Finance: The last of the analogue superbikes
The introduction of three new Honda Fireblades and two new Suzuki GSX-R1000s in 2017 signals the end of raw, unfiltered superbikes.
Thankfully the outgoing models are still with us for a little while and currently available on some pretty tempting finance deals, considering the amount of power and performance they have.
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They may not be the latest and greatest but they’re still capable of 180mph+ and as sportsbikes go in 2016 they’re pretty comfortable and practical.
Suzuki GSX-R1000
36 monthly repayments of: £140.78
Cash price: £11,136
Deposit: £2,600
APR: 8.9%
What we said at the launch: The now old GSX-R was an exceptional bike, winning AMA and world endurance titles and narrowly missing out on a BSB title. Suzuki have simply improved the weak points, namely better brakes, more midrange, lighter handling with a few cosmetic tweaks, which in the end produces an exceptional road bike with real world manners.
It may lack sophisticated traction control and ABS, and isn’t as race-focussed as BMW’s S1000R or Kawasaki’s ZX-10R but it won’t be far behind in terms of lap times and is much more forgiving on the road.
Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
36 monthly repayments of: £99
Cash price: £12,199
Deposit: £2,614.25
APR: 5.9%
What we said at the launch: The big news for the 2009 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade isn’t its new, oval-shaped indicators, but its revolutionary electronically-controlled Combined ABS system. This makes the Honda Fireblade the world’s first ever ABS-equipped superbike. This system takes none of the enjoyment out of riding this incredible superbike and it feels just the same to ride as a normal Blade, even on the track.
The system stays in the background until the moment you get into a difficult braking situation, then the ‘brake-by-wire’ kicks in. This is a landmark motorcycle and surely the shape of things to come. Why would you ever want a bike without it?
Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.
