Johnny’s Blade is now on a par with the rest of 2017’s litre bikes. It only took six months...
2017 HONDA FIREBLADE JOHN McAVOY
THE LAST TIME my Fireblade was at Donington Park, things didn’t go too well. In the hands of Michael Rutter, it got well and truly spanked on track by all the other 2017 litre bikes, setting a woeful lap time, 2.8 seconds slower than the other new arrival for 2017, Suzuki’s GSX-R1000. And the less said about what PB’s 2008 Fireblade did on track to the new all-singing, all-dancing model, the better.
As bad as the lap times were, picking the positives from Rutter’s, Newbigging’s and my feedback wasn’t easy. Each of us pointed to an inconsistent throttle connection, peaky power delivery, conservative and relatively crude rider aids making it difficult to ride. The lack of a quickshifter also made managing hard acceleration a real issue. We noted it was noticeably lighter and much better at turning than the other bikes. But sadly the lasting impression of the Fireblade from the day was that it was slow and unpopular. Harsh words, unwelcome by some, below our own expectations, and in contradiction with reports in less thorough publications. However, the datalogger doesn’t lie, and the observations were unanimous.
This story is from the January 2018 edition of Performance Bikes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2018 edition of Performance Bikes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Repeating Drills
Chris is still messing with his RGV’s wobbly clutch. But, for once, he only has himself to blame...
Franco Says Relax
Next year Moto2 ace Franco Morbidelli will be the first VR46 rider to make it to MotoGP. But the young Roman is more laidback than any title challenger has a right to be – is that something to do with his teacher?
Working Double Time
Rutter’s man reveals the demands of racing in both British Superstock AND British Superbikes
New Kid Vs The Old Fave
Kar gets a chance to roll his GSX-R1000 K6 out of the garage when Chris offers him the chance to ride it back-toback with his 2017 Suzuki. But will it sway him?
Faster For Free
The key to making a GSX-R1000R cream off a quicker lap time is staring you in the face...
Big Promise, Or Big Let Down?
Speed, laughs and touring ability? We’ll see. KTM Super Duke GT joins the PB fleet.
Down Under On Top
In 1987 Wayne Gardner became the first Australian to win the 500cc world championship. Thirty years later, the Wild Man from Wollongong recalls that amazing year of V4 dominance...
Cheste Pains
In 1987, PB’s editor sent three grown men to the Bol d’Or on two-stroke 125s, resulting in a tale of misery, hilarity and adventure. 30 years later, we’re doing it again – but this time, it’s four-strokes, and the destination is mid-Spain, in winter...
Factory Fugitive
Against all odds, this HRC RC45 was saved from the crusher and ended up in the hands of PB reader Mick Loughlin, who ensures this Suzuka exotica still gets a pasting.
The Losing Battle RC45 Vs 916
Both Honda and Ducati debuted new WSB bikes in 1994, igniting a superbike development battle that Honda could never win...
