Suzuki Bandits Australia
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Fireblade

+4
Chook
Bosco15
paul
Ewok1958
8 posters

Go down

Fireblade Empty Fireblade

Post  Ewok1958 Sun 15 May 2016, 9:44 pm

I picked up a 2008 model CBR1000RR (Fireblade) yesterday from Blacklocks in Lavington (next to Albury) and rode it back to Canberra yesterday arvo, and then down to the farm today after visiting a mate in the northern Canberra suburbs this morning.

Fireblade Holbro10

Initial impressions. Fire it up, get on. Check mirrors and fuel. No fuel gauge! This model has a fuel warning light that comes on when you have 3.5 litres left in the tank, and lights and indicators on the multi-function display start doing their thing. So I turn it off, check the tank and see I have a full tank of fuel - thanks Blacklocks, bonus.

I take off, somewhat tentatively. Fairly cramped riding position for someone 188cm tall (6' 2" in the old scale). Seat to footpeg is 44cm, Bandit is closer to 50cm, so and that is significant. But what did I expect - this is a sports bike after all. And I can live with a bit of a scrunch but I will look at lowering the pegs.

Next impression. This 2008 model has heaps of low-down torque. From what I'd heard, I had expected things to be more like 8000rpm or stuff all. Nothing could be further from the truth. I'm upshifting at 3500 rpm and quickly run out of gears. It could easily pull a 7th or 8th gear.  It does not need high revs to be ridden at sane speeds and around town - I was even in 6th in the 60 kmph zones but 5th was probably better.

The Hume freeway is only two roundabouts away so I'm quickly on it. I'm cruising at 110kmph at about 4000 rpm. Redline is 13000 (and top speed is 286 kmph - or would be for someone significantly shorter than 188cm!). So far, apart from the riding position and slightly higher revs it isn't much different to the Bandit.  It rolls on strongly from 80kmph without downshifting (590 kms later I still haven't downshifted to overtake slower traffic). Talk of sports bikes having no midrange doesn't apply to this bike.

Ok, so can't see Mr Plod anywhere, so I roll on the throttle.  5500 rpm and the standard exhaust develops a distinct growl - very nice, it sounds like it means business and wants more. 6000rpm, 6th gear, and it pulls forward strongly, like it wants to pull my arms off. Wasn't expecting that - lucky I was holding on.  In lower gears this rpm will certainly bring on wheelies - note to self, behave yourself or learn how to wheelie.

I zip along at a sedate pace, every bump causing throttle movement and speed changes of up to 5kmph (it only weighs 205kg with a full fuel tank). No chance of holding a dead steady speed so I just keep it between 115 and 120 (indicated - I'm guessing it must have the usual speedo error so I feel that I'm ok). Must check the speedo error with my GPS next time out.

Suspension is hard. Front and rear both have adjustable compression ad rebound dampening, plus adjustable preload on the spring. Might soften things up a bit next week to be more in tune with NSW B roads. No corners on the road until I get south of Cooma. It cruises around those comfortably at 50+ the posted advisory. But I encounter a caravan and 5 cars behind it going down Brown Mt so I don't get to test it at all on slow corners. Will have to do some runs.

I refuel with 245 kms on the odo and no fuel light on yet.  The fuel economy readout (yep, it has that but no fuel gauge - go figure - I'm not sure that people who buy Fireblades are not worried about fuel economy!). But it's getting more than 20 kms per litre, so my 17.7 litre tank should be good for a range of 360kms, provided of course I don't get too addicted to the growl that become a howl as the tacho gets even further north of 6000rpm! bounce

I get home in one piece after 590kms. My back isn't sore, nor my neck or wrists so all that is good. The somewhat cramped position hasn't lead to anything worse, not this time out anyway.

I have to do about 5kms of gravel to get home so now it needs a wash.  Bummer! Fireblade 3407108393  But I do notice the lower overall weight (compared to the Bandit) as I push it into the shed. That's probably why the wind up on the Monaro was seeming to blow me around more.


Last edited by Ewok1958 on Mon 16 May 2016, 7:52 am; edited 1 time in total
Ewok1958
Ewok1958

Posts : 3940
Join date : 2010-08-03
Age : 65
Location : Bega, NSW

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  paul Mon 16 May 2016, 12:14 am

It's always fun exploring different bikes .............I don't know about the newer ones , but the early Blades were a pretty good all rounder  .( considering their design brief )

_________________
Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.






paul
paul

Posts : 7738
Join date : 2011-08-19
Age : 71
Location : Morphett Vale Sth. Aust.

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Bosco15 Mon 16 May 2016, 5:43 am

Nice write up, Dave. 
You can be assured of quality engineering,  as Mr Honda employees quality engineers. 
You are going to have some fun.  
Do yourself a flavour and book a track day. Very Happy

_________________
Some people are like slinkys. Not good for anything but they make you smile when you push them down the stairs.
Bosco15
Bosco15

Posts : 1359
Join date : 2013-12-04
Age : 54
Location : Newcastle

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Chook Mon 16 May 2016, 6:36 am

Ewok1958 wrote:
I take off, somewhat tentatively. Fairly cramped riding position for someone 188cm tall (6' 2" in the old scale). Seat to footpeg is 44cm, Bandit is closer to 50cm, so and that is significant. But what did I expect - this is a sports bike after all. And I can live with a bit of a scrunch but I will at lowering the pegs.

Think of it as a Pilates or Yoga class, plenty of stretching, imagine how easy your legs will bend to fit your other rides after a few weeks on this beast Wink
Chook
Chook

Posts : 4087
Join date : 2012-01-20
Age : 59
Location : Suburban Bendigo

https://www.facebook.com/groups/154520904856/?fref=ts

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  madmax Mon 16 May 2016, 7:27 am

Nice write up Dave. Sounds like your going to enjoy your new beast

_________________
2011 GSX1250FA in Candy Indy Blue
2018 BMW R1200RS Exclusive
2020 BMW R1250RS Exclusive
madmax
madmax

Posts : 4304
Join date : 2011-10-19
Age : 60
Location : Carrum Downs, Victoria

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  2wheelsagain Mon 16 May 2016, 8:44 am

Sounds like its just what you were after.
Please don't lower the pegs unless you absolutely have too.
You'll get used to and come to appreciate the firm suspension as well.
The +20km/L from a 170hp engine (that's probably producing 95hp at highway speeds) is another mark against the B1250 but even with their shortcomings we still love Bandits.

_________________
My posts reflect my personal  experience or opinion. You don't have to agree with me.
~ Chris ~
~ 0466 Ask ~
~ My Photography Blog Page ~
~ My YouTube Channel ~
~ Suzuki Bandits Australia Facebook Page ~
~ Half hr from the hills. Two minutes from the coast ~

~ My Bike ~
 BMW R1250RS
2wheelsagain
2wheelsagain
Admin

Posts : 6390
Join date : 2009-08-26
Age : 59
Location : Sale Area Vic

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU-axKVr_wDILSSK0-8GQ1A

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  reddog Mon 16 May 2016, 8:28 pm

There's nothing wrong with the position if it's comfortable. If your hips feel like popping out of joint then a peg mod would be a good idea

Come on 2wa you know you want another bandit Smile
reddog
reddog

Posts : 2523
Join date : 2010-09-27
Age : 46
Location : Allanson WA

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  2wheelsagain Mon 16 May 2016, 9:12 pm

reddog wrote:There's nothing wrong with the position if it's comfortable. If your hips feel like popping out of joint then a peg mod would be a good idea

Come on 2wa you know you want another bandit Smile
Nar mate. Some people probably think the Hillman Minx was the pinnacle of auto engineering too  Very Happy

_________________
My posts reflect my personal  experience or opinion. You don't have to agree with me.
~ Chris ~
~ 0466 Ask ~
~ My Photography Blog Page ~
~ My YouTube Channel ~
~ Suzuki Bandits Australia Facebook Page ~
~ Half hr from the hills. Two minutes from the coast ~

~ My Bike ~
 BMW R1250RS
2wheelsagain
2wheelsagain
Admin

Posts : 6390
Join date : 2009-08-26
Age : 59
Location : Sale Area Vic

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU-axKVr_wDILSSK0-8GQ1A

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  paul Wed 18 May 2016, 9:59 pm

2wheelsagain wrote:
reddog wrote:There's nothing wrong with the position if it's comfortable. If your hips feel like popping out of joint then a peg mod would be a good idea

Come on 2wa you know you want another bandit Smile
Nar mate. Some people probably think the Hillman Minx was the pinnacle of auto engineering too  Very Happy
You would need to go the Standard Ten to find the pinnacle 2WA ...................  Laughing  ( Yep , my first car was a 1959 one of these  ) 


Fireblade 5036910

_________________
Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.






paul
paul

Posts : 7738
Join date : 2011-08-19
Age : 71
Location : Morphett Vale Sth. Aust.

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Ewok1958 Mon 11 Jul 2016, 4:43 pm

Fireblade <a href=Fireblade Img_4913" />
The transformation project is nearly finished - same bike as in the first post above, but with all new plastic. Very Happy
Ewok1958
Ewok1958

Posts : 3940
Join date : 2010-08-03
Age : 65
Location : Bega, NSW

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  madmax Mon 11 Jul 2016, 5:09 pm

Ewok1958 wrote:Fireblade <a href=Fireblade Img_4913" />
The transformation project is nearly finished - same bike as in the first post above, but with all new plastic. Very Happy

Anybody got a magnifying glass?

_________________
2011 GSX1250FA in Candy Indy Blue
2018 BMW R1200RS Exclusive
2020 BMW R1250RS Exclusive
madmax
madmax

Posts : 4304
Join date : 2011-10-19
Age : 60
Location : Carrum Downs, Victoria

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Ewok1958 Mon 11 Jul 2016, 5:40 pm

Fireblade Img_4914
That should be better!
Ewok1958
Ewok1958

Posts : 3940
Join date : 2010-08-03
Age : 65
Location : Bega, NSW

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  paul Mon 11 Jul 2016, 9:32 pm

Certainly looks the part Ewok. Very Happy

_________________
Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.






paul
paul

Posts : 7738
Join date : 2011-08-19
Age : 71
Location : Morphett Vale Sth. Aust.

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  reddog Tue 12 Jul 2016, 8:52 am

Very nice! So that is a replica of Randy DePuniets bike?
reddog
reddog

Posts : 2523
Join date : 2010-09-27
Age : 46
Location : Allanson WA

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  madmax Tue 12 Jul 2016, 2:56 pm

Ewok1958 wrote:Fireblade Img_4914
That should be better!

Fireblade 959052286 much better

_________________
2011 GSX1250FA in Candy Indy Blue
2018 BMW R1200RS Exclusive
2020 BMW R1250RS Exclusive
madmax
madmax

Posts : 4304
Join date : 2011-10-19
Age : 60
Location : Carrum Downs, Victoria

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Ewok1958 Tue 12 Jul 2016, 5:36 pm

reddog wrote:Very nice! So that is a replica of Randy DePuniets bike?

I'm not sure if this variant is an exact copy RD - there were three different Playboy colour schemes to pick from. cheers
Ewok1958
Ewok1958

Posts : 3940
Join date : 2010-08-03
Age : 65
Location : Bega, NSW

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  reddog Tue 12 Jul 2016, 8:24 pm

You decide

Fireblade Playboy-de-puniet

It still looks classy mate *thumbs up*
reddog
reddog

Posts : 2523
Join date : 2010-09-27
Age : 46
Location : Allanson WA

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Ewok1958 Tue 12 Jul 2016, 9:26 pm

Seems like I'm missing one of the flashier parts! bounce bounce
Ewok1958
Ewok1958

Posts : 3940
Join date : 2010-08-03
Age : 65
Location : Bega, NSW

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Re-Cycled Tue 12 Jul 2016, 9:29 pm

Ewok1958 wrote:Seems like I'm missing one of the flashier parts! bounce bounce

Not sure how Bev will feel about the outfit! Laughing

_________________
Cheers Peter
Fireblade Teatim10
'96 1200s Bandit
2007 DL1000 V Strom
Re-Cycled
Re-Cycled

Posts : 2227
Join date : 2009-08-20
Age : 65
Location : Newcastle

https://www.facebook.com/groups/154520904856/

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  reddog Wed 13 Jul 2016, 5:14 am

Haha! Smile
reddog
reddog

Posts : 2523
Join date : 2010-09-27
Age : 46
Location : Allanson WA

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Ewok1958 Fri 22 Jul 2016, 12:28 pm

No white powder coated rims, but rim tape looks great in the flesh. The tank pad is a must as I was already putting scratches and wear marks on the tank plastic.

Fireblade Img_5012

Fireblade Img_5010

Fireblade Img_5011

Fireblade Img_5014

Fireblade Img_5013
Ewok1958
Ewok1958

Posts : 3940
Join date : 2010-08-03
Age : 65
Location : Bega, NSW

Back to top Go down

Fireblade Empty Re: Fireblade

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum