I just wanna say - USE THE CLUTCH. Yes, I know how the gearbox works and that in ideal circumstances the clutch isn't necessary, but over time your going to prematurely wear down the already clunky gearbox with your inevitably imprecise timing. Just use the clutch. While in the market for a 954 I discovered the 929 is the same bike just more reliable, so I ended up with a 929 in immaculate condition. Best bike I've ever ridden. It rides like a 600 with liter bike power. The 929/954 are 10/10 the best fireblades.
Got to agree. The 929 is a superb bike but the 954 crowd think they are a lesser bike as it doesn't have the 954 nose come. Very similar performance. Owned 3 of them and they are superb.
@@bcitraldid you find any difference with them on country roads? I found the 929 tracked better on fast riding on country roads. The 954 bounced harder, didn't track as smoothly. Maybe it was how they were setup. Both were new at the time and I did a few thousand miles on both. I didn't ride them side by side, it was a few months apart.
Excellent bikes the 954. I have had mine now for 8 yrs I`m 63 and hope to ride this bike until at-least, I am not capable to get on it. Hopefully for at least another 8 yrs+. Yes its a Yellow 2003. Toured France, Belgium and Ireland on this bike. Visit Dorset on the south coast now and again. Oh and now the clock is reading 93,000 miles. Was 39,000 when purchased. I have always done my own oil and filter changes and went through 3 rectifiers and one set of plugs so far and it still looks as good as the day I bought it.
I also just got back into it with my 2013 1000rr. Im 48 years old so I thought maybe Im too old. Nah. Riding it is just as fun as it always was! Props to us older riders!!!
Now that Reg, is a bike with pedigree. His design for those bikes was amazing. The fireblade truly changed the game. It was faster (to a point) than it’s competitors of the day in a straight line. People thought that it wouldn’t be as fast because no one really understood power to weight ratio. Things like having a smaller front wheel to reduce unsprung reciprocating mass, was truly revolutionary. Enjoy it.
Reg, great video. I popped my 2002 VFR 800 into my local Honda Dealership in 2021 for its 17th MOT! , and stumbled upon a RR2 954 in Blue & White. It looked 20 minutes old, let alone 20 years old, The mileage was 3200 miles from new. Its was flawless. 2 weeks later in was in garage at home! These bikes are sublime to ride, keep it 100% stock, The one I bought had been spared the tail tidy, stupid exhaust, pink rear sets or any other splattering of anodized crap.
Owned mine for 16years now. Gear shaft stabiliser my best mod. Easy to fit and changes are much more positive. Double bubble also recommended. Baglux tank protector is also useful.
Love my 954 bought it in 2018, Same colour, 04 reg, 24000miles and it was still mint with only the occasional misfire on cylinder 1 which started to happen just before it had it's 32000mile service and even at that mileage the valve clearances were still SPOT ON. Will never sell her. 20yrs old this year
That slow pan at 14:30 was beautiful. Really enjoyed hearing your story and your thoughts on the bike. Those cinematic shots where great, it’s a gorgeous looking bike and one that will stand the rest of time. All the best from the west coast of Canada, safe travels🤙
In 2004 I purchased a brand new 954 - a blue/black one and probably one of the last new as the 1000cc bike was already out. Absolutely loved it, did many long days out in relative 'comfort' - strangely for a sport bike. These were the days when £7k would buy one new.... just imagine ! These make great buys now if you can a nice one. 5300 miles is ridiculously low.... that machine will last a very very long time if cared for.... The 929 bikes are great road machines too, just not quite as 'polished' as a 954 but really good useable bikes and with the same quality (of course) Happy to be invited for a re-appraisal ride on your 954 if you want.... 🙂 Otherwise I am going to have to buy one 🤓
Hi Reg. Awesome bike. Bought mine in August this year. A 2002 red and black one with 11,000 miles on it. I thought that was low mileage. Totally standard too, apart from an Ohlins steering damper. It's the only change I would really recommend if you are going to ride it reasonably fast. So comfortable compared to later sports bikes too.
Great video for two reasons - first the bike (been looking at buying one myself), and secondly because I know every road you're riding on, all near to me! Keep an eye out for a metallic red VFR800 or a white Street Triple 765RS when you're out :)
I had one 03 954 black one and everything had been polished out Wheels frame it looks so sick.. freaking loved it and dude I bought it from had put a cam in it chipped injection racing valves it was a huge list of mods the bike was a beast I sold it with around 32,000 miles on it still ran extremely strong I got straight spoiled on that bike nothing feels fast to me now it had been bored out also it seriously was a freaking Beast I've had a lot of fast bikes in my days that thing was something special and yes handled amazing felt like a CBR 600 Double R in the twisties
just bought one mate. great video, thank you. it was the bike i always wanted 20 years ago. i've got a GSXR1000 from the same year as well. well, i guess i have the luxury to compare the 2.
Welcome to the Blade Club. I can guarantee if you get the suspension set-up properly, you'll find it EVEN more enjoyable and easier to use. Closest to you I think would be SW Suspension. Definitely ditch the brake lines and go for braded with castrol oil, and maybe some Ferodo or DP Pads. Different for you but 0% of the braking is done with the rear. Enjoy the Blade and look forward to some "performance Blade techniques"
I've got a cbr 600f sport f4i which I absolutely love and would recommend to anyone but this is the bike I've got my eye on......I need to have one at some point 👍
I have the vtr1000 right now very fun bike I love it..... but I'll tell you what was a fun bike in the rain I used to have a GS500 that was modified super trap carb kit stage 3 pipe supertrap it was like riding a dirt bike on the street pitching Corners like crazy I was a mad man but I was only like 18 when I had that bike and now I'm 50 too I think back that was a fun bike for sure in the rain they weren't very fast so you could just grab a handful all the time pitch the whole corner LOL good times......... I'm out in the California delta we've been without power for almost a week now power won't be back on until the middle of the month is what they're saying and because where the power lines are down it is flooded so they can't even get to them and we're still in the middle of a storm that is going to dump more rain than the last one soon yeah it's going to be a while for sure thank goodness for generators LOL
Tour Master makes a great suit for the winter they're not that expensive either you can go out and play all day you're probably end up sweating in it I love riding in the rain extra exciting
Nice looking bike Reg. These low mileage finds always amaze me. What were they originally bought for? I don't think my creaky old neck would tolerate many miles on a sports bike! 😀
I’m led to believe that the first owner was the Dealer Principal, who kept it in the showroom for a few years with delivery mileage on it. Its then passed through the hands of several owners who have used it very sparingly whilst having it fastidiously serviced. It’s a lucky find!
Good thing about the 954 is that it's not too extreme on seating position. When he shows it from the side we can see the grips are 150mm, 6 inches, higher than the seat. Roughly.
Lovely bike Reg. I've just bought a 1999 Fireblade for the same reasons as you - to ride on high days and holy days. Mine is the last of the 918 models which are also the last of the carburettor bikes. It's a bit bigger than the 954 and so just a tad comfier. Are you happy with the mirrors on yours? All I could see was my elbows but I found some beautifully-made aluminium spacer blocks online. They match the mirrors exactly and add an extra 2.5cm width which makes a huge difference.
They’re ok for the amount of time I’ll be riding it, but they’re the only part of the bike with any scratches, probably from being up against garage walls! I will be replacing the mirrors as a result, but I want to stick with completely original parts.
Ne ho una identica, ancora non ho le gomme giuste!!moto molto agile,motore pronto, vedremo per affidabilità,il CBR 1000 RR del 2004 non andava più bene dopo 47000 km
I just wanna say - USE THE CLUTCH. Yes, I know how the gearbox works and that in ideal circumstances the clutch isn't necessary, but over time your going to prematurely wear down the already clunky gearbox with your inevitably imprecise timing. Just use the clutch.
While in the market for a 954 I discovered the 929 is the same bike just more reliable, so I ended up with a 929 in immaculate condition. Best bike I've ever ridden. It rides like a 600 with liter bike power. The 929/954 are 10/10 the best fireblades.
Got to agree. The 929 is a superb bike but the 954 crowd think they are a lesser bike as it doesn't have the 954 nose come. Very similar performance. Owned 3 of them and they are superb.
@@bcitraldid you find any difference with them on country roads? I found the 929 tracked better on fast riding on country roads. The 954 bounced harder, didn't track as smoothly. Maybe it was how they were setup.
Both were new at the time and I did a few thousand miles on both.
I didn't ride them side by side, it was a few months apart.
In similar standard trim? I don't know, I've always had an after market shock and heavy front springs on my 929.
Excellent bikes the 954. I have had mine now for 8 yrs I`m 63 and hope to ride this bike until
at-least, I am not capable to get on it. Hopefully for at least another 8 yrs+. Yes its a Yellow 2003.
Toured France, Belgium and Ireland on this bike. Visit Dorset on the south coast now and again.
Oh and now the clock is reading 93,000 miles. Was 39,000 when purchased.
I have always done my own oil and filter changes and went through 3 rectifiers and one set of
plugs so far and it still looks as good as the day I bought it.
Wow! Thats a proper mileage! Nice work!!
Amazing... keep riding.. I'm 50 this year and am getting back into it after 5 year layoff.
Respect
No head shake on your 954? I've heard varying stories about that issue over the years, but wasn't sure if there was any real truth to it.
I also just got back into it with my 2013 1000rr. Im 48 years old so I thought maybe Im too old. Nah. Riding it is just as fun as it always was! Props to us older riders!!!
I bought one last year 2002 model, in the blue. 38K on the clock. A bit of TLC and she's as good as new. Serviced and checked the clearances. Spot on.
Just picked up a 2000 929 and love it ,iam 52 love those older sportbikes,btw great find👌
Now that Reg, is a bike with pedigree. His design for those bikes was amazing. The fireblade truly changed the game. It was faster (to a point) than it’s competitors of the day in a straight line. People thought that it wouldn’t be as fast because no one really understood power to weight ratio. Things like having a smaller front wheel to reduce unsprung reciprocating mass, was truly revolutionary. Enjoy it.
954 is truly a great bike, 20 year old bike but still looking great.
Reg, great video. I popped my 2002 VFR 800 into my local Honda Dealership in 2021 for its 17th MOT! , and stumbled upon a RR2 954 in Blue & White. It looked 20 minutes old, let alone 20 years old, The mileage was 3200 miles from new. Its was flawless. 2 weeks later in was in garage at home! These bikes are sublime to ride, keep it 100% stock, The one I bought had been spared the tail tidy, stupid exhaust, pink rear sets or any other splattering of anodized crap.
One of the all-time great "bad-ass bikes"; much more character than the new middle weighs and litre bikes. Great looking machine as well.
Owned mine for 16years now. Gear shaft stabiliser my best mod. Easy to fit and changes are much more positive. Double bubble also recommended. Baglux tank protector is also useful.
I would like to see yours
Love my 954 bought it in 2018, Same colour, 04 reg, 24000miles and it was still mint with only the occasional misfire on cylinder 1 which started to happen just before it had it's 32000mile service and even at that mileage the valve clearances were still SPOT ON. Will never sell her. 20yrs old this year
How did you fix the misfire? I’m looking at a 2002 with 40k
That slow pan at 14:30 was beautiful. Really enjoyed hearing your story and your thoughts on the bike. Those cinematic shots where great, it’s a gorgeous looking bike and one that will stand the rest of time. All the best from the west coast of Canada, safe travels🤙
In 2004 I purchased a brand new 954 - a blue/black one and probably one of the last new as the 1000cc bike was already out. Absolutely loved it, did many long days out in relative 'comfort' - strangely for a sport bike. These were the days when £7k would buy one new.... just imagine ! These make great buys now if you can a nice one. 5300 miles is ridiculously low.... that machine will last a very very long time if cared for.... The 929 bikes are great road machines too, just not quite as 'polished' as a 954 but really good useable bikes and with the same quality (of course) Happy to be invited for a re-appraisal ride on your 954 if you want.... 🙂 Otherwise I am going to have to buy one 🤓
Hi Reg. Awesome bike. Bought mine in August this year. A 2002 red and black one with 11,000 miles on it. I thought that was low mileage. Totally standard too, apart from an Ohlins steering damper. It's the only change I would really recommend if you are going to ride it reasonably fast. So comfortable compared to later sports bikes too.
Nice bike, Reg! Congrats with the new machine! Beautiful colour!
Great video for two reasons - first the bike (been looking at buying one myself), and secondly because I know every road you're riding on, all near to me! Keep an eye out for a metallic red VFR800 or a white Street Triple 765RS when you're out :)
I had one 03 954 black one and everything had been polished out Wheels frame it looks so sick.. freaking loved it and dude I bought it from had put a cam in it chipped injection racing valves it was a huge list of mods the bike was a beast I sold it with around 32,000 miles on it still ran extremely strong I got straight spoiled on that bike nothing feels fast to me now it had been bored out also it seriously was a freaking Beast I've had a lot of fast bikes in my days that thing was something special and yes handled amazing felt like a CBR 600 Double R in the twisties
I have picture of the bike but it's not allowing me to post it
Not so long ago Mr Local was a car guy. You are now truly hooked on 2 wheels. Enjoy !
Nice bike! Congrats withe the new machine! Beautiful colour!
Awesome 954! great video. Stunning machine.
Just suffered the same mid life crisis, so 02 954 now parked next to my Pan European, role on Sunday 😉
Congratulations Reg.. Great choice! Enjoy...👍
just bought one mate. great video, thank you. it was the bike i always wanted 20 years ago. i've got a GSXR1000 from the same year as well. well, i guess i have the luxury to compare the 2.
Lovely bike .Thinking of gettin one just wondering what's it like on fuel
Yes. This bike is sweet to ride. And the CBR 229 is very good. It might be better in regards of engine.
Nice bike Reg!
For somone who said they would never ride a bike you have been bitten bad!!! 😉
Congratulations Reg. Simply stunning 😍
Tado had a saying. ‘Light, is Right’. He wasn’t wrong 😁
Beautiful bike💜, congratulations!
Welcome to the Blade Club. I can guarantee if you get the suspension set-up properly, you'll find it EVEN more enjoyable and easier to use. Closest to you I think would be SW Suspension. Definitely ditch the brake lines and go for braded with castrol oil, and maybe some Ferodo or DP Pads. Different for you but 0% of the braking is done with the rear. Enjoy the Blade and look forward to some "performance Blade techniques"
The best bike I ever owned...
I know nothing about motorbikes, but that is a gorgeous bike. Very nice indeed.
just now i got mine Oct 30, 2023 ❤
I've got a cbr 600f sport f4i which I absolutely love and would recommend to anyone but this is the bike I've got my eye on......I need to have one at some point 👍
It's wild that the 929/954 are lighter than the 600.
Great review reg,.--very helpful----buying one next week (929)
I would Love to Find one
My latest dream bike
I have the vtr1000 right now very fun bike I love it..... but I'll tell you what was a fun bike in the rain I used to have a GS500 that was modified super trap carb kit stage 3 pipe supertrap it was like riding a dirt bike on the street pitching Corners like crazy I was a mad man but I was only like 18 when I had that bike and now I'm 50 too I think back that was a fun bike for sure in the rain they weren't very fast so you could just grab a handful all the time pitch the whole corner LOL good times......... I'm out in the California delta we've been without power for almost a week now power won't be back on until the middle of the month is what they're saying and because where the power lines are down it is flooded so they can't even get to them and we're still in the middle of a storm that is going to dump more rain than the last one soon yeah it's going to be a while for sure thank goodness for generators LOL
Tour Master makes a great suit for the winter they're not that expensive either you can go out and play all day you're probably end up sweating in it I love riding in the rain extra exciting
Very nice, looks clean.
That’s beautiful 🤩
Beautiful Gorgeous Bike
But anyways love the 954 would love to have another one.. you got you a nice one there very clean good choice:-)
... and if you hear tapping when you start her up, that's not your camera. Its the cam chain tensioner! Got the red one myself ('cos their quicker!)
Is it easy to find parts for this bike?
Really love the 954 have plan to buy one
Nice video 👍🏼 for reference how tall are you and how compact do you find it?
Nice looking bike Reg. These low mileage finds always amaze me. What were they originally bought for? I don't think my creaky old neck would tolerate many miles on a sports bike! 😀
I’m led to believe that the first owner was the Dealer Principal, who kept it in the showroom for a few years with delivery mileage on it. Its then passed through the hands of several owners who have used it very sparingly whilst having it fastidiously serviced. It’s a lucky find!
Good thing about the 954 is that it's not too extreme on seating position. When he shows it from the side we can see the grips are 150mm, 6 inches, higher than the seat. Roughly.
Fireblades designed by Baba had a capital B in FireBlade, all after didn't - Fireblade.
Awesome 😎
CBR 1000R is a good bike. Depends what you want.
If you are still after the rear fender, a friend of mine has an excellent spare for sale in UK.
Yes, definitely interested Chris - drop me an email at reg@eglocal.com
Lovely bike Reg. I've just bought a 1999 Fireblade for the same reasons as you - to ride on high days and holy days. Mine is the last of the 918 models which are also the last of the carburettor bikes. It's a bit bigger than the 954 and so just a tad comfier.
Are you happy with the mirrors on yours? All I could see was my elbows but I found some beautifully-made aluminium spacer blocks online. They match the mirrors exactly and add an extra 2.5cm width which makes a huge difference.
They’re ok for the amount of time I’ll be riding it, but they’re the only part of the bike with any scratches, probably from being up against garage walls! I will be replacing the mirrors as a result, but I want to stick with completely original parts.
@@RegLocal try some sandpaper and a heat gun to bring back the black,worked on mine.
Immaculate machine.
I guessed CBR from guessy Twitter picture, I’m proud of me sel.
Got a 2002 with 2722 miles from new
Less sky more bike pls
Love my 954rr. Every cloud in your video came from a jet😢 nobody looks up these days.
6Yearspure30.000km(58.000)🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🚀💥🔥🔥🔥best bike ever
I have a rear tail for you in Brilliant condition if interested ?
Hi John, yes, I’m definitely interested thanks! Could you please drop me an email to reg@reglocal.com
Ne ho una identica, ancora non ho le gomme giuste!!moto molto agile,motore pronto, vedremo per affidabilità,il CBR 1000 RR del 2004 non andava più bene dopo 47000 km
Quit lying 900RR is king, looks the best too
Your camera is pointing too high.
The correct number of motorbikes is N+1.....
In my case it's N+2. 12 in the garage so far (including my blue '03 954) and I'm on the hunt for a ZX-7R/RR and '72 Z1 Jaffa.
Why would you not want to ride in the rain I ride in the rain all the time it's fun just got to know what the heck you're doing
Why do you keep making tutting sounds from your tongue ? It is most offputting.