Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP - Brimmed with hot extra's why was she never more popular?

In this video you join me on a trip down memory lane reviewing Spencers Honda CBR1000RR SP, the best version of the Fireblade back in 2014!
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[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

Another great video yet again james you getting really good now with doing reviews its seems to be quite a natural thing to you now how you explain interact with stuff 😉

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Mike 😎 It’s taken its time but every video I feel I learn/ adapt & hopefully improve 👍😬

[@Ryan.T89]

I think it was never popular as it was during a time when the R1 was trendy and the BMW was faster and winning the TT. Then Ducati brought out the new bike and in racing the blade just fell behind. I personally owned loads of blades and bought into the hype of a BMW and was a rocket but it was a pure racing bike and way more than anyone could use on a public road. Went back and bought that exact model blade and for me a totally average road rider it was more than enough and didn’t scare the bejesus out of me. Also personally feel you can’t beat Honda quality 👌🏻

[@stoneautomotive]

I think that’s exactly it as I mentioned in the review the blade really is a great 1000cc sports bike and the difference of 20bhp between the contenders for road use I still think the blade is a great choice!

[@ayowser01]

​@@stoneautomotive nothing a full exhaust+air filter+velocity stack+flash can't fix!

[@andrewmoylan6295]

From memory James, the honda was up there in price, about 35k aus dollar, but what a weapon mate. Amazing, no braided brake lines. But typical Honda ....brilliant ,great review man

[@stoneautomotive]

I know, how much would a set of hoses cost to put on an SP 😅 luckily Spence will be ordering a set up from HEL performance 🙏 Thanks mate and glad you enjoyed the video 😎👍

[@andrewmoylan6295]

@stoneautomotive My pleasure, great stuff, mate, keep it coming

[@Worther12]

Am I the only person that cringes when I see a metal keyring chain on the ignition key? That'll scratch up the beautiful top yoke (maybe even the dash over bumps) lovely. As others have said I think the S1000RR took a lot of it's customers, and maybe the issue with the crank/plastic gears on the 2007/8+ were still in buyers minds...🤷It's a lovely looking machine, either way....👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Same! That’s why all mine are either fabric or silicon tube (courtesy of SFS hoses back in the day 😬 Yea the 2009/10 ones with the crank issues did no favours for Honda especially when you had the S1000RR to compete with! Funny thing now is I’m seeing alot of videos on the new BMW M1000RR going pop 🥴

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

Had a ‘12 anniversary model and to my eyes one of the best looking designs, still looks modern, super smooth and usable, however I did find it lacking fun on the road, but this maybe more due to the 1000cc power as can’t rev it out ever really. Recently purchased a GSXR750 and while not a match on the Hondas finish it does provide more fun on the road anyway

[@stoneautomotive]

Agree they have aged really well design wise 👌 Completely get that, my R1M has a lot more character from the engine compared to the Fireblade, be interesting to see what the 2024 blades ride like as from what I’ve read there pretty spicy 👍

[@SAVING_ICONIC_MACHINES]

I know that road like the back of my hand ❤ stunning bike❤

[@stoneautomotive]

Frequent traveller to Mexico too 👀😅 It’s about as good as it gets in this area, anything else half decent is half hour! Gonna try and hold a localish stone meet at some point 😬

[@serverlabuk]

Nice video and lovely motorbike. I have a Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR Feb/2017 one of the last ones without any electronics / non-ABS. Its excellent to ride, as its riders skills. I agree Honda should of kept the analog dash for the RPM as the digiral RPM looks boring. Where did you do the recording looks like a nice place for a ride? Might catch up with you on a dry Sunday morning ride.

[@stoneautomotive]

Wow that must literally have been one of the last off the production line 😬 You can normally see me down at Ryka’s at Boxhill watching the moto gp if it’s a European race and dry 👍 although we’re all riding to Assen later this month to watch the Moto GP live 😎

[@abc-yl9ft]

I'm sorry but this is like watching paint dry. The guy is boring

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks for the feedback, we shall get him replaced ASAP, lucky we have another 30 presenters in the line up willing to work for below minimum wage 👍 Please can we see some of your videos so we know how to improve?

[@ayowser01]

The Brembos are speciallly made for the 'blade. They are 32/30mm pistons; instead of the 30mm that's sold aftermarket or found on other bikes. The Ohlins is also specd for the bike and the top yoke is forged/special to this model. When I did the calculation for the Ohlins/Brembo addition, it came out to around $3600 to add them aftermarket. That made it a no brainer to choose the SP over the standard -if given the option.

[@stoneautomotive]

@@ayowser01 interesting to hear the differences, even in the sales team we didn’t get that info 🤦‍♂️ Love all the little unique details like this, any good links to the full break down of the SP? I know Spence (the owner) would love a full read 😎

[@ayowser01]

@stoneautomotive I had to gather all the info from researching multiple websites. The axles are also unique for the purpose of saving a few grams (requires specific axle sliders for the '14-16 sp model); the seat is supposedly made from a firmer material; the clip-ons are wider and at a more aggressive angle; rear sets are 1cm further back; engine blueprinted within 1g (normally 3g) That's all the extra stuff I could think of off the top of my head. I purchased one fairly recently and went to town modifying it. I just need a set of Core Moto wheels and I'll be set! 🙂

[@MPHANIMATIONS]

How does this bike hold up to the 2016 kawasaki zx10R do you know? Im looking into buying either the sp or the zx10r. I heard the fireblades had abs problems.

[@stoneautomotive]

I’ve not ridden one of the later ZX10r’s to compare sadly! Last one I rode was a 2004 from memory 😩 Speaking of ABS problems, Spencer has started getting an intermittent fault with the abs system so will be ditching the abs module and converting it to old school

[@MPHANIMATIONS]

@stoneautomotive Honda never admitted to the fault on the abs so there was never a recall or a fix...it lost alot of people's confidence on their CBRs and most sold them on. The newer 2017 ABS is different and doesn't have that problem I believe.

[@stoneautomotive]

@@MPHANIMATIONS that’s a shame to hear! Wasn’t even something I was aware of but I left Honda in 2014 so didn’t get the chance to engage with customers that had put a few thousand miles on them

[@MPHANIMATIONS]

@stoneautomotive yeah, was really looking into buying the sp cbr but it turned me off it.

[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

Yes it certainly seems like you a natural with being on the camera now 😎👌

[@markjones3551]

The big question is…. Is it better for the road than the R1M as that’s a phenomenal looking machine and Im looking at all options for road riding not track….Heard great things about the Bmw s1000rr but honestly can’t be doing with the cheap plastic parts that come alm over the bike and its just too clinical

[@stoneautomotive]

That is a big question 😅 I loved the blade but I wouldn’t swap the R1M for one, the Yamaha is just such an experience and the power and delivery is incredible! If your a relatively experienced rider the R1M certainly keeps you on your toes where’s the Blade (as per Spences is situation) is an ideal leap into 1000cc sports bikes. The handling feels similar on both and out the box the SP has better brakes but it’s the engines that really set them apart

[@markjones3551]

@@stoneautomotive …..great reply buddy……still waiting for an update video on the R1’s new brakes😁

[@stoneautomotive]

@@markjones3551 coming this month regarding the brakes 😬

[@markjones3551]

@@stoneautomotive ….cannot wait bud….top channel to follow….right up there buddy👌🏻

[@evanjohn503]

And after all that? No braided lines on an SP.

[@stoneautomotive]

Yep 🫣

[@dacat8171]

There are, but covered with rubber, I reckon 🤔

[@jamieelliott5205]

I wish they do a new Honda CBR 125

[@michaelmccann4706]

Very good review, thanks again for such interesting content. 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed the video 😬👍

[@markjones3551]

Looking at getting myself a superbike for the road once again after a 7 yr break from sportsbikes(currently on a gen 2 Busa,Gsx14,CB13😃) Still love sportsbikes but cannot for the sake of me decide if Im going to go for the new/newer(laden with electronics) or look at the older bikes of this generation which are still more than is needed for the road….. Anymore suggestions to batter my head with will be appreciated 🤣

[@stoneautomotive]

I’m gonna be honest, super naked is really taking my fancy currently after being over in Portugal with Nexx when they loaned me the Yamaha MT-10 for the day, tons of fun and power for the road and my wrists lasted all day with no pain 😅 It’s a really tough call, I certainly wouldn’t rule out the older stuff, might be worth getting down to a local dealer and taking out some demo’s as everyone will be looking for something different (if you check the bike review play lists there’s certainly a few on there now 👍)

[@markjones3551]

@@stoneautomotive ….had an mt10 back in 2017….phenomenal bike but just don’t get on with the looks of a lot of supernakeds as I just love the look of sportsbikes but like yourself I most probably would feel a lot less pain on a supernaked (at a ripe old age of 50) than a sportsbike 🥴 Out of the current crop of superbikes it would have to be the new fireblade that catches my eye but at £23.5k it’s a bit pricey as are all the latest stuff…

[@razzaspencer7473]

I had a 2013 abs model of this shape, albeit a non sp variant....it was a fantastic bike smooth and easy to ride and i did a few trips round wales and scotland on it...fitted a HRC quick action throttle, leo vince exhaust and a zero gravity screen. The issue with the bike is it just lacks abit of spark and excitment that other sportsbikes give. It's technically brilliant and refined but when your off it you dont think about it. I traded mine in for a 2015 s1000rr and it wipes the floor with thr blade in every department

[@stoneautomotive]

Interesting comment, I found the S1000RR to lack the “fizz” compared to the R1 and Panigale at the time, granted it’s been many years and was a stock 2016 model - might have to try one again especially now riding the best Honda had to offer at the period and see how they compare 👍

[@razzaspencer7473]

The thing is the world would be boring if we all liked the same things and I wouldn't fault anyone for owning one. I echo what you said on the review it doesn't really need the electronics because it is just so refined. I enjoyed mine whilst I had it. And at the end of the review your absolutely right the blade flatters the rider. Surprisingly I got alot of admiring looks on mine which was in HRC colours, not so much with the BMW 🫣

[@jamielewis7809]

Its nice seing local roads that I ride too most of your filming locations are very close by

[@stoneautomotive]

Reading the comments it seems we have a few locals shall have to try and get a stone automotive coffee meet organised on the bikes one Sunday 😎

[@paul8161]

Nice segway,, next helmets ,, cuts back to the bike,,"the next big upgrade "🤣, clever 😀 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

I have no idea how it happened… 🤷‍♂️ But if you need a helmet make sure you check the link in the description 🤣

[@paul8161]

@stoneautomotive as it happens, I do, but I got save me penny's up as helmets aren't cheap.. I check them out, thanks.

[@paul8161]

I love that paint scheme on that bike with that bling..yummy..looks amazing and sounds amazing to.❤

[@stoneautomotive]

The Repsol colour scheme of that year is one of my favourites too 😎

[@paul8161]

@stoneautomotive my mate had a 2 stroke Honda nsr in that paint scheme..looked lovely, I got the last laugh when I got a cagivia mito in red yummy.

[@Alexander-fu1zd]

Great review pal, they're getting better every drop 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate, always good to hear the positive feedback 😎👌

[@WillH2168]

Stunning bike, enjoying the bike content at the minute! Keep it up

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate, plenty more to come 😬

[@johnmac.6760]

Brill video, brill bike, at last a video with nooooo adventure bike awsome, keep it rubber side up bud. 👌👍🤘🤘

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate 😎👍 Yes you are right most videos are adventure riding now 😅

[@johnmac.6760]

@@stoneautomotive I love sports bikes always have, I'm 54 now and I ride a blade and I've still got my 4xv r1 luv that bike.. Keep up the great videos mate, oh that aprilla 125 was ace, I could smell the two stroke. Haha cheers buddy. 🤘👌👍👍🏍️🏍️

[@mygi43543]

This video should be titled, tell me you are new to bikes without telling me new to bikes.

[@stoneautomotive]

🤣 Thanks, only passed my test last week so to be expected 👍

[@joebloggs1583]

That’s why I’ve never eaten in McDonald’s because it is a pile of crap👍

[@stoneautomotive]

I agree… but have also been desperate & hung over in certain stages of my life when it has rescued me 😅