Hi guys, I have a RR2 954 which is a cracking bike, but it's starting to show its age and feels quite heavy compared to some mates newer bikes (BMW, Kwak) I'm toying with the idea of a newer Blade and quite like the RR6/7 and might even be swayed by the RR8/9. I've been trying to research them as best as I can and have found a lot of questionable opinions about both models in terms of build quality. Such as thin paint, electrical gremlins, poor quality metal of sump, high oil use, weak fairing fasteners. So I'm wondering if all of you nice thou' owners could spare me a minute and give me your honest thoughts and opinions on them. If any of you are previous 954'ers, how do the newer models fare against them? Cheers, Hallstar.
Had an 05 an 08 and now an 11 Abs and no issues at all and no I am not bias as I have had loads of other goodies .
My 954 still feels quite nimble, mate, have you thought of having the suspension set up checked. Peak Performance on Marsh Barton have a decent reputation for this kind of work for not huge money. I keep promising myself a visit to them myself.
I have an RR5 and is more than enough bike for me! I have not had any issues with it oh well apart from a gear box but that's another story. I personally prefer the shape of the RR4-7 to the newer models but everyone is different
im with martinowen on this one I like the look of the rr4/rr7 to the newer blade there is good points and bad points on all bikes I always had gixers and would have another one but my rr6 is so smooth god its great .If you went by what the bad points are you woundnt buy anything
Really?!? The 954 is well renowned as being a light and nimble (some say too light and nimble) sweet handling sportsbike. I agree with Ken... may pay to have your suspension looked at and maybe properly set up for you.
I had all the suspension done last month by MCT. I do love my Blade and I'm not dead set on changing. Just curious to know, if I was to look at changing, which would be my future Blade of choice.
The last 2 weeks have been hectic with servicing etc: what was surprising so many bikers complained on poor handling and contemplating some expensive replacements. Checked their tyre pressures every one was under the recommended PSI. The worst came in at 10psi on the rear. Check your pressure Hallstar your model was supposedly the lightest blade to date?
Bill does like to shake his head if I pin it on rough surfaces (every fecking where in Devon at the moment). My mates 954 is identical to mine and he has a damper fitted. We swapped so we could try the difference and both hated it. He thought mine was too light and skittish and I felt his felt dead, like it had flat tyres.
I ride with RoSPA and they have instilled the need to do a POWER check before each ride. I know my tyres (Mich PR3's) are fine and correct pressure. Suspension is all newly serviced with new springs in front. It prob is light compared to other models, but having felt the weight of a BMW S1000rr and a '09 ZX10r, I can tell that mine is heavier than newer bikes.
Iv had a 954 , rr5 and now rr8 , I loved the 954 which had loads of extras including a quickshifter and cutom map , I only had the rr5 for a short while but never gelled with it it just felt a bit flat to me , I did fit a pc3 but never got to custom map it. I was thinking of buying a k5/7 gsxr but when I test drove the rr8 which was standard except for an arrow can , and knew straight away it was the bike for me the low end and midrange make it the best road bike to have, and they look way nicer imo ))
Have had a 929,954,RR6 and now a RRA. Crunch big miles on all of them. All honest bikes, for me the main difference is that the weight distribution has improved with each incarnation, the bike is now much more neutral and more stable, plus some extra ponies, particularly the RR6 and RRA have been welcome, they really are noticeably quicker. Plus a dozen years development and technology improvements have had a positive effect. These latest models are the easiest to ride, most nimble Blades made so far IMO, probably for all round practicality the 954 was the best, but the late models really have moved the game on. The 929 & 954 felt quite tall and large, and I think this is the issue you can feel, no matter what the scales may say, the CofG of the latest bikes is near spot on, so the RRA feels just like a 600 to me, just point the nose and it goes there.
Had a 954 a few years back, and wish I still had it in the garage. I love my RR6 and do think its the nicest shape blade, but thats eye of the beholder and all that. The 954 is the last one to be breathed on by Tadao and I think it's one of the sweetest handling and easiest to ride quick bikes ever built. I'd keep it as long as I could if it were me, you're riding a classic!
You might be surprised that actually your 954 is lighter in dry weight than the other bikes you mention! And could just be that higher centre of gravity compared to the newer bikes that makes it feel heavier! I had a 954 in blue and white which I still sorely miss, but got the RR8 after trying all the competition which felt heavy in comparison to the blade
I have a 929 as well as an RRA. The RRA is obviously a much better bike, without question. But I reckon the 929 is of better build quality, spose that's just the way it is with trying to be competitive in today's world. I'd have a 954 tomorrow, think its probably my favourite blade. As said, think they are the keepers and bound to be worth a mint in a few years.
