I'm seriously considering a second hand 2017 model Fireblade. I've currently got a 2014 HRC Tri-Colour FB and am looking to upgrade to the newer model. There are a number of them around the £10k to £11K mark with low mileage online. I just wanted to gather the thoughts of anyone who's owned one. I'm especially interested in the thoughts of anyone who upgraded from the previous model (such as me). Is it a noticeable upgrade? do you actually feel the extra power and reduction in weight? I've ridden a couple of MY17 demo bikes and my friends SP1 (which I loved). The bike feels light and tiny. What should I be aware of? Good points? bad points? I've read about the throttle opening issue on here - but does this only affect the SP1 model? Any issues with the standard bike? Any bike I get I'll probably retro fit the QS.
Given the current prices, I would say (if the budget allows) to go for the SP rather than standard. The benefits in suspension alone justify the move AND you get the QS. I can't draw a comparison with the 2014, having not owned or even ridden one. I have though, made various comments comparing my 2011. It is essentially the same bike though I agree it might be a smidge smaller but if so it is VERY negligible. (I am 5'9") Power seemed more snap on and smoother with the 2018 in completely std trim, although the 2011 has a Yoshi. I hope @Wozza will weigh in with this because he has the SP and has done some serious mileage!! Good points are the various electronic 'rider modes' which are particularly useful for those switching between commuting and weekend blasts. Likewise with the programable suspension, although as I have previously said, for me, once it's set I to my requirements I leave it. Bad points? I haven't found any. Not being a smart-arse; I am just so pleased with mine!
The engine is soooo smooth, my 2012 wasn't rough by any means but the SP1 is a great bike. I didn't even test ride any other bikes. Stick to what I know. Despite my throttle issue I would still recommend one, because I believe it can be resolved with a re-map. It's not just the SP1, Kawasaki seem to have an issue too
When I brought my 16 a chap was out trying a 18 and he had taken mine out a week before, he said mine handled better and felt the 18 turn in to much and no feeling That’s just what he said, I have not tried it
With due respect to your mate, that's perhaps more a case of his tyres being crap versus new tyres on the 2018.
I owned a 2015 black edition for a smidge over 1 year and loved it. I did 2 track days at Rockingham and me and the bike were one. Some might argue that the 2015 lacked power but it was more capable than me and gave me hundreds of smiles per mile. Fast forward to this year i purchased the newer 2017 blade with all the toys including a quick shifter. By comparison this thing feels like a 125cc due to its tiny stature. Its as fast as the 2015 and some might say its faster. But my riding ability isnt hugely different from when i owned the 2015 so for me the extra horses are just a number though I'm sure I've felt them a few times. The additional electronics arent intrusive for my riding style, i guess if anything they will keep me safer by mopping up on any errors i make in my inputs based on my judgement. I loved the 2015 and i love my current MY17 so its a hard call for me. I haven't yet managed a track day on the current bike which would give me a feel for the electronics because i cant push this machine on the roads i ride. A new bike purchase is always exciting and keeps your interest peaked so it will never be a bad decision unless your are a track focussed rider in which case i would wait for someone with track experience on the MY17 to chime in.
Not a mate Nigel just some random bloke who took mine for a test ride and the next week took the new one for a test ride to decided what one to have but he was to late on my one
Hi I went from the same HRC 2014 blade as you to a 2018 sp1......my view is the weight difference you really do notice ....the bars are arrow like ,makes the bike feel more focused, the power modes are great bike is and feels more powerfull and spins up quicker and of course breaking power improved with the Brembo....I have had no throttle issues and have kepted with the standard pipe....I did ride the others v4s....R1m....gsxr1000 ...zx10r but the build quality and feel at home straight away did it for me...,quick shifter is great ,,,,in summary I have never gone so quick in a easy controlled manner....it loves high revs but does have low down grunt so 10k revs in 3rd your into porridge for life....have a test ride and decide for yourself...
Can't compare to the 14, as my previous was 09. But have been really happy with the standard 17, I didnt get the SP as my wife rides pillion occasionally. I'be used mine for commuting and done 4 track days. No issues at all with the throttle, but did have an issue with the QS was rectified by greasing the top ball/swivel joint. Not sure why some say they are really tiny, yes they feel light and narrow but the actual ergonomics have not changed much from the previous models. I'm 6'4" and will happily ride long distances. Overall a great bike, typical Honda, very smooth easy to ride, and more power than you will ever need on the road or track.
Singh1000rr the sp it heads and tails better than the standard model I have had both. My sp can go for £14.500 and not a penny less it’s covered 1200 miles and I done an evening at snetterton 3 sessions in novice, couple of extras fitted tail tidy etc.
You'd hope so that's why they are over £4 grand dearer. I'd be pissed if i'd paid c £19 grand for an SP and it wasn't much better than a standard. But then again its shite if you want a take a pillion
