I like others I'm sure have a soft spot for a Fireblade, but do we think Honda have done enough?? You can bet it'll be a real sweet handling bike like the outgoing model though. World exclusive: New Fireblade gets radical | MCN Images for the moment are interpretations and obviously spec may differ slightly..
I've ridden one quite a few times and yes, thy are just 'efficient' I'm not even sure I really rate the handling, it's very good sure, and feels nice and stable but it's not miles ahead of any of its peers IMHO. My impression of the few I have ridden is that they feel like the front is very high and wants to stand up in corners. Let's hope the new one has a lot less plastic and a lot more of a RC51 feel about it!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
There is a fair amount of spec on it. They have done away with the heavily criticised C-ABS system & the electronics bring it in line with the class leaders. The top trump crew will be disappointed with the 180 bhp stat even though it's still ludicrously fast for the road. It will be interesting to see what the final bike will look like without the garish reposol ( many like it , I wouldn't want to own it ) colour scheme, the styling still looks safe and conservative. Im not really a test ride everything that comes out type of person, but wouldn't mind a quick blast on one of these when released.
Just looked at the article properly. Honda could do with a new styling dept. Aesthetically it's terrible.
Ok, so , pretty much the entire point of owning a large 1000 cc bike is power , yes ? It'll be measured against the bmw and the zx. It's fine saying that power should be manageable but ask anyone about the bmw and they'll say how great it is to ride. So, with the above in mind why produce a 1000 bike is behind on power , but a fair chunk really ? I'm missing something ? Ok, your average Honda rider will buy it but it's not going to swing yer average 1000 buyer from the others to Honda.
Agreed, but it it makes 10-15% more torque all through the bottom end it may just win over the testers! That said... The s1000 etc are all already having to electronically restrict torque output so not so sure. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
To be honest. I had the old carb blade and I have a 2007... (no traction control, abs, wheelie sensors) No slipper clutch that I am aware of that is stock in the 05/06 Gsxr and the 07/08 R1. if you go buy wiki, the newer blades are not that much of an improvement, 0-60, 1/4 mile, BHP, stopping distances... This blade does not feel as aggressive as my one from years ago. The argument is, it's user friendly??? Why buy a 1000cc then. This seems like a sports tourer not a race inspired bike. I know hondas were always the more civilised bike but the blade and CR500 were not so tame. To work on, this one is not track repair friendly, perhaps a little over engineered. I have been doing some alterations to it.. a bit disappointed as I expected more but in some respects I'm glad it's not like my 06GSXR 1000 Race engine... when unleashed that was an animal and I question anyone, except the fastest track riders if they could use that performance to it's maxium... too much power slows laptimes. I do not think any bike now, will be made brutal, older bikes with less electronics at 150+ hp could be a handful.. At 200hp (at the crank) 2006 GSXR engine.. will push 330KG (410KG with driver and fuel) round Cadwell in 121's - faster than BSB.... on the limit it will spin 10" wide slicks, that are so soft they stick to the garage floor, easy to leave an imprint of your finger in the tyres when warm and can peel that rubber like a potato, flicking it up while going round the track. I have no idea who needs that kind (raw) power on two wheels, moto GP bikes have traction control so your not getting it un tapped everywhere, although I do recall the road racers were using the bikes totally uncorked and the BMW when it first came out was a nightmare to get round the electronics, so much so... someone I know riding at Macua swapped bikes. I'd only want another fireblade if it had a different engine tone and styling... HRC bits are available and tuning can see them up there but on the road you'll have issues with insurance then.
My last bike was a 99 blade and i absolutley loved it. No electronic rider aids, carbs and a 16" front wheel. Whats not to love?! I still regret selling it. I've ridden the 04/05 blade and whilst the handling was brilliant, the engine and experience was somewhat diluted. I dont think riding a bike is ever about power in terms of BHP, rather the way it delivers the power and makes you feel when you open the taps.
Id be all over that! Tbh I think they could bring back the SP2 with less weight and the odd styling tweet and it would sell well! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Although I do think all the new bikes are amazing with all there technology and electronics whether it be BMW, ducati, kawasaki, there's nothing better than getting on my old carbed r1 with 140 bhp and other than long straights on a track or long bit of road it can quite easily keep up with the modern bikes.
