HONDA CBR900RR FIREBLADE (2000 - 2001) Review

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £300

I've had mine since new, and it is still the love of my life. Midrange was a bit lacking, but you can close down the inlet ports a little and this brings the midrange up massively, while still doing a sub-11s 1/4 mile, and 1m57s laps on Assen. And touring is sublime, never had a problem with aches and pains the day after even on long trips of 1200km. Mine has done over 100000km and still doesn't burn oil.

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £500

I really liked the riding position, the power, the brakes and the handling at road speeds but the reliability let it down.

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £50

Fantastic road bike! MCN review is typical journalastic does not reflect how Honda have biased this bike for the road rider as opposed to track. ie they moaned about the 16" wheel on the old blade for ages-on this review they are bringing up the 17" as a negative! All get overly obsessed by the power stats but ignore how useable it is on the road. read John McGuiness review on Visor Down for a true assessment.

Version: Erion Racing Version

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £150

I find it fascinating how MCN's official review of this bike is so negative and, rather than taking the 'blade on its own merits, finds it lacking against the R1 and GSXR1000. Fair enough, but a complete undersell. The '01 Fireblade is reliable, fast as you want it to be (except perhaps on the track), forgiving, and completely engaging, if a touch lacking in personality. I have owned mine from '04 (the third owner, and I knew the other two guys), and every time I have thought of getting an "upgrade" I think about what I might get compared to the 'blade and nothing really makes the cut (for the price). I have it just the way I want it (nice saddle, slightly raised clip-ons, etc) and nothing else feels just right, either for a rip or a cruise. A magic bike.

I have now owned this bike for 9 years and still love it as much as I did the first time I rode it, it has been 100% faultless I would not hesitate in buying another if I had to go back and chose again This bike is as happy doing Trackdays as it is running two-up to the Isle of Man TT and enjoying the open road once over there Truly Faultless .... 5 stars from me

I've been trying to think of a bad point about this bike and i simply can't. It handles like a 600; there's massive, usable power; Honda build-quality; looks fantasic; reliable; very smooth and confidence inspiring; just a fantastic bike. You won't be disappointed!

This is my first big cc sportsbike following on from owning a R6. I find it very easy to ride quick and it's pretty forgiving. The power delivery is very smooth and it handles superbly. I actually find it easier to ride than the R6 with a much comfier ride position on long journeys. Pretty practical with a large under seat storage area. All round a superb machine.

I bought my blade as a CAT C off ebay for very cheap with only 13k miles on it for just over 2 grand. I have to say it's the best money I've spent on a bike. Suspension is composed especially 2 up and the roomy nature of the bike is very comfortable on long journeys. It's surprising to see such a big bike being so agile, a marked improvement over the ZX6R I used to have. Underseat storage is cavernous; 2 disk locks, tool kit, alarm, chain+ lock and possibly waterproofs can all fit in there! Only niggles are the surging fuel injection at low speed which becomes irritating when you're stuck in slow traffic or cold starting. I need to sort it out with a power commander. Overall, it's a very competent, very usable and very fast do-it-all sportsbike. Love mine!

I bought my Blade second hand from a local garage. It had done 6k miles and cost me just over 3 grand. The build quality is as you would expect from Honda and the reliability has been excellent. Other than a flat battery (which was my fault and due to lack of use over the winter) it has been faultless. I must admit I was a bit surprised by the cost of the service - last years was over £300 for a standard service and the spark plugs being replaced (which they advised). I suppose this should be expected especially with this type of bike but I still thought it was a little steep. I have no regrets about buying this bike although I think the 954 looks a little sharper and I have seen them around at a reasonable price. I have been very impressed with the stability which gives you loads of confidence on the road. I'm yet to take it on a track but looking forward to that sometime this year.

i bought my fireblade new in 2001 and have not once been let down. it does everything expected and more.it goes where you point it and has plenty of usable power.im six foot one and find there more than enough room.its been on a few trips to the 24hrs at le mans with pillion and loaded up with tent etc.also found a great ride on two week european holidays solo and two up.only had to change wear and tear items in the six years ive owned it.build quality is 1st class and it still like new when cleaned.i dont think you would be let down if you tried one.

Iv'e owned this bike for 5 years now and it's never failed to deliver.Used sporadically on UK soil but predominately for a big European trip at the tail end of each year. Will easily munch 550 miles in a day.Have fitted a DB screen, oberon preload adjusters and footpegs,crash bungs , carbon frame protectors. Also an Akropovic slip on end can, just beautiful ! I use a Baglux whoppa Bag on the rear seat which is excellent if not slightly fiddly to install. Build quality is superb, had it's 16k service the other month - how many valves were out of adjustment - None ! no more worries for another 16k miles. The throttle bodies were slightly out of sync so now smoother than ever, it's still on the original battery. I use BT014 tyres which last 5.5k on the front and 3.3k on the rear.Runs on fully synthetic oil changed every 3000 miles. Still brings a smile to my face every time I ride it. Strengths: The engine has seemless power, a reasonable tank range circa 140 miles, top end is good( 168 for me)front brakes are awesome, boot space is good ( large chain and waterproofs)comfort is excellent. Weaknesses: My back brake is still a little weak even after converting to braided hoses, ebc pads have lack of feel in the wet.And thats it !

Rode a thundercat b4 blade,loved the cat a lot but blade takes it up a level , great handling and a smooth ride even doing 800 miles over 2 days round scotland ,loved it !!!said I would never desert Yamaha, but Honda has it all. The build quality is exceptional, even better than my mates over engineered zx400r, a great looking bike too, my dream bike was a mv , have to say I've got a new dream bike and I'm living the dream...its a blade! Tank range 145 mile if you go steady enuff !!! Altho' did damage a tyre on way to Scotland, hit a rut in road, caused a wobble big style, ok if I kept hands on bars,c hanged tyre when I got home and its fine now, was bridgestone tyre damaged internally !!!!!!! Fitted d/bubble and mini caters, perfection. Would reccomend a blade anytime, respect it and grow with it and you'll smile all the way. Seen a lot of accidents with blades, it's not the bike it's the riders.  Learn to become one with it and they are an amazing piece of kit...enjoy! Strengths: handling, build, looks great and headlights are awesome for flashing at others ...lol Weaknesses: no hazzerd indicators - I just like 'em, otherwise perfect.

I've owned a number of bikes and for years had wanted a FireBlade. When I eventually brought my 2000 model I was not to be disappointed. It is quite simply the most awesome bike I have ever owned. The power is so linear it's frightening, pulling from virtually nothing all the way to the red line. And power is what this baby has in spades. I will never be able to use it all and neither will 99% of the biking public. It truly is a missile. Saying that this is not a bike to intimidate. In typical Honda fashion it is immediately a very familiar ride as soon as you get on it. Easy to ride and, for a sports bike, very comfortable. I could courier all day on it!! That said, too much right hand will undoubtedly result in, not only speeding tickets and bans, but visits to the local A and E. This bike has to be respected but is very forgiving if, and when, you mess up. The handling is razer sharp. It's a bit like what I would imagine riding a scalpel would be like. BUY ONE AND ENJOY! Strengths: Power is awesome as is the handling. Finish is up to usual superb Honda standards. Weaknesses: This bike doesn't have any weaknesses unless you want to include insurance costs!!

The blade has to be the best bike I have ever ridden, and I have ridden a lot! It is easy to ride fast and just as easy to ride slow, if not a little painful on the rists. You have to really be riding like a twat for it to bite back. It has to be one of the least intimerdating of the big sports bikes. Strengths: It's small size and light weight. Its no bigger than my mates CBR600 and it gets swampted by my dads ZX9R. Weaknesses: The bloody fuel injection at low speeds! get a Power Commander and get it set up properly.

First class choice but not the best looking bike on the road, however in the right hands is an awesome tool

Engine sounds tinny at tickover-must be all the weight saving. A wee bit small for comfort, but goes great - definitely quicker than earlier blades. I've owned every model!

Dealer very good, bought a 400super4 in March and traded it against the blade got the same money back 9 months on!... The brakes could be better, doesn't feel like it brakes as good as the super4...likes to drink the juice when playing around....but all and all a deadly bike...just begs to be driven fast, not happy going slow at all.

A surprisinging practical bike. On a 700 mile break-in trip from Alabama to Washington DC, the 929 proved unexpectedly comfortable, even riding 5-6 hours a day. I find it more comfortable than my old CBR1000F. The space under the seat is big enough for my Kryptonite NY Noose (a big chain), lock, a U-lock, and a folded up seat pack.

Does everything they say it does, it gives you so much confidence and can get you out of trouble if you push a little too hard, really good on tight twisty roads. Mate had a real job keeping up with me on an uphill series of hairpins from Monmouth to Forest of Dean. I loved it, I would recommend one to anybody who didn't want an R1 like everybody's got, and the build quality is excellent.

Just chopped in the 'Busa for a new 'Blade. Although I am running it in, already I can tell I'm am going to have much more fun on the 'Blade. I owned a '98 'Blade before the Busa and the 'Busa felt uncomfortable and relatively slow handling although much quicker in a straight line when comparing against the '98 Blade. The 2001 Blade is a quantum leap from the '98 Blade and feels like a scalpel compared to the 'Busa. I have ridden it for one day on brand-new tyres (whilst running in) and within minutes it felt like coming home. The handling is sublime and ape-like arms are not required to reach the bars (unlike the 'Busa). I just can't wait to run it in, roll on next summer. Clearly, I can't rate the bike on engine, maintenance and reliability just yet, but it is a Honda...

I haven't owned it long but it's a dream bike and so far it's lived up to all its expectations.

Got to get a double bubble screen, and probably a gatso detector if I want to keep riding. Handles superbly, brakes are great and is so easy to ride. Love the thing.

Well this is my second report for MCN on the CBR929RR. Still love the bike but could do with more Mid Range power. Handling and fit and finish are perfect, although slight bite of rust on the Speedo mount will try and get that replaced under warranty. Thinking of getting a Double Bubble screen from Zero Gravity. Not much else to report. I think I was hard on the rating of this bike in my last report so see my updated ratings! This Bike would be perfect if it had 20 more HP and a sharper looking front end like the F4i! Honda are you listening????

The Fireblade, was my dream bike. I am what you may call a born again biker. This is my third bike in as many years. If I get another one next year I think I will be looking for a new wife to go with it. I started off with a GSX600FW as my first bike, which at the time I thought this was the dogs dangley bits. Within twelve months I had got the bug and needed something bigger. I then bought a Firestorm. This was a superb bike as far as I am concerned. It was just as all the reports said about it, only better. Although I was more than happy with the Firestorm, I had a desire to own what in my mind is the best bike in the world, regardless of your pole putting it into second place behind a 996, to me the Fireblade is still the number one bike. I have only done 1800 miles on it since I bought it in October, in not particularly good weather (not all of us are fair weather riders) The one thing that immediatley stands out with the Honda is the build quality, and finish of the bike. Whatever any one says Honda do build better quality bikes than the rest. It is a little early to pick out all the good and bad points in the bike, as yet as I am really still getting used to it. What I feel I must comment on is the bikes versatility. I have been out for long rides of up to five and six hours, and come back with no neck or arm aches. It is also comfy filtering through heavy town traffic. The controls are light and responsive. Try saying any of that about an R1, or should it be R2. The pillion seat, from my wifes point of view, is as good as anything that I have had before especially since I added the grab rail on the back for her. The things that I think need adding to make it better are as follows. Braided hoses should improve the feel of the brakes. I had these on the VTR, and even though the Blade has bigger discs there is a noticeable difference between the two bikes. This will be amended in time. Although an after-market exhaust in theory should add more BHP, I would probably not notice the minimal power gain that this would give. Lets be honest, who, apart from C Walker and CO, really would notice any difference. One will be added in time, if only to give the bike more pose value. The smooth noise of the four cylinder, just does not have the V twin attitude and desperately needs something like an exhaust to redress the balance. These are minor niggles and are only my personal preferences. What maybe should be addressed via publications such as yourselves is the issue of why don`t the big manufacturers such as Honda fit quality alarms as standard, and put more R+D into bike security, so that we do not have to pay extortionate insurance bills. The Fireblade always has, and probably always will be the hardest bike on the planet to insure. We should not have to fork out these costs, because there are not sufficient quality products offered as standard. Having said this, I feel sure that I will still be riding this bike whatever likes, and dislikes that I have for some time to come yet.

This bike is everything I could ask for in a sportsbike and then some. It has more power than I think I will ever use, and handling far better than my ability. The steering is telepathic, you think, it does. The comfort is reasonable considering that it is an open class sportsbike. The fuel injection is good, however the bike often hesitates for a second when given a lot of throttle all at once in a higher gear. The shifing is smooth and trouble free, however it is not quite as nice as my friends CBR600F4. The fit and finish of the bike is excellent as are all Honda's, and I like the way it looks.