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After a fruitless search for a nice Falco at reasonable money - who decided they had to go up in value so much just because I wanted another one? - I went and bought something else instead.

Got a good deal too. Well under budget which means we can probably afford to go on holiday this year now.

And I've never had one of these either so I've scored a first. It's history is a bit suss, though it's HPI clear and I've got loads of MOT's to verify the mileage, but it has definitely been down on the left hand side at some point. Good nick apart from that, and the engine is sweet as a nut.

Need to sort the suspension out though as every adjuster is at maximum.

Might go for a quick play tomorrow.

Oh yes. It's a Fireblade.

Sounds good

.... so which variety of 'Blade have you got then?


PICS PLEASE !

Quite like the first of the fox-eye blades, them and the last of the ZX9-Rs.

Just done the same thing but ended up with a T595

woodbutcher wrote:Just done the same thing but ended up with a T595

You really are "Mr Triumph", Bob!

Nooj wrote:Quite like the first of the fox-eye blades, them and the last of the ZX9-Rs.

Got my late model ZX9R (2002) delivered yesterday lunchtime. Our road was clear so no problems, other than getting it taxed. Didn't realise until yesterday that virtually all post offices now close at noon. Couldn't do it on line as tax wasn't continous and anyway only got the MOT cert delivered with the bike.
Finally managed to get Tax sorted at the head post office in town just before they closed, so then just needed a sunny Sunday!
Looked just as good as I remembered it in the showroom and looks to have been really well looked after, don't think it has ever seen rain, never mind salt!
Almost standard except for a Pyramid rear hugger and R&G crash bungs

More to follow .......................

TheManWithNoName wrote:After a fruitless search for a nice Falco at reasonable money - who decided they had to go up in value so much just because I wanted another one? - I went and bought something else instead.

Got a good deal too. Well under budget which means we can probably afford to go on holiday this year now.

And I've never had one of these either so I've scored a first. It's history is a bit suss, though it's HPI clear and I've got loads of MOT's to verify the mileage, but it has definitely been down on the left hand side at some point. Good nick apart from that, and the engine is sweet as a nut.

Need to sort the suspension out though as every adjuster is at maximum.

Might go for a quick play tomorrow.

Oh yes. It's a Fireblade.

Sounds a nice bike, Let us know a bit more about the it, which model etc., and what your first impresions are, oh yeh, and some photos when you can.

I'd always thought I'd get a Blackbird or possible a Blade when I got rid of my old CBR1000F (Falco stays!!!!).
Then I saw the 9R and it looked good .................. and got a good deal on the old CBR thou.
Be an interesting comparison with the Blade.

How on Earth do you post pictures on here?

Anyway. She's a Black and Orange RRT. 918cc. Lots of owners but naff all miles (14K with MOT's to back it up).

I've bought her primarily to fulfil a desire to do more TD's after doing Mallory on a Bandit 12 last year and catching the bug.

Then I might Streetfighter her to make her a bit more comfy over long distance. Or I might leave her well alone. Not decided yet.

Managed half an hour out yesterday but, what with having naff all grip and my hands starting to tingle with the cold, plus the suspension settings are in desperate need of sorting, didn't really get to test her true abilities. She feels tight chassis wise but the bouncy bits issue upsets her big time on less than perfect surfaces, and she struggles to get traction as the rear shock is way too stiff. Led to a couple of 'interesting' moments did that.

Still, the engine is fit as a fiddle though lacking in bottom and midrange grunt compared to the Bandit, my old ZX9, and the Falco. Could be something to do with gearing because they're supposed to be reasonably strong. Or it could just be that I've been spoiled over the last few years. I'm ordering a C&S set next month and will put standard sprockets on (16F + 42R). Haven't a clue what's on it now. Nothing wrong with the delivery higher up the rev range. She takes off like a scalded cat then so I may have to 'relearn' how to ride a 2 stroke 4 stroke.

Brakes are good but she'll need pads at the front before I do take her on track. I might put braided lines on at the same time though there's no appreciable 'swell' in the hoses as yet. We'll see.

I don't want to spend too much on a 13 year old bike other than consumables tbh. I could fork out £1000-1500 and have a minter but I'll never see that money again and she might not be a keeper other than as a TD tool so is it worth it? I'll decide later in the year I suppose.

She'll be treated to a service, proper clean, and a thorough check over before summer comes. And then we'll go and have some fun. At least I like going in the garage again which is more than can be said when I had the Bandit. Just never got on with that bike.

Oh yeah. The ZX9 is a fabulous bike. Truly. If I hadn't written mine off in May I'd still have it. Plenty of power, decent handling, good looks, loads of room for proper sized people, comfy over distance (better than the Falco if I'm honest), reliable, cheap(ish) to run - cheaper than most on Insurance and 50mpg on a run_- and wail like a Banshee at high revs. Oh yes. A brilliant and vastly underrated bike. So enjoy Howard.

TheManWithNoName wrote:How on Earth do you post pictures on here?

.... you follow the instructions


https://www.ridersite.com/viewtopic.php?t=231


Hope that sorts things out.

Hope you enjoy the Blade, I've only ever ridden two, the Urban Tiger, the classic silver.yellow/brown Foxeye, which I loved and wanted for years but never seemed to get one of my own, (then I got the Falco and I was sold for life)! When I sold the old CBR1000F I got realistic as I wanted something I could ride fairly regular even in winter, (If I got a good Urban Tiger I would want to wrap, it in cotton wool), so started looking at the 1999 model like my best mate had for some time, which I rode quite a few times and was more comfortable for an old fart like me, or more likely still a Blackbird.
Then I found a Kwack ZRX1200S, but it got sold and I started thinking about Kwackers again.
You've recently heard the rest of my story, found and bought a very nice 9R.
Think you'll like the Blade, they're well made and a fun bike as well as being bloody quick.
Enjoy it.

See if this works.[/img]

^^^There she is^^^

A Blade in the snow.

It looks good against the snow, in fact it looks good full stop.
Always liked that colour scheme and the 1998 ish CBR600 in similar black and graphite. Then again it is mainly black, so I could be biased.
Having said that, hopefully there won't be any more of the white stuff, so you can get out and have a play this weekend.
Enjoy it!