RE: PH2 ridden: 2012 Honda Fireblade
Friday 4th May 2012
Can you believe the Fireblade is 20 years old? Yep, Tadao Baba's baby is nearly old enough to get the key to the front door - how time flies. Remember the impact the 1992 Blade had on the two-wheeled world? The first bike that truly brought handling, performance and beauty together in one package.
The first 'proper' sports bike and a machine that shaped a generation. Twenty years on, what has changed? Carbs have died, the 123hp of the original model (nearer 110hp at the rear) looks paltry compared to the 2012 bike's claimed 177hp (about 167hp at the rear), ABS has entered the sports bike world and analogue dials are so old hat - digital is the way forward. Oh, and 16-inch front rims are (thankfully) a thing of the past!
Does it feel any different?
I've ridden the 2012 Blade a few times in the last couple of weeks, once on track at Portimao and another time on the UK's roads, and to be honest it feels a hell of a lot like the old model - which is no bad thing. Sitting on it, the riding position is sporty without being too extreme and, if it wasn't for the superbly dtyled new dash, you would struggle to spot the differences.
On track, this fluid nature and excellent chassis make the Honda feel superbly balanced. Like the GSX-R1000, it's not a hard bike to ride fast on track and, although it feels a little less agile than the Suzuki, it is certainly an easier and more natural bike to ride. Honda claims the Blade delivers 'total control', which is a marketing-speak way of saying it's very user-friendly - another Honda trait.
Where does it stand?
I asked the same question of the 2012 GSX-R1000, and with the Honda the answer is the same - not at the top on track but up there on the road. The BMW S1000RR will dominate on track, but on the road the Blade's easy-going engine and balanced chassis will make it one of the top contenders. Where do most of the sports 1000s spend their days? On the track or the road? The answer is in the sales figures and is the reason why the Blade continues to be one of the best selling bikes in the UK...
PH2 ridden: 2012 Honda Fireblade
More of a facelift than a new model - but if it ain't broke, why fix it?
What's new?
Since the 'new-style' Blade was launched in 2008, bar a slight modification to the flywheel to alter the engine's inertia in 2010, the Blade has remained virtually unchanged. Considering how fast the superbike class moves, it's a hell of an achievement that the Honda is still one of the best-selling bikes in the UK. So what's different for 2012? Again, not a lot. The styling is more angular, the suspension overhauled with a new design of Showa shock and Showa's Big Piston Forks, the wheels are now 12-spoke hoops and the dash has been given a cool LCD look with a gear indicator and lap timer included. The motor is essentially unchanged, aside from the usual ECU updates.
I've ridden the 2012 Blade a few times in the last couple of weeks, once on track at Portimao and another time on the UK's roads, and to be honest it feels a hell of a lot like the old model - which is no bad thing. Sitting on it, the riding position is sporty without being too extreme and, if it wasn't for the superbly dtyled new dash, you would struggle to spot the differences.
On the go, the engine also feels virtually identical. The Blade's motor is quite unlike the GSX-R1000 or ZX-10R in-line fours. Where the Suzuki and Kawasaki have distinct power bands, the Blade is just one huge turbine of power that drives seamlessly and with a smooth and fluid build-up of torque. It's a motor that makes lazy riding remarkably easy and is deceptively fast - on the road it's very easy to accidentally go very, very, fast indeed on the Honda!
The updated suspension certainly adds to this feeling of balance. The new design of Showa shock is basically the same technology that Ohlins uses in its TTX and the BPF forks are also excellent in their performance, helping the tyres dig in for grip and soaking up the bumps. Compared with the 2011 Blade, the 2012 model feels more secure in corners with improved damping qualities, too. I'd be interested to drive the two models back to back; I suspect the differences would become even more apparent.
I asked the same question of the 2012 GSX-R1000, and with the Honda the answer is the same - not at the top on track but up there on the road. The BMW S1000RR will dominate on track, but on the road the Blade's easy-going engine and balanced chassis will make it one of the top contenders. Where do most of the sports 1000s spend their days? On the track or the road? The answer is in the sales figures and is the reason why the Blade continues to be one of the best selling bikes in the UK...
HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE
Engine: 998cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, fuel injection
Power: 177hp @ 12,000rpm
Torque: 84 lb ft @ 8,500rpm
Top speed: 181mph (est)
Weight: 200kg (dry)
MPG: 45 (est)
Price: £11,175 (£11,675 ABS)
Jeremy McWilliams on track in the 2012 Fireblade
Discussion
For some reason, this is the only current 1000cc and above i would seriously consider owning. Tested a 09 model and it was awesome, interested in seeing what the new suspension has done. I think its the nicest looking sportsbike on sale today which is strange since I though the bergundy 08 was disgusting.
This Blade seems to be an ace bike judging by the reviews. Fully agree about how the Blade engine is a turbine with ultra smooth power delivery. Everywhere. It has such a different nature to the GSXR which is raw firepower, whereas the Blade is effortlessly fast and smooth. My fave IL4 thou at the moment.
spareparts said:
Blade engine is a turbine with ultra smooth power delivery. Everywhere. It has such a different nature to the GSXR which is raw firepower, whereas the Blade is effortlessly fast and smooth.
Latest litre bikes seem to be dumbing down midrange power. Haven't ridden 2012 'Blade but if its anything like 2008 to 2011 as indicated in the article it'll be gutless at the bottom end, gutless with a bit more noise when the exhaust valve opens, then picks up a bit, then goes mental at 9k plus. Full system and re-mapping sorts it but not what you expect from a 1000cc.I think BMW S1000RR is better in this respect. But GSXR1000 way more midrange wooosh again - this actually not good for proper (WSB / BSB) racers and tuners but for normal folk much more satisfying.
Just to digress: What's going on with those down-changes? Don't sound crisp at all. Sounds like the rider's just engaging lower gears, letting out the clutch with shut throttle, leaving the slipper clutch to sort it out. I've noticed this on lots of on-board footage - even motoGP. OK I've never had a motoGP podium, but it doesn't sound right - is blipping the throttle on down-shift so last decade.. ??
PS. I think I'd be happy with any superbike of the last 8 years.
PS. I think I'd be happy with any superbike of the last 8 years.
It should be mandatory for anyone to jump on the "what a s
t idea those 16" front wheels were" bandwagon to declare a) to what extent they've ridden one and b) what exactly the issue was that they experienced with it.
The biggest issue I ever had was post about 2000, my choice of tyres became narrower. And that's it.
t idea those 16" front wheels were" bandwagon to declare a) to what extent they've ridden one and b) what exactly the issue was that they experienced with it.The biggest issue I ever had was post about 2000, my choice of tyres became narrower. And that's it.
A lovely bike, user friendly sounds like fun too. Not that I ride, but in my experience with cars being all super-macho driving a car that is a bit of an animal is great, but dependable predictability and the ability to inspire confidence in a driver is a quality that will see a car that holds this quality going faster and harder more often than the unpredictable beast. Absolute firepower sounds like fun, but if you don't trust it not to spit you off into a lamppost you will get less use out of it compared to a bike that always lets you know where it's at. Same story with the old Ninja ZX10R with it's infamously twitchy front end (is that still a feature of the Ninja these days?); adrenaline pumping, hair raising fun if you want to scare yourself stless, but if I wanted a fast, fun bike that made me feel like a good rider I would want a Fireblade.
I've been there and done that with cars, had a car that was a bit like riding raging bull - you pointed it, let the turbo spin and then held on while it dragged you down the road behind it. Switched to a hot Honda (surprise, surprise) and found that smooth, predictable power delivery and well balanced handling made for a car that I could lean on more often.
Good stuff Honda.
tless, but if I wanted a fast, fun bike that made me feel like a good rider I would want a Fireblade. I've been there and done that with cars, had a car that was a bit like riding raging bull - you pointed it, let the turbo spin and then held on while it dragged you down the road behind it. Switched to a hot Honda (surprise, surprise) and found that smooth, predictable power delivery and well balanced handling made for a car that I could lean on more often.
Good stuff Honda.
Had an 09 model which was fantastic and ridden a friends new model. New bike is much better than the older with the motor having a totally linear delivery from nothing to full on. Incredibly easy bike to ride reasonably fast. Does everything so well.
Not sure on the digital dash but if that's my only complaint its a small one!!
Not sure on the digital dash but if that's my only complaint its a small one!!
bass gt3 said:
Had an 09 model which was fantastic and ridden a friends new model. New bike is much better than the older with the motor having a totally linear delivery from nothing to full on. Incredibly easy bike to ride reasonably fast. Does everything so well.
Not sure on the digital dash but if that's my only complaint its a small one!!
I could've made the same post word-for-word. To me, the 2012 Fireblade is the perfect bike.Not sure on the digital dash but if that's my only complaint its a small one!!
Reardy Mister said:
It should be mandatory for anyone to jump on the "what a st idea those 16" front wheels were" bandwagon to declare a) to what extent they've ridden one and b) what exactly the issue was that they experienced with it.
The biggest issue I ever had was post about 2000, my choice of tyres became narrower. And that's it.
Owned a rrv for 5 years, changed the front for a 17" just because of tyre choice, it didn't change the handling at all that i could detect.t idea those 16" front wheels were" bandwagon to declare a) to what extent they've ridden one and b) what exactly the issue was that they experienced with it.The biggest issue I ever had was post about 2000, my choice of tyres became narrower. And that's it.
Thing for me is, they already had the vfr750 wheel so why set up the tooling and everything to make a wheel thats exactly the same hub wise, just being 16" in diameter, it makes no sense.
Looking the other day, tyre choice is nothing, vfr750 wheels are sky high in price.
Good job i have an R1 then.
spareparts said:
This Blade seems to be an ace bike judging by the reviews. Fully agree about how the Blade engine is a turbine with ultra smooth power delivery. Everywhere. It has such a different nature to the GSXR which is raw firepower, whereas the Blade is effortlessly fast and smooth. My fave IL4 thou at the moment.
+1...it is the only Modern Superbike I'd want.Reardy Mister said:
It should be mandatory for anyone to jump on the "what a st idea those 16" front wheels were" bandwagon to declare a) to what extent they've ridden one and b) what exactly the issue was that they experienced with it.
The biggest issue I ever had was post about 2000, my choice of tyres became narrower. And that's it.
I've ridden loads of bikes with 16" front wheels. My RD 500 had one long before the FireBlade was an itch in Taddys pants.t idea those 16" front wheels were" bandwagon to declare a) to what extent they've ridden one and b) what exactly the issue was that they experienced with it.The biggest issue I ever had was post about 2000, my choice of tyres became narrower. And that's it.
Biker's Nemesis said:
Reardy Mister said:
It should be mandatory for anyone to jump on the "what a st idea those 16" front wheels were" bandwagon to declare a) to what extent they've ridden one and b) what exactly the issue was that they experienced with it.
The biggest issue I ever had was post about 2000, my choice of tyres became narrower. And that's it.
I've ridden loads of bikes with 16" front wheels. My RD 500 had one long before the FireBlade was an itch in Taddys pants.t idea those 16" front wheels were" bandwagon to declare a) to what extent they've ridden one and b) what exactly the issue was that they experienced with it.The biggest issue I ever had was post about 2000, my choice of tyres became narrower. And that's it.
ts you are. If someone has had a st, you've had two and long before their sphinctre was even itching. So what?Again, what did you actually think of it? Did it turn your RD into a widow-maker? It certainly didnt do anything negative to the handling of the Fireblade in my opinion (mine was an RRT) and the bandwagon just s
ts me to tears. Somewhere one bike journo who probably wrote for two magazines, decided that the new Fireblade was "twitchy" (couldnt be anything to do with frame geometry that was for the time, a big step forward, could it?) and that was it, there has been urban (tiger) myth ever since that there was something inherently wrong/scary withh that 16" front wheel. I challenge anyone to prove it made the blindest bit of difference. Let alone a negative one. And its implied again in this bike review. It just comes across as somewhat glib.Reardy Mister said:
Yes yes yes, Tommy-Two-sts you are. If someone has had a st, you've had two and long before their sphinctre was even itching. So what?
Again, what did you actually think of it? Did it turn your RD into a widow-maker? It certainly didnt do anything negative to the handling of the Fireblade in my opinion (mine was an RRT) and the bandwagon just sts me to tears. Somewhere one bike journo who probably wrote for two magazines, decided that the new Fireblade was "twitchy" (couldnt be anything to do with frame geometry that was for the time, a big step forward, could it?) and that was it, there has been urban (tiger) myth ever since that there was something inherently wrong/scary withh that 16" front wheel. I challenge anyone to prove it made the blindest bit of difference. Let alone a negative one. And its implied again in this bike review. It just comes across as somewhat glib.
It's true. I've done it all.ts you are. If someone has had a st, you've had two and long before their sphinctre was even itching. So what?Again, what did you actually think of it? Did it turn your RD into a widow-maker? It certainly didnt do anything negative to the handling of the Fireblade in my opinion (mine was an RRT) and the bandwagon just s
ts me to tears. Somewhere one bike journo who probably wrote for two magazines, decided that the new Fireblade was "twitchy" (couldnt be anything to do with frame geometry that was for the time, a big step forward, could it?) and that was it, there has been urban (tiger) myth ever since that there was something inherently wrong/scary withh that 16" front wheel. I challenge anyone to prove it made the blindest bit of difference. Let alone a negative one. And its implied again in this bike review. It just comes across as somewhat glib.My RD was fine with a 16" front wheel. Thats all I can say about it. I could write a load of b
ks like a lot do about how I tamed it or rode through massive tank slappers.Honda cheated a bit when the used a bigger profile tyre making it a 17" in theory.
Is that enough? You need to have a can of "cool the f
k down" ya plum.I think it's a bit of a poor effort from Suzuki and Honda this year what with the big released from ducati and bmw.
I'm not doubting the blade but if that much is really unchanged then why wouldn't you save a few thousand and get a near new blade from 2011 with very low miles.
What with sales of superbikes pretty low you would think that they would try and attract more sales. That being said, perhaps they are playing a strategy, wait until the superbike market hasn't had any major releases then unleash some big changes to generate a lot of sales.
I'm not doubting the blade but if that much is really unchanged then why wouldn't you save a few thousand and get a near new blade from 2011 with very low miles.
What with sales of superbikes pretty low you would think that they would try and attract more sales. That being said, perhaps they are playing a strategy, wait until the superbike market hasn't had any major releases then unleash some big changes to generate a lot of sales.
I think it makes sense what Suzuki have done. I can only assume that with reduced sales therefore budgets etc and with few actual ideas left, the best way to advance has been to regress, hence the disappearance of the electronic aids. Does anyone know if the Suzukis have retained the throttle modes? Its ironic that their ad campaign is "you own the limits", when only a few years ago, they were setting them for us. Albeit in a switchable fashion. And conveniently, its in keeping with the new BSB rules.
blade7 said:
Reardy Mister said:
Yes yes yes, Tommy-Two-sts you are. If someone has had a st, you've had two and long before their sphinctre was even itching. So what?
ts you are. If someone has had a st, you've had two and long before their sphinctre was even itching. So what?Proves I have an effect. Not always the desired but an effect never the less.
<just don't let that whining Aussie know>
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