2024 Honda Fireblade VS Yamaha R1 | The FINAL Showdown!!

[@PDCRed]

Ah, The John and Gregorio Show. Time for a brew...

[@martinwsavill444]

It’s ironic how the Fireblade was always considered the softest/ most usable out of the 1000cc bikes, now it’s the most extreme

[@amaximus5753]

I remember those days. However, the R1 is always an R1. Still has those wild characteristics. It's just much more refined. Still scary fast.

[@fentimanway1]

It’s a terrible move from Honda. Always going away from creature comforts which sell like hotcakes, and they’ve made a road legal track bike - silly really. Wouldn’t be surprised if the fireblade gets axed soon too. The S1000RR is destroying it in sales

[@amaximus5753]

@fentimanway1 the reality is, all of the supersports bikes are uncomfortable. The R1 is not really any different, they are just nit picking and saying the fireblade is less comfortable. These bikes are designed to go fast on a race track, they are designed to lean over at high speeds, and for the rider to be hanging off, head down, elbows out, all aggressive. If you want to be cruising and sitting up, theirs other options. But if you want to do track days, then here you go, fireblade or R1. Both fast. You don't buy a fireblade or R1 for comfort

[@fentimanway1]

@@amaximus5753 You couldn’t be more wrong and completely missed the point of this video. This is a road test, where most of these bikes will spend its life. It’s what sells these bikes and keeps them alive- track only bikes are a tiny income stream for these companies. Supersports are not comfortable in comparison to nakeds no, but they can absolutely be made more comfortable for road use. Fuel indicators, cruise control, less aggressive rider triangles. It was done with the CBR600RR - a top seller. The S1000RR took the same ethos and it is a market leader, but with all the negatives with BMW reliability. Btw even the M1000RR has these creature comforts, and it still wins races ;)

[@amaximus5753]

@@fentimanway1 no, your completely wrong and you completely missed my point. I was not replying to the video, I was replying to the OP. I’m simply stating facts. These bikes are designed to go fast, not slow, fast. Comfort is not priority. You want comfort, get a naked. You want more comfort, get a cruiser. Get what I’m saying? Get my point? Why do you think the super bike market has dropped. It’s nothing like it used to be. Why? Because people are realising that these bikes are too much for the road, not as comfortable as a naked, so they go the alternative option, naked. Don’t give me that crap about the S1000 being comfortable. Compared to what? An R1, a fireblade. Maybe. More comfortable than an MT10, or a naked S1000. Hell no. If you buy an S1000RR or an R1, or a fireblade and don’t plan to do any track days, than what the hell are you doing? Cruising around? They are now manufacturing a lot less super bikes because of this reason. Facts! But still enough for people who actually ride them as intended, on the track, leaning over.

[@matthewjames4268]

Turned 48 this year and found a 99 fireblade on the local classifieds in mint condition. What lovely machine. Great city coffee run bike and the massive storage in the back.

[@paulwatson5843]

Brilliant this video as always. Rather than mcn or some hero track journalist constantly complaining about sport bikes on the road and just saying they are for the track. The brakes on r1 the top end on cbr the comfort on rsv4 winge winge winge… get it on the road and track, save the sport bike! and you see it with adventure bikes… who looks at an adventure bike and gets a warm groin… no one. Thats a good looking Africa twin says no one ever !

[@bendavies6775]

Couldn’t agree more. No car journalist repeatedly describes the latest Ferrari/McLaren as too much for the road because they realise it is self defeating. Contemporary sports bikes should be admired for their performance, engineering marvel, their halo effect for their respective brands rather than dismissed as being irrelevant.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Paul 👍

[@paulwatson5843]

@@bendavies6775 completely right mate… “ oh the Ferrari isn’t a good tourer” no shit! When I get time for a blast I’m not interested in anything else than having fun on a bike that looks amazing, sounds amazing and gives me that fuzzy feeling when you look back at it when walking into the petrol station to pay.

[@markholmes5695]

@@paulwatson5843 ride what you want to ride . I’m personally done with sports ergos for enjoyable riding. Still wanted the full nuttery so bought an SFV4s 😈 8 hour days in saddle

[@SomewhereInside]

Out of curiosity how do these sports bikes handle going fast on narrow pot holed bitumen back roads ?

[@darylclifford]

At the 20:39 roll-on the R1 was in 2nd gear while the Fireblade was in 1st - shows how the R1’s mid-range has an almost V-2 or V4 characteristic! I’d love both bikes and would have to test both to decide

[@OrangeTash]

Also shows how stupidly tall the gearing is on the blade.. a 1000 should not pick up that slowly in first gear😂

[@LambChopRides]

Yes exactly that 👍

[@laz1go286]

And it also shows why they brought in the Big-Bang firing order back in the day to MotoGP, and later on road bikes, it's a clear advantage when accelerating out of corners..

[@amaximus5753]

​@OrangeTash the gearing is tall on both. Both have very similar gearing. Around 155 to 160kph in first. The R1's cross plain is just better at delivering power to the ground

[@lynxeffect84]

​@@LambChopRides what camera is on the fireblade

[@mrdoodle8748]

Hard to believe this rivalry has gone on for 26 years.

[@Wiewel1960]

Greg and Chopsy are simply the most entertaining pair of riders I can think of💪 Thank you both for this inspiring presentation👋

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks very much buddy 👍

[@EpiceverythingProductions]

@@LambChopRidesI have a Speed Triple 1200 rr and have been thinking of trading it in towards an R1. Since you have ridden both bikes is there one you prefer more for road with a couple of track days a year? Thanks for your input!

[@andrewprice1189]

Can't wait for the latest versus original review as I have an original 1st year 4XV. Also when are we seeing a ZX4RR review? Just picked up my 40th anniversary model this week grin factor 100/100. G'day from Melbourne from this Aberdeen lad

[@headrace4863]

…superhuman levels of self control needed. Nice editing 😉 I took my RR5 out yesterday and failed the self control test somewhat terribly. Agreed, the RRRRRRRRRSSPSPSPSPPS is priced near the poonigali now, both premium products. Shed a tear for the loss of the (road) R1, hopefully a break in production rather than deletion. Great work gents. 👍👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Headrace 👍

[@johnnyhun1]

at that age they are in it would be much more surprising if they would ever go above 100 mph... goldwing is more suitable for them lol

[@kristiantoogood7781]

Great review, excellent double act! Really helpful! Over the last 10yrs or so I have jumped between the cbr600rr and Fireblade. My ego always says Fireblade, but now my advancing years and other factors including the fact the 600rr is half the price are pointing in that direction!

[@dalemeadows225]

Brilliant review. Loved it. Best double-act on YT

[@willhoult]

Fantastic comparison from looks i like the r1 more

[@deanharris9331]

Superbike shootouts are the best, especially when Chopsie and Greg are reviewing them. They always give honest and practical reviews. Love it ❤️ 😀

[@Handlethetruth666]

I’ve been ripping my blade about today . Making the most of the last bit of summer

[@sk2283]

Not ridden a new blade but I like the look of them, I had a 2016 R1M which I thought was a flawed gem of a bike, desperately needed a remap which transforms the bike, once the throttle / power is mapped smooth it is a fantastic bike, such a shame they are discontinuing them - let’s hope there is a mega replacement behind the scenes !

[@shivvashishthabhargava4600]

They’re both legendary but the Fireblade this time. It’s just insane! ❤

[@laz1go286]

Very nice reviews are these, with the chat in the garden at the end. Thanks guys!

[@nishant8098]

A comparison with R1M would have been awesome! Great video!

[@Boxer4ever]

Agree, just more similar suspension on R1M

[@Floyd-df2uq]

Really enjoyed this video. Yes the R1 is quite roomy and that engine has all the character that you want and then some.

[@EmanHowells]

I have had a 2016 r1 As my only transportation here in Los Angeles for the last 2 years and I love it. It's great. It's soft when you need it and and go when you need it

[@ErnestoBoots]

I have the 2024 R1(Raven), best bike ive owned by far, insanely fast...I'll never get rid of it. That said great review! 🍻

[@boostaholic7116]

Great review chaps you nake a great team and you both have the skills to tane these beasts! 98 Blade with 120 brake was fast these just blow my mind! 🔥🔥🔥

[@LambChopRides]

Haha well not sure about that 😅

[@braaaaaaaaaaap]

R1 all day. That crossplane sound when you put on an exhaust 🥰 Snatchy throttle doesn't matter as everyone will do an exhaust and ecu flash anyway to smooth things out. The cbr makes 184hp and 82 torque after exhaust, velocity stacks, and flash. R1 188 and 82. Also Chopsey is quite a bit heavier so that must be considered.

[@paulhawkins6415]

Are you America?, the UK model is different. 160kW / 215hp @14,000rpm and 113Nm @12,000rpm.

[@Dukey39]

@@paulhawkins6415 The manufacturer bhp figures are always way off!

[@jnordqvist7515]

The size of those license plates, it is like a barndoor

[@andrewclay54]

Cracking video lads, The R1’s been tickling my ball strings for a little while now and even more so now… what pub are you at there? Noticed the butcombe glasses and can’t help but think that’s a nice looking pub near me that I haven’t came across yet 👀 😂

[@And_rew92]

You should do a 4 way between those 2, the GSXR1000 and the ZX10R

[@craigcooper8810]

awesome video guys!

[@Boxer4ever]

Great idea to compare bikes like that. Cbr600 and Zx6r was highly demanded, now we have this. Very useful

[@vindevhunta4905]

Cross plane crank ❤❤❤❤❤❤ But that is the best looking Honda bike

[@bluebikerider9838]

Chopsy how does the Fireblade compare to the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR? Low grunt and midrange power? I'm considering making the change? Great video and keep 'em coming!

[@LambChopRides]

No where near as much at the bottom, say below 6k

[@dannyperfect9270]

Fantastic review chaps. Just wondering if the pegs on the Blade were in the lower position?

[@LambChopRides]

Hmm good question.. pegs felt OK, same as R1 to be honest.. it was the wrists which were the issue

[@KelvinChilvers]

Great video both, enjoyable review of two historic heavyweights. How do you think the RR compares? Looking forward to the next video. How’s the project R1 coming along? Kelvin

[@nickrider5220]

Another great video and great comparison. Can't wait for the old Vs new R1 test 🍻

[@craigcooper8810]

the R1 is hard to beat for sound and looks i reckon :))

[@TheJmebe]

Love these tests. Would love to see some classic v modern too. The roll ons are hilariously great to watch. Gregorio basically needs a pillion or a top box with a portable BBQ and some sausages 😊. Great stuff!

[@LambChopRides]

Haha thanks 😁👍

[@adamstark6263]

Hey Chops, big fan.. would love a blast out with you on your roads... but live in Nottingham. Just a thought.... would you compare the differences of your R1 (the OG) vs the current R1 in terms of comfort, suspension, handling and how much they've changed over the years. Could be an interesting vlog 👍 🏍💨

[@TheGray1967]

Great video guys. …. Two boys playing with big toys Best line …. As he goes through a hedge 😂😂😂

[@paulfowler6665]

Ive only ever owned 2 1000cc sports bikes. I bought a 2008 model R1new in 2009 as it was an outgoing model it only cost me £8995. I kept it just over 2 years before trading it in for a new blade which was £11000 Which I kept over 8 years. The bikes back then were the opposite to how they are now. The R1 was stunning looking but had no bottom end and everything was up top. The blade had loads of bottom end and was more comfy making it a much better road bike. My 1000cc sports bike days are now long gone but the R1 is now clearly a better road bike but I think I would have a BMW S1000RR over either of these bikes if I did ever get another.

[@edwingonzalez8840]

Great review like always! I would like to see tracer 9 GT vs Ninja 1000 sx. I believe these 2 compete against each other, & personally I’m looking at these 2 to purchase. If possible do a sort of longer trip to see which one is more of a do it all.

[@RiggerbeeOffRoad]

The 2025 updates for the R1 look like it might be a top contender again. Although the panigale is being hailed as a masterpiece already

[@zggggg.]

Sold today my 2024 600rr. Ordering Fireblade for next season!

[@fentimanway1]

Why did you sell it so soon?

[@zggggg.]

@@fentimanway1 need more power 😅

[@nicnak4475]

Don't worry the R1E will be with us in the Uk soon. 🤣🤣

[@512460]

Loool

[@512460]

R1 EV

[@terryomara9403]

Great vid

[@alanshearing7515]

Awesome video. Great bikes 👍😎.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Alan 👍

[@bgsmember3650]

Yamaha already has the 2025 R1 displayed on their US website. They've added carbon fiber winglets, Brembo brakes, and a resdesigned front suspension.

[@gregtufnall6276]

Yes they have. It’s for track or race use only though…. Cheers

[@bgsmember3650]

​@@gregtufnall6276 nah, man. Street legal superbikes haven't been banned here in the US. Even the 2025 R1M is pictured with turn signals (street ready) on their US website.

[@gregtufnall6276]

@@bgsmember3650 you’re right. Sorry about that. I was referring to the UK and Europe 👍

[@markc6030]

Need to give your thoughts on the zx10 compared to those.

[@davidstiglitz4341]

Superb teamwork guys. I love these videos. The bikes are almost irrelevant. Great job.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks David 👍

[@charleswinter1335]

The proper comparison should have been the R1M with the RR-R, that would've been the price equivalent!

[@stevietrucker4631]

2 very special bikes, i think the Fireblade looks better than the R1 and that would be my choice if i decide to rob a bank 😂 great video Gents 👍

[@itzajdmting]

Nice road test, would be curious to see a track test too.

[@Josh-cw8by]

Yamaha's use of asymmetry has always turned me off. One headlight. Ignition off center. The Honda is beautiful. UK roads are scary. How can the bush line be that close to the road?! Solid review. Thanks!

[@ST-kq9py]

The R1 has two symmetrical headlights below the front cowling, and two symmetrical DRL’s. BMW’s S1000RR was the king of asymmetry, those headlights were awful…

[@musguelha14]

I love the asymmetry. The early S1000s were beautiful IMO.

[@61greybeard]

Great video Mr Chops and Greg your passion for bikes really comes through and you talk a lot of real world sense good job guys and thank you as Greg said Motercycle are brilliant it’s a great passion what ever you ride 💪🏍️🏍️❤️

[@LambChopRides]

Much appreciated buddy 🙏

[@mdfaruq5800]

I still have my 2015 R1.. phenomenal bike.. don't know if i could ride other..the midrange just ooommpphh addictive..😆

[@inked-96]

I'm looking at getting a new weekend toy. Whilst nakeds are more.suited for road riding, I just can't help being drawn to the R1, totally unnecessary for UK roads, but with it's sound track, looks and some bar risers, I may look at getting one over the (MT10🤢). The R1 is a beaut.

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks guys.

[@marcanderson1396]

I totally applaud your efforts here and the videos you make are of fantastic quality. I have to ask though what you are actually comparing here. There was no point in the video where either of the 2 were actually pushed into the areas where liter bikes can shine. There is nothing in this video that showcases the actual characteristics of the engines or gear boxes of these bikes. Might as well be asking the wives to vote on color preference.

[@Dead_Assassin]

When Greg said there nothing wrong with the honda engine just not right on the road..if you watch video again or only from 12.50.honda suspension is set very soft and bobbing like a yo-yo and R1 is smooth....watch the front bikes screen etc...good video

[@vendy4625]

Love my 23 plate 60rh anniversary ✊✊

[@Mark210r]

Whenever I go up the hill on the way back to Chichester, always think of Chops! Ride of the Street Moto 2 is still open if you ever want to review it!

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Mark, might take you up on that next spring if you have it still 👍

[@rlw85]

I do love the R1 but I’ve never fitted one I’d like a 2004 model in blue as art work

[@stealthseagull]

Why are the indicators flashing on lean or is it hard braking

[@keithwaller4545]

Great review, but it's sad really when you had the ktm rc8 with adjustable everything. These sports bike don't and make them more road rider friendly. Plus as a race bike racers change everything anyway.

[@aminjan56]

R1 in 99. I thought you are robin of motorcycles but you are batman too. My bad 🤦🏾‍♂️ Brill video and comparison of japan's finest

[@Carvetii]

The Rumours are Yamaha are developing a V4 engine for the R1 for the race bikes.which hopefully will go into a new road version and possibly MT10

[@edwardblack7133]

Why are the indicators lighting up on the ‘blade when bouncing over bumps?

[@K-carbon]

It's the frame rate or sumthing like that on the camera that appears the indicator are on off but in real life there not lighting up at all

[@stevecade857]

To make the R1 a better road bike they should give it a more upright riding position and remove the fairing so the extra wind blast will slow you down. That'd make it the most fun road bike I've owned.

[@inked-96]

So buy the MT10 then 😂...

[@LambChopRides]

That's called an MT10, but guess you know that 😁👍

[@stevecade857]

@@inked-96 Can you see my avatar?

[@dylanhedges5634]

I'm in New Zealand I'm putting the jug on, English breakfast, why not!? 😅

[@LambChopRides]

Do it Dylan 😁👍

[@mick3439]

Time to compare S 1000 double R against the R1 that would be a good test.

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah not a bad idea 👍

[@marcusgeorge1825]

The R1 is gone worldwide as the fork has simply ran out of tune for it. Just doesn’t sell enough to justify the expense from a road perspective. Honda doesn’t sell many Fireblades either (based on international sales figures). At least Honda has made the 2024 update much more rider friendly than pure race bike ergonomics. However, you do need to ride the 22 and 24 blades back to back to truly feel the difference and improvements. A shame about the R1/R1M as that engine simply sounds amazing compared to the traditional configuration of the Honda. Let’s face it as neither of these were designed to be great road bikes. Unlike the original blade that simply didn’t fit into any racing category and made for an awesome road bike without any competition. A true game changing machine.

[@R-Tap]

For comfort I prefer a naked bike, in my eyes they look mega, but sport bikes are beautiful. A sport bike and a naked are a great 2 bike garage.

[@brianrainey2739]

Two great looking bikes! Not wild about that team livery on this R1 though. The R1M is near the top of the list for best looking bikes available. Not sure about your comfort evaluations. The R1 is not a comfortable road ride in comparison to a GSXR1000. Both bikes in our stable.

[@TIMHARTTT]

Blade all the way, it is just almost perfect.

[@KensWorldRestorations]

What a beautiful place to ride. Too bad you pretty much tap out in 3rd gear. :o)

[@MrSimonfoz]

I think since that R1 came out but was the most extreme but since then the new ltr bikes have become pure track weapons and crap in the road .

[@belly450]

Would you take these over an RSV4 1100 Factory.

[@gregtufnall6276]

No not personally. The RSV4 is simply too good!

[@clownworld-honk410]

Track bikes with lights. Takes me back to my old FZR1000. Damn, that was uncomfortable. Problem is you gotta be a certain age to get insurance on these and, at that certain age, these riding positions are a deal breaker. My K5 GSXR is quite comfortable so, why change. BMW have proven cutting edge sports bikes don't have to be crippling.

[@Yamaprilia]

Chopsy the 2016 r1 is basically the same as the 2024 so not sure how you felt it was alot better now 🤷‍♂️

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Probably because other bikes have become more extreme

[@Yamaprilia]

@@Bow-to-the-absurd agreed 100%

[@LambChopRides]

Yes probably the other stuff getting more extreme..

[@K-carbon]

John you that has a H2 and rode the new blade would you say there silmar to sit on ride ? As in the ergonomics

[@LambChopRides]

No the H2 is much more comfortable, the blade is very extreme. The H2 is more like the R1

[@debbieclegg2485]

Signal manoeuvre 😬👍

[@remsangachhakchhuak1738]

Not so fair should have used the R1m instead.

[@RobertKehl]

I thought the Yamaha R1 updated the breaks to Brembo? Instead I see them on the Fire blade.

[@musguelha14]

Nah, they're still on the Advics. Even the R1M has them.

[@daveg8325]

Love the look of the R1, how do you think it compares to the BMW M1000rr for comfort? Comparison video incoming??? 😜

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah not a bad idea! Think RR will be more comfortable.. But could be worth testing..

[@daveg8325]

Get it done!!😂😂

[@R-Tap]

Is it fair to say that you won't be disappointed if you purchased either?

[@LambChopRides]

Yes absolutely!! 👍

[@PandaStencils]

Another Question for Gregorio is: How does the YZF-R1 compare to your personal GSX-R1000R on the road? Which would you rather have?

[@gregtufnall6276]

Hi, it’s not as comfortable a road bike as my GSXR but it’s surprisingly close tbh. I was expecting the R1 to be very uncomfortable on the road but it wasn’t and I could definitely live with it. Hope that helps? Cheers

[@PandaStencils]

@@gregtufnall6276 Fantastic, thank you! Yes, it does. I think my question was more personal: Having now recently ridden the current YZF-R1 and better knowing the on-road experience, do you still personally prefer your GSX-R1000R to the YZF-R1 as a road-going literbike?

[@starfox_wr-45e93]

Are those sidelights in the mirrors on the blade?

[@LambChopRides]

Yes correct 👍

[@starfox_wr-45e93]

@@LambChopRides Ok, cheers Chops mate

[@clarklimbaugh822]

You couldn't even get into the power band on the hill climb. 1000 cc supersports are kind of pointless on public roads (unless you want to go felony speeds on the highway)

[@markholmes5695]

Agreed, unless it’s a v4 . I’ve the Sfv4 in grey. Love it. The Pani while tuned a little different still produces 70% available torque from 4k rpm. Massive acceleration/pull. And she tops out at 15k rpm. Insane.

[@Fernando-t8g]

Just downshift How easy is that

[@markholmes5695]

@@Fernando-t8g I hear you. But screaming around in first gear to be in the power band when smaller cc bikes accelerate better than you is kinda mad. They are track bikes. That’s why I went to the v4 platform as I said above. Best of both worlds.

[@gmc3578]

pseudo V4 for the Win!... wonder why no other manufacturer is offering the I4 cross plane!

[@LambChopRides]

Yes me too actually..

[@edgybikercop]

You will soon have to put Gegorio on the payroll😃

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah I know! 😄👍

[@sherman4970]

Buy one and the very first thing is get rid of the crap factory can !!!!!

[@tylerwatson8848]

But the R1 is back and the rivalry can continue! 🤌🤌

[@ronnielee8238]

All Ive ever wanted was an upright naked bike like a katana. I am so broke to the point that I couldnt afford one if I sold an organ, and now looking at my 37th bday coming up, I feel old af watching this video xD.

[@garethdawson9830]

Isn’t that the sp version of the Honda? If so isn’t the R1m more of a comparison?

[@gregtufnall6276]

It’s called an RR-R now only but is essentially an SP spec. You’re right, the R1M a closer match but Yamaha didn’t have one to lend us

[@duc9395]

​@@gregtufnall6276the RR-R is different to the RR-R SP. The RR is the more road friendly version, the RR-R is the more track focused version with different ergos, and the RR-R SP is the RR-R with electronic suspension and Brembos.

[@kindnessalwayscomesback2419]

R1 appeals alot compared to the honda but could it be sprocket set up making the difference in pick up

[@LambChopRides]

No as the Honda has already had a sprocket change for this year. It's the cross plane firing order 👍

[@kindnessalwayscomesback2419]

I had the same opinion as you and greg with the r1 being uncomfortable after your review id like to test one to see if it could be a good street bike

[@charilaospapadimitriou5629]

A hot start for the r1 is a risky business, isn't it? The hot crossplane engine just doesn't want to wake up😂

[@ayowser01]

The standard RR would have made a better road bike comparison.

[@jake88ci]

FYI euro superbikes have beaten the japanese superbikes in all comparisons for last 16 years strait

[@Purplemonkey1974]

Roll on comparison done in b mode?

[@LambChopRides]

Yes on both bikes

[@flexywing]

I have no intention of ever buying either of these bikes, but just love your comparison tests How about a small bike comparison test Triumph 400x or Himalayan 450 against a CF MOTO 450MT Just a thought

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

That R1 should've been the basis for a much more successful MT10.

[@Stratocasterhead51]

I mean the MT10 is already quite successful i would say. Way more appeal than anything else in naked form from japan (save the zh2). MT10 is comparable to tuono v4, superduke... etc. Only thing holding people back is the abysmal finishes on the MT family.

[@thomasfalanga9163]

I haven't had a crotch rocket "yet" still early in the video,what's up with the honda flashers?

[@Chris71920]

They aren't flashing, it'll be the camera frame rate settings combined with the LEDs that make it look like they are👍🏻