Fireblade and SP2 Test Rides

If you are really sensitive to the differences in updates to a bike model then I assure you big changes were made to Fireblades way after Urban Tiger.

2000-Upside down forks,injection fuelling and 929 displacement

2002/3-Big update with many changes and power again upped from 954 power plant. Jelster will outline the main points on that one.

2004-Massive changes again now 1'000cc

2006-Again major update and "arguably" the best 1'000cc sportsbike out there.

That bike could make even the poorest rider look very accomplished!

i like the first blade because it like and icon to sports bikes.

Originally Posted by Peter Henry

Blue.SV650s.

Well if someone like Ben Bostrom says the 999 is the most fun bike he has ever ridden then I am more likely to agree with that. I have a 749 and I know what that little extra the 999 would give me is,and that is more pick up and go out of bends.

Dont get me wrong my 749s is no slouch and I do not ride easy on roads I know. I would hope you tried to ride the 999 hard around Brands otherwise the exercise would have been pointless.

Scoobs stating he only used up to 2nd gear makes his comments on the Fireblade somewhat lacking in value also if I might add, as that is no full test of what i bike like the Fireblade can offer.

TBH that may have something to do with sponsorship no?

"It felt flat and the power really tailed off towards the end of the rev range"


have you been speeding on a loan bike

i prefere the smaller engine v twin, the big v twin goes fast in a straight and stops fast but the 650 would kick its ass at everything else.

Indeed like i have mentioned i was... riding with a friend, him on his SVthou, i thrashed him on the brakes and in the corners (though that could be the rider?) N' tbh i wasnt far off of him ont he streight. Upto 120MPH he didnt leave me

I think if the SV650 had an R version with nice swing arm better suspension (maybe Gixxer items stock) better brakes and 10BHP accross the range it would sell like... well the gixxer's.

Here is to hoping... till then ill have to make my own R version

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

2000-Upside down forks,injection fuelling and 929 displacement

USDs were before then - '96/'97 I think as mine (a '9 has them.

'98's were also the last of the 16" front wheelers. Not much of a size difference, but having ridden a '99 with the 17" it really surprised me how much sharper mine is to turn in.