The Honda Fireblade is to be no more, at least in its current form. It's to be replaced by the bigger brother of the very capable CBR 600 RR and, from what we've heard, is code-named the RCB 1000. John Wheeler and Adrian Small report.
It's not know yet if the new incarnation will be called the Fireblade but there's been speculation that, out of respect for its designer, Tadao Baba, who is retiring, it will be renamed.
The Fireblade blasted its way onto the motorcycling scene in 1992 and was an instant hit with an unsuspecting public. Never before had a road-going bike with such sports focus been released for the masses.
The first 'Blade weighed in at just 185kg with an 893cc engine capacity. It sold in surprisingly large numbers and was set to stay in the motorcycling sales charts throughout its life. Since then it has been developed and refined every year but, as other Japanese makers brought out newer, class-leading bikes, Honda needed a rethink.
So, in 2002, 10 years after the original, the 'Blade underwent some radical changes. The "all-new" bike was released with a 954cc fuel-injected engine producing 149bhp and only weighing 168kg, about the same as a supersports 600.
For 2003 the bike hasn't really changed except for its colours. Having had the pleasure of testing a production legend, the question has got to be asked: is it as good as the hype says?
Very simply, yes. It has got to be one of the most sorted big-bore superbikes available. We tested it on the road in the worst downpours we've experienced this year and the bike asked for more.
The extremely comfortable riding position is almost reminiscent of a sports tourer, letting the rider concentrate on conditions around and not on the pains and aches normally associated with supersports bikes. Throttle control is smooth and power is available in any gear with more than enough to get you out of trouble if you need it. That said, if your not careful you could easily find yourself with a hefty fine and the enough penalty points to leave you without a licence.
Clutch control and gear change is typically Honda - smooth so no need to be worrying about false neutrals.
Although the brakes are not the radialy mounted front brakes now being used on many current models, they felt perfect. There was no fading, particularly in the wet conditions, and enough feedback to allow nice smooth stopping.
The suspension handled all the worst Irish road conditions we could find with ease and the bike never felt out of control. It dropped over easily to allow precise cornering with great grip and terrific but smooth acceleration to propel you into the next bend.
Staying within speed limits, it's difficiult to know if a steering damper is required but we were never worried about tank-slappers.
Controls are perfectly placed, easily read and at easy reaching distance.
One of the most surprising features of the bike was the room under the pillion seat. It's almost cavernous compared to other supersports bikes - you could easily fit your wet gear and a spare pair of gloves if needed.
Given that there is a pillion seat, it's much like other sportsbikes, not for use on long journeys. The only criticism a person may have is in the looks department especially when comparing it to bikes such as Yamaha's R1, but as usual beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
We weren't lucky enough to get to test the 'Blade on the track, its real home ground, but having spoken to a number of owners who do trackdays regularly, it seems the bike is just as capable there as on the road. Being so light and powerful, it turns in and powers out of bends on the track as well as, if not better than most of its class competitors. With fully adjustable suspension it's relatively easy to set yourself up to suit your riding style.
Honda's years of refining have been worthwhile. This year's Fireblade is a stunningly capable machine for road or track. With Honda's usual build quality and reliability, it's a must for anyone wishing to be part of the legend. With the end of production looming, time is running short. So buy one while you still can.
TechSpec
ENGINE: 954cc liquid cooled, 4 stroke, 16 valve, DOHC inline-4. 128bhp @ 11,500rpm. Torque 66 ft lbs @ 9,000 rpm. 6 speed gearbox, chain drive.
PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed 169 mph. Standing start 1/4 mile 10.9 secs & 134 mph. Fuel consumption approximately 40 mpg.
DIMENSIONS: Fuel capacity 18 litres. Seat height 820mm. Dry weight 168 kgs. Wheelbase 1,400mm.
BRAKES: Front - 330 x 4.5mm dual disc with 4-piston callipers; Rear - 220mm x 5mm single piston calliper disc, sintered metal pads.
SUSPENSION: Front - 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm axle travel; Rear - Pro-link with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 13-step preload and stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 135mm axle travel.
WHEELS: Front - 17 x MT3.50 hollow section triple spoke cast aluminium; Rear - 17 x MT6.00 hollow section triple spoke cast aluminium.
TYRES: Front - 120/70-ZR17; Rear - 190/50-ZR17.
PRICE: €14,357.
INSURANCE: Class 12.