Behind the front cowl, the layout of the FireBlade's slimmer and more compact analogue/digital instrument panel looks similar to the 929, though size and weight have been reduced. It features a large conventional tachometer alongside a large LCD readout of speedometer, odometer, coolant temperature and clock.  The new display features a new fuel consumption readout that continuously calculates consumption from the engine's current operating conditions.  A low warning light illuminates when there is just under 4 litres remaining in the tank.

Honda latest anti-theft system features a fail-safe electronic interlock that prevents the engine from being started by any other than the motorcycle's two original keys.  The keys are actually micro-chipped to the ECU and without that electronic signature being recognised by the computer the bike can't be started.  This system also features a blinking red LED built into the instrument panel. 

Comfort levels are excellent for this class.  The reach to the bars is slight, for a sportsbike, and the seat is broad and supportive.  After covering 900 kilometres in a day I was ready to back it up again the next day and would gladly ride this motorcycle anywhere without a second thought. 

All in all the Fireblade is a much improved package.  The mid-range power deficit to the full litre size sportsbikes has been nearly completely regained and the impeccable handling is even better than before.  Honda's Fireblade is the most rider friendly of all the big bore sportsbikes and just about any rider can jump straight on and feel at home. 

Confidence inspiring is perhaps the most descriptive term for the Fireblade's chassis.  The turn in and mid corner poise is awesome and I would happily wager that most road riders would immediately lap faster on the Fireblade than they would on any other bike.  And don't bother emailing us to volunteer as we don't have the resources to put that to the test.

Useable, real world performance combined with a multitude of well thought out features make the Fireblade the thinking mans sportsbike.  It is really fast at the track, quite comfortable on the road, and priced well under the competition at $17,290.

Specifications

• Engine ≈ Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4
• Bore X Stroke ≈ 75 X 54mm
• Displacement ≈ 954cc
• Compression Ratio ≈ 11.5:1
• Induction ≈ Electronic fuel injection
• Power ≈ 155hp@11,250min (claimed)
• Torque ≈ 105Nm@9,500min (claimed)
• Ignition ≈ Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
• Starter ≈ Electric
• Transmission ≈ 6-speed
• Final Drive ≈ 'O'-ring sealed chain
• Dimensions (L X W X H) ≈ 2,065 X 680 X 1,125mm
• Wheelbase ≈ 1,400mm
• Seat Height ≈ 815mm
• Ground Clearance ≈ 130mm
• Fuel Capacity ≈ 18 litres (including 3.5-litre warning light reserve)
• Front rim ≈ 17x3.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
• Rear rim ≈ 17x6.00 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
• Tyres ≈ Front 120/70 ZR17
• Rear ≈ 190/50 ZR17
• Front Suspension ≈ 43mm inverted H.M.A.S. cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm axle travel
• Rear Suspension ≈ Pro-Link with gas-charged H.M.A.S. damper featuring 13-step preload and stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 135mm axle travel
• Front Brakes ≈ 330x4.5mm dual disc with 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
• Rear Brake ≈ 220x5mm single-piston caliper disc with sintered metal pads
• Dry Weight ≈ 168kg
• RRP ≈ $17,290
• Warranty ≈ Two years, unlimited kilometres

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