Why shouldn't I buy one over a 954?

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/28_1_sbl.jpg

I'd wanted one since I first saw one smothering a double page spread in Bike

It makes no sense, just pure desire, and part of owning the R6 is to determine whether I can get along with a bike not made by Mr Honda. Apart from the starting niggle with the R6 (and continual testing throughout spring most likely), I can't see any non-logical reason as to not owning one. Even the insurance is affordable. Prices also seem around the same than the R6, if I was to trade it in. I'd still keep the NC as a bike to try and get the best of, the R1 will be for daily use with the occasional weekend jaunt when I want to scare myself silly.

Early days maybe, but one can dream.

A CBR954 is also in the running - another exceptional road bike, but isn't quite as gorgeous.

Why not?

D O G · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Karma :

954 is prettier IMO, is a modern classic, and I would have thought they are rarer (and hence more exclusive) than the R1.

Should hold its value better also.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

The asthetics of each aren't what I'm debating. In my eye, the 954's okay looking, but no where near the classy design, colour scheme and lines of the R1. Nothing will change my opinion in that regard.

What I'm wondering is, is given that the 954 was highly regarded as an exceptional road bike at the time (and the R1 not /that/ far behind in these terms), is that reason enough to get one over the Honda?

It's a head/heart thing I guess.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

How tall are you Craig?
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craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

5'7 on a good day.

the grim reaper · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Karma :

I love Blades and would probably go for the 954 but only because my mate would never let me live it down if I bought Yamaha. However, I love those silver and black R1s, they are so gorgeous that I would be in the same boat as you.

I think in the end that the practicality of the Blade plus the fact that I know Honda so well would sway me towards the Honda but I would have to test ride both, just in case.

Nice dilemma to have, I wish I could afford either Crying or Very sad

Cheers

Grim
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Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

Yamahas rot and fall apart, Hondas don't. Wink

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tatters · Exxon Valdez Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :

My two 954,s are the best bikes l,ve ever owned proper 1st class Honda build quality excellent performance and looks, l would have another one but l,ve got a nasty habit of crashing them. Laughing

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craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

I don't know what Yamahas you've been looking at chaps, but of the very many I've seen at Gedges, and the R1 and R6 I test rode, none matched the Blade I have now for build quality or finish.

It's an old bigotry though, I'm aware they've improved (not Kawasaki though).
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"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

the grim reaper · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

My comments in regards to Yamaha's build quality is based upon the example I use everyday. It simply isn't an issue as to why I'd choose A Honda over it.

D O G · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Karma :

If you don't consider the build quality to be an issue, you prefer the look of the R1, and consider it to be an equally capable bike (which it probably is - in fact its probably better), then surely the decision is made?

the grim reaper · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Karma :

mark83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Karma :

I like the 98 R1, especially if you're stick a steering damper on it and use it mainly as a track tool.

And I like the new style R1s with the underseat exhausts.

But that one in your pic is not to my taste.

So as an all-round superbike, for that kind of money, the 954 is unbeatable.
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craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Surely there's more to it than that? Okay, I need to go out testing when the time comes, but I wouldn't mind something to aim for.

With the Honda's build quality trump card dismissed, and the fact that I prefer the looks of the Yamaha, is there anything else I should consider?

D O G · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Karma :

- Depreciation;
- Servicing costs;
- Riding position;
- Handling;
- The 'X' Factor...

https://www.solarnavigator.net/music/music_images/simon_cowell_on_red_x.jpg

Which one would he choose? Thinking

The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

If you're talking about THAT bike magazine which featured the 02-03 R1 and was regarded as one of the top 10 most beautiful bikes of all time, then yes, i'll definitely have the 03 R1. elegant lines and much better looking than any of the underseat R1's IMO. Get it. Do a mcGee and get a thou to complement the 600.
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Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

My understanding is that Yamaha tamed the R1 a little for road bias from 2000-2006. I'm going to have to read up on some reviews if no one has any direct comparison between the two. I need some comfort for daily use, but a bit of balls out performance wouldn't go amiss. Would the Blade be too civilised in this light?

The bike would be complementing my 400, not 600.

Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

The R1 in question is a 2002 model. 135rwbhp, so plenty for the road, but in the old 5 valve mill with itsgrunty 11.5k redline motor (renowned for its midrange at the time from what I can remember), not the top endy 13k version.