1998/early CBR900RR fireblade as a daily bike?

[Tall_Paul]

Any reason why I shouldn't consider an early 'blade (96-99, a 918cc model) as a daily use bike to commute on?

I'm looking to replace my CB400 which is now approaching 50k miles, looking around I can pick up a '98 model (with the stainless downpipes and slightly more modern dash over the '96 model) for around £2-2.5k for one with 25k or less on it, should feel a fair bit more youthful than my bike even if it is a few years old. Prices seem to be on the up though.

Anything else I should be looking out for apart from rotten downpipes (on pre-98 models), reg/rectifier issue, and saggy rear shocks? The 16" front wheel isn't great but only due to lack of rubber, metzeler M3's are available - how are they for wet weather grip?

Obviously I'm a tall chap (6ft 3in) but I had a sit on one yesterday and it didn't feel too cramped, a test ride will of course be needed to confirm, it'll mainly be used for comnuting (not much filtering) and general use for when I don't want to get my Tuono Factory dirty I'll add a big double bubble screen (the one I saw yesterday had a powerbronze screen which was pretty decent) to give a bit better weather protection.

MPG seems reasonable too at 45-50mpg with gentle riding, only slightly less than the CB400.

[3DP]

They are pretty spacious. If looking for a comfy sportsbike daily hack, I'd look at the better value ZX9R C or E models (avoid B). You also have the VFR800s that will do intergalactic mileage. Finally, take a look at cheap Triumph Daytona 955i or T595s. They are super cheap for very good condition ones.

[10penceparalyzed]

I had a early blade, I never got on with the 16 inch front wheel, I would imagine tyre choice is limited on the front end these days as well,

[Shadow R1]

Just convert it to a 17" front.

On the 96 and 97 model years it's easy just needing a 94 - 97 vfr750 front wheel, the disks, bearings and spacers are all the same.

98 - 99 it's more involved, needing a vfr800 (none vtec) front wheel, then it needs machining down to the same width as the blade wheel, disk face to disk face.
You use the disks from the blade and you will need custom spacers making.

If you stick with the 16" take note of the date on the tyre as some very old ones are still for sale.

I had mine 10 years ago, the shocks don't last long even when new, i would budget for a rebuild (£130) to help it along.
Get the oil changed in the forks, as most bike have never had it done.
I did 10k miles in the time i owned my 97 rrv, it's still in daily use now I still see it around, so for what you need it for one will be fine, provided you treat it to some maintenance before bringing it into daily use.

[Ho Lee Kau]

Tall_Paul said:

Any reason why I shouldn't consider an early 'blade (96-99, a 918cc model) as a daily use bike to commute on?

I'm looking to replace my CB400 which is now approaching 50k miles, looking around I can pick up a '98 model (with the stainless downpipes and slightly more modern dash over the '96 model) for around £2-2.5k for one with 25k or less on it, should feel a fair bit more youthful than my bike even if it is a few years old. Prices seem to be on the up though.

Anything else I should be looking out for apart from rotten downpipes (on pre-98 models), reg/rectifier issue, and saggy rear shocks? The 16" front wheel isn't great but only due to lack of rubber, metzeler M3's are available - how are they for wet weather grip?

Obviously I'm a tall chap (6ft 3in) but I had a sit on one yesterday and it didn't feel too cramped, a test ride will of course be needed to confirm, it'll mainly be used for comnuting (not much filtering) and general use for when I don't want to get my Tuono Factory dirty I'll add a big double bubble screen (the one I saw yesterday had a powerbronze screen which was pretty decent) to give a bit better weather protection.

MPG seems reasonable too at 45-50mpg with gentle riding, only slightly less than the CB400.

I would rather be looking for 2002-2003 CBR954RR. Now, that is a bike to buy and keep forever!

[Tall_Paul]

I don't need 150bhp for commuting, and they're a grand or so more. Plus I prefer the early foxeye styling, the angular later blades look like every other sportsbike of the day.

A non VTEC VFR800 is also a possibility, average mileage seems to be about 40k on them but as you say they'll do double that with ease. Still would prefer something with around 20k miles as I've done about 25k miles in just over 2 years on the cb400 (although that'll be less now as about 5k miles will be on the tuono). I may only keep the bike for a year but I may end up keeping it a few years, I don't tend to change bikes that often.

[fred bloggs]

98 blade makes a great daily bike. I have seen some with 90k on still going strong. Std honda headbearings arent very durable,taper rollers make them last better.

[Tall_Paul]

3DP said:

You also have the VFR800s that will do intergalactic mileage.

OK, so these are looking like a no-brainer over the CBR900RR.

£2k for a decent one, 45-50mpg and 200+ mile range, insurance is £240 fully comp or £140 TPFT...

Fuel gauge, comfort, big screen, and that V4 noise Nearly identical (i.e. good) headlights to the 'blade (important for commuting).

This http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381968328253 is A LOT of bike for not a lot of money...

[brrapp]

Tall_Paul said:

3DP said:

You also have the VFR800s that will do intergalactic mileage.

OK, so these are looking like a no-brainer over the CBR900RR.

£2k for a decent one, 45-50mpg and 200+ mile range, insurance is £240 fully comp or £140 TPFT...

Fuel gauge, comfort, big screen, and that V4 noise

This http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381968328253 is A LOT of bike for not a lot of money...

I don't know if you've got long legs or body, but I'm just slightly taller than you and couldn't fit a VFR. With my feet on the rests, my knees were sticking out past the scalloped bit on the tank, and that was a few years ago while I was still relatively flexible.

[jjones]

Tall_Paul said:

OK, so these are looking like a no-brainer over the CBR900RR.

£2k for a decent one, 45-50mpg and 200+ mile range, insurance is £240 fully comp or £140 TPFT...

Fuel gauge, comfort, big screen, and that V4 noise Nearly identical (i.e. good) headlights to the 'blade (important for commuting).

This http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381968328253 is A LOT of bike for not a lot of money...

Had both a 98 blade and a VFR800

For the VFR think more 130-140 tank range, that was moderately fast commuting use (10 miles A road, 10 miles dual carriageway, 6 miles city dual carriage way with roundabouts/traffic lights).

The V4 engine has a lot more character then the 98 blade (my blade had pipe+dynojet), the blade is obviously faster and sharper handling.

Maintenance is easier on the blade, the V4 engine is a pain in the butt if something like the thermostat needs replacing.

Both were well built and were reliable.

If I had to chose between them I would take the blade but would try to get newer than the 98 as it was a little dull.

[Tall_Paul]

Don't they have a 22l tank? I'd expect a bit more than 140 miles from a tank!

brrapp said:

I don't know if you've got long legs or body, but I'm just slightly taller than you and couldn't fit a VFR. With my feet on the rests, my knees were sticking out past the scalloped bit on the tank, and that was a few years ago while I was still relatively flexible.

Cheers, will deffo have a sit on one - funnily enough there was one at the same place as the 'blade on Saturday but I didn't really look at it. It was yellow though, which I don't think I could live with

[Gunk]

I own an early Blade and would quite happily commute on it, it's comfortable, fast and the fueling is perfect even in heavy traffic, the cable clutch is a bit heavy but that's my only criticism.

Stick a Renntec rack on the back and they really are a do it all bike.

[MotorsportTom]

Contrary to what I've read in this thread so far...

16" front is fine for anything. Bridgestone S20's are a very good tyre and I used to ride everyday also. The only time I felt wanting for more grip was on a soggy start to a Donnington track day although likely I was pushing a little harder than I should have, I imagine the S21 is even better.

Very comfy, only uncomfy after 5+ hours in the saddle then my hips would start getting sore.

Fuelling very good - 40-50mpg on a run.

Lots of space under the rear seat.

Clutch I never found to be particularly heavy.

Really they are a great bike, they can be picked up cheaper than £2k but thats probably why I spent £1500+ on mine in parts.

I'm now breaking mine after finding a crack in the frame so if you ever end up needing parts then give me a tinkle!


If I were looking at a nice bike to commute on I'd probably try something different if I were to do it again. Thinking early GSXR 1000 for similar money, although as you say prices seem to be on the rise.

[Hugo a Gogo]

Gunk said:

I own an early Blade and would quite happily commute on it, it's comfortable, fast and the fueling is perfect even in heavy traffic, the cable clutch is a bit heavy but that's my only criticism.

Stick a Renntec rack on the back and they really are a do it all bike.

lovely

I had a RWB one, I used soft panniers usually and a bungee net on the back seat

the only thing for me was the angle of my hips, it would get stiff after a while, but at least commuting you are moving your legs about more

[kurt535]

Tall_Paul said:

Any reason why I shouldn't consider an early 'blade (96-99, a 918cc model) as a daily use bike to commute on?

Yes! they are getting collectable

Other than that:
-beautiful old school lump of metal
- don't give you a thrombosis after 30 mins

[graham22]

jjones said:

Tall_Paul said:

OK, so these are looking like a no-brainer over the CBR900RR.

£2k for a decent one, 45-50mpg and 200+ mile range, insurance is £240 fully comp or £140 TPFT...

Fuel gauge, comfort, big screen, and that V4 noise Nearly identical (i.e. good) headlights to the 'blade (important for commuting).

This http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381968328253 is A LOT of bike for not a lot of money...

Had both a 98 blade and a VFR800

For the VFR think more 130-140 tank range, that was moderately fast commuting use (10 miles A road, 10 miles dual carriageway, 6 miles city dual carriage way with roundabouts/traffic lights).

The V4 engine has a lot more character then the 98 blade (my blade had pipe+dynojet), the blade is obviously faster and sharper handling.

Maintenance is easier on the blade, the V4 engine is a pain in the butt if something like the thermostat needs replacing.

Both were well built and were reliable.

If I had to chose between them I would take the blade but would try to get newer than the 98 as it was a little dull.

Nail hit on the head here, had a '93 & '98 Blade plus a '00 VFR800.

Fireblades needs their carbs balanced every year or so, feels so much netter once done.

16" wheel never a problem. At the risk of being controversial, the 98/99 was the best of the Carb Blades for general usage, despite the maligned 'bloated' looks, think they were actually the lightest.

For sensible riding/commute there's little between them, once you need to push on you'll appreciate the Fireblade where the VFR gets a little saggy.

Again, if the budget will stretch to a FI Blade, the 929 & 954s are worth considering too.

[Tall_Paul]

Thanks all, I'll be keeping an eye out for either a 98-01 VFR800 or a 96-99 blade.

Seems they both have their advantages and disadvantages:

Blade pluses:

More collectable/desirable
Potential for lots of upgrades (cbr1000rr front end...)
Better looking
More power
Better handling
Lighter

Minuses:
More to insure
16" front wheel (tyre choice)
Less comfortable

VFR pluses:
Cheaper to buy and insure
More comfortable
Sounds awesome!!!
Better weather protection

Minuses:
Heavier
Thirstier
Not as collectable

They both have decent headlights with dual H4 bulbs, easy to swap out for a couple of LED bulbs.

Head is saying VFR but heart would choose the blade, but the sound of the VFR could be the deal maker (or breaker).

Having this on every commute would make a dreary February morning seem great...

https://youtu.be/daaZ_sOqC44

Edited by Tall_Paul on Monday 6th March 12:07

[Jazoli]

Don't rule out a 929 'blade, they are very cheap now, I had one with 54k miles on it and it felt barely run in, only cost me £1500, no 16" wheel issues, fuel injection and all day comfortable.

[Fastchas]

I bought a '96 bike that was 3months old and it was excellent. Very roomy and I wouldn't hesitate buying another. I fact, I had a grand to spare and was just planning to sell my '91 VFR750 this year and buy an RR-T.
Then my sodding boiler packed in last week...

[Tall_Paul]

Jazoli said:

Don't rule out a 929 'blade, they are very cheap now, I had one with 54k miles on it and it felt barely run in, only cost me £1500, no 16" wheel issues, fuel injection and all day comfortable.

What's the fuelling like on these? I know some early injection bikes had dodgy throttles.

Tbh though it's a little more power than I want/need for a commuter bike, 150bhp is nice when it's dry and warm but when it's 0 degrees and the roads are covered in a slimy salty greasy muck, 150bhp with no TCS could be interesting!!