Fantastic video again, good choice this Fireblade Honda. Always like your different videos., we don't have those in Belgium. Keep on making videos LDG ! Thanks 🏍👍
Fantastic video! Really nice homage to the Honda Fireblade. I’m 68yrs old and only recently back to two wheels after a fifty year break, despite those factors though, your video really made me want a fireblade, maybe even that very one!
Hit the nail on the head, regarding the engine flexibility. Rebuilt one for a guy and took it for MOT, then wondered why it needed a gearbox ? 25 mph in top around town, followed by an effortless 100 mph up the Cressage flat in the same gear. Brilliant!
Used to own a VFR750 RC36, a -92. Yoshimura exhaust, fire engine red, with a red saddle and white wheels. Absolutely loved that bike and of all the bikes I´ve owned since 74 when I got my license and first bike that is the bike that I will always remember. I used it for long trips, daily commuting and occasionally track days, it was a very versatile bike in many ways. And lots of fun. But nearing 50 I got in my head the thought that it was time to retire from riding bikes so I sold it. Needles to say that the next year I suffered a serious relapse and bought my next bike in the middle of the season. As we all know by now this addiction is for life and there is no cure. Great video, and the Fireblade is iconic too. Would be interesting to see what you think of the VFR, preferably the RC36. If you can lay your hands on one for testing it out please do, there is a lot of interest still around for it as it is also as iconic as a Fireblade.
@@LemonDrizzleGang Thanks for a great video. Yes, I’d be interested to see a VFR video; I think the VFR V-Tech is probably the absolute best ‘all rounder’. I’ve got a 2001 V-Tech which I bought second hand in 2001 with 1000 miles on the clock; it’s now done just over 20k miles! Some people complain that when the extra valves kick in it’s dangerous….it isn’t as long as you remember that at 7000rpm you don’t want to be leant over on a wet road. I’m THINKING of selling it as I’m 79 and now live alone with my 15 month old Golden Retriever……if I were to have an accident and end up in hospital (or worse!) who would take care of him? I’ve never previously thought like this! If anyone’s looking for an immaculate low mileage bike let me know…..🏍 🦮
Seconded on the last version of the VFR750, it and the 92 Fireblade and the CBR1100XX are all superb bikes from the era when Honda was on top of the game.
Enjoyed this immensely, other than my 73 Norton 850 commando, 78 Harley shovel I bought a 88 Suzuki GSK-R750 because in my younger days I had a Suzuki 650 Katana which I rode approx 70km a day (my work bike, only form of transport)) and actually taught me how to ride on the open road but after hitting a roo at a 120kph (I was 28yrs old at the time) I decided to go the Harleys(slower) side of life. The GSK-750 was the next step up back then and were the fastest thing on the road or track at the time, BUT At 61 yrs. of age now it's just too hard to ride in its full race style riding position so I'm going to have to sell it again. So, I know what you're saying in regard to riding style of a sport bike with us older guys, it's a pity because its good fun and brings back memories but I guess memories are where they'll stay. Good fun But. cheers, Cookie, Australia.
+Bazza Cooke thanks Cookie 61 you are a mere youth 😀👍 I spent 25 years is Aus great place to live, your weather will be getting better now you are in Spring I am not at all jealous 👍👍
Another great video guys. Love that gear box noise. Can’t help but think if you sell that one Stew, you’ll come to regret it. A few years down the line it’ll be: “what was I thinking??” Just make the shed bigger! 😜
Hi Rob you are correct, I can at least look back and say I had the pleasure of its company for a few years. We always say (after a few beers)if we had all kept every bike we owned what a great and diverse museum we would have..... But bike need to be used.
I have ridden a number of the R1 variants, I really enjoyed the front end leaping into the air in the first few gears but not to sure if I could live long term with one. Which is why I went for the blade.
Looking at basic frame, suspension, brake, engine layouts and even bodywork, sportbikes have changed remarkably little since the GSXR750. The Fireblade was just a nice step forward in a steady but very slow evolution.
Hey Mike, very surprised and interested in this since you raved about engine flexibility. are you saying it has low down grunt? i'm used to Guzzi levels of grunt, is it flexible like your Griso was? of all the old superbikes of this era, what we would called modern classic superbikes, my favourite and the only one i really loved was the GSXR1100 slabby, the g. h and j, would love you to test one of those and compare to the fireblade. Those have grunt for a 4 cyl 160+mph bike. Also impressed with your vid editing skills, like the way you blocked out the speedo at the end. very clever.
Just a great lookin bike and it still looks cool today after 25yrs and still more power than you ever need on the road . My old XJR is about the same age now and I still luv it but I have only had it 3 yrs , and nowhere near the power of this beauty . I also seem to be doing less and less miles and could do with something lighter it's gotta happen soon 😁. Cheers guys 👍
Had a standard 94 RRT which was 899cc I think. Great bike then, still a great bike even today. Common things to watch on all early blades are headstock bearings which can prematurely wear (probably due to addictive wheelies!) and weak gearbox which is known to fail….2nd gear can start to disengage if ridden aggressively. I’d only consider a bog standard model with one careful owner! Come 1998 Aprilia released their RSV Mille which whilst a different beast was more ruggedly designed with a tougher box and better handling than the Blade but performance was similar. Blade was more comfortable on road though.
+swchall unfortunately i didn’t do any video I had ducati woes on the way to the ferry and spent the week stressi g it would start ( which it did thankfully) as a result I didnt get any filming done Great trip though
In answer to the question ("Is this Honda's most significant bike?") I'd say no: the Blade is certainly significant, as are the VFR, the NR, the CBR600, the Benly, the CB750, all the 60s race bikes... IMO the Honda Cub (C50/70/90 etc.) is Honda's most significant bike.
The bike looks great Stew can't believe the blade is 30 already would like to see how it compares with a fuel injected one ,sounds like the carbs were fueling perfectly. ,I think you'll regret parting with it further down the road . another great video guys must find that private road ; ).
Probably find if you translate 'group of bike nerds' into Japanese it comes up 'Lemon Drizzle Gang'! Little tip - a very lovely Lady at top of IOM, bakes finest LDC available, get in touch when over!
Nice to see some modern Classics, I love old Honda CBRs
Fantastic video again, good choice this Fireblade Honda. Always like your different videos., we don't have those in Belgium. Keep on making videos LDG ! Thanks 🏍👍
Fantastic video!
Really nice homage to the Honda Fireblade. I’m 68yrs old and only recently back to two wheels after a fifty year break, despite those factors though, your video really made me want a fireblade, maybe even that very one!
Get one you won't regret it.
Hit the nail on the head, regarding the engine flexibility. Rebuilt one for a guy and took it for MOT, then wondered why it needed a gearbox ? 25 mph in top around town, followed by an effortless 100 mph up the Cressage flat in the same gear. Brilliant!
I would like to own a ‘Blade but fear that my 64 y/o frame would soon tire with chin on the tank and bum in the air riding! Great vid’ as usual.
Used to own a VFR750 RC36, a -92. Yoshimura exhaust, fire engine red, with a red saddle and white wheels. Absolutely loved that bike and of all the bikes I´ve owned since 74 when I got my license and first bike that is the bike that I will always remember. I used it for long trips, daily commuting and occasionally track days, it was a very versatile bike in many ways. And lots of fun. But nearing 50 I got in my head the thought that it was time to retire from riding bikes so I sold it. Needles to say that the next year I suffered a serious relapse and bought my next bike in the middle of the season. As we all know by now this addiction is for life and there is no cure. Great video, and the Fireblade is iconic too. Would be interesting to see what you think of the VFR, preferably the RC36. If you can lay your hands on one for testing it out please do, there is a lot of interest still around for it as it is also as iconic as a Fireblade.
Funny you should say that one of the other LDGers has a just bought a VFR800 it is a vtec though
@@LemonDrizzleGang fate... 🙂
@@LemonDrizzleGang Thanks for a great video. Yes, I’d be interested to see a VFR video; I think the VFR V-Tech is probably the absolute best ‘all rounder’. I’ve got a 2001 V-Tech which I bought second hand in 2001 with 1000 miles on the clock; it’s now done just over 20k miles! Some people complain that when the extra valves kick in it’s dangerous….it isn’t as long as you remember that at 7000rpm you don’t want to be leant over on a wet road. I’m THINKING of selling it as I’m 79 and now live alone with my 15 month old Golden Retriever……if I were to have an accident and end up in hospital (or worse!) who would take care of him? I’ve never previously thought like this! If anyone’s looking for an immaculate low mileage bike let me know…..🏍 🦮
Seconded on the last version of the VFR750, it and the 92 Fireblade and the CBR1100XX are all superb bikes from the era when Honda was on top of the game.
Enjoyed this immensely, other than my 73 Norton 850 commando, 78 Harley shovel I bought a 88 Suzuki GSK-R750 because in my younger days I had a Suzuki 650 Katana which I rode approx 70km a day (my work bike, only form of transport)) and actually taught me how to ride on the open road but after hitting a roo at a 120kph (I was 28yrs old at the time) I decided to go the Harleys(slower) side of life. The GSK-750 was the next step up back then and were the fastest thing on the road or track at the time, BUT At 61 yrs. of age now it's just too hard to ride in its full race style riding position so I'm going to have to sell it again. So, I know what you're saying in regard to riding style of a sport bike with us older guys, it's a pity because its good fun and brings back memories but I guess memories are where they'll stay. Good fun But.
cheers,
Cookie,
Australia.
+Bazza Cooke thanks Cookie 61 you are a mere youth 😀👍
I spent 25 years is Aus great place to live, your weather will be getting better now you are in Spring I am not at all jealous 👍👍
+1 on the garage analogy, sweet bike👍
Ain't it the truth.
Another great video guys. Love that gear box noise. Can’t help but think if you sell that one Stew, you’ll come to regret it. A few years down the line it’ll be: “what was I thinking??” Just make the shed bigger! 😜
+Rob he built a new one last year … filled that
The fireblade is at my house I reckon he is going to fill ours as well 😀
@@LemonDrizzleGang Yeah, mine’s bursting at the seams too. It’s a kind of disease 😉
Hi Rob you are correct, I can at least look back and say I had the pleasure of its company for a few years. We always say (after a few beers)if we had all kept every bike we owned what a great and diverse museum we would have..... But bike need to be used.
Excellent choice. Where has Honda's mojo gone?
Another splendid show guys.Never rode the blade but rode it's nemesis the R1.Brutal but nice!!lol!
I have ridden a number of the R1 variants, I really enjoyed the front end leaping into the air in the first few gears but not to sure if I could live long term with one. Which is why I went for the blade.
Looking at basic frame, suspension, brake, engine layouts and even bodywork, sportbikes have changed remarkably little since the GSXR750. The Fireblade was just a nice step forward in a steady but very slow evolution.
They are one of Honda's nicest but .. VF1000R/VFR1000 depending on your country .. 1500/1800 Valkyrie .. cbr250rr .. gen1 blackbird💕
Hey Mike, very surprised and interested in this since you raved about engine flexibility. are you saying it has low down grunt? i'm used to Guzzi levels of grunt, is it flexible like your Griso was? of all the old superbikes of this era, what we would called modern classic superbikes, my favourite and the only one i really loved was the GSXR1100 slabby, the g. h and j, would love you to test one of those and compare to the fireblade. Those have grunt for a 4 cyl 160+mph bike. Also impressed with your vid editing skills, like the way you blocked out the speedo at the end. very clever.
Mike is improving with every video.
Beautiful bike.
Perhaps the Honda Blackbird CB 1100 I looked after one during the Covid lock down in NZ .... welcome comments love Lemon drizzle cake....
Brilliant, another wonderful bike. I think you really should consider selling those t shirts… 🙂
+anvil259 thank you, that is a good idea re the T shirts
Good reliable bike, still plenty fast enough. How 'classic' was a 30 year old 1962 BSA A10 in 1992 when the Fireblade appeared.
+splodge 57 that is an excellent point
Just a great lookin bike and it still looks cool today after 25yrs and still more power than you ever need on the road . My old XJR is about the same age now and I still luv it but I have only had it 3 yrs , and nowhere near the power of this beauty . I also seem to be doing less and less miles and could do with something lighter it's gotta happen soon 😁. Cheers guys 👍
The less and less miles thing is a real challenge and the more bikes you have the bigger the challenge gets.
Had a standard 94 RRT which was 899cc I think. Great bike then, still a great bike even today. Common things to watch on all early blades are headstock bearings which can prematurely wear (probably due to addictive wheelies!) and weak gearbox which is known to fail….2nd gear can start to disengage if ridden aggressively. I’d only consider a bog standard model with one careful owner! Come 1998 Aprilia released their RSV Mille which whilst a different beast was more ruggedly designed with a tougher box and better handling than the Blade but performance was similar. Blade was more comfortable on road though.
The one owner bog standard one are fetching big money, if you can live with some life scars you get a whole lot of bike for what you pay.
Great video, a video of your Spain trip would be great 👍
+swchall unfortunately i didn’t do any video I had ducati woes on the way to the ferry and spent the week stressi g it would start ( which it did thankfully) as a result I didnt get any filming done
Great trip though
One for the future perhaps
In answer to the question ("Is this Honda's most significant bike?") I'd say no: the Blade is certainly significant, as are the VFR, the NR, the CBR600, the Benly, the CB750, all the 60s race bikes... IMO the Honda Cub (C50/70/90 etc.) is Honda's most significant bike.
+taxus750 I absolutely agree on all points , the question was to prompt discussion 👍
The bike looks great Stew can't believe the blade is 30 already would like to see how it compares with a fuel injected one ,sounds like the carbs were fueling perfectly. ,I think you'll regret parting with it further down the road . another great video guys must find that private road ; ).
+gareth jones its the driveway to Castle Drizzle
The camera does distort the truth and those passes were not as fast as they look. Also I look as if I'm wearing a fat suit in the chat.
Cheers gang cracking bike 👍🏻
My Yamaha is still trying to put me in jail.
Ha ha it was your comment you got a mention in the chat. Sorry zi should have done my research and named names.
🔥
Probably find if you translate 'group of bike nerds' into Japanese it comes up 'Lemon Drizzle Gang'!
Little tip - a very lovely Lady at top of IOM, bakes finest LDC available, get in touch when over!
+Dr Doolittle we have recently been called Geeks by another channel so you could be right
Where in IoM is this lady ?
@@LemonDrizzleGang In my house!
@@drdoolittle5724 hahaha lucky man
Or BSA Lightning
+Classicracer Uk ah yes that would be better than English Electric 👍