Finally Letting My Honda Fireblade Go | 1996 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade Project Superbike | 17

Finally Letting My Honda Fireblade Go | 1996 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade Project Superbike | 17
In this episode, I review my time with my latest CBR900RR and explain a little about why I am moving on.
Here are the featured riser and Lowering Plates Rearsets 1996 - 1999 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade: ebay.us/B9J3x9
I have really enjoyed the time I have had with this Fireblade. It was completely reliable, thrilling to ride, and a lot of fun to work on. I didn’t really come across any big problems. I did replace some parts, but apart from the subframe, which could have been repaired, nothing was likely to fail.
I gave the bike a good service, but even the valve clearances appeared to have been looked at in the past. The engine ran flawlessly, started well, and really had some go. Although it had probably had quite an eventful life before I got it, overall it seemed to have had some care given to it by the owner before me.
After I applied the stickers and put a clear coat over them, I think it was one of the best looking Fireblades I have ever owned. There is something about a bike having your own personal touch on it that makes it special, and having a unique twist on a standard scheme is always a good talking point :)
If I had any complaint it would probably be my old age marring the comfort of the bike 😀 They aren’t intended to be comfortable, but for a “Sports” bike they have plenty of room and don't cause you to be too contorted to ride. To be honest, it wasn’t too uncomfortable, and even without the lowering footrest plates it was easily rideable. I remember being half my age, and always feeling like I had been beaten with a stick after any long ride on a slabby GSXR 750 back in the day. Even my pillion thought it was quite comfortable.
Perhaps the biggest problem is that I like buying the next bike. So no matter how much I love my current bike, I will always be looking for the next one. And finding a lot of confirmation bias as to why I should change. This personal trait, meant that this, and probably any, bike is always on borrowed time. But I do enjoy them while I have got them, and they usually leave me in much better condition than when I get them.
After the sale information.
The new owner reported back that he was very happy with the bike. He also told me about some amazing high-speed riding that he had been doing, he must live near a race track 🙂
As for me I am missing it already, I do wish I could fund a museum to keep all my ex bikes in, it has joined a list of bikes for which I have very fond memories, and would have back if the circumstances were right. But I have started to love its replacement, I wonder when I will sell that, probably not during the coming Winter 🙂
For more helpful how-to guides and restoration project logs, visit our blog: www.spannerras...
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[@andymiller5611]

What an awesome series of videos, man! Just the right amount of spannering and riding! The decals and clear-coating were inspiring to watch - I dont know think I have the patience and a steady enough hand for that job but your results were fantastic! I feel saddened by the end of this series but I am thoroughly enjoying the other ones! Keep up the great work, Andy.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks Andy I am glad you like them! I really loved the decals on the Fireblade, they came out really great.

[@davecree867]

Lovely job with the decals, totally transformed the look of the bike 👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@chrispritchard4676]

Lovely video and well done for considering the next owner. Most of my later bikes were Hondas. I started Japanese bikes with a CBR1000F in 1987. I had 4 of these and loved the look of the FK red, blue and white model. A work of art. Two new Blackbirds (1997 and 2004) Relentless acceleration and probably faster than the Fireblades. I had a new 2002 GSX1000R. Frightened me to death. Too light for its acceleration and kept wheelying. Only did less than 1000k and sold it before I died. Bought a 1995 Fireblade urban tiger and used it for 5 years as a work bike come Summer and Winter. Finished with a 954 Fireblade, and finally gave up bikes after 58 years when arthritis took over as I couldn't feel the handgrips. The best was the Urban Tiger, although they all gave immense pleasure.

[@SPANNERRASH]

You have had some cool bikes. Sorry abou the arthritis, it really isn't fair. I haven't had a 954, but I have heard that they were the best model, maybe I'll get one next. I keep coming back to fireblades, there is just something about them.

[@vainparasite]

I made some footrest lowering plates for my zx9r in 2001, just before I went to Europe for a couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure I was the first person to make that type 😂 I dropped them and set them back 30mm which was as low as they could go without touching the exhaust pipe. It makes a huge difference for knee comfort doesn't it. I still have my zx9r now and just getting it back on the road ready for summer as it's not been used for the last 3 years due to health issues. I had a 95 blade for a short while as it was stolen in 1999, I got the zx9 with the insurance in 2000. I love the thing and it holds many precious memories of places I've been and people I've met. It's not as pretty as your blade but not in bad condition for a 26 year old bike. Great video 😊👍👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

Lowering the footrests makes a tremendous difference. I have ridden a ZX9R a few times, a good freind of mine had one. They are really solid bikes, and I think that although they didn't get the same regard as a 'Blade they were better in some ways.

[@BULLEAD]

A lot of effort went into this, but you made it look so easy and relaxing.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Glad you enjoyed it! I do try to enjoy what I am doing, if I don't, nobody else would. Cheers.

[@MrCaterhamr500]

Great videos, I have a Westfield ‘Megablade’ that’s fitted with one of these engines and your videos have been very helpful 👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

Great to hear!

[@holymacarenafin2319]

Sir thank you for going thru this bike. I have 97 900rr with dynojets and little mods. You carburator calibration video guided me for first time and now im good at it. Perfect bikes.

[@SPANNERRASH]

You are most welcome, I am really glad it helped.

[@gixerloon]

Ohhh this takes me back to when I had a 97 RRV Blade in HRC colours, loved that bike, developed it over a couple of years with Ohlins rear shock and fork kit, crashed it twice, rebuilt it twice even rode to the South of France on it a couple of times, no comfort issues, funnily enough your footrest lowering kit is the same I had, but reversed so it gave better ground clearance, that bike was the first that I got my knee down on and I was in my early 40's at the time, stupidly part-ex'd it in 2004 for a new RR4 Fireblade which although was faster was so uncomfortable I hated it on the annual ride to France and back, with mates. I've subsequently owned 5 different model Blades, but my all time fav has to be that 1997 RRV, and although this might sound strange, and a different manufacturer but my GSXR1000K5 felt to me so much like my 1997 RRV just in a faster ultimately more comfortable better handling package, two bikes I wish I'd never sold, alone with my VTR SP1 🤔

[@SPANNERRASH]

I really should look at a GSXR1000 before I get too old :) I keep coming back to Blades, I also fancy a 954 because everybody says how good they are.

[@gixerloon]

@@SPANNERRASH You know you want to... I had a 954, great bike, but tbh, as much as I love Blades, the GSXR1000K5/6 is so much better, better get one before they get too pricey, every time I look they are still going for what I paid for my second one in 2015.

[@peterparkin6732]

A man after my own heart. Great video thanks.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I hope you enjoy some of our other videos too!

[@johnmac.6760]

Enjoyed that mate 👌👍 and you've got a new subscriber, cheers ohh I've got the 4xv r1 had it 20years luv this bike. 🏍️👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

Cheers pal, welcome aboard! 😃

[@albrustmeyer753]

Wow great job 👏 I miss my 1998 CBR 900rr 😍

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks. I miss every one I let go!

[@jamesrichardson1901]

Somebody's getting a very well-sorted Blade.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks, it looks fabulous, and runs like a train. I am already missing it :)

[@stanbarrington]

I beat to death my US CBR900RR with thousands of unknown miles (broken odometer) commuting daily for 13 years! NEVER adjusted the valves .Just oil changes and a stator or two.I finally gave it to my son and bought a gently used 954RR still riding for 9 years with four more to go to retirement.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Blades are great. I haven't had a 954....YET!

[@andrewballard9805]

Very good person for doing all that before other owner 🎉 good job ❤

[@SPANNERRASH]

You are so kind, but doing the work on the bike is one of the things I like the most. I hate it when I have a bike with nothing to do on it :)

[@robertengland9352]

Excellent video have had 4 myself different models 😊

[@SPANNERRASH]

Great to hear! Still got a hankering after a 954 :)

[@jacklifeonwheels]

What a great channel just found u

[@SPANNERRASH]

Such kind words, Thanks for coming along on our journey.

[@cbrider726]

Your like me . I have a bigb thing for Bandits 1200 . Now i was in my workshop today to replace the front tyre whaich i did .But once i took the front wheel out i started to clean the fork legs so much so i ended up polishing them both to a glass finish . Now i should have stopped there .No i also did the fork seals .Now tomorrow i am going to adjust the chain and fit a new center stand but i have noticed a small oil leak around the gear change shaft . You see what i mean lol .Great stream .Thanks👍👍👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

And just when you get it all done, you sell it, and buy another! :)

[@patrickhostler5939]

I have a MK1 FireBlade, and I absolutely adore it….

[@SPANNERRASH]

I had one back when they were new, early '90s! One of the best, and an amazing step up from the other bikes at the time. I did have a YPVS and an early Slabby afterwards, but the 'Blade was best.

[@patrickhostler5939]

@@SPANNERRASH I still have my YPVS as well… but the Blade is such a beautiful, simple, light machine. I’ve had all sort of super superbikes over the years including GSXR’s R1’s Panigale’s… but my Blade is more than fast enough for me now

[@dubdelboy]

Alrite mate where did you get the lower foot rest I've just bought a mint 99 blade

[@SPANNERRASH]

Here is a link for them ebay.us/B9J3x9 They make like so much easier.

[@andrewballard9805]

I had a 1997 Honda black bird and they are amazing the power is smooth jet like think about the blackbird but whatever you get most importantly stay Comfortable

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks. I did find the engine on the blade great, even from really low down. I think that carbed bikes are much smoother at lower revs than injected ones. I'm surprised I have never had a Blackbird, they're definitely on the list of possibilities.

[@tommac9119]

Got to be a vfr next !

[@SPANNERRASH]

;)

[@H-M-78]

Blackbird?

[@N269]

Nice bike indeed. Far too low-riding for me, but a very nice finish (from your presentation). Ever thought about the 900 Hornet?

[@SPANNERRASH]

A 900 Hornet is on the list of bikes I might own, if all of the starts align, i.e I'm after a change, the bike is at the right price, and it catches my eye. You never know.

[@1234567marks]

Somebody will be getting a much improved bike there 👍

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks, I never seem to buy one as good as this :) I wonder why?

[@Peter-Alexander]

You are a genius!

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks

[@Peter-Alexander]

@@SPANNERRASH Just subscribed to your channel, great videos! I'm 61 and have the oportunity to buy a '97 fireblade so your video was so fascinating. But my mind tells me to buy a Forza 750 or so while I just love that fireblade. I'll ride it and see how it goes and how much it hurts ha ha. Thanks for your super interesting videos!

[@SPANNERRASH]

@@Peter-Alexander Never say never, but a Forza? I am onto a VFR at the moment, and it is great, but I do miss the Fireblade! I also like project bikes, watch my efforts with my CB823 Cafe Racer when the vid comes out tomorrow. Take care, and thanks for watching and your kind words.

[@Peter-Alexander]

@@SPANNERRASH Have to admit I did not consider a VFR and maybe I should. Came up with the Forza because I thought it would be really easy, I realize it is something completely different but probably fun too. Haven't been on a bike since 30 yrs you see....I am considering the CBR650R as well as it seems a real nice bike and not too harsh on the wrists. But when I look at the fireblade I really love that bike! My very first bike was way back in 1980 when I bought the CB400F. Loved that bike....

[@Peter-Alexander]

Well, I finally bought a 1997 SC33! While the riding position is not as bad as I had expected. But my riding skills are more rusty than I thought. I find low speed cornering a bit tricky on the blade. Don't know if it has anything to do with the 16 inch front wheel. But for now I'll have to practice lots and lots. Did you replace your blade with a new bike? Best regards.

[@philw4053]

You said it! Youve had four for a reason 😊. I sold my 1000rr last year (immaculate 2006 model with 12000 miles) and regreted it as soon as i saw her being driven away. I'm sure you'll get another one soon. Let me guess. Either a Pan European ST 1100 or 1300? 😊

[@SPANNERRASH]

Great guesses, but wrong, and with your next thought I am sure you will be spot on. But the inro video won't be for a few weeks. We are motoring on with the E30 and the Cafe Racer at the moment. I hope you aren't disappointed when you find out, I am pretty pleased with it at the moment.

[@philw4053]

Never a disappointment with you two. Looking forward to seeing the E30 and CB750 progress - and to see the next one!

[@zackfreeman3985]

I just got a used bike exactly this model. And its top speed is 110. I don't know what is causing that much of a performance gap. Maybe the carbs are out of balance. I have no idea

[@SPANNERRASH]

110 is surprisingly low. How does it actually run? The blade engine pulls strong from virtually nothing, and really sings at the top end. The running might give you a clue. I don't think carb balance would reduce the top speed so much, the higher up the rev range the less impact the balance has. If the engine sounds fine, then maybe somebody has massively changed the gearing. Good luck, once you have it sorted you will love it.

[@zackfreeman3985]

@@SPANNERRASH it runs so good, it's very surprising. And it really does feel like the gearbox was messed with or changed. Because it's not due to a lack of power it literally just tops out the gearbox. It feels like all the gears are so much smaller. I can only get to 20 mph in first gear before it's maxed out rpm.

[@atamata237]

I had 3, they all went strong till 280kmh

[@davidallen3050]

I'VE OWNED MY 96 ,4 SPEED 1200 HD SPORTY HERE IN NEW ZEALAND FOR 15 YRS.EVERYWHERE I GO BLOKES TELL ME HOW SORRY THEY ARE THEY SOLD THEIR S .THX FOR THE VID ANYWAY .

[@SPANNERRASH]

Always happy with a new bike though! Ha...

[@davidallen3050]

TRUE THAT !

[@wokeybrokey8006]

Bet it’s a VFR next 🤫

[@SPANNERRASH]

Spot on! Look at our other videos, you will see how right you were.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

@@SPANNERRASH just subscribed 👍

[@H-M-78]

Design on these engine is very much like the Busa engine

[@SPANNERRASH]

Yes when Honda brought out the Blade in '92 they used a lot of already in place design ideas. I am not surprised that when Suziki brought out the Hayabuse in '99 the also used a lot of the same ideas. Both great engines.

[@poo19788]

Price

[@SPANNERRASH]

2150 GBP.

[@martinslattery2880]

I noticed you’re chain is starting to kink on the video

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks. I never noticed an issue, I will have to watch the video again.

[@Peter-Alexander]

Ok, so it's one year now. Please tell me you at least are thinking about a fireblade project....😊

[@SPANNERRASH]

954, but only thinking ;)

[@Peter-Alexander]

​@SPANNERRASH I somehow felt it 😊. The 954 is a legendary bike.

[@tonyedwards892]

Vfr 800 ?

[@SPANNERRASH]

;)