Hi guys,
Looking to purchase by first blade, been a fan of them since my Dad’s mate took me for a spin on his 1st Gen purple/white model back when I was a kid!
Been an absolute fan ever since.
Decided to finally take my bike test 20 years later. Learned to ride on an old 600cc BMW from 1982, then bought my first “big bike” - it was supposed to be a blade!! Had a look at a few, but was put off by dodgy VIN numbers and patchy fairing.
Mended up buying an ‘02 Aprilia Falco.

Fast forward 6 years, and I’m back in the market for a FireBlade...

Can you guys shed some light on things I should be looking for - what to avoid, and what isn’t necessarily hard to fix.

Theres a 99 model near me advertised at £1800, 20k on clock. Slight scratches on the crankcase/clutch cover (right hand side) and exhaust.
Ive asked the seller what history was with the bike, but apparently “last owner lost book”??
also, not sure if there’s a ding on the tank.

 

That’s a nice looking blade! I would buy it if I had the money and means.

By the pic the scratches look similar in size and location to the ones on my bike ‘97’ and have not cause any mechanical issues for me (only cosmetic). The look of the tank dent maybe a small issue. Doesn’t look to have a hardline crease in it, so paint-less dent repair may clear it up. Though it is close to a hardline bend of the tanks design , so that may limit the effectiveness of PDR.

Just my thoughts

 

Good ole Fireblades !! .......that seems low mileage and checking old mot history will help you there. The lower fork legs look like they agree with claimed mileage as they can suffer from getting shot blasted on our roads.
I would check out the front brake discs though. There could be an issue with either pads or discs as there seems to be some colour variation across the disc.
My old (95) girl has 50k on the clock and still sounds sweet. Only issue with her as been reg/ rec but sorted cheaply and easily.
There are plenty of these about so chose wisely. Personally I like the mileage if confirmed but the dent in the tank would possibly be a deal breaker. Maybe either cost the repair first or look out for a second hand tank.....just my thoughts.
Best of luck mate, and a good choice of bike !

 

Thanks guys.
Is there anything in particular I should be looking at when viewing a 2nd hand blade?
I understand the reg/rec are prone to failure, and cam chain tensioners.
My favourite shape are the “shark fin” 96/97 models. But then I like the digital odometer dash of the later 98-on models.
Are the faults/foibles the same across the board, or do earlier or later blades suffer different issues?

 

Also - another question...
97 model. 26k. Owned since 2016 as part of a collection of bikes.
“Serviced by previous owner” currently owner has only done 300 miles since ownership....
would the oil/filters not require changing annually if no mileage. Would the oil not start to go “off”, or would it be safe to say it would be good to go.
The next bike I purchase would be getting an oil and filter change regardless. Just want to make sure it’s not going to have caused potential damage.

 

Soo... after looking at a whole host of different FireBlades and settling mainly on the 98 onwards, I suddenly realised I didn’t like the front light!!
but I LOVE the models with the “shark gill” rear vents, so that narrowed my search down to 96/97 models. Ended up buying a black 1997 RRV. almost original other than heated grips, braided lines and a stainless full system exhaust.

 

Very nice!

 

Nice. Neat and tidy example.
Try and look after exhaust under belly mid section, where they split from four. My stainless suffered here and ended up holed.
Enjoy mate.

 

Cheers guys!
noticed I’d lost a subframe bolt after going for a ride yesterday!! Sourced replacement. I’ve stripped the fairings off today and given it a good clean. Degreased the chain-slider and swingarm. Got some dry-lube as I won’t be using it in bad weather. So hopefully that will stop it getting as clarted up again in the future.
I did notice some tarnishing on the downpipes.
What would you recommend for cleaning them up??

 

Green scotch pads and autosol