Buying advice 2008 vs 2011

Since my StreetTriple was stolen I've decided to replace it with a Fireblade and I'm currently looking at 2 potentials.
Number 1:
2008
39,000 miles
Part S/H but looks very clean
Akrapovic exhaust can, Oxford heated grips, ASV adjustable levers (glossy black finish), carbon rear hugger, carbon heel guards and a mobile phone mount
Number 2: (£250 more expensive)
2011
69,000 miles
Full S/H but has scuff marks
No extras

So I'm stuck on whats more important, 3 years newer, or 30,000 miles less with bling bits.

Cheers for any thoughts at all

 

I wonder if you'd be inclined to ditch both and look for something 10,000 miles or less? There's plenty around and wouldn't be too much dearer. But, if you're determined between your 2 options, I'd go the lower mileage. Extras are a bonus, but shouldn't be a deciding factor. Plus, a clean bike USUALLY means a well-treated bike. I'd be wary of scuff marks, but I'm fanatical. Cheers.

 

I'd go for the lower mileage older one - there isn't a big difference between 2008 and 2011 models. 2012 was a major change (clocks, suspension, wheels, fairing etc.)

What is your budget?

 

Thanks so much! My budget is too tight to stretch unfortunately so pretty sure it's between them. Looks like the 2008 makes more sense then.

Still need to go view to make sure but thanks so much.

Budget is £4000, so as cheap as they seem to go But its got to be newer than '57 plate as London is introducing its low emissions zone for bikes in 2019!!

Thanks again

 

I guess they've done it based on age then as bike manufacturers don't quote emission levels.

 

If that's your budget and you can't move from that, then I'd get the lowest possible mileage I could get over the age of the bike.

There's not much else out there for that sort of money, maybe a couple of 08's with around 25k on the clock but they are nearer £4500. You might have to travel further a field to pick those up though!

I scoured ebay and bike trader for weeks and looked at 4 or 5 bikes before I found something I was happy with. All good things an all that!!

Good luck with the search James!

 

you and probably everyone will hate me for writing this...

But have you got and are OK with insurance quote on a blade having had a theft claim recorded against you?

You existing policy maybe OK to add a blade mid term, but I'd get fresh quotes for the new bike with the claim recorded.

As for the two bikes I would look at overall condition vs mileage as the blade can take a big mileage without issue, but any bike will look tatty after 70k - I'd probably go for the 2008 bike you list given the choice

 

Is the 2011 an abs? Be aware the brake fluid change/bleed is an expensive job if you don't have ability to do it yourself due to the time it takes!

 

Not to keep banging on about the 08 blade, but i had a crankshaft failiure which ended in a engine replacement. Ended up putting a 2013 engine in my 08 blade. Also, some of the 08's were know for having oil burning problems. I would go 11-12 just for the peace of mind

 

Insurance is a bit of a step up from the Street Triple but still ok - got a quote on compare the market with the theft added.

It wasn't the ABS either. Thanks again everyone.

Going to view the 2008 tomorrow so hopefully it's all good!

 

Have you considered an 04-07 blade?

I’ve had several including a 2010 but always come back to the RR-7!

You could get a relatively low mileage bike for your budget and they are pretty much bulletproof.

 

Annoyingly I commute into London and from next year bikes older than a '57 plate will have to pay a low emissions charge pretty much exactly like the congestion charge!

Also, this 2008 bike has an alarm fitted (datatool S4 red cat1) is that good? Do they have an immobilizer as standard?

 

Not sure what the attributes of that particular datatool alarm are but I would say any alarm in London has got to be of benefit. Some say alarms drain the battery of the bike and I have to say I experienced that with my Aprilia rsv but I think if you keep the bike on charge it should be OK.

Also the bike you're looking at will have HISS. Honda ignition security system which means the bike can't be started EVER without the original key, meaning any thieving scum will have to carry the bike away if they want it but it'll pretty useless if they can't start it. This is just what I've read and fortunately I've never had my bike thief tested!

 

Thanks again. When my bike was stolen they caught it on camera and they stuck a screwdriver in the ignition and started it... So very glad to have an immobilizer