While in Australia, Josh Brookes and Adam Fergusson have been breaking lap records and notching up close to a perfect win record for Honda thus far in Australian Superbike. Therefore, as far as track credentials go, the Fireblade has the goods.

However, most of us spend 99% of our time commuting, touring or scratching on public roads. I made it my mission to find out whether the Fireblade cuts the mustard in the real world of potholes, gravel and long distances.

The commuting part of the equation saw me use the Fireblade to explore the close environs around Goulburn (NSW). While the touring and scratching test was undertaken in a single 900km day covering two states, a territory, and some of the most amazing roads this country has to offer.

From Goulburn I ventured down through Canberra to Cooma, followed by a jaunt across the Snowy Mountains including Jindabyne, Thredbo, Corryong and Khancoban, before joining the Hume Highway for an exercise in self-control over the last 300km down to Melbourne.

The Fireblade managed that last 300km stretch in one stint, with no stops for fuel. 300km from a single 18-litre tank is quite an achievement for a firebreathing 1,000cc sportsbike that pumps out 150 ponies at the rear wheel.

Excellent luggage hooks made it easy for me to strap a large bag to the back seat for the trip. With a computer, cameras, shoes, clothes, make up, umm’ I mean toiletries, it adds up to quite a load, and that's before I sit on the poor thing.  From packing to on the road, it took me all of five minutes. I love it when a plan comes together.

Because of the addition of the underseat muffler, the useful storage area under the seat that we have come to love on Fireblades has sadly gone by the wayside. The pillion seat and sides of the tail cowl are well insulated from the heat. This area certainly remained cooler than any other bike I have ridden with underseat pipes.