2013 or 2014 blade

[Yoda.]

Rawwr said:

Mr OCD said:

It's going to be a real struggle to replace it.

As an ex 954 owner, they still look good though don't they. Especially on a stand...

[spareparts]

Rawwr said:

Mr OCD said:

It's going to be a real struggle to replace it.

Holy Cow! Even the paintjob is correct!

[sc0tt]

spareparts said:

Holy Cow!

Very good.

[Mr OCD]

Angrybiker said:

I don't doubt you but explain please? If it's a 3 year old with provable mileage and clear checks for cat c/d; service history etc. should be the same risk as main dealer who takes anything as p/e and then sells on?

It's relatively local... the condition of a lot of the stuff they have there is pretty poor every time I've been. Not particularly helpful to deal with either once you mention you are paying cash. My last two visits were a waste of time checking bikes out for mates... one was an R1 that actually had filler covering a dent in the chassis... nice

Like I said. Go in with eyes wide open - they are cheap for a reason. They are generally poor condition PX's.

[Mr OCD]

Rawwr said:

[3DP]

Mr OCD said:

3DP said:

You have that in such a lovely spec now and looking so good for 30k miles.

Thanks.

I bought it with 3,000 miles just 3yrs ago. So the mileage has all been done by me and the bike has wanted for nothing. Ventureshield fitted when purchased has helped keep the stone chipping to a minimum.

It doesn't get wrapped in cotton wool. It gets used all year round (it doesn't go out when salt / ice are present) and washed once a week to stop any dirt build up. (Stripped once a year in Spring for a deep clean) Yep, I like a clean shiny bike - but then who doesn't...

No issues in all those miles except a dead battery (my fault) ... and a bad switchgear connection (also my fault) ... it might be bland to some but as a road going superbike I don't think there is anything out there better in my opinion. It's comfortable, reliable, fast, handles superbly inspiring confidence and does over 45mpg on the commute. It's going to be a real struggle to replace it.

A lot of work to do that mileage an keep on top of aesthetics. Nice one. It's no 954 though. Just sayin'

[Ho Lee Kau]

2014 SP

[Kickstart]

Hunts Honda normally have some lovely fire blades in stock

[Rawwr]

My old one appears to now be for sale at Wheels: http://www.wheelsmotorcycles.co.uk/pages/used/used...

That's about as standard as you can get

[Ho Lee Kau]

Rawwr said:

Mr OCD said:

It's going to be a real struggle to replace it.

That's beautiful.

[Angrybiker]

Mr OCD said:

It's relatively local... the condition of a lot of the stuff they have there is pretty poor every time I've been. Not particularly helpful to deal with either once you mention you are paying cash. My last two visits were a waste of time checking bikes out for mates... one was an R1 that actually had filler covering a dent in the chassis... nice

Like I said. Go in with eyes wide open - they are cheap for a reason. They are generally poor condition PX's.

Gocha. OK thanks.

[Angrybiker]

Rawwr said:

My old one appears to now be for sale at Wheels: http://www.wheelsmotorcycles.co.uk/pages/used/used...

That's about as standard as you can get

lol I saw that on autotrader. Why did you sell it?

I really can't get my head around prices. Chiswick Honda tried to get me to go long on a 15 with 5k on the clock, that was going for 9k.... so how it's the same for a bike a year older is a head scratcher...

Chiswick said they'd give me 4k for my lovely 10 Leyla with under 12k, saying they'd retail it for 4.7; but I've seen dealers on autotrader selling the exact same year/miles for 5.6k or even more. Interestingly Superbike factory has a comparable to mine at 4.7k.... I suspect I could squeeze a little more out of mine px, or I might just try to sell privately.


So I went for a spin at Chiswick Honda at the weekend, they put me on a 15 Repsol. I was actually a little nervous setting off but pretty quickly saw the lack of reason to so be. It does of course feel a little different to my 600RR but it was very easy to ride - clutch nice and light, throttle easy and progressive very easy to manage low speeds; seemed just as nimble as mine, very easy and light to 'flick'. And holy cow the acceleration!! I took it on the M4 down one junction and when the cars cleared I opened up in 2nd - not a full handful but about 3/4. Before I could say 'knife' I was doing 95!! and it felt like nothing. Although there was a strange whistle at that speed which I'm pretty sure wasn't my lid (or maybe it was because the aerodynamics are a little different, who knows).
Only downside was I noticed my lower back getting a little uncomfy after a while, but I think that was probably just me being an old fart.
All in all - lovely, wish I'd had the insurance rep to go for it earlier (I went through a phase of having 4 bikes nicked in 6 years which did not help the NCD)

Oh yeah - the chap also said that people make too much or invent more of the annual tweaks than really matters, that the wheels and dash etc changed in 2012 but other than that it's basically the same bike as 08.... He said that the footpegs didn't move in 14 and the aftermarket cans had to be redone because of a change in the diameter of the interface - but I suspect, since I've read reviews and heard from you guys, that he just isn't as on top of the annual changes as he should be.

Edited by Angrybiker on Monday 24th April 10:53

[Mr OCD]

Angrybiker said:

lol I saw that on autotrader. Why did you sell it?

I really can't get my head around prices. Chiswick Honda tried to get me to go long on a 15 with 5k on the clock, that was going for 9k.... so how it's the same for a bike a year older is a head scratcher...

Chiswick said they'd give me 4k for my lovely 10 Leyla with under 12k, saying they'd retail it for 4.7; but I've seen dealers on autotrader selling the exact same year/miles for 5.6k or even more. Interestingly Superbike factory has a comparable to mine at 4.7k.... I suspect I could squeeze a little more out of mine px, or I might just try to sell privately.


So I went for a spin at Chiswick Honda at the weekend, they put me on a 15 Repsol. I was actually a little nervous setting off but pretty quickly saw the lack of reason to so be. It does of course feel a little different to my 600RR but it was very easy to ride - clutch nice and light, throttle easy and progressive very easy to manage low speeds; seemed just as nimble as mine, very easy and light to 'flick'. And holy cow the acceleration!! I took it on the M4 down one junction and when the cars cleared I opened up in 2nd - not a full handful but about 3/4. Before I could say 'knife' I was doing 95!! and it felt like nothing. Although there was a strange whistle at that speed which I'm pretty sure wasn't my lid (or maybe it was because the aerodynamics are a little different, who knows).
Only downside was I noticed my lower back getting a little uncomfy after a while, but I think that was probably just me being an old fart.
All in all - lovely, wish I'd had the insurance rep to go for it earlier (I went through a phase of having 4 bikes nicked in 6 years which did not help the NCD)

Oh yeah - the chap also said that people make too much or invent more of the annual tweaks than really matters, that the wheels and dash etc changed in 2012 but other than that it's basically the same bike as 08.... He said that the footpegs didn't move in 14 and the aftermarket cans had to be redone because of a change in the diameter of the interface - but I suspect, since I've read reviews and heard from you guys, that he just isn't as on top of the annual changes as he should be.

Edited by Angrybiker on Monday 24th April 10:53

Good init!?

It does sound as though the chap wasn't a clued up as he thought he was ... there is a lot of info on the 1000RR forum that will tell you all the changes from 08 - 16 ...

2008-09 bikes (gold / bronze) crank cases were the originals and have been known to suffer from crankshaft noise and oil burning. Most are fine, but quite a few aren't...

2010 was an update and denoted RRA ... this included revised crankshaft and a few cosmetic updates. ABS also first available. (avoid ABS)

2012... another update to cosmetics, new wheels, dashboard and importantly the vastly improved big piston suspension.

2014... a bit of fine tuning to ergonomics and improved fueling refinements. Switched to CAT in the downpipes so pre-2014 aftermarket exhausts don't fit without updated link pipe.

That's the key changes ... I'm sure there are a few more, but none that really matter.

Which you buy depends on budget. But there are a lot of pre-registered 2016's kicking about cheaply at the moment for £10k which is a bargain when used 2014-2015 are circa £8-9k.

[3DP]

Mr OCD said:

Angrybiker said:

lol I saw that on autotrader. Why did you sell it?

I really can't get my head around prices. Chiswick Honda tried to get me to go long on a 15 with 5k on the clock, that was going for 9k.... so how it's the same for a bike a year older is a head scratcher...

Chiswick said they'd give me 4k for my lovely 10 Leyla with under 12k, saying they'd retail it for 4.7; but I've seen dealers on autotrader selling the exact same year/miles for 5.6k or even more. Interestingly Superbike factory has a comparable to mine at 4.7k.... I suspect I could squeeze a little more out of mine px, or I might just try to sell privately.


So I went for a spin at Chiswick Honda at the weekend, they put me on a 15 Repsol. I was actually a little nervous setting off but pretty quickly saw the lack of reason to so be. It does of course feel a little different to my 600RR but it was very easy to ride - clutch nice and light, throttle easy and progressive very easy to manage low speeds; seemed just as nimble as mine, very easy and light to 'flick'. And holy cow the acceleration!! I took it on the M4 down one junction and when the cars cleared I opened up in 2nd - not a full handful but about 3/4. Before I could say 'knife' I was doing 95!! and it felt like nothing. Although there was a strange whistle at that speed which I'm pretty sure wasn't my lid (or maybe it was because the aerodynamics are a little different, who knows).
Only downside was I noticed my lower back getting a little uncomfy after a while, but I think that was probably just me being an old fart.
All in all - lovely, wish I'd had the insurance rep to go for it earlier (I went through a phase of having 4 bikes nicked in 6 years which did not help the NCD)

Oh yeah - the chap also said that people make too much or invent more of the annual tweaks than really matters, that the wheels and dash etc changed in 2012 but other than that it's basically the same bike as 08.... He said that the footpegs didn't move in 14 and the aftermarket cans had to be redone because of a change in the diameter of the interface - but I suspect, since I've read reviews and heard from you guys, that he just isn't as on top of the annual changes as he should be.

Edited by Angrybiker on Monday 24th April 10:53

Good init!?

It does sound as though the chap wasn't a clued up as he thought he was ... there is a lot of info on the 1000RR forum that will tell you all the changes from 08 - 16 ...

2008-09 bikes (gold / bronze) crank cases were the originals and have been known to suffer from crankshaft noise and oil burning. Most are fine, but quite a few aren't...

2010 was an update and denoted RRA ... this included revised crankshaft and a few cosmetic updates. ABS also first available. (avoid ABS)

2012... another update to cosmetics, new wheels, dashboard and importantly the vastly improved big piston suspension.

2014... a bit of fine tuning to ergonomics and improved fueling refinements. Switched to CAT in the downpipes so pre-2014 aftermarket exhausts don't fit without updated link pipe.

That's the key changes ... I'm sure there are a few more, but none that really matter.

Which you buy depends on budget. But there are a lot of pre-registered 2016's kicking about cheaply at the moment for £10k which is a bargain when used 2014-2015 are circa £8-9k.

Prices do seem to vary a bit - especially if there are bargain unregistered new ones knocking about. I bought mine in Feb 15, brand new (I wanted a non-ABS one in the 2014 only colour scheme) and it was less after haggling than some year old ones with a couple of thousand miles on them.

For reference, I bought an 09 Ltd Edition CBR600RR new (the one with blue wheels) and tested the 2012 Blade when I had that. The ergonomics are very similar, other than the Blade being a bit wider between your legs. I would guess that the lower back strain may have been simply tensing due to the extra torque/power/newness. Certainly on long tours, my Blade is more comfy than the 600RR was (I'm 6 foot with 32" inside leg).

As Mr OCD says - there are quite a few changes - all for the better. The 14 had different shaped combustion chambers and a few mods that the SP got (SP having a blue printed engine). This gives them more power everywhere and they feel nicer than 08-13 models. The key updates were 08 - new model, 10 - fixing some of the issues, 12 -new cosmetics, BFP forks and bi-tube shock and dash, 14 - ergonomics, fuelling, small engine performance improvements, Cat change. There are quite a lot of different Honda part numbers for 14> models and of course you are guaranteed all SP bits will drop straight in

The footpeg changes definitely affect the exhaust mount a bit, but not enough to matter as an Akrapovic full exhaust system (which negates any cat differences as the cat goes) fits all Blades from 08-16. Of course it depends on how the aftermarket exhaust in question mounts. Some have more fudge room in the mounts than others, but as you'll need the right diameter pipe to meet the new cat, there'd be no point in buying an 08-13 model end can anyway!

Your trade in sounds about right - not sure on condition, but you could squeeze some more as I'm sure they'd put that up for high 5s and take low 5s. They have to make money though.

Some people say the Blade is bland. Personally, I find it is easy and forgettable when pootling compared to something with a V-twin, V4 etc, but it's always there with you at any speed without compromise. However when you really crack on they come properly alive. The suspension is sublime on the road, they will be a proper animal with wheelies in most gears. Loads of feedback, but if you make a mistake, the bike's chassis helps you out, unlike on most bikes - especially Ducatis where they are waiting for a fk up and punish you for it. The HESS electronic steering damper is unflappable - same as your 600RR. You can land crossed up mega speed wheelies or have the front skipping over bumps on corner exit whilst you are still counter steering on hard throttle and it just sorts it all out - you never have to back off or get into any kind of slapper.

Edited by 3DP on Monday 24th April 13:31

[Angrybiker]

Yep good summary and thanks a lot. It did feel just as comfortable and forgiving as my 600 with the dampers etc. - first bike I owned was an SV650 and I really hated the 'on/off' nature of the throttle. Jump starting that you were just as likely to get a sudden burst and lose control. I did once have a tank slapper trying to go a little too quickly round a country road corner, but I've never felt even close to one on the RR. I'll take ease of riding any day over a little more capacity - to really take advantage of any difference you'd have to (a) Be on a track rather than a road in London (unless you're a complete lunatic); and (b) be a markedly better rider. For a bike like this, for 99.9% of riders any small tech differences will be moot, if people are honest about their ability.

I think the newer 16s, while a bargain, I don't want to spend 6k on an uptick (I just forked out for an XKR the other year!). 8 is my target strike price but I think I'll probably have to settle for closer to 9 for a 14, which seems to be the year that makes the most sense. Also at 14 the bike will be 3 years old which I'm not sure but probably starts to cross into a lower category for the insurance, which being a London postcode will be eye watering enough, even with my newfound NCD.

[3DP]

Angrybiker said:

Yep good summary and thanks a lot. It did feel just as comfortable and forgiving as my 600 with the dampers etc. - first bike I owned was an SV650 and I really hated the 'on/off' nature of the throttle. Jump starting that you were just as likely to get a sudden burst and lose control. I did once have a tank slapper trying to go a little too quickly round a country road corner, but I've never felt even close to one on the RR. I'll take ease of riding any day over a little more capacity - to really take advantage of any difference you'd have to (a) Be on a track rather than a road in London (unless you're a complete lunatic); and (b) be a markedly better rider. For a bike like this, for 99.9% of riders any small tech differences will be moot, if people are honest about their ability.

I think the newer 16s, while a bargain, I don't want to spend 6k on an uptick (I just forked out for an XKR the other year!). 8 is my target strike price but I think I'll probably have to settle for closer to 9 for a 14, which seems to be the year that makes the most sense. Also at 14 the bike will be 3 years old which I'm not sure but probably starts to cross into a lower category for the insurance, which being a London postcode will be eye watering enough, even with my newfound NCD.

I try to avoid built up areas full stop. The CBRs are pretty easy to ride in traffic, but TBH, anything more upright and naked or a 125 scooter would be more comfy and faster point to point in London!

Personally, I prefer bikes that 'feel' confidence inspiring, rather than rely on confidence through acts of faith that the electronics will sort it out. Seeing friends ride bikes that have electronics, and don't have electronics, I would say their pace on the road is much more dependent on how they feel on the bike rather than knowing there is an electronic safety net. For me, there is no situation where a tank slapper is fun or entertaining, but I like fast turning and fast steering bikes. The 600RR and 1000RR manage the trick of being super fast turning and having super stability and calm front ends. You'd be surprised at how many bikes manage the exact opposite by feeling both ponderous and unstable. If you feel a bike is predictable, your pace will be quicker.

Adding to the mix - I wouldn't discount the outgoing GSXR1000. Superb bike playing the same game as the last gen Fireblade, at a decent price point.

[Rawwr]

Angrybiker said:

Rawwr said:

My old one appears to now be for sale at Wheels: http://www.wheelsmotorcycles.co.uk/pages/used/used...

That's about as standard as you can get

lol I saw that on autotrader. Why did you sell it?

So that I could buy a 954..

[Rawwr]

3DP said:

Personally, I prefer bikes that 'feel' confidence inspiring, rather than rely on confidence through acts of faith that the electronics will sort it out. Seeing friends ride bikes that have electronics, and don't have electronics, I would say their pace on the road is much more dependent on how they feel on the bike rather than knowing there is an electronic safety net. For me, there is no situation where a tank slapper is fun or entertaining, but I like fast turning and fast steering bikes.

That pretty much sums up why I like and stick with Fireblades.

[Angrybiker]

3DP said:

I try to avoid built up areas full stop. The CBRs are pretty easy to ride in traffic, but TBH, anything more upright and naked or a 125 scooter would be more comfy and faster point to point in London!

Personally, I prefer bikes that 'feel' confidence inspiring, rather than rely on confidence through acts of faith that the electronics will sort it out. Seeing friends ride bikes that have electronics, and don't have electronics, I would say their pace on the road is much more dependent on how they feel on the bike rather than knowing there is an electronic safety net. For me, there is no situation where a tank slapper is fun or entertaining, but I like fast turning and fast steering bikes. The 600RR and 1000RR manage the trick of being super fast turning and having super stability and calm front ends. You'd be surprised at how many bikes manage the exact opposite by feeling both ponderous and unstable. If you feel a bike is predictable, your pace will be quicker.

Adding to the mix - I wouldn't discount the outgoing GSXR1000. Superb bike playing the same game as the last gen Fireblade, at a decent price point.

That's exactly why I ended up going for the 600RR way back when. At the time I really wanted an R6 but when it came to test ride there was just no comparison. Since then Hondas only for me, just so confidence inspiring and such a pleasure to ride. (besides, Gixxers are a bit Council aren't they? <see 'a bit council' thread if you want a laugh>)

I tend to make faster progress than most. Any scooter who rides faster than me is riding way above what they should be given the relative amount of grip and handling they have; and nakeds, well they just don't hit the button for me, plus the extra wind on the motorway. Also, build quality.

Edited by Angrybiker on Monday 24th April 15:41

[Angrybiker]

Rawwr said:

That pretty much sums up why I like and stick with Fireblades.

Rawrr - why did you sell your blade?