Hi, I'm new to the forum. I currently have a BMW F800R Chris Pfeiffer but am looking at selling it and getting a 954. They seem to be the blade to have if you don't want an out and out racer and good all rounder - plus light. Any tips? Things to look out for etc? Cheers,
welcome matt have you put in a search? there are a rew on here good luck with the search for the new bike
Hello Mat, and welcome. The 954 is getting quite long in the tooth now so it's even more important that any that you look at has a paper trail of TLC stretching back 12 years. It still doesn't mean that it's being moved on because something expensive is wearing out or broken but it does give you an insight into just how loved it's been in it's life. The main recurring bug bear with them is a weak gearbox, especially 4th. This is something you need to check out on a test ride. Difficulty in selecting or jumping out and walk away. A Gilles shift support will help to protect it but it does seem to be the main bitch about the bike.
Also don't discount newer versions of the Blade just because you assume they are all 'Balls out Racers' they aint and are all suprisingly comfy. There's plenty on here who do 2 week Euro Tours on modern Blades so I suggest it may prove prudent to test ride a few newer models at dealers first before writing them off as too 'Racy' for ya
My 2010 blade is a lot more comfortable then my 07 z750 and Iam 6,4 only difference is Giles rearsets on blade did a 200mile plus blast on blade only stopping to fill up around north wales no motorways dual carrage ways.
I would agree with Sinewave, i had a 954 and would agree with the Gilles Shift support, it works great and makes the whole gear change a lot nicer. The newer blades can be got for a decent amount of money now, just be aware that if you get the 2008/09 (and beyond as well) to look for one thats been using a lot of oil, some of them have this problem and some do not, just be aware. The 954 was a great bike but i found i wanted more comfort for my daily commute so got a CB1000R...... They are also very rare on the road.
I must say after you Guys have been posting saying about the age of the 954 I have been looking at 2010 models. What can you offer (other than the oil problem above), on advice? are they ok on long distances? I used to do 200 on an RGV250m so it can't be any worse than that!!
i think it was only the 08 that had the oil problem if im not mistaken? As for long distance's,there are loads on here that will do a few thousand miles in one trip with no bother at all. i think you would stop before the bike! lol good luck with your search mate maybe sell him yours ken?? i'l get my coat! haha
