road and failed, but they are prone to big bills if they go wrong and are a complete b
h to work on for even a fluid change. It's actually a 'brake-by-wire' system.You can work out the model year from the colour schemes. Although they've always had a black colour that is trickier to age, there are differences in the years around frame and swingarm colours. The 08 colours are fairly obvious and only ran that year, if you want to avoid an 08 model registered in 09.
Plenty of low mileage private ones knocking about and tend to attract a better class of owner than your average Gixxer thou or AAAAARRRRRRRRRR 1.
As safe as sports bikes get to buy private second hand.
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