Snowcat Buying New Bike

Just come back from test riding arguable the best fireblade ever made, the last one before the redesign, underseat exhaust, fuel injection etc, 2003 model. It is the most aggressive, focused, beastly quick bike I've ever ridden, I absolutely loved it and write this with the biggest grin on my face you can imagine.

That's where the pleasure ends however, as much as I wanted to put down the money and buy the bike there and then I knew in my heart of hearts if I bought it in 12 months I'd either be without my licence or dead!! The bikes raw power is brilliantly delivered but its raw aggression is all to apparent. Whilst I know everyone will say its only as fast as your right hand let's it, it's all too easy to forget and let loose, 30 mph it's not comfortable, 60-70 it starts to relax..... But you've barely left 1st gear. Give it then beans in 1st and you're on your back, 2nd or 3rd the front is up, it was an amazing experience and with more miles under my belt I'll be back for one of these but not yet, I'm just not ready.

I've now decided instead I'm going to buy a project, a 1997-98 model and spend the next year or so stripping, cleaning, polishing and replacing bits to bring it up to date, (in looks if not technology) and continue learning my craft on the mistress, still my first and true love

Today will mark itself down as one of the best experiences of my life and whilst I'll never forget it, I'm now looking forward to buying my project and getting to work on it.

The beast that changed my life, (and could easily end it) is below

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I had the model previous to that one a few years ago. Superb machines. Go on get it bought. You'll get used to it very quickly.

The plan is hatched Dave and Mrs Snowcat has signed off on it. I'm certain if I spend too much on one the cat would have to go. This is My sneaky way of getting a second in the garage shhh don't tell

If you want to buy it I'll keep it for you until you're ready Steve

I think I know what you mean regarding license and life - Must admit I'm feel the cat is quick enough for me.
I can and do like riding it to the limit when the time is right (or maybe just my limit).

I've had a quick shot of DBD's 999 and Atholl's 1098 and I always felt the bike was itching to get up the revs and therefore speed.
I felt like a pigs arse on a pimple too which didn't help.
I don't think I'd want to go any faster on the road than I do already.
Better to stick on a 'wee' bike and embarrass the big ones is what I say
Good luck with the blade decisions / project.

Cheers
Rosco

Great bike the 03 Blade, be wary of dodgy gearbox, but otherwise awesome

Radar wrote:Great bike the 03 Blade, be wary of dodgy gearbox, but otherwise awesome

Ball Arks !

Me sah had the self same bike in the same colours (not that colour matters ;o)).. No probs with the gear box at all, or the regulator . . . . did over 30K on her . . Twice to Spain to the Catalan MotoGP (Barcelona), and twice to the south of france (Pyrenees) inc. With a pillion and paniers.
That, sir, IMHO is one of the two very best Fireblades made. The RRY(929), which Copout, Topcatbones & DBD had. . . and the 02/03 (954) which I had for 3 years, and you test rode.

As DBD says you'd very quickly become accustomed to it, I know I did. . . But if you have a plan . . you have a plan

The CBR RR I had as a hire bike knackered my wrists & elbows within 5 miles of home. Maybe it's just me getting old. I'll keep me triumph I think


I also think the key is finding the bike that suits you, your size & your riding style. I never got to grips with the Cat like I have the Daytona. I ride Nicks Triple too but still prefer mine. With an alleged top speed of 160 mph. That's enough to kill myself on.

I took my 929 to Spain and it was well comfy. Think the 600RR is a bit more track focused and maybe not as comfy.
If I wasn't bitten by the Ducati bug I would def be on a blade.

Maybe. The gears were heavenly tho.

I always thought I'd have a blade but not sure I want another sports bike. My next bike will be a z1000 me thinks. Got a house to buy, a wedding & honeymoon to pay for first tho! For what that's cost we could have had gold plated bloomin bikes lol. And if you add the cost of our divorces too, they could be diamond encrusted also!!

a wedding & honeymoon to pay for first tho! For what that's cost we could have had gold plated bloomin bikes lol. And if you add the cost of our divorces too, they could be diamond encrusted also!!

Planning to get divorced straight after

The gearbox can be an issue, the 03 ran by one of mates kept jumping out of 4th and 5th gears. He has fitted a ex HRC box now and the bike is superb.

I have rideen a 94, a 03 and a 07. Liked the 03 the most...

You will soon get used to the performance...