We ride Dan Linfoot’s BSB Honda Fireblade
The Honda BSB bike we’re riding is the last of the line for this model Fireblade, and the best it’s ever been. Despite being one of the oldest bikes on the grid, riders Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran both secured showdown spots.
It’s being replaced next year but the squad have extracted every last ounce of performance.
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The beauty is in the detail. The huge swingarm and shock linkage allow more room above the swingarm pivot for the tank, the factory Nissin brakes are stunning and I even get excited about the shrink-wrapped lockwiring. It was tipping down so the team dialled in a wet map, making it very gentle below 7000rpm – but after 9000 it has real bite. The Motec quickshifter is one of the fastest I’ve used – you struggle to hear the revs fluctuate between changes. But I could hear and feel the air-bleed system working, as it chucked fuel in on a closed throttle to reduce engine braking. The chassis doesn’t feel as rigid as you’d expect, in fact the suspension is remarkably plush. The Nissin brakes are equally friendly, and boast good feel, but I didn’t like the two-finger short levers that Linfoot favours.
Tech Spec
225bhp, 165kg
Race record One win, 13 podiums and four pole positions.
Why it matters It’s the ultimate Honda Fireblade.
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