Hello there. New member here from the Midlands. I've been riding RSVR Milles and a Ducati 848 previously and have just had the latter stolen by some absolute bag of shit. I have always had twins with the exception of a lovely '07 ZX6R and was all up for buying an 1198S. I have been trawling the selling sites for a couple of weeks and the only one that jumped out at me was sold before I could get to view it. Then I came across a split mint '01 929 blade and something stirred in my stomach. I hadn't ever considered one of these before but the more research I've done the more my interest is piqued. It's low miles and apparently totally original except for the obligatory end can. I've always loved the big twins because to me, the noise is half of the fun, so I hadn't considered 4 pot bikes but ever since I saw that bike I can't stop thinking about it. I have no clue about the Fireblade lineage. Are the 929s as good as they say? Is it a true statement to say they run at around 150HP? I would love to hear people's opinions on the good and the bad please and a list of the mods that are a must like all bikes have. The old RSVs had airbox mods, starter cable mods, etc. I didn't do anything to the Duc but was going to get it dynod and set up but the thieving bastards put pay to that idea. Thanks for any replies.
Upto recently I had both the Ducati 1199 and the CBR1000RR, although the Honda was reliable and pretty forgiving on the track it was a bore to ride on the road. If you want the WOW factor then keep looking for a Ducati 1198S, if you want a bike that does what it says on the tin then buy the Honda.
That's why I've always had the big twins. More fun to be had a lower rpm. I used to track a couple of my milles and I couldn't fault them. They only lost out on top end against the jap liter bikes.
If you were looking at a 1199s I’d say you’d be bored shitless of a 929 in less than a week. two complete opposite ends of the spectrum mate,
I would have thought an 01 plate is rather old hat unless you are wanting to only use it on sundays and keep it as a show piece, the modern bikes have a lot more to offer, handling etc
I agree with the above....V twin's like the Aprilia and Ducati are fast enough but it's the excitement you get from using the torque as opposed to jumping on a Blade which feels super smooth and linear but extremely fast.....I only had the 2011 though so can't comment on the earlier ones, although I did ride a 2006 Blade many years ago and that was fast!
I went to look at an old Blade today and I wasn't particularly taken with it I'm now sifting through more modern ones. I've still got my eye on a couple of 1198's. If only I had enough money to buy one of every bike I've ever wanted.
Sounds like you have a euro budget and a lower jap budget. Different bikes to what we're used to teach us new skills in riding and setup. After your time on big twins a four might sharpen your corner"s and gear changes. Everybody's different most bikes I ride give me something to think about.
I've just sold my 01 blade, as good as it was very boring . I had a base 1198 few years back was prob the best bike if had up till now, 180bhp no rider aids! Was great fun and the sound with a full 70mm termi system was amazing. Now running a 996sps and a panigale R.
After losing my license last year and inputing the relevant details into the insurance forms I've been forced, financially, into opting for an older blade. For anything with 1000cc I'm looking at around a grand. The 1198 is £1100, approximately, where a 954 is around 400 quid. I did briefly consider a modern 600 but I just don't think you can get more bang for your buck than a 954 at around £3500. I'll now start the obligatory research into essential mods.
Where are you finding the best insurance prices after a ban? I picked up some points and the insurance is starting to make me question is it worth having a bike.
I just use the comparison sites, mate. Some are beyond ridiculous but I also think my age plays a part. I'm 41 and have had ny license since dinosaurs were roaming the earth. I pay a fortune for my car (2008 audi 3.0 tdi) and my work van (2010 vw caddy maxi). I think it's about 1800 for the both of them.
