Lovely video and well done for considering the next owner. Most of my later bikes were Hondas. I started Japanese bikes with a CBR1000F in 1987. I had 4 of these and loved the look of the FK red, blue and white model. A work of art. Two new Blackbirds (1997 and 2004) Relentless acceleration and probably faster than the Fireblades. I had a new 2002 GSX1000R. Frightened me to death. Too light for its acceleration and kept wheelying. Only did less than 1000k and sold it before I died. Bought a 1995 Fireblade urban tiger and used it for 5 years as a work bike come Summer and Winter. Finished with a 954 Fireblade, and finally gave up bikes after 58 years when arthritis took over as I couldn't feel the handgrips. The best was the Urban Tiger, although they all gave immense pleasure.
You have had some cool bikes. Sorry abou the arthritis, it really isn't fair. I haven't had a 954, but I have heard that they were the best model, maybe I'll get one next. I keep coming back to fireblades, there is just something about them.
Sir thank you for going thru this bike. I have 97 900rr with dynojets and little mods. You carburator calibration video guided me for first time and now im good at it. Perfect bikes.
Ohhh this takes me back to when I had a 97 RRV Blade in HRC colours, loved that bike, developed it over a couple of years with Ohlins rear shock and fork kit, crashed it twice, rebuilt it twice even rode to the South of France on it a couple of times, no comfort issues, funnily enough your footrest lowering kit is the same I had, but reversed so it gave better ground clearance, that bike was the first that I got my knee down on and I was in my early 40's at the time, stupidly part-ex'd it in 2004 for a new RR4 Fireblade which although was faster was so uncomfortable I hated it on the annual ride to France and back, with mates. I've subsequently owned 5 different model Blades, but my all time fav has to be that 1997 RRV, and although this might sound strange, and a different manufacturer but my GSXR1000K5 felt to me so much like my 1997 RRV just in a faster ultimately more comfortable better handling package, two bikes I wish I'd never sold, alone with my VTR SP1 🤔
@@SPANNERRASH You know you want to... I had a 954, great bike, but tbh, as much as I love Blades, the GSXR1000K5/6 is so much better, better get one before they get too pricey, every time I look they are still going for what I paid for my second one in 2015.
I beat to death my US CBR900RR with thousands of unknown miles (broken odometer) commuting daily for 13 years! NEVER adjusted the valves .Just oil changes and a stator or two.I finally gave it to my son and bought a gently used 954RR still riding for 9 years with four more to go to retirement.
I had one back when they were new, early '90s! One of the best, and an amazing step up from the other bikes at the time. I did have a YPVS and an early Slabby afterwards, but the 'Blade was best.
@@SPANNERRASH I still have my YPVS as well… but the Blade is such a beautiful, simple, light machine. I’ve had all sort of super superbikes over the years including GSXR’s R1’s Panigale’s… but my Blade is more than fast enough for me now
Your like me . I have a bigb thing for Bandits 1200 . Now i was in my workshop today to replace the front tyre whaich i did .But once i took the front wheel out i started to clean the fork legs so much so i ended up polishing them both to a glass finish . Now i should have stopped there .No i also did the fork seals .Now tomorrow i am going to adjust the chain and fit a new center stand but i have noticed a small oil leak around the gear change shaft . You see what i mean lol .Great stream .Thanks👍👍👍
I had a 1997 Honda black bird and they are amazing the power is smooth jet like think about the blackbird but whatever you get most importantly stay Comfortable
Thanks. I did find the engine on the blade great, even from really low down. I think that carbed bikes are much smoother at lower revs than injected ones. I'm surprised I have never had a Blackbird, they're definitely on the list of possibilities.
@@SPANNERRASH Just subscribed to your channel, great videos! I'm 61 and have the oportunity to buy a '97 fireblade so your video was so fascinating. But my mind tells me to buy a Forza 750 or so while I just love that fireblade. I'll ride it and see how it goes and how much it hurts ha ha. Thanks for your super interesting videos!
@@Peter-Alexander Never say never, but a Forza? I am onto a VFR at the moment, and it is great, but I do miss the Fireblade! I also like project bikes, watch my efforts with my CB823 Cafe Racer when the vid comes out tomorrow. Take care, and thanks for watching and your kind words.
@@SPANNERRASH Have to admit I did not consider a VFR and maybe I should. Came up with the Forza because I thought it would be really easy, I realize it is something completely different but probably fun too. Haven't been on a bike since 30 yrs you see....I am considering the CBR650R as well as it seems a real nice bike and not too harsh on the wrists. But when I look at the fireblade I really love that bike! My very first bike was way back in 1980 when I bought the CB400F. Loved that bike....
Well, I finally bought a 1997 SC33! While the riding position is not as bad as I had expected. But my riding skills are more rusty than I thought. I find low speed cornering a bit tricky on the blade. Don't know if it has anything to do with the 16 inch front wheel. But for now I'll have to practice lots and lots. Did you replace your blade with a new bike? Best regards.
A 900 Hornet is on the list of bikes I might own, if all of the starts align, i.e I'm after a change, the bike is at the right price, and it catches my eye. You never know.
I just got a used bike exactly this model. And its top speed is 110. I don't know what is causing that much of a performance gap. Maybe the carbs are out of balance. I have no idea
110 is surprisingly low. How does it actually run? The blade engine pulls strong from virtually nothing, and really sings at the top end. The running might give you a clue. I don't think carb balance would reduce the top speed so much, the higher up the rev range the less impact the balance has. If the engine sounds fine, then maybe somebody has massively changed the gearing. Good luck, once you have it sorted you will love it.
@@SPANNERRASH it runs so good, it's very surprising. And it really does feel like the gearbox was messed with or changed. Because it's not due to a lack of power it literally just tops out the gearbox. It feels like all the gears are so much smaller. I can only get to 20 mph in first gear before it's maxed out rpm.
I'VE OWNED MY 96 ,4 SPEED 1200 HD SPORTY HERE IN NEW ZEALAND FOR 15 YRS.EVERYWHERE I GO BLOKES TELL ME HOW SORRY THEY ARE THEY SOLD THEIR S .THX FOR THE VID ANYWAY .
Yes when Honda brought out the Blade in '92 they used a lot of already in place design ideas. I am not surprised that when Suziki brought out the Hayabuse in '99 the also used a lot of the same ideas. Both great engines.
You said it! Youve had four for a reason 😊. I sold my 1000rr last year (immaculate 2006 model with 12000 miles) and regreted it as soon as i saw her being driven away. I'm sure you'll get another one soon. Let me guess. Either a Pan European ST 1100 or 1300? 😊
Great guesses, but wrong, and with your next thought I am sure you will be spot on. But the inro video won't be for a few weeks. We are motoring on with the E30 and the Cafe Racer at the moment. I hope you aren't disappointed when you find out, I am pretty pleased with it at the moment.
A lot of effort went into this, but you made it look so easy and relaxing.
Glad you enjoyed it! I do try to enjoy what I am doing, if I don't, nobody else would. Cheers.
Lovely video and well done for considering the next owner. Most of my later bikes were Hondas. I started Japanese bikes with a CBR1000F in 1987. I had 4 of these and loved the look of the FK red, blue and white model. A work of art. Two new Blackbirds (1997 and 2004) Relentless acceleration and probably faster than the Fireblades. I had a new 2002 GSX1000R. Frightened me to death. Too light for its acceleration and kept wheelying. Only did less than 1000k and sold it before I died. Bought a 1995 Fireblade urban tiger and used it for 5 years as a work bike come Summer and Winter. Finished with a 954 Fireblade, and finally gave up bikes after 58 years when arthritis took over as I couldn't feel the handgrips. The best was the Urban Tiger, although they all gave immense pleasure.
You have had some cool bikes. Sorry abou the arthritis, it really isn't fair. I haven't had a 954, but I have heard that they were the best model, maybe I'll get one next. I keep coming back to fireblades, there is just something about them.
A man after my own heart. Great video thanks.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I hope you enjoy some of our other videos too!
Enjoyed that mate 👌👍 and you've got a new subscriber, cheers ohh I've got the 4xv r1 had it 20years luv this bike. 🏍️👍
Cheers pal, welcome aboard! 😃
Sir thank you for going thru this bike. I have 97 900rr with dynojets and little mods. You carburator calibration video guided me for first time and now im good at it. Perfect bikes.
You are most welcome, I am really glad it helped.
Wow great job 👏 I miss my 1998 CBR 900rr 😍
Thanks. I miss every one I let go!
Ohhh this takes me back to when I had a 97 RRV Blade in HRC colours, loved that bike, developed it over a couple of years with Ohlins rear shock and fork kit, crashed it twice, rebuilt it twice even rode to the South of France on it a couple of times, no comfort issues, funnily enough your footrest lowering kit is the same I had, but reversed so it gave better ground clearance, that bike was the first that I got my knee down on and I was in my early 40's at the time, stupidly part-ex'd it in 2004 for a new RR4 Fireblade which although was faster was so uncomfortable I hated it on the annual ride to France and back, with mates.
I've subsequently owned 5 different model Blades, but my all time fav has to be that 1997 RRV, and although this might sound strange, and a different manufacturer but my GSXR1000K5 felt to me so much like my 1997 RRV just in a faster ultimately more comfortable better handling package, two bikes I wish I'd never sold, alone with my VTR SP1 🤔
I really should look at a GSXR1000 before I get too old :) I keep coming back to Blades, I also fancy a 954 because everybody says how good they are.
@@SPANNERRASH You know you want to... I had a 954, great bike, but tbh, as much as I love Blades, the GSXR1000K5/6 is so much better, better get one before they get too pricey, every time I look they are still going for what I paid for my second one in 2015.
Somebody's getting a very well-sorted Blade.
Thanks, it looks fabulous, and runs like a train. I am already missing it :)
I beat to death my US CBR900RR with thousands of unknown miles (broken odometer) commuting daily for 13 years! NEVER adjusted the valves .Just oil changes and a stator or two.I finally gave it to my son and bought a gently used 954RR still riding for 9 years with four more to go to retirement.
Blades are great. I haven't had a 954....YET!
Excellent video have had 4 myself different models 😊
Great to hear! Still got a hankering after a 954 :)
Very good person for doing all that before other owner 🎉 good job ❤
You are so kind, but doing the work on the bike is one of the things I like the most. I hate it when I have a bike with nothing to do on it :)
What a great channel just found u
Such kind words, Thanks for coming along on our journey.
I have a MK1 FireBlade, and I absolutely adore it….
I had one back when they were new, early '90s! One of the best, and an amazing step up from the other bikes at the time. I did have a YPVS and an early Slabby afterwards, but the 'Blade was best.
@@SPANNERRASH I still have my YPVS as well… but the Blade is such a beautiful, simple, light machine. I’ve had all sort of super superbikes over the years including GSXR’s R1’s Panigale’s… but my Blade is more than fast enough for me now
Your like me . I have a bigb thing for Bandits 1200 . Now i was in my workshop today to replace the front tyre whaich i did .But once i took the front wheel out i started to clean the fork legs so much so i ended up polishing them both to a glass finish . Now i should have stopped there .No i also did the fork seals .Now tomorrow i am going to adjust the chain and fit a new center stand but i have noticed a small oil leak around the gear change shaft . You see what i mean lol .Great stream .Thanks👍👍👍
And just when you get it all done, you sell it, and buy another! :)
I had a 1997 Honda black bird and they are amazing the power is smooth jet like think about the blackbird but whatever you get most importantly stay Comfortable
Thanks. I did find the engine on the blade great, even from really low down. I think that carbed bikes are much smoother at lower revs than injected ones. I'm surprised I have never had a Blackbird, they're definitely on the list of possibilities.
You are a genius!
Thanks
@@SPANNERRASH Just subscribed to your channel, great videos! I'm 61 and have the oportunity to buy a '97 fireblade so your video was so fascinating. But my mind tells me to buy a Forza 750 or so while I just love that fireblade. I'll ride it and see how it goes and how much it hurts ha ha. Thanks for your super interesting videos!
@@Peter-Alexander Never say never, but a Forza? I am onto a VFR at the moment, and it is great, but I do miss the Fireblade! I also like project bikes, watch my efforts with my CB823 Cafe Racer when the vid comes out tomorrow. Take care, and thanks for watching and your kind words.
@@SPANNERRASH Have to admit I did not consider a VFR and maybe I should. Came up with the Forza because I thought it would be really easy, I realize it is something completely different but probably fun too. Haven't been on a bike since 30 yrs you see....I am considering the CBR650R as well as it seems a real nice bike and not too harsh on the wrists. But when I look at the fireblade I really love that bike!
My very first bike was way back in 1980 when I bought the CB400F. Loved that bike....
Well, I finally bought a 1997 SC33! While the riding position is not as bad as I had expected. But my riding skills are more rusty than I thought. I find low speed cornering a bit tricky on the blade. Don't know if it has anything to do with the 16 inch front wheel. But for now I'll have to practice lots and lots. Did you replace your blade with a new bike? Best regards.
Got to be a vfr next !
;)
Blackbird?
Alrite mate where did you get the lower foot rest I've just bought a mint 99 blade
Here is a link for them ebay.us/B9J3x9 They make like so much easier.
Nice bike indeed. Far too low-riding for me, but a very nice finish (from your presentation). Ever thought about the 900 Hornet?
A 900 Hornet is on the list of bikes I might own, if all of the starts align, i.e I'm after a change, the bike is at the right price, and it catches my eye. You never know.
Somebody will be getting a much improved bike there 👍
Thanks, I never seem to buy one as good as this :) I wonder why?
I just got a used bike exactly this model. And its top speed is 110. I don't know what is causing that much of a performance gap. Maybe the carbs are out of balance. I have no idea
110 is surprisingly low. How does it actually run? The blade engine pulls strong from virtually nothing, and really sings at the top end. The running might give you a clue. I don't think carb balance would reduce the top speed so much, the higher up the rev range the less impact the balance has. If the engine sounds fine, then maybe somebody has massively changed the gearing. Good luck, once you have it sorted you will love it.
@@SPANNERRASH it runs so good, it's very surprising. And it really does feel like the gearbox was messed with or changed. Because it's not due to a lack of power it literally just tops out the gearbox. It feels like all the gears are so much smaller. I can only get to 20 mph in first gear before it's maxed out rpm.
I had 3, they all went strong till 280kmh
I'VE OWNED MY 96 ,4 SPEED 1200 HD SPORTY HERE IN NEW ZEALAND FOR 15 YRS.EVERYWHERE I GO BLOKES TELL ME HOW SORRY THEY ARE THEY SOLD THEIR S .THX FOR THE VID ANYWAY .
Always happy with a new bike though! Ha...
TRUE THAT !
Design on these engine is very much like the Busa engine
Yes when Honda brought out the Blade in '92 they used a lot of already in place design ideas. I am not surprised that when Suziki brought out the Hayabuse in '99 the also used a lot of the same ideas. Both great engines.
You said it! Youve had four for a reason 😊. I sold my 1000rr last year (immaculate 2006 model with 12000 miles) and regreted it as soon as i saw her being driven away. I'm sure you'll get another one soon. Let me guess. Either a Pan European ST 1100 or 1300? 😊
Great guesses, but wrong, and with your next thought I am sure you will be spot on. But the inro video won't be for a few weeks. We are motoring on with the E30 and the Cafe Racer at the moment. I hope you aren't disappointed when you find out, I am pretty pleased with it at the moment.
Never a disappointment with you two. Looking forward to seeing the E30 and CB750 progress - and to see the next one!
Bet it’s a VFR next 🤫
Spot on! Look at our other videos, you will see how right you were.
@@SPANNERRASH just subscribed 👍
Price
2150 GBP.
I noticed you’re chain is starting to kink on the video
Thanks. I never noticed an issue, I will have to watch the video again.
Vfr 800 ?
;)