‘You’d have to go to a track to even get a third of your money’s worth’
GARY HINNELS
Age 45
Height 5ft 10in
Owns 2018 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
What’s good?
“It wears a Honda badge, so anyone can hop on and ride it. The engine is quite docile, user-friendly and refined but there’s a step in the power, almost like a two-stroke at certain points. Once you get it up and running, the power is relentless and it sounds great.
“The Blade now feels more characterful and alive. It’s firmer, more stable in a turn, faster steering and the brakes are strong. It’s lower, more cramped than mine and you’re more over the front but it’s not an issue for me.
“There’s a decent amount of bottom-end torque with my bike, so you can be really lazy and ride however the mood takes you, but there’s less on the new one and it doesn’t like pulling from low revs in second. It isn’t much of an issue, though I thought there was something wrong with the tacho — it doesn’t start until 5000rpm. You have to use the gears more, but it’s an enjoyable process. The quickshifter works better but that could be where the engine needs more revs.
“My Blade is the end of an evolution that started with the ’08 model and its power and ergonomics are easier to get on with. If you’re looking to upgrade, you’ve got to do your homework. To even get a third of your money’s worth you’d have to see a track at some point.”
Not keen on?
“There’s more weight on your wrists at low speed and more vibes through the bars. The indicator switch is fiddly and the switchgear buttons cluttered. I could get used to keyless ignition but the fuel cap still needs a key and should have a separate button.”
Are you convinced?
“The Blade has moved into the ‘ultrasuperbike’ class now. It’s so different maybe they shouldn’t have called it a Fireblade?”
Would you buy it? “I think I would.”