Browsing through various optional extras I see an auto-blipper quickshifter for similar price as slipper clutch. If you had an auto-blipper fitted, would it replace the need of a slipper clutch for downshifts? Will you still get wheel-hop?
No, but that is irrelevant to the question. Will an auto-blipper help smoother downshifts at aggressive speeds, effectively replacing the need or advantages of a slipper clutch?
I was just asking, ,,, as for the question,,,, if your going to be that aggressive I think you need the slipper clutch
, I need to stop browsing the accessories shops)) I went with the retrofit labs for the headlights, should have it next week and am pleased I bought it. I was driving home in the dark yesterday and the lighting is crap. My other bike is a R1200ST that I use throughout the dark winter months, same age lighting as this Fireblade and it lights the road like a lighthouse. The difference between dipped and full brights was barely noticeable last night, was even questioning if the full brights were working!!! Apart from the aesthetics of both lamps working in low and high beam, the extra light output will be very welcome, especially driving fast on country roads. My opinion of the stock brakes are they actually do a good job of stopping the bike, the lever just feels soft, already getting used to pulling on it harder but would prefer to feel it biting earlier. Master cylinder should sort that, but stock calipers should be fine. Wore new gloves out of the box on the spin yesterday, not a good idea wearing new gloves on an unfamiliar bike)) i should have broken the gloves in first!!!
Definitely! I watch TV with new gloves on to help break them in. I guess it does look ridiculous when the Jehovah's Witnesses come to the door I greet them wearing a pair of black gloves with recordings of Love Island playing in the background. I guess that's why they told me: 'You really do need God.'
Answering the door in your dainese demon underpants and black gloves gave an odd impression to the preachers, no doubts)) What tyres are you favouring. My motor has S20, still with life on them but will be changing at some time on the horizon. Get caught in rain alot here so wet grip is necessary. My nearest motorbike tyre dealer is all Michelin. The Road 5's feel great on the R1200ST, can be confident driving fast into wet corners, but probably a bit agricultural on a Fireblade.
No point asking Nigel about wet grip. If there is a 2% chance of rain that week, he won't be out on them I've got S21's on mine, give a great grip level in the wet, and soft enough in the dry to really hammer it and get good feedback
I see there are S22's out now but aren't yet offered in my district!!! Bastards)) Choosing between the Bridgestones and Pirelli 3's. The Bridgestones are a few quid less expensive too. I don't plan on taking it out in the rain very often but getting caught in showers and wet roads are unavoidable.....in honesty I only consider the Pirellis as the brand-name pulls hotter babes))
True. I am dry weather only. I don't commute, so bikes are pleasure only. I do favour Pirellis for dry and most of my bikes have Rosso 2s with Super Corsas on the 2018. Everyone with experience of Super Corsas recommend not using them in the wet.
Another few hundred kilometres on the Fireblade this morning. This is a nice bike, very smooth and very easy to handle. I can see myself using this quite alot through the winter months, so tyres good in wet is a must. Anyone considering one of these I will recommend and am surprised how easy it is to handle and feels very forgiving when I give it too much throttle. Front brakes really do work well for a road bike despite the softness at the lever which will be altered. For anyone wanting to move up to a faster bike but concerned or intimidated by its potential, this Honda is easier to handle than many less powerful machines. I ride mostly on country or B roads as you probably call them. Lots of slow moving traffic and limited opportunities for overtaking before the next bend or oncoming traffic. Is great to be able to overtake at your ease with a small window to pass. I should have got one years ago)) Will get Kriega or similar tailbag for shopping trips and commutes to the gym etc. The R1200ST will only be pulled out in the worst weather when I still don't feel like taking the car))
I love the PR tyres on my fireblade, and put them on all my bikes. I just picked up another 2006 yesterday and even on the short ride home was convinced this is the model for me. My 2015 SP just does not fit me as well, or feel as intuative to ride. Selling my totally sorted 2005 was a HUGE mistake
Yep. The things we come to regret after the event. I'm regretting selling my little aprilia RS50. Was almost a useless toy, but just a pleasurable little 'slow' runabout that looked nice. Riding my 2004 a lot now as my main ride. Everyone knows 'a lot' for me will be about 90 miles per month - if I'm lucky!! Anyway, I'm one of few who agree with you that the 04 - 07 is a damn comfortable pleasure to ride.
My biking regrets come in the form of clothing, helmets accessories that I thought were a good idea that I didn't wear or use afterwards for various reasons. Would pay for the carbon wheelset plus extras if I had it back))
Hiya guys, looking for advice. Going to attempt to fit the Retrofitlab headlights this week. Will probably attack it tomorrow. My main concern is opening the headlights after removing it from the bike. Has anyone here done this. They are glued together and the glue must be undone. I have seen it suggested to heat the headlights in the oven to soften the glue!!! The entire unit is made of plastic so I am not keen on watching it melt in an oven)) I can't cook a pizza without it burning)) Have any of you successfully opened the headlights, is the oven really a good option. What temperature is required to soften the glue without damaging the headlight unit???
Hi @Colum - no idea so no help, but please take a bunch of photos and do a step by step guide to help anyone venturing this route in future. Good luck
Ok. Am hoping my pic won't be of melted headlights in my oven followed by a search for replacement parts))
