VFR Replacement - Fireblade?
Discussion
I'm starting to look at a replacement for my VFR1200F.
As much as I absolutely love the bike I would like something lighter/sportier and with more advanced electronics (TC and an IMU). I know many will disregard the electronics but this bike will likely be kept for a while and used a lot so I want as good as my budget allows.
Reliability is one of the absolute top concerns, not just actual but perceived - I hated the nagging thought in the back of my head whenever I rode my previous BMW K bikes that something would go wrong (it often did!). With the VFR I simply don't have any concern over this.
I ride all year round including a reasonable amount of UK touring (possibly into Europe as well) so resistance to corrosion is also important.
I've been looking at the 2017 onwards Fireblade (budget maybe around £8k) and the KTM 1290GT or SA (R doesn't seem to have the weather/wind protection).
Any thoughts on these please? I know the earlier Blades had oil consumption/ABS issues but I understand this was solved in the 2017 redesign? Same goes for some of the KTM issues around this time?
I'm 33 and have ridden since 16 but it has been about 8 or 9 years since I had a full on sports bike (clip ons etc). I also currently have an old CBF500 and a CZ175 - I'm currently debating with myself which one to let go. I would have considered a GSXS1000GT but it doesn't have an IMU and the Ninja 1000SX just doesn't do it for me. I feel like I want to own a Superbike before I'm too old to ride one for any length of time!
As much as I absolutely love the bike I would like something lighter/sportier and with more advanced electronics (TC and an IMU). I know many will disregard the electronics but this bike will likely be kept for a while and used a lot so I want as good as my budget allows.
Reliability is one of the absolute top concerns, not just actual but perceived - I hated the nagging thought in the back of my head whenever I rode my previous BMW K bikes that something would go wrong (it often did!). With the VFR I simply don't have any concern over this.
I ride all year round including a reasonable amount of UK touring (possibly into Europe as well) so resistance to corrosion is also important.
I've been looking at the 2017 onwards Fireblade (budget maybe around £8k) and the KTM 1290GT or SA (R doesn't seem to have the weather/wind protection).
Any thoughts on these please? I know the earlier Blades had oil consumption/ABS issues but I understand this was solved in the 2017 redesign? Same goes for some of the KTM issues around this time?
I'm 33 and have ridden since 16 but it has been about 8 or 9 years since I had a full on sports bike (clip ons etc). I also currently have an old CBF500 and a CZ175 - I'm currently debating with myself which one to let go. I would have considered a GSXS1000GT but it doesn't have an IMU and the Ninja 1000SX just doesn't do it for me. I feel like I want to own a Superbike before I'm too old to ride one for any length of time!
Around 8K will get you an early H2 SX. 200bhp when neutered, up to 260 with no more than a flash, a filter and an exhaust. More electronics than a space shuttle! 
Mine has been ultra reliable, great fun to ride and still has the capability of loading up with a weeks forth of touring luggage.
Mine has been ultra reliable, great fun to ride and still has the capability of loading up with a weeks forth of touring luggage.
I haven't owned a modern Fireblade (had older ones) but did have a 2016 GSXR1000 for 3 years from new. I rode that for fun, to commute and also down to Italy, the Swiss Alps, Scottish Highlands (from Kent), Wales etc.
I rode it in any weather on my commute (but not every day) and washed it sporadically during winter and when I sold it it looked like new. No rust or corrosion anywhere It's also a really comfortable sports bike (relatively speaking) as you tend to sit lower in the bike and the footpegs (for me at 5'9") were not too cramped. I used Oxford throw over luggage and a small Givi tank bag when touring. They are very fast though and it's easy to get carried away!!!
I rode it in any weather on my commute (but not every day) and washed it sporadically during winter and when I sold it it looked like new. No rust or corrosion anywhere It's also a really comfortable sports bike (relatively speaking) as you tend to sit lower in the bike and the footpegs (for me at 5'9") were not too cramped. I used Oxford throw over luggage and a small Givi tank bag when touring. They are very fast though and it's easy to get carried away!!!
Didn't Honda have to redo the electronics on the early new gen Blade?
We obviously have the nearly killing McGuinness debacle but I thought there were lots of complaints about the road bike too.
I'm no electronics luddite but I wouldn't rule out a bike because it didn't have an IMU. I've never seen a review where anyone has said a bike with traction control etc. but not an IMU is deficient.
As such I'd get a GSX S1000GT - I'd put my house on it never going wrong.
We obviously have the nearly killing McGuinness debacle but I thought there were lots of complaints about the road bike too.
I'm no electronics luddite but I wouldn't rule out a bike because it didn't have an IMU. I've never seen a review where anyone has said a bike with traction control etc. but not an IMU is deficient.
As such I'd get a GSX S1000GT - I'd put my house on it never going wrong.
I had a 2011 Fireblade for a long time and it did have oil and ABS issues. At least a litre of oil every 1000 miles so that was a pain when touring. ABS would just like sll pressure at the lever randomly and took a couple of pulls to get it back, only ever happened at low speeds. When I swapped it I had a 2017 SP on loan for a couple of days and whilst it was night and day better than mine I found it a bit meah! And it didn't really excite me. I finished up with an S1000rr and am now on my second, miles in front of the Blade. Don't know if you can get one in your budget. At the very least it's worth having a spin on one. As an aside I am a big Honda fan boy.
black-k1 said:
Around 8K will get you an early H2 SX. 200bhp when neutered, up to 260 with no more than a flash, a filter and an exhaust. More electronics than a space shuttle!
Mine has been ultra reliable, great fun to ride and still has the capability of loading up with a weeks forth of touring luggage.
I've just looked and wondered why H2 SXes come down in price so quickly as the mileage goes up – it looks like the 30,000-mile service costs £1600. Nice!Mine has been ultra reliable, great fun to ride and still has the capability of loading up with a weeks forth of touring luggage.
trickywoo said:
TimmyWimmyWoo said:
I've just looked and wondered why H2 SXes come down in price so quickly as the mileage goes up – it looks like the 30,000-mile service costs £1600. Nice!
Is that mainly supercharger related? I recall it being a service item.My 15,000 mile service was £850, Mine is in at the moment for it's 30,000 mile service. The estimate before I put it in was £1,600 but included the fitting of a new chain and sprockets and the fitting of a new set of 01SEs, supplied by the dealer . As this is the valve clearance check, I expected it to be pricey.
The forums have very few reported issues. Those that have issues have generally been tuned beyond 230bhp and tend to make regular appearances at the drag strip, but even then, it's a small number compared to the number of bikes actually flashed/tuned.
I'd happily buy a s/h H2 SX with a full dealer service history. The build quality and the component quality is excellent and the performance is simply breathtaking.
If you think you might like one, get a test ride on one. I promise you will be glad you did.
trickywoo said:
TimmyWimmyWoo said:
I've just looked and wondered why H2 SXes come down in price so quickly as the mileage goes up – it looks like the 30,000-mile service costs £1600. Nice!
Is that mainly supercharger related? I recall it being a service item.Edited by Krikkit on Wednesday 3rd January 14:03
Triaguar said:
I had a 2011 Fireblade for a long time and it did have oil and ABS issues. At least a litre of oil every 1000 miles so that was a pain when touring. ABS would just like sll pressure at the lever randomly and took a couple of pulls to get it back, only ever happened at low speeds. When I swapped it I had a 2017 SP on loan for a couple of days and whilst it was night and day better than mine I found it a bit meah! And it didn't really excite me. I finished up with an S1000rr and am now on my second, miles in front of the Blade. Don't know if you can get one in your budget. At the very least it's worth having a spin on one. As an aside I am a big Honda fan boy.
Yeah, reliability is what I want more than "wow factor". Unfortunately after my last two BMW experiences you couldn't pay me to own another. I simply don't trust them mechanically. trickywoo said:
Didn't Honda have to redo the electronics on the early new gen Blade?
We obviously have the nearly killing McGuinness debacle but I thought there were lots of complaints about the road bike too.
I'm no electronics luddite but I wouldn't rule out a bike because it didn't have an IMU. I've never seen a review where anyone has said a bike with traction control etc. but not an IMU is deficient.
As such I'd get a GSX S1000GT - I'd put my house on it never going wrong.
I just feel it's the latest safety aid that could come in VERY handy if ever needed reallyWe obviously have the nearly killing McGuinness debacle but I thought there were lots of complaints about the road bike too.
I'm no electronics luddite but I wouldn't rule out a bike because it didn't have an IMU. I've never seen a review where anyone has said a bike with traction control etc. but not an IMU is deficient.
As such I'd get a GSX S1000GT - I'd put my house on it never going wrong.
black-k1 said:
As ever with such things, there are the internet fed "Hans Christian Andersen" stories and there are the facts.
Fair enough, but the figure I quoted was from a main dealer website. Not everyone on the internet is making stuff up! Naturally not everything will need doing for every bike I guess. From: https://www.mandpkawasaki.co.uk/kawasaki-aftersale...
TimmyWimmyWoo said:
Fair enough, but the figure I quoted was from a main dealer website. Not everyone on the internet is making stuff up! Naturally not everything will need doing for every bike I guess. From: https://www.mandpkawasaki.co.uk/kawasaki-aftersale...
The labour isn’t that bad but £900+vat of parts, wow.trickywoo said:
TimmyWimmyWoo said:
Fair enough, but the figure I quoted was from a main dealer website. Not everyone on the internet is making stuff up! Naturally not everything will need doing for every bike I guess. From: https://www.mandpkawasaki.co.uk/kawasaki-aftersale...
The labour isn’t that bad but £900+vat of parts, wow.You mentioned the KTMs; I have a 2023 1290 SAS and its been fantastic and 100% reliable. Owners of the GT say the same on the KTM UK forum.
"Perceived" reliability is not something KTM have unfortunately, and devalue quickly. As such they make a bargain used purchase.
On the other hand, a new SAS can be had for £14k at the moment... with a 4 year warranty. No superchargers, but ALL the electronics, including radar cruise. Admittedly having the £1k tech pack is a near must, plus £180 for the factory heated grips.
A GT would be more fun, but are a bit more expensive even with the deals at the moment.
If I wanted a sports bike, maybe the GT would be better, or just go full-on-sports and get a GXSR1000 or R if you want bulletproof reliability IMHO.
Heard not so great things about the GSXS1000GT (quailtiy wise) but the engines are bombproof
edit - get the superbike before you get too old!!!
"Perceived" reliability is not something KTM have unfortunately, and devalue quickly. As such they make a bargain used purchase.
On the other hand, a new SAS can be had for £14k at the moment... with a 4 year warranty. No superchargers, but ALL the electronics, including radar cruise. Admittedly having the £1k tech pack is a near must, plus £180 for the factory heated grips.
A GT would be more fun, but are a bit more expensive even with the deals at the moment.
If I wanted a sports bike, maybe the GT would be better, or just go full-on-sports and get a GXSR1000 or R if you want bulletproof reliability IMHO.
Heard not so great things about the GSXS1000GT (quailtiy wise) but the engines are bombproof
edit - get the superbike before you get too old!!!
Edited by snagzie on Thursday 4th January 09:06
black-k1 said:
The big cost is the fuel pump. Having talked to the dealer I've made the decision not to replace the fuel pump. There are recondition and upgrade kits available for around £100 that get good reviews on the forums.
black-k1 said:
Mine is in at the moment for it's 30,000 mile service. The estimate before I put it in was £1,600 but included the fitting of a new chain and sprockets and the fitting of a new set of 01SEs, supplied by the dealer . As this is the valve clearance check, I expected it to be pricey.
So what you're saying k1 is... that the service does cost £1600 if you do it by the book? What was that about fairy tales?Krikkit said:
black-k1 said:
The big cost is the fuel pump. Having talked to the dealer I've made the decision not to replace the fuel pump. There are recondition and upgrade kits available for around £100 that get good reviews on the forums.
black-k1 said:
Mine is in at the moment for it's 30,000 mile service. The estimate before I put it in was £1,600 but included the fitting of a new chain and sprockets and the fitting of a new set of 01SEs, supplied by the dealer . As this is the valve clearance check, I expected it to be pricey.
So what you're saying k1 is... that the service does cost £1600 if you do it by the book? What was that about fairy tales?Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff