Opinions on 2010+ Honda Fireblade
Discussion
I have been looking at upgrading to a litre sportsbike and would really like to have ABS on it. Having looked at the alternatives, the Fireblade seems to be priced quite a lot cheaper, compared to the competition.
Is there anything I should be looking out for in particular? What are your opinions, especially if you are an owner?
Many thanks for the pointers!
Is there anything I should be looking out for in particular? What are your opinions, especially if you are an owner?
Many thanks for the pointers!
). 
I had a 2010 blade, it was a real oil burner only had 7k on the clock, and its the only reason I sold it I know the 2008 versions had oil burning issues alsofairings are a real special pain in the backside, it took me about 3 days to take work how to remove them. 
apart from that great bike, I have a S1000RR now and to be honest its a much better bike all round IMO.
apart from that great bike, I have a S1000RR now and to be honest its a much better bike all round IMO.Great user friendly bikes for a rider.
I actually really enjoy mines to ride. Brakes are good, suspension is fine for road, no issues and plenty of poke that's very user friendly.
However the design of them is s
t. I can let go stickers not being lacquered over. But 5 hours to remove the rear pegs. The fairing design is like origami. The fasteners are like toffee. This isn't helped by the fact that drain holes run through the path of certain fairings bolts and this obviously causes a fking nightmare.
If you buy one. Instantly pop down to screwfix for a tub of copper slip. Others haven't had as much as an issue. So just depends how well a life it's lived before. Preferably in a bubble.
Can't say mines burns much oil but I own a triumph they like a drink so doesn't bother me. Mind you I run 10-30 which I believe is recommended for lower temps no idea if this would make a difference
Think it took BN 8 hours to bleed the brakes. And he's not an arse like me.
I actually really enjoy mines to ride. Brakes are good, suspension is fine for road, no issues and plenty of poke that's very user friendly.
However the design of them is s
t. I can let go stickers not being lacquered over. But 5 hours to remove the rear pegs. The fairing design is like origami. The fasteners are like toffee. This isn't helped by the fact that drain holes run through the path of certain fairings bolts and this obviously causes a fking nightmare. If you buy one. Instantly pop down to screwfix for a tub of copper slip. Others haven't had as much as an issue. So just depends how well a life it's lived before. Preferably in a bubble.
Can't say mines burns much oil but I own a triumph they like a drink so doesn't bother me. Mind you I run 10-30 which I believe is recommended for lower temps no idea if this would make a difference
Think it took BN 8 hours to bleed the brakes. And he's not an arse like me.
Thanks for the replies so far! So in summary, one could say that it really isn't a bike to tinker with, but rather bring back to the dealer for any work to be done. Which would not be too bad, as I have no experience anyway and would need to learn on a simpler bike first. However I take your points, that it needs to be well looked after, which makes me hesitant to go for it.
The reason why I want ABS is twofold: First I got my licence on an ABS bike and second, I owned an ABS equipped bike for 5 years now, hence I am not very confident in my ability to keep the front from locking up when somebody pulls out on me. I am, however, not sure whether this would necessarily be such a hard skill to master.
My favourite would have been a 2010+ Yamaha R1, however these do not come with ABS. BMWs I had ruled out because of the impressive incompetence of my local dealers and the experience I have had with my current F800S, in terms of quality.
The reason why I want ABS is twofold: First I got my licence on an ABS bike and second, I owned an ABS equipped bike for 5 years now, hence I am not very confident in my ability to keep the front from locking up when somebody pulls out on me. I am, however, not sure whether this would necessarily be such a hard skill to master.
My favourite would have been a 2010+ Yamaha R1, however these do not come with ABS. BMWs I had ruled out because of the impressive incompetence of my local dealers and the experience I have had with my current F800S, in terms of quality.
Have you ever had the ABS on a bike kick in?
I have once, in 10,000's of miles of riding. Did it save me from the guy pulling out in front - I didn't hit him, but no idea if it helped.
I always thought ABS on a car was to stop the locking up so you could steer as well? Hard braking and changing direction on a bike doesn't work well in most instances, so is it really that much of a benefit.
I can understand wanting traction control, anti wheelie and maybe even cornering ABS (think why they had to develop it), but normal ABS would not be a concern for me.
ETA : My blade was great fun on the road and I never had any issues with it. Not the most exciting of the 1L sports bikes, but very friendly and forgiving considering.
I have once, in 10,000's of miles of riding. Did it save me from the guy pulling out in front - I didn't hit him, but no idea if it helped.
I always thought ABS on a car was to stop the locking up so you could steer as well? Hard braking and changing direction on a bike doesn't work well in most instances, so is it really that much of a benefit.
I can understand wanting traction control, anti wheelie and maybe even cornering ABS (think why they had to develop it), but normal ABS would not be a concern for me.
ETA : My blade was great fun on the road and I never had any issues with it. Not the most exciting of the 1L sports bikes, but very friendly and forgiving considering.
FreiWild said:
I have been looking at upgrading to a litre sportsbike and would really like to have ABS on it. Having looked at the alternatives, the Fireblade seems to be priced quite a lot cheaper, compared to the competition.
Is there anything I should be looking out for in particular? What are your opinions, especially if you are an owner?
Many thanks for the pointers!
Currently own a 2010 Fireblade. I've done 20,000 miles on it ... I personally would avoid the ABS versions, but then lots of people have found them fine. Do some research and make up your own mind.Is there anything I should be looking out for in particular? What are your opinions, especially if you are an owner?
Many thanks for the pointers!
No issues regarding reliability... early 08-09 had issues with oil burning / cranks but if your buying 2010 on then you wont need to worry about this. Most have been sorted anyway.
No issues with build quality. Just don't buy a lemon that hasn't seen proper maintenance or been messed by a Scottish ham fisted monkey and you'll be fine.
If you can afford it go for a 2012 > which has the better suspension (it makes a BIG difference) as well as the updated cosmetics... fuelling is better on them as well.
As standard they are often described as 'bland'... I don't really agree with that, however an exhaust an PCV REALLY makes a difference on them. Improves the fuelling as well and makes the bike feel a bit more 'alive'...
A great 'do it all' road bike and very quick even if they do lack a bit of top end on track compared to the latest S1000RR / ZX10R but the blade makes up for it with its effortless low end - mid range drive.
As for working on them... yep, they are very compact. But once you've figured it out it is easy to work on.
Edited by Mr OCD on Wednesday 24th August 11:46
I had the choice between an 09 R1 or an 09 Blade. I chose the R1 due to it being more characterful and not a potential oil-burner (that would annoy me).
TommyBuoy said:
Have you ever had the ABS on a bike kick in?
In response to this, I rode my first ABS equipped bike a few weeks ago. I wanted to see what the ABS was like so triggered it intentionally. It does take the fun out of braking really hard. When my R1s front tyre is chirping or scrubbing a bit and the back wheel is pawing the air slightly, it feels great...whereas all the Honda did was judder the brake lever a lot. I couldn't even lock up the rear by loading the front a little and then stomping on the back brake. I couldn't get the thing out of line at all and it removed all the fun from the braking aspect of riding.bennyboysvuk said:
I had the choice between an 09 R1 or an 09 Blade. I chose the R1 due to it being more characterful and not a potential oil-burner (that would annoy me).
Combined ABS system - annoying too.TommyBuoy said:
Have you ever had the ABS on a bike kick in?
In response to this, I rode my first ABS equipped bike a few weeks ago. I wanted to see what the ABS was like so triggered it intentionally. It does take the fun out of braking really hard. When my R1s front tyre is chirping or scrubbing a bit and the back wheel is pawing the air slightly, it feels great...whereas all the Honda did was judder the brake lever a lot. I couldn't even lock up the rear by loading the front a little and then stomping on the back brake. I couldn't get the thing out of line at all and it removed all the fun from the braking aspect of riding.ABS has been changing a lot on bikes. The latest systems can even let you brake in corners.
If your front wheel locks then the staying upright gets harder, and ABS stops this. On the track when your are pushing hard it can get in the way, but on the road where so much can change so fast its a good backup to have.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3MfLcJLaCs
If your front wheel locks then the staying upright gets harder, and ABS stops this. On the track when your are pushing hard it can get in the way, but on the road where so much can change so fast its a good backup to have.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3MfLcJLaCs
moanthebairns said:
Have to agree the belly pan removal is a good idea in theory. But then it takes me 5 minutes to whip a Daytona side off for an oil and filter so I don't get it
Honda philosophy ...'Design the bike, then look at how it can be packaged as cheap as possible without affecting the initial design concept.'
Great design / idea in theory... the way the fairings, etc. all go on ... s
t from a DIY POV.Mr OCD said:
Honda philosophy ...
'Design the bike, then look at how it can be packaged as cheap as possible without affecting the initial design concept.'
Great design / idea in theory... the way the fairings, etc. all go on ... st from a DIY POV.
Did you not replace all the bolts with after market ones? what did you get. If I keep mines id like to do this, as its held together mostly by Triumph and 18 year old kawasakis ones. 'Design the bike, then look at how it can be packaged as cheap as possible without affecting the initial design concept.'
Great design / idea in theory... the way the fairings, etc. all go on ... s
t from a DIY POV.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff