10 MINUTES WITH BOB:
What made you go for the new Fireblade?
“Firstly, I saw a design copy of the ’93 Blade and that’s what got my attention and started the ball rolling – I wanted to do my own take on it. Secondly, I’d seen Tom Neave get right to the top of the timesheets on the brand new Honda, so I knew the bike was good and I fancied a bit of that! And finally, Steve Heneghan from Reactive Parts said he was getting one and suggested we joined forces for the National Endurance Championship. He’s done a cool take on the ’94 Urban Tiger livery.”
Did you do all the upgrades in one hit?
“Pretty much, yeah. I’d done my homework, so I had a very good idea of the spec I wanted before I’d even ridden the bike. I’d spoke to Tom (Neave), who races for Honda UK in the Superstock 1000 class, and pretty much tried to follow that – with a couple of extras.”
Any more upgrades planned for the foreseeable?
“It’s been good out the box; there’s honestly nothing that comes to mind. I think we’ve pretty much nailed it, and it’s now time for me to get used to it and get dialled into the bike before I think about any other upgrades. My mate Heneghan has gone to town with his (SBK spec), and I’m quicker than him. The standard electronics are really good, and I’ve not got anywhere near the capabilities yet.”
Is it everything you’d hope it would be?
“Yes, definitely… it really is, and more. I rode the GSX-R1000 for four years – it was and still is a very competitive bike. It was time for a change, and I wanted something fresh with new and improved technology. I’m very comfortable on the Blade, and I’m loving it”
Is there anything you don’t like about the bike?
“It’s not very easy to turn the electronics off to do burn-outs! I still haven’t figured out which buttons to press, so it’s almost too complex on that front. Admittedly, its does run a little hot when I’m waiting around on pit lane, but I honestly can’t think of anything that really annoys me.”
What’s the maintenance like with the Fireblade?
“The oil is £28 a litre, and that’s trade! That’s my only gripe. We have to run a specific Motul oil and it holds just over three litres, so that soon gets expensive. I change the oil roughly every three days on track.”
I’ve definitely not seen another race bike with this level of purple bling. Bob’s even talking about having the alloy Motoholders subframe done next.
Bonamici was the brand of choice when guard it came to clip-ons, a dash case, lever and a tank cap; top Italian quality CNC products. And when it comes to getting and stopped, Bob can rely on Brembo discs with SBS DS2 brake pads. The Blade is fitted CRC fairings, painted white, and Tommy to Hill Promotions has worked its magic produce the ‘unicorn’ decals.
Bob races in the No Limits National Endurance Championship, which is why he opted to fit the lightweight quick-release OZ wheels.
The weight saving makes riding the bike easier due to reduced gyroscopic forces, when and the quick-release is a no brainer time it comes to endurance racing, saving on the pit stops. They look pretty flash if ever Bob needed a reason. He used too,
Pirelli SC0 slicks for the No Limits racing, since it’s a Pirelli control tyre, and uses Bridgestone V02 for other events.