Greetings from Lincolnshire... I am extending my search for a new ride to include the 17-19 models. I was wondering if there were any specific issues that I needed to know about and if you good people had any specific advice for me. I was planning to avoid MY17 because of the controversy about the transmission - is this too cautious an approach? If the bike doesn't have a quick-shifter does it matter? I am not trying to rekindle any arguments. The electronics (and cosmetics) were altered on the MY19 bikes. Are the changes something that would only be noticed at track riding speed or are they worth having on the road? There seem to be a lot of this iteration of the Fireblade for sale on AutoTrader ATM (compared to other litre bikes, such as the R1) and the asking prices are significantly lower. Does this suggest a general lack of appreciation for the bike by the faithful, or does it just mean that it has been very successful and so there are more bikes in the market? Finally, why are there so many red ones (apart from the usual explanation)? Thank you for any help.
Prices of R1s have always been much higher than Fireblades particularly later models not a lot of change under £14k
I've got a 2019 (18reg) model. Had it three years next month. Absolutely no problems before or after I fitted the oe QS which I bought on here. Buying from a dealer who gives a decent warranty would at least give you some protection if you felt you needed it. Same with the old ABS probs, I know a couple of guys who had no trouble over several years whilst I had it twice in 18 months. Bit of pot luck in the equation tbh.
Had a 2018 for 6k miles and 2 yrs no issues.....gear box was all from TT bikes totally different make.....tand having now have a R1M they are worth the extra not only in sound but quality of finish and handling ....
Owned 8 Blades over the years and the 2018 was my last. Could just have been my bike but over the 18 months I owned it, which involved lots of city commuting, neutral was an arse to find and I had it jump out of 2nd a good few times. Was something that made commuting a pain as you'd go for a gap, push up into 2nd, accelerate and suddenly the engine's screaming and you're going nowhere fast.
I bought my 17 in September it has just over 12k on it now and I have had no problems since I have had it. I have just put a OE quickshifter on it so roll on the better weather to try it out more than the short test ride I have already done. Am Lincolnshire too.
Seems to be that people's experience is very variable - glad yours has been good. I live only a few miles from Cadwell Park
Bought my 2017 in 2019 with 3k on the clock. It has now done 26k and has taken me all over Europe with no problems at all.
I think the cheapest I've seen so far is £9995 with not that many miles on the clock - it should still be on Autotrader.
Hey. I have a 17MY in Black. The red ones do seem more common, I think there were more of them imported. The dealer fitted mine with a Honda QS when I bought it (I bought it used at 3yrs old). No issues with the bike, the gearbox or engine. Its capabilities are way above mine! Neutral is easy to find, QS is amazing (except 1-2 as it goes through Neutral, unless I shift hard), engine is smooth and powerful. The bike can be a pain if you are at low speeds for a long period of time (below 30mph), but thats the case for any 1000cc superbike due to the riding position. Not sure why the Blades are so much cheaper than the others. However.. it has meant that I got into 1000cc bikes for cheaper than with the competition. They are so much better a bike than you'd expect.
