A little bit about the 954 FireBlade

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Just a little bit about my 2 years, and 7k odd miles on a 954 FireBlade.

Released in 2002, and 2003. This was the final version of the sub 1000cc FireBlade. Last one designed by Tadao Baba and if you speak to any 954 owner long enough they'll mention this at least three times.

Pretty comprehensively overlooked when it first came out and we were all too busy being wowed by the headline figures of the GSXR, and R1. The ZX9R was still a portly sports tourer at this stage, so the 'Blade slotted into third in the Superbike arms race. This meant that very few were sold, and those that were sold weren't bought by nutters and head bangers, so lots of them have been very well looked after.

The 954 is all day comfy. Very roomy for a Superbike, still more comfy over big distance than the current generation Fireblade (note the little B). They do come with the world's longest hero blobs, best to take these off. Even with them removed you won't touch the exhaust down first.

The 954 is light, really light. Or so the 954 owner would have you believe. It's weight was quoted at 168kg, but this was the last year that Honda took the piss with their weighing technique. So it's 168 kilos without fork oil, engine oil, coolant, fuel, and battery. All of that said. Compared to a current general bike, it's still light and very well balanced. The current generation blade feels slightly heavier if I'm being honest.

The motor is outgunned by both the GSXR and the R1 of the age, but being silky smooth and having a brilliantly balanced chassis means that you can exploit the power you do have far more. This makes the 954 a great fast road bike. That chassis is excellent. Superbly balanced. The swingarm is bolted to the back of the crank cases, which is great for making swingarm longer for more stability, but less good if someone hits the back of you. It will shake it's head from time to time, but mine's never tried to do anything nasty. A steering damper might be wise if you're easily scared or an eight stone featherweight TT racer. Honda's second generation fuel injection is ok. It's not a kangerooing snatchy mess like say the 2006 FZ1, but it's not as refined as other 8 injections systems. A power commander is by no means required, it still fuels extremely well.

It also boasts underseat storage. A rarity on Superbikes these days, so your sandwiches can come to work with you. The Titanium exhaust is light, and the can is routed in the conventional position means your arse doesn't get burnt in the summer and it's a two minute job to change the can.

Overall it's a great bike. It's aged extremely well. It can live with modern superbikes on track, and still tour in comfort with some soft luggage. Heck Honda have even given you bungee hooks on it. At £3k for a good one, it's well worth a look.

(I've forgotten how to embed from your attachements. , one photo is from my last trackday, going for elbow down on road tyres, the other is from my trip to the IOM. On the very same tyres. )


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[m3-paul]

Interesting read. I have the earlier 918 and bloody love it for all the reasons you have given about your bike.

Very usable bikes, that are still very decent.
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[Alex A]

That's a great unmolested example

I do think they're over-hyped at times. A K5/6 GSX-R1000 is only a few years newer but feels several generations better in every sense (comfort included). But there's no doubt the 954 makes a superb all-rouder sports bike, and it's built/finished very well compared with their modern counterparts. The aesthetics alone make it a dead cert classic.

[Jambon]

Enjoyed reading your post, it certainly sounds like a half decent bike. What is Bedford Aerodrome like? I've got a track day there in April.
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[Aff]

Good read.

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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[Joncrete Cungle]

I am flogging the CBR600 this year and am on the lookout for a 929 or 954 blade.

[nerald]

I bought one new in 2002. I was at the time riding a 1992 893CC Fireblade. Where the old bike would shake its head the 2002 was completely stable but I suppose that is 10 years of developement for you. The idea for me at the time was to buy the bike and keep it. I paid £6800 for it fitted with alarms and smartwater etc (for insurance purposes). My theory was it would still be worth £3000 after 10 years so wouldn,t be too bad an investment. Unfortunately for me an incident with a roundabout resulted in 1 ex Fireblade and 1 broken ankle. Brilliant bike while it lasted and I may look for another in the future.
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[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Jambon]

Thanks for the reply. Who doesn't like crashing in impunity?!
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[Dean-J]

This thread is increasing my want for a 954 massively....

Although i prefer the look of the 929 - more research needed before i go piling into buying one i think!
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