Owners opinions 929 Fireblade vs Daytona 955i vs Zx9r
Discussion
Hi,
Currently ride a FZS Fazer 600 and looking for a step up that is priced in the £1500-2000 range. So far have seen Zx9rs, 929 Blade and Daytona 955i but was wondering if anyone could offer any experience of them or better yet a comparison?
Bit of information about me and my planned use, im about 6ft and 12-13st. The bike is my main mode of transportation (looking at a sport bike though, so not really interested in alternate naked or touring options currently) I ride 1000 miles a month of around town B road and occasionally motorway riding.
Preferably after fuel injection, but realistically something that isn’t a ticking time bomb but is also fairly user friendly and nothing too tank like.
Cheers in advance.
Rob
Currently ride a FZS Fazer 600 and looking for a step up that is priced in the £1500-2000 range. So far have seen Zx9rs, 929 Blade and Daytona 955i but was wondering if anyone could offer any experience of them or better yet a comparison?
Bit of information about me and my planned use, im about 6ft and 12-13st. The bike is my main mode of transportation (looking at a sport bike though, so not really interested in alternate naked or touring options currently) I ride 1000 miles a month of around town B road and occasionally motorway riding.
Preferably after fuel injection, but realistically something that isn’t a ticking time bomb but is also fairly user friendly and nothing too tank like.
Cheers in advance.
Rob
I have a CBR929 - see profile pic and I like it. I don't have much to compare it to as it's my first big bike after a 400 bandit and i'm sure there are a lot faster/more refined bikes available (read everything newer) but for the price I paid for mine and my skill level it is totally adequate. It does have a few glitches, low speed fuelling isn't the smoothest as I think the FI system is an early one.
Have had a couple of electrical gremlins - first was the alternator thingy. The original one isn't up to the job and I replaced it with an aftermarket one but can't remember the name now. If you're looking to buy see if that's ever been replaced. The second was the electronic speedo display broke but found a chap on the internet who repaired it for £125. Seems that's a well known issue as well. Mines covered 39000 miles now and still almost looks as good as new but I don't tend to ride/commute in the wet unless caught out. I'd quite like to take it on a track day just to see but worried i'd get hooked.... I've seen them for as cheap as £1000 but I reckon £2k should get you a nice one. I'm 6ft and heavier than you and it fits fine.
edit - oh yes and it had a fork recall done on it way back, check that's been done as I think it may have been a precaution over the bottom parts cracking.
Have had a couple of electrical gremlins - first was the alternator thingy. The original one isn't up to the job and I replaced it with an aftermarket one but can't remember the name now. If you're looking to buy see if that's ever been replaced. The second was the electronic speedo display broke but found a chap on the internet who repaired it for £125. Seems that's a well known issue as well. Mines covered 39000 miles now and still almost looks as good as new but I don't tend to ride/commute in the wet unless caught out. I'd quite like to take it on a track day just to see but worried i'd get hooked.... I've seen them for as cheap as £1000 but I reckon £2k should get you a nice one. I'm 6ft and heavier than you and it fits fine.
edit - oh yes and it had a fork recall done on it way back, check that's been done as I think it may have been a precaution over the bottom parts cracking.
Not exactly in the same league but I own an RR-T blade (96/97 900rr instead of the early 00's 929), have ridden the T595 daytona (one before 955i) and I have ridden a friends ZX9r albeit it a 1998 model so one of the "heavy" ones.
In terms of user friendliness the blade is so easy to get on and go followed closely by the ZX9r. However the older ZX9r feels heavy and slow in comparison to the fireblade but I expect it's the way it carries its weight.
The Daytona easily makes the best noise and looks the prettiest imo. However they tend to have comparatively more issues but by now it should either be a dog or have a lot of the issues sorted.
For my money I wouldn't even count the ZX9r as it doesn't have USD's like the blade and looks wise it isn't in the same league despite how good a bike it may be.
If you want to be ripped to pieces by bikey mates/PH buy the blade but you won't regret it. You want to smile everytime you open the garage and start your bike, buy the Daytona.
I don't even have anything for the Kwaka because why not save pennies and buy a ZX10?
In terms of user friendliness the blade is so easy to get on and go followed closely by the ZX9r. However the older ZX9r feels heavy and slow in comparison to the fireblade but I expect it's the way it carries its weight.
The Daytona easily makes the best noise and looks the prettiest imo. However they tend to have comparatively more issues but by now it should either be a dog or have a lot of the issues sorted.
For my money I wouldn't even count the ZX9r as it doesn't have USD's like the blade and looks wise it isn't in the same league despite how good a bike it may be.
If you want to be ripped to pieces by bikey mates/PH buy the blade but you won't regret it. You want to smile everytime you open the garage and start your bike, buy the Daytona.
I don't even have anything for the Kwaka because why not save pennies and buy a ZX10?
Hi Rob,
I can't speak for Fireblades as I've never ridden one.
I've had 2 Daytona 955s and ridden 52k on the first and 20k on the second. Mostly commuting but at least one 2000 mile tour round Europe each year round the mountain passes. I'm 6ft and 16 - 19 stone and found them very comfortable even on long journeys (at least 4 600 mile days).
The build quality was very good, servicing reasonable and tyres lasted well (4000 rear, 6000 front).
I only changed to a Tiger 1050 as the Daytona was hard on my arthritic knee.
My touring buddy had a ZX9R and he found it to be as good for him as the D955 was for me.
BUT
I found the ZX9 far too cramped and he found the stretch to the Daytona bars was far too long and we did not enjoy riding the others bike. So check out that the ergonomics suit you.
Hope this helps
Dick
I can't speak for Fireblades as I've never ridden one.
I've had 2 Daytona 955s and ridden 52k on the first and 20k on the second. Mostly commuting but at least one 2000 mile tour round Europe each year round the mountain passes. I'm 6ft and 16 - 19 stone and found them very comfortable even on long journeys (at least 4 600 mile days).
The build quality was very good, servicing reasonable and tyres lasted well (4000 rear, 6000 front).
I only changed to a Tiger 1050 as the Daytona was hard on my arthritic knee.
My touring buddy had a ZX9R and he found it to be as good for him as the D955 was for me.
BUT
I found the ZX9 far too cramped and he found the stretch to the Daytona bars was far too long and we did not enjoy riding the others bike. So check out that the ergonomics suit you.
Hope this helps
Dick
I have been an happy owner of ZX-9R so it is the bike that gets my vote: best engine of the three if you ask me. To be fair the CBR 929, which I tried, feels lighter and a little easier to drive fast but ZX-9R won't disappoint. I don't know the Daytona, very rare in Italy while the 955 Speed triple are very common, a friend got a 1999 example which proved also very reliable and sounds great. But certainly it is a different kind of bike
I have a 929 and it's one of the best bikes I've ever had. I've had a 9r but the kwak was always a bit lardy and feels it when you push on, but its got a great motor. Not had a Daytona so can't comment but by all accounts they are a very good bike ?
The blade isn't particularly exciting to look at, but in typical Honda fashion it just feels right. Compared to the other's it's a much lighter bike and feels like a 600 in terms of weight, but size wise I'm 6ft 2 and it feels roomy. A power commander sorts the fuelling glitches and some seem to have the odd electrical glitch while some don't. Now is probably a good time to buy as they are very cheap for what they are and the performance on offer. A bit of TLC and they hide the years very well, and if you buy a good one you shouldn't lose anything on it if you hold on to it for a bit. If you go to look at any, check for the punch marks on the frame just above the clutch cover where the engine bolts to it, as they had a recall for the clutch, and check for punch marks on the frame around the headstock near the frame number as there was a recall for the steering head bearings and the forks. Agreed that the 954 is the one to go for if you can stretch to it but they command a bit more wedge and when I rode them both the differences are negligible. Good luck in the search I'm sure you'll be happy with any of them if you find a good one.
The blade isn't particularly exciting to look at, but in typical Honda fashion it just feels right. Compared to the other's it's a much lighter bike and feels like a 600 in terms of weight, but size wise I'm 6ft 2 and it feels roomy. A power commander sorts the fuelling glitches and some seem to have the odd electrical glitch while some don't. Now is probably a good time to buy as they are very cheap for what they are and the performance on offer. A bit of TLC and they hide the years very well, and if you buy a good one you shouldn't lose anything on it if you hold on to it for a bit. If you go to look at any, check for the punch marks on the frame just above the clutch cover where the engine bolts to it, as they had a recall for the clutch, and check for punch marks on the frame around the headstock near the frame number as there was a recall for the steering head bearings and the forks. Agreed that the 954 is the one to go for if you can stretch to it but they command a bit more wedge and when I rode them both the differences are negligible. Good luck in the search I'm sure you'll be happy with any of them if you find a good one.
Bloody hell! Cheers for all the in depth quick replies 
Unfortunately £2k will be the top of my current budget with time of year etc (also a bit apprehensive spending £ks on a bike through my first winter season haha)
I'd read on the blade having snatchy fuelling in first but that a power commander can resolve this. Very useful info on the recalls so thanks to all that have helped so far.
I think I'd enjoy them all coming from the Fazer, the apparent lightness of the blade appeals though.
Unfortunately £2k will be the top of my current budget with time of year etc (also a bit apprehensive spending £ks on a bike through my first winter season haha)
I'd read on the blade having snatchy fuelling in first but that a power commander can resolve this. Very useful info on the recalls so thanks to all that have helped so far.
I think I'd enjoy them all coming from the Fazer, the apparent lightness of the blade appeals though.
I had my mates 929 for a while on loan. By today's standards is a big beast but with the suspension sorted and a power commander, they are a truly joyous thing. Easiest bike I've ever wheelied, super comfy (6'1, 83kgs), plenty enough poke and has real quaility feel about it.
The only niggle I remember him having (I think) is that servicing can be expensive as the spark plugs are hard to access(?) Someone here will know.
The only niggle I remember him having (I think) is that servicing can be expensive as the spark plugs are hard to access(?) Someone here will know.
Reardy Mister said:
MotorsportTom said:
Not exactly in the same league but I own an RR-T blade (96/97 900rr instead of the early 00's 929)
...which we haven't seen an update on for a while. 
d! There's not much to update tbh and didn't realise people still cared! I'll see what I can sort out.
Also I concur on my blade being the easiest bike I've ever wheelied, very controllable on the throttle alone in first lifting it on power. Crests are also very fun
It's the usual 'speak for your bike' shootout! Always makes an interesting read though.
I have a T595 Daytona, essentially the Daytona 955i before it was re-badged. I couldn't speak for it in comparison to the others, having never ridden either of the other bikes although interestingly, these were the three bikes that were the likely purchases for me when I decided I wanted a sports bike. My heart was set on the Daytona, but the Fireblade kept being mentioned as a stalwart choice and a friend had a ZX9R for sale at the time and was relentless in his efforts to flog it to me.
I went for the Daytona simply because it looks great and sounds fantastic. I'm even more excited about getting it back on the road next year and fitting the carbon race can I have on it, which should really release that noise. It's a fantastic thing to ride. I love the grunt of the engine, which has bags of shove throughout the rev range and really uncorks at the top end for a good rush. The handling is very assured. I find the steering more than quick enough and it's very stable, particularly when it's banked over. Build quality seems very good and for an 18 year old bike with 27,000 miles on it, I have to say that mine has held up really well but it's obviously been cared for. I find the riding position very comfortable, although some people hate it. The low, wide clip on handlebars splay your arms and draw you over the tank in a forward position, so even at lower speeds you won't immediately feel like you want to sit up. I like it, as does a mate of mine who owns one, but I'm 6ft and he's about 6ft 4". I let one of my mates who is 5ft 5" have a go on it and he found it really uncomfortable and tiring as he was using his wrists to push himself up away from the tank.
Problems wise, there doesn't seem to be much to worry about. It may be worth getting a mesh over the fan, that'll be a job for me next year. I got a stone stuck in the fan, which overheated the bike and blew the fan fuse. Apparently, it's not an uncommon problem but the mesh solution works. Also, don't try to start the bike if the battery is flat and it's struggling on the button as you can blow out the starter sprag clutch and knack the engine. I don't know how or why, but keeping the bike on a charger when not in use or getting a high cranking amp battery like a Motobatt is recommended.
Much as with any bike, you need to try before you buy, but you've picked three crackers there and I don't think you can go wrong with them. As for the ZX9R, the lad kept it and will hopefully get some use out of it next year.
Some photos of mine from earlier this year:
I have a T595 Daytona, essentially the Daytona 955i before it was re-badged. I couldn't speak for it in comparison to the others, having never ridden either of the other bikes although interestingly, these were the three bikes that were the likely purchases for me when I decided I wanted a sports bike. My heart was set on the Daytona, but the Fireblade kept being mentioned as a stalwart choice and a friend had a ZX9R for sale at the time and was relentless in his efforts to flog it to me.
I went for the Daytona simply because it looks great and sounds fantastic. I'm even more excited about getting it back on the road next year and fitting the carbon race can I have on it, which should really release that noise. It's a fantastic thing to ride. I love the grunt of the engine, which has bags of shove throughout the rev range and really uncorks at the top end for a good rush. The handling is very assured. I find the steering more than quick enough and it's very stable, particularly when it's banked over. Build quality seems very good and for an 18 year old bike with 27,000 miles on it, I have to say that mine has held up really well but it's obviously been cared for. I find the riding position very comfortable, although some people hate it. The low, wide clip on handlebars splay your arms and draw you over the tank in a forward position, so even at lower speeds you won't immediately feel like you want to sit up. I like it, as does a mate of mine who owns one, but I'm 6ft and he's about 6ft 4". I let one of my mates who is 5ft 5" have a go on it and he found it really uncomfortable and tiring as he was using his wrists to push himself up away from the tank.
Problems wise, there doesn't seem to be much to worry about. It may be worth getting a mesh over the fan, that'll be a job for me next year. I got a stone stuck in the fan, which overheated the bike and blew the fan fuse. Apparently, it's not an uncommon problem but the mesh solution works. Also, don't try to start the bike if the battery is flat and it's struggling on the button as you can blow out the starter sprag clutch and knack the engine. I don't know how or why, but keeping the bike on a charger when not in use or getting a high cranking amp battery like a Motobatt is recommended.
Much as with any bike, you need to try before you buy, but you've picked three crackers there and I don't think you can go wrong with them. As for the ZX9R, the lad kept it and will hopefully get some use out of it next year.
Some photos of mine from earlier this year:
using the Autotrader app (I know very 21st century of me) I did a search for Fireblade CBR900RR with 929 as a key word
All of the sub 2k bikes havd 30,000 plus miles on them so relatively high. Are owners saying they would buy a bike with thoes miles on or are there low mile gems to be had 1 I found with 11K was 3.5k from a dealer
All of the sub 2k bikes havd 30,000 plus miles on them so relatively high. Are owners saying they would buy a bike with thoes miles on or are there low mile gems to be had 1 I found with 11K was 3.5k from a dealer
Gecko1978 said:
using the Autotrader app (I know very 21st century of me) I did a search for Fireblade CBR900RR with 929 as a key word
All of the sub 2k bikes havd 30,000 plus miles on them so relatively high. Are owners saying they would buy a bike with thoes miles on or are there low mile gems to be had 1 I found with 11K was 3.5k from a dealer
Eh?All of the sub 2k bikes havd 30,000 plus miles on them so relatively high. Are owners saying they would buy a bike with thoes miles on or are there low mile gems to be had 1 I found with 11K was 3.5k from a dealer
30 seconds on gumtree finds a 929 for £2200 with 17,500 miles and one for £1950 with 23,000 miles.
You need to try harder!
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff