..a 2002 Fireblade

[stoney]

Well as you know I have bought my first ever four cylinder bike, and it's a 15000 mile 2002 954rr Fireblade. I bought it from a friend who's had it since new and its been well maintained as he's a Honda trained mechanic who used to race national Supersport. It had just had its major service done which was handy as its over £300.

I've had in one week exactly, and done 400 miles on it. I changed the tyres from the new Pirelli Dragon Evos that were on it (as I put a small puncture in back tyre, and will get this repaired and refit them before I move the bike on, or sell them on ebay or something) for Michelin Pilot Power 2cts.

Other then that its as I bought it and totally standard.

I have just got back from a decent 130 mile run over to Hawes - I can tell you though that I am loving this bike! its soooo much fun. Really torquey and easy to ride (thats saying something compared to the BM). I love the rush over 8000rpm too (its still taking a bit of getting used to). The handling is fantastic, really quick to turn and very planted through the corners, even when they are bumpy. I am really impressed. Its a bit choppy over the bumpy stuff, but not too bad if I keep the revs steady.

I only stopped once for a pee so its fairly comfy too!

Why didn't I get one of these earlier!!!???? Anyone want to buy my R1200s?

[nessy]

Very nice bike...

[Dog Tyred]

Fantastic looking bike and looks flippin tidy for a 2002 bike. Sounds like you're well impressed.

Shall we say farewell now or wait till the end of the month.

Nu2

[stoney]

Shall we say farewell now or wait till the end of the month.

Ha, ha - only kidding - the BM stays - if for no other reason than;
• panniers
• tank range
• long distance comfort
• easier ride
• looks nice
• low maintainance

etc, etc,

If I'm one thing - it's fickle ( okay - and bald...and overweight) - not like PB though (he takes fickleness into a different league - he's the mayor of ficklesville - fickletastic) - but fickle none the less. The honeymoon period with the Blade will end I'm sure, and I'll look back and get embarressed at how gushing I was about the Blade....I think.

[Gromit]

Nice one Andy - and a lovely bike, no worries.

The 954 is probably my favourite 'Blade and the red is definitely the best colour.

[stoney]

Nice one Andy - and a lovely bike, no worries.

The 954 is probably my favourite 'Blade and the red is definitely the best colour.

Cheers Rich!

[throttlemeister]

The 954 is definitely the best blade in my opinion. It also seems to be the bike of choice for the VFR crowd that want more power and with a few modifications turn it into an awesome long distance sport-tourer.

[Gromit]

Another good thing about the 954 imho is that it's still quite a 'big' bike - reckon if I ever wanted a *replacement for the 'Bird it'd be something like this.

*But to be honest I really cannot think of anything I'd replace it with. 16 months now with the same bike. It's a record.

[stoney]

Another good thing about the 954 imho is that it's still quite a 'big' bike - reckon if I ever wanted a *replacement for the 'Bird it'd be something like this.

*But to be honest I really cannot think of anything I'd replace it with. 16 months now with the same bike. It's a record.

16 months a record!!????? Crumbs I had the R1200GS two years and I've had the R1200s 18 months...and plan on keeping it for maybe another 12 months or so. I guess I don't need to attend fickle bikers anonymous then

The 954 is still the lightest Blade to date at 168kg dry - thats the same as a GSXR750 and a Triumph Street Triple! granted it feels heavier due to the ergonomics but that why it feels 'big bike' comfortable as you say.

As for touring though - that 130-140 tank range (100-120 between fill ups) is a bit of a bore!

[Blackal]

I don't think there is a "honeymoon" period............. you'll never tire of it...................

I didn't realise it was so light, but you've only got to nail a tailpack to it and head off for weekends............... So what if you stop every 120 miles for fuel

A bike to keep

Al

[stoney]

Yeah - but if I turn it into a tourer I may hardly use the R1200s.

Al what sort of annual mileage do you do on each bike?

At the minute I've got the Blade on a one-month pay as go policy with e-bike as my main policy is due for renewal next month. Is a dual bike policy the way to go?

[Gromit]

16 months a record!!????? Crumbs I had the R1200GS two years and I've had the R1200s 18 months...and plan on keeping it for maybe another 12 months or so. I guess I don't need to attend fickle bikers anonymous then

The 954 is still the lightest Blade to date at 168kg dry - thats the same as a GSXR750 and a Triumph Street Triple! granted it feels heavier due to the ergonomics but that why it feels 'big bike' comfortable as you say.

As for touring though - that 130-140 tank range (100-120 between fill ups) is a bit of a bore!

Those who know me will be well aware of my 'there's an R in the month so time to change my bike' habits so bearing in mind the Blackbird's still here it's obviously doing something right. It just feels so 'together' and is such a great all-round package - and with 44k on the clock it still feels tight and solid. Still on the original drive chain too.

Wow - didn't realise the 954 was so light! Dare say the extra weight on the newer ones came from the underseat pipework etc.

[Blackal]

Yeah - but if I turn it into a tourer I may hardly use the R1200s.

Al what sort of annual mileage do you do on each bike?

At the minute I've got the Blade on a one-month pay as go policy with e-bike as my main policy is due for renewal next month. Is a dual bike policy the way to go?

Go for a multi-bike policy, bearing in mind the following:

Don't do it until your policy is due for renewal (unless the year's NCD doesn't matter) Oops - you've covered that one

The premium will now be based on the higher performance machine

Last year I did a (not too shabby):

9,000 miles on the Adv
4,000 miles (approx) on the BCR
4,500 miles on the R-1

As long as your Blade is comfortable for a whole day, and not just a few hours - you'll soon rack up the miles, although your R1200s is closer to the Blade in terms of performance than my BCR - so you may have a dilema

You're not going to do anything to the value by throwing a load of miles on it, and Honda reliability will take care of the miles.

Get yourself a tailpack now - when a great weekend is looming....................... you're better to be looking at one than looking for one

Al

[stoney]

Here's an up to date picture following a few minor mods.

I've fitted an MRA double bubble screen, an Akropovic titanium bolt-on silencer (road-legal) and some stomp grips. I've bought a Oxford humpback tailpack too.

The screen is great - looks good and is much better on the motorways and can even allow mw to ride at 70mph with my visor up. The can has smoothed out the sub 3000rpm fuelling a bit and the stomp grips make gripping the tank effortless even with textile clothing....just need to test the tail pack out.

[PBBoxer]

Fickle? Moi?

You cheeky git.

I had a bike 4 years I'll have you know! (Blackbird) (superb)

I had one for a day once also mind you