Its that time again, itchy feet. I am not in a hurry to move the X J R on but i have been searching for a bike for Ooga and i have noticed that you can pick a 94/97 2nd Generation Fireblade for around 2k or less, and i quite fancy one. If i can i would like to run it as a 2nd bike and move the CB900 on.

I havnt looked into the insurance viability yet and they will probably laugh when i ask but being a moderatly old git i might be in for a chance.

I am thinking maby accident damaged would be the cheeper option, rip all the plastics off and bulid a fighter. Single seat stumpy dumpy fun.

My question is this:

Any one had one, what are the early models like to own (reliablity/handling etc), am i just plain barmy.

Ace, get yourself onto here http://firebladeriders.proboards43.com/ and the guys & gals will be pleased to discuss it. We have several hundred members now, and loads have earlier model blades.

If you really want convincing look in the gallery! Mouthwatering examples for little money.

I've thought about one as well. You can get them for very reasonable prices and it's a hell of a lot of bike for your money. It goes without saying... Zomb!e had one.

Chears Wolf i'll check it out.



Zomb!e's had everything, he is just a slapper when it comes to bikes....

Problem is, the X J R is worth more than the model blade i want, i dont realy want to go backward in value, and if the blade is going to depreciate it will do so quicker than the X J R.

........

I just quized my insurance company and they recon that they will do it for £307 (tpft), that is the X J R, Fireblade and CB900.... Tempting or wat !

I've got a 98 blade on a 99 plate and TBH it's probably as much bike as anyone needs as opposed to wants. It goes well, handles well (the later carbed blades are just s-o-o-o easy to ride), gives superb fuel economy for a sports bike if you want it to, and has been utterly reliable. I took mine to the TT a couple of times loaded up with soft luggage - it just lapped it up. Brilliant bikes. I fitted Carbone Lorraine brake pads and they were an improvement on the OEM stuff, and Bridgestone tyres insted of the OEM michelins. Only problem I've had was a battery that went flat and wouldn't take a charge because I left it in the garage over winter with the alarm on and no charger - my fault and hardly something you could blame Honda for.

Get one if you want one - I don't think you'll regret it.


al.

Mate of mine had a Fireblade in Marlboro racing colurs...

Apparently it was really fast, especially when going past the Hungarian Police on one wheel!!!! That's always the image I have whenever the Blade is mentioned.

However, I have heard very good things about it from every review I have read, including one a few years ago (mid 90s, I think) where they basically rode a CBR900 continuously (stopping only to refresh riders) for something like 30,000 miles at 120mph over about 11 days. They detailed all the parts that had to be replaced (weren't that many) and gave it a fantastic write-up.

Finish on the early blade was bomb proof so should still look good...

16.5inch front wheel is love it or hate it

Work on the idea that it has been crashed as opposed to it hasn't...loverly engine V quick...

Original ones are rare...go for it with your eyes wide open and twill be fab

Thanks for the replies, it is very helpfull.