Foxeye Fireblade

[binge]

Been looking at bikes again. Keep going on and off the idea.
Took a friends 350bhp Evo for a spin, and NEED something with a bit of power again now. Simply can not afford to run 3 cars, so a bike is the only way to something fast.

Seems you can get a lot of bike for your money if you get a Foxeye blade.
Found a few very good examples, for around the £1700 marker.

My only question is, how are they, power/speed wise, in comparison to say, a 4xV R1?
Are they fast, like a litre sports bike? Or are they somewhere caught in between a 600cc SRAD, and a Bandit 1200?

I was after something supersports, but big enough to have a wrestle with, decent pillion seat, and something iconic.


Busa is my top choice. But funds dont quite allow.




Ben

[RhynoCZ]

[G]

Considerably lacking in freshness and sparkle compared to a 4XV to my mind - I'd go with the newer bike.

Decent pillion seat, save a bit/keep an eye out for an early GSXR1000, which are still FAIRLY roomy, at least compared to current offerings.

If you want value for money, I'd go for a ZX9 C/E/F model over the fireblade. No where as pretty, but that and the lack of the 'iconic' status means you mostly get quite a lot more for your money.

[chris-red]

Blackbird?
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[m3-paul]

I had the exact same dilemma last year.
I wanted either the R1 4XV or an early (but mint) fireblade.
I have ridden both and own the blade. The R1 feels and looks a bit younger but the blade (mine is a 97 919) certainly didn't feel like it was a bad bike in comparison.
Sure the R1 felt a little quicker but my blade is 10bhp down on a 4XV and really feels pretty well matched. Good amount of torque makes it very easy to plod along and in town traffic is a breeze and when being opened right up still absolutely flies as it is still relatively light.
I didn't find the R1 as friendly in town situations but let's be honest, you never judge a sports bike on its ability to handle towns and filtering etc
I like the handling of the blade even with the 16" front wheel, nice and quick, stable and confidence inspiring. Compared to the R1, I didn't find much difference but then I am neither a sensitive or probably good enough rider to push it to the point when I can start separating the two due to the obvious differences.
I like the look of the R1 more but I still like the blade almost as much, just think the front end of the R1 is that bit nicer.
What I did find is that the R1, if in the same price bracket will likely have more miles and be a little more tatty.
The Honda seems to have amazing build quality, the switchgear is very well made and components are bullet proof as is the very good engine.
I found the blade to be more comfy, better for long distance stuff and even pillion comfort is reasonable and it has a decent amount of storage if needed under the pillion seat.

In the end for me, it came down to what was available at the time and price Vs condition.
I saw plenty of R1s but none were in the condition I wanted for what I wanted to pay.
My blade was on eBay as a sale or return via A2 motorcycles in gravesend, Kent. It was a tad more expensive than comparable models but cheaper than the 98/99 R1 as I specifically wanted a 98/99 model, and it had low miles.
It was (and still is) mint.
I went back three times to look at it, and the salesman on my third visit fired it up, it sounded bloomin epic and two minutes later I bought it .

And one last thing, it may seem minor to some but I like analogue gauges more than digital, so the blades gauges are a real pleasure to look at Vs the R1s in my opinion.
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Yamaha TZR250 - love the smell of TTS!!!!
CBR900RR Fireblade - so much fun

[jjdugen]

For build quality, absolute ease of maintenance, absolute simplicity, reliability, the 'blade every time. But with caveats. The 16'' front wheel has to go, if only for tyre choice. I found it follows overbanding and kicks like a mule over raised cats-eyes. Easy mod and fairly cheap too, but, I just stuck a complete front end from a 2K R1 on mine, fits straight on (!) just drop the longer fork tubes through the yokes to the correct ride height. Upside downies and blue spot brakes, whats not to like?
The 'blade is extremely mod-able too, mine now wears a smart 959 Chinky fairing that virtually fits straight on.
R1's tend to go a bit tatty at this age, but there is no mistaking the fact that Yamaha went for the 'blades throat with the R1. It is a step up in performance and general design. It does come with the Yamaha Achilles heal of gearbox troubles, probably because they were thrashed when new.
For the same money, I would always choose the 'blade, but I am extremely biased.
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The CBR900RR has been sold. Aprilia Falco worms its way into my heart.
Try Soi 23 on Amazon for a good read.... Self promotion? Moi?

[G]

[Bikeless]

I had a 95 rrs,120bhp dynoed,when thrashed my mates 03 R6 kept up easily.
At the time another mate had a Y plate R1,135bhp,which felt more refined handling wise and quicker,I preferred it to be honest.
Tyre choice is a pain and its a bit fat but other than that I loved it,nothing went wrong with it.

[binge]

Some interesting input. Cheers guys.

Totally forgot about the 7R. Starting to have a look at them now. mmmmmmm.

[G]

ZX7R is pretty, but bbetter to the best GSXR750 your money will buy, I'd say?

[evoboy]

[clancy]

Sell your other cars and buy an evo evo 6 is just awesome and launch control is fun

Or a zx7r, been debating one myself they look fun
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KLX 300r

[Mario_Kempes]

I love 90s 'blades.

I imagine they're all well made but will have been thrashed to bits by now.