Fireblade - which one?
Discussion
I started biking in 1997 but after a fairly big crash in 1999 I stopped riding on the road until 2014. Now playing catch up on loads of bikes I would have liked to have bought.
I’ve never owned (or even ridden!) an R1 and never owned a Fireblade. I would like to correct that!
But which version of the Fireblade?
As it will be an extra bike and something I will probably only keep for a year (before swapping for another bike on the wish list) I wouldn’t want something too new.
For those that have ridden/owned them: which model would you recommend?
And yes before anyone says, I should make my own mind up by riding them but doing that not so straightforward (can’t see Honda giving me the keys to their collection!)
I’ve never owned (or even ridden!) an R1 and never owned a Fireblade. I would like to correct that!
But which version of the Fireblade?
As it will be an extra bike and something I will probably only keep for a year (before swapping for another bike on the wish list) I wouldn’t want something too new.
For those that have ridden/owned them: which model would you recommend?
And yes before anyone says, I should make my own mind up by riding them but doing that not so straightforward (can’t see Honda giving me the keys to their collection!)
Others will be along shortly to wax lyrical about the older FireBlade's, but I will tell you what I know about the newer ones.
2008-2016 it was basically the same bike, so you will be able to find an older one which will have the same engine and main components as something much newer, if you're on a budget. It was facelifted in 2012 so you will notice that the fairings/headlights/engine case colours have changed, and suspension changed to Showa BPF and equivalent shock which (I understand, but not from my own experience) resulted in an improvement in the handling department. You also got the digital clocks on 2012+ losing the analogue tacho. If it were me, I'd be looking for a tidy low mileage 1 owner 2012 bike - they are out there to be found.
No electronics on this era bike save for cABS which you should steer clear of - has been known to do some funny (scary) things at times.
2017 onwards models I'm sure you have seen are the first with TC, anti-wheelie, and other electronic trickery. By most accounts, not a patch on the electronics you can get from other marques so if tech is what you are after then the recommendation is to look elsewhere. That said, I do still have a hankering for a 2017+ SP (after having an SP2 on order for some time).
2008-2016 it was basically the same bike, so you will be able to find an older one which will have the same engine and main components as something much newer, if you're on a budget. It was facelifted in 2012 so you will notice that the fairings/headlights/engine case colours have changed, and suspension changed to Showa BPF and equivalent shock which (I understand, but not from my own experience) resulted in an improvement in the handling department. You also got the digital clocks on 2012+ losing the analogue tacho. If it were me, I'd be looking for a tidy low mileage 1 owner 2012 bike - they are out there to be found.
No electronics on this era bike save for cABS which you should steer clear of - has been known to do some funny (scary) things at times.
2017 onwards models I'm sure you have seen are the first with TC, anti-wheelie, and other electronic trickery. By most accounts, not a patch on the electronics you can get from other marques so if tech is what you are after then the recommendation is to look elsewhere. That said, I do still have a hankering for a 2017+ SP (after having an SP2 on order for some time).
I've had a 2009, 2014 and 2017. If I had to choose one of them to buy and use now, I'd go with the 2009. It was so well-behaved at low speed and felt smoother than a Bangkok chickboy. Really communicative and I never had any moments where I didn't know what it was doing or what it was about to do. It was just a really, really nice bike to ride and looked fantastic.
The 2014 was a good bike but I didn't really love it as much as the 2009 bike (and it had since been written-off by another PH BBer :P ). The wheels, despite looking lighter were actually a bit heavier and the digital dash was pretty terrible compared to the older one with the analog tacho, especially in bright sunshine.
The 2017 is perfect for me. It's down on power compared to the rest of the current litre bikes but I think it feels the best (entirely subjective, naturally). The only reason I said I'd pick the 2009 if I had to choose now is because the 2009 bike will be a third of the price of the 2017
The 2014 was a good bike but I didn't really love it as much as the 2009 bike (and it had since been written-off by another PH BBer :P ). The wheels, despite looking lighter were actually a bit heavier and the digital dash was pretty terrible compared to the older one with the analog tacho, especially in bright sunshine.
The 2017 is perfect for me. It's down on power compared to the rest of the current litre bikes but I think it feels the best (entirely subjective, naturally). The only reason I said I'd pick the 2009 if I had to choose now is because the 2009 bike will be a third of the price of the 2017
I’d go for a RR A 2010 model, if you like the Repsol colours 2009 is just as good.
The 2008 models have a reputation of being oil burners and the later models are much the same but have a premium price for being newer.
Performance Bikes mag have this generation of blade as a project bike at the moment which is a good read.
The 2008 models have a reputation of being oil burners and the later models are much the same but have a premium price for being newer.
Performance Bikes mag have this generation of blade as a project bike at the moment which is a good read.
kurt535 said:
929 2000/2001 ish.
you will lose zip money in depreciation and enjoy the last of the blades that didn't try and give you a thrombosis.
That was 954RR, 2002/2003 model. you will lose zip money in depreciation and enjoy the last of the blades that didn't try and give you a thrombosis.
I still have mine, I like it a lot, light, small and nimble, and comfortable, but it’s not without problems.
954 or 2006/2007 RR as they look the best (Repsol ones cost a bit though)
Had both ... if you want a blade then 2012 onwards. I’d never touch another 08–11 model again knowing what I know now.
If an R1 I would probably go for a late 2006 5VY if you can find a mint low miler ... or a 2012 onwards with the CP4 engine if you can get on with the engine.
I don’t think you will go wrong with either choice tbh. Just don’t buy an older one - modern bikes are awesome.
If an R1 I would probably go for a late 2006 5VY if you can find a mint low miler ... or a 2012 onwards with the CP4 engine if you can get on with the engine.
I don’t think you will go wrong with either choice tbh. Just don’t buy an older one - modern bikes are awesome.
Walter Sobchak said:
I’ve had both an original R1 and an 893cc Fireblade and the R1 is miles better to ride.
I had a 929 and a 5VY R1 and there was no competition really (although hardly surprising given the 4 year age gap) the 'blade was a nice all rounder but that was about it really, the R1 was amazing, I just didn't fit it.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff