Just moved from a 2005 R1 to a 2009 Fireblade (HRC colours so obviously the fastest version), when I picked it up it was wet and horrible so just trundled home slowly, yesterday evening was the first dry and sunny opportunity since buying so got to take it out for an hour for its 'first thrash' and thought I would share my thoughts on it, its all mainly compared to the R1 but the pro's/cons at the end are just general observations: Initial impression was it feels light and small and changing direction is very easy, the mid range power is huge compared to the R1 (still giggling about it now) and it seems to just carry on pulling all the way to the red line, I always thought the R1 lacked in the midrange and the blade just proves this (to try and boost the R1 midrange it had PC3/exhaust/air filter/-1 front sprocket and still did not have the mid range punch of this fireblade). This midrange power makes it extremely quick on the road as overtaking does not need any downshifting just throttle and go, the engine is extremely smooth on the power and once past around 5k rpm it seems f'in fast The only negative point with the power delivery is when going on/off a closed throttle, the slightest movement from a close throttle seems to be to much so when trickling through town it seems to be a bit shunty, the only other fireblade I have ridden is my mates 929, this had a similar on/off throttle action so maybe its a Honda thing ? I have adjusted the chain but did notice there is quiet a bit of difference between tight/loose spots, maybe a new chain would help with this shunting ? The gearchange was smooth and slick, clutch biting point is right at the top of the lever (i.e does not take much movement to disengage clutch and same as the 929), might try adjusting as I prefer the biting point to be in a different place. I did find with all of the midrange power I was arriving at corners going quicker than expected but should be able to adapt to this quiet quickly, there was some heavy braking needed and leads onto the..... Brakes, they seems to lack a bit of initial bite but performed ok apart from that, the standard R1 was also lacking a bit in initial bite and a set of HH EBC pads made a big difference so hopefully a pad change on the blade will make a similar difference ? I am a bit unsure about the Fireblade handling on this first proper ride out, I would have to add first that it has the original front tyre (brand new qualifier on the back) and it seems to have bit of a shoulder worn on it which may be causing this issue as the tyre rolls over the shoulder i.e initial resistance then kinda flopping over once past the worn shoulder. I am totally spun out after buying the bike but tyres are at the top of the todo list, I put Dunlop Sportsmart on the R1 and was very impressed so will probably go for these again, they inspired confidence and the wear rate was very good, the only other tyre tempting me is the new Avon 3D Ultra Supersport so I guess it will go down to which are cheapest when I have saved up some cash. I have checked the suspension and they are all on the standard settings (I will check and set the sag when I get chance), it seems to give a very supple ride and smooth’s out the bumps really well, maybe slightly hard on the front (I am a lightweight) but hopefully setting the static/rider sag will help this. You guys/gals might be able clarify but I get the impression the bike needs a confident committed cornering style and being a bit tentative/cautious on the first run out could be making it feel a bit nervous/sensitive when cornering ? Other Stuff Really need a rear hugger, I noticed after riding the bike back in the rain when I brought it the tail unit, seat, swing arm and rear suspension were totally covered in muddy water, after cleaning it to within an inch of its life when out yesterday there was two places with a little water running from a field across the road, probably no wider than 3 or 4 foot of damp road, when I got home the back end was covered again in dirty water, I had slowed down and gone carefully across the damp patches totally upright to minimise the mess (as I had invested around 8 hours in cleaning and polishing the bike) but was still covered in dirty water when I got back. When on a straight bit of road putting toes on the pegs and lowering arms and getting over the tank a bit I could rest my elbows on my knees, this will be very handy when covering longer distances (motorway work) as it takes all pressure off wrists/arms and will allow you to take bit of a rest. The finish and quality of the bikes is great, although you can tell keeping the weight down was top priority the panel fit, finish on wheels etc are really good and I am very impressed. Pros: Midrange power Midrange power Feeling of compactness/light weight Midrange power Reasonably comfortable for a sports bike Midrange power Cons: On/off closed throttle - shunty Handling - replace tyres then re-evaluate To-Do Tyres Front brake pads Rear hugger Chain ?
Hey Duck I think you are right about the tyres & should indeed make that your priority. Changing the fork oil (4-years old?) may also help. Have you checked the throttle free play; maybe take it in a little? I think seting the sag is important if you are lighter or heavier than Joe Average, although I understand adjustment via pre-load is limited on these bikes.
interesting write up mate, must say totally agree with you as i also have a R1 (2004). although i love the midrange of the blade (it does make for a rapid ride) i also love the crazy surge of power the R1 gives as it goes ballistic at the top end. if you have OE tyres - GET THEM OFF!! they are rubbish. decent rubber will tranform the bike, and also a suspension set up by a pro, best £50 quid i've ever spent. the front end will feel rock solid after that.
Agree with Jimbo 100%, he makes sense sometimes The OE tyres are complete rubbish !!! get some sportsmarts or metzler interact K3's you will have a completely different ride !
Swiss T - throttle freeplay is right in the middle of the recommended specs but I may adjust it to the lower end to see if it helps. Jimbo Vills - I would have liked to have kept the R1 but unfortunately funds did not allow it, yes the top end above 10,000 rpm was mad but to be honest I think the better midrange is of more use to me, it was like startrek going into warp drive when the revs got up above 10k Just considering what I can sell to raise the cash for new tyres
ha ha - yep it's addictive and dangerous for your license, but i like it! lol but think the midrange does make a smoother ride for the road and certainly quicker with less effort... sell your ar$e if it means new tyres - oe's are that bad! lol
Nice write up!!! New chain will help with snatchiness of throttle as well as just more time with it... Was same for me at first, but now I can be pretty damn smooth on/off throttle... MOST of the time....
Good write up, as has been said get them tyres off my 2011 hrc came with them awefull had 3 moments in less than 100 miles i replaced with Rosso 2s bloody good tyre not one moment in all sorts of weather and a trackday and they have covered 3500 miles and have at least 800 in them still. I had a 07 and 08 R1 i find the blade like night and day over the R1 for being smooth i have no snatchy throttle at all, the R1 was mental because you had to be in that lower gear because lack of midrange also the R1 shook its head lots of times unlike the blade hasnt done it once yet.
Thanks for the replies chaps I have been through my garage and got a little list of stuff to go on eBay which should pay for new tyres gary1996 - I must admit i quiet liked the way the R1 would shake its head a bit, it was a little reminder that I was actually going very very quick I am a little confused now about the snatchy throttle, Only1Matrixxx found it the same as me yet gary1996 does not have the problem, are some blades smooth on/off a closed throttle and some not ?
mine is very smooth only bike that betters it was my gsxr750LO. I didnt like the R1 shaking its head changed the oem steering damper to an ohlins and transformed the bike, you could just wind it on and the front would lift with no movement at all.
Mint mate honda brakes and susp poop!! get braided lines and a master!! forks off to whoever get a rear spring and set it all up with your DLSS and its a fooking weapon
My chain was a little bit slack when I got my used Blade... Also, just the extra power over my 600 was making ME snatchy, not the bike...
I stuck some new pilot powers on the other weekend and went for a few laps of the local race track (ugp) and the handling was spot on but I do want to stiffen the bike up a bit as it felt too soft around the bumpy sections of the track and the front liked to drive a little too much under heavy braking.I would say that a power commander with the o2 bypass is a must as the standard set up felt like the power was coming in too high up the rev range for my liking, the difference now it like night and day over standard.
Dunlop Sportsmart tyres fitted to the rims today, just got to put back on bike this evening and away I go, hoping for a big improvement after the running in period
With regards to the 'snatchy' comments. I've also commented on these very boards about the snatchy throttle response but due to adjusting my riding I've mostly ironed it out completely now and don't even notice it any more. I've not to my conscious mind even had to make a major change to my riding it's just seemed to have happened.
Had mine a couple of months but only managed to ride it maybe 3 times! 'bloody weather' i love it to bits but also have noticed the shunty throttle and also seems to suffer from poor fuelling at low revs although an aftermarket can has improved this a little..
Well the Sportsmart are now officially scrubbed in and my new appraisal of the blade is.........awsome Straight line performance is ace and the handling now appears to be fully sorted with the new tyres, it feels very nimble and flickable yet at the same time stable. I am getting use to the throttle but still find it snatchy on/off, don't notice it so much when using ear plugs as they hide the snatchy sound, going to do some more checks but will probably go for a quality chain and sprockets next to see if this helps. I sent a message to B&C Express asking what the "Rolls Royce" of chains was and they sent a nice reply with some good info on how to identify if the chain or sprockets may be causing the tight and loose spots, I shall investigate what they have said over the weekend. So I shall sum up the blade now using the smilies (damn it only lets you do 10 !!!):
