I've had my RR4 for a few years now and I'm thinking about having a bit of a change. I'm about to get my hands on a bit of cash too so I'm thinking this might the time to do it. I've been thinking of perhaps getting a 2010 R1 and wondered if anyone had tried one or had any ownership feedback?
I've riden a few early Big Bang R1's, The engine is a master piece, But watch out as early models had camchain adjuster issues, some were replaced under warranty but Yamaha never made an official recall, also clutch issues on some bikes and some big variations on BHP between bikes for some reason! Handling isn't the best either and not helped by its heavy weight slowing down fast transitions, having said that it does make it a very stable bike, with some good rubber and a suspension setup it will make a world of difference. Overall it's quite a well balanced bike that's still well capable of mixing it up with the best with a good pilot.... Your best option will be to go and ride one
Cheers, Dave! Are they a comfortable bike? I'm not really wanting something that's flick knife sharp. Stability and a bit of comfort is of more interest. I'd always get a suspension setup anyway. Had it done to my Blade and was gobsmacked by the difference it made.
Much depends on your build and fitness, too much town work could potentially give you some wrist ache, it's no tourer, I'd say it's not as comfy as the blade and the throttle can be a ball ache at slower speeds but once out on the open road it's a hoot! I love them.... Like I said the engine is a master piece if you get a good one...
I would say that the earlier big Bangs are usually quite comfortable for the taller rider. I had a mate that got one because he was quite tall and felt it fit him better than say a blade. Saying that im 5,8 - 5,9 and i test rode a 2014 big bang back to back with the 2014 blade and found them quite similar in terms of comfort. The engine is a good laugh though and just found myself accelerating for no reason other than to listen to the noise. As said above, your best option is to test ride one. Find a garage that has one that you would actually like to buy then test it back to back with another 1000 sports bike. That should answer any questions or concerns you have about the bike itself.
I'm 5 foot 7 (and a half ) and 11 stone. I've just noticed that the seat height on the R1 is quite a bit taller. That might be an issue.
I would say 5,7 would be fine, just go to a garage and chuck you leg over and see how it feels. My taller mates took the r1 as they felt it was "roomier" up top. No idea what that means as I'm not tall.
Rich, they are epic bikes, sound great, go great and are comfy.the engine is fantastic. Craig's is less focused than my blade, less snatchy, but mines been fiddled with his r1 is stock bar twin yoshis. The seat height isn't as tall as the blade in real world terms ( mines A 2011). You sit in it rather than on it. As for fuel, no different to the blade in my opinion...both needed to fill up after 100 miles of tear aresing around Europe. I'd have one in a heartbeat.
Cheers lads. Some good feedback there. Like you've mentioned there's no substitute for chucking your leg over one to see how it feels.
For gods sake ride one before purchasing. I traded mine 2010 Big Bang in a few weeks ago for a 2013 Blade. I am 6ft 2 and i had wrist ache on the R1 quite bad. None on the blade. Both bikes a quite roomy though. R1 is awful to ride around town, there is a Graves clutch mod that helps with the juddering clutch and if you wished to get the ECU mapped then do. For some reason the R1 is programmed to cut the injectors off when you roll off the throttle which is why it judders, up the revs and its back to normal. Mid range is excellent on and I agree the noise from the cross plane is fantastic but the novelty soon wears off. For what its worth I wouldn't go back to one, I'm over the moon with the choice to buy the Blade.
Thanks Stu. I'll definitely try one out if I do decide to go down that route. In typical fashion I've changed my mind and am switching between keeping my RR4, buying a power commander to smooth the slightly lumpy tickover and paying my suspension guy to do some work or perhaps getting a GSXR 750
I had an '07 R1 which was pre Big Bang. I loved the bike, but not as much as my Blades. Blade is sharper, has more space when you're sat on the bike, comfier..... I had them both as company bikes and was knocking out 200 miles a day doing advanced courses in the durham and Yorkshire dale and I chose to replace my 1st blade with another one... Think about a little bit newer blade Rich.... Similar money to the pre Big Bang's.
I've seen these couple of newer Blades in a local dealership. Any opinions on their pricing? Are the post 08 Blades much better than 04 I already have? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172315255921 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172311996715
I haven't ridden a pre '08 Blade so can't really comment on that aspect. All I can say is that I had a 11 plate brand new as a company bike. After finishing work and having to return company bike I went out and bought my RR9 privately. I guess I was lucky by being in the right place at the right time. Mine was a bit mucky but underneath was in very nice condition, full service history with 8,500 miles and I got it last summer for £5500. Bikes are an entirely personal thing and what's suits one person doesn't necessarily suit another. Mrs Nickw made my mind up, and she has no interest at all in bikes..... When I got my current one, I was considering going back to a pre Big Bang R1. Her comments..... "Well I know you liked your R1 but you said that your loved your Fireblade so just go and get another one of them" That's why I've stayed married to her for 31yrs I guess
Both of those look overpriced. The 2012 onwards RRC model was a big update (updated suspension, wheels, fairing, clocks etc.) and they are available for less than £7k if you look around - e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2012-61-HONDA-CBR1000RR-FIREBLADE-RR-C-/361725359557
I'm just about to put mine up for sale mate if your interested. Won't come with Ohlins or Brembos in the pic, but has the upgraded 2012- big piston forks and shock.
