2008 Blade

[Bleck K6]

Went for a quick blast on a 08 blade this morning, I rode from Whangarei out to Pataua nth & back.Probably about 70kms.

I really liked it, Easy to ride, comfy riding position, nice gearbox. suspension was good through the bumpy bits.so easy to throw around.

I dont like the look of of the front but the arse end looks good.

I couple of things i noticed, Through the tight stuff it felt like you were having to put alot of pressure on the bars, When you tipped into a corner the clip on felt like it was trying to pull towards the frame.I got sore wrists over the hill to Pataua.

On the open faster stuff it was fantastic,would have loved a longer ride.

It didnt feel that grunty,but was easy to rev right to redline.no real kick through the revs.
Taking off in first & not being harsh with the throttle had the front wheel pop up at about 7000rpm.

For a standard bike I think it was good fun & of course when you get a new bike it doesnt stay standard for long so I would imagine it would be a Beast with a aftermarket pipe, filter, powercommander & some Dyno time.

Cool fun:niceone:

[MentalFacility]

Dont buy an 08. Wait for 09. Im suffering terrible issues with my 08, and its warranty regulations. It really sucks balls when u have a busted engine on a brand new bike after 6k km...

[sAsLEX]

Dont buy an 08. Wait for 09. Im suffering terrible issues with my 08, and its warranty regulations. It really sucks balls when u have a busted engine on a brand new bike after 6k km...

3 guesses which dealer sold you this Cycle, I reckon some would be Spot on at the first guess......

[Bleck K6]

Dont buy an 08. Wait for 09. Im suffering terrible issues with my 08, and its warranty regulations. It really sucks balls when u have a busted engine on a brand new bike after 6k km...

Thats no good mate.
No I wouldn't buy one,I like my gsxr to much.Its had a few goodies chucked in it.

[breakaway]

It really sucks balls when u have a busted engine on a brand new bike after 6k km...

What happened?

[klyong82]

Dont buy an 08. Wait for 09. Im suffering terrible issues with my 08, and its warranty regulations. It really sucks balls when u have a busted engine on a brand new bike after 6k km...

What happened to the bike?

[Neofin]

Hey Bleck
I have an 08 Fireblade & ride all the time from Parua Bay to Whangarei & back. I know what you mean by the feeling of the clip ons being stiff or pushing back towards the frame - I have discovered that the bike is very sensitive to the front tire pressure - the 015 needs to be at 36psi cold or greater (to 38psi) or you will get this - if at the correct pressure it is silky smooth & very light steering in the front - very easy to keep on line in all situations (esp. under acceleration out of tight corners). The drop off Manganese point is best test - you know you have wrong front pressure if you feel build up of "G's" as you bottom out (Wei to Pataua) in the front - with correct pressure suddenly feels light as a feather - even at greater than strictly legal (about a third more) speeds - Not that I have done this.
Darkie's hill is illustrative in that it can be negotiated supremely safely at the legal limit or greater providing you have sufficient tire pressure in the front - otherwise it definitely feels as though there is a fair effort to push the counter steer. I now have an 016 in front & it is similar in feel with correct pressure.

[MentalFacility]

Ok.
So the new cbrs are known to burn oil in US. It is pretty major, around 400ml each 1 000km.
I bought my bike in late august from Botany Honda Motorcycles.
I knew about the issue when I was buying one, I obviously made it clear with the dealer, so the dealer told me that if there is gonna be anything wrong with the bike then they are gonna give me a new one. Well ok, i thought, that’s a deal.
So after the first service at 1k, i keep checking my oil level, and at 2k the dip stick is dry! I rushed it to the dealer, their mechanic told me that I’m a paranoid young silly fella, and I read to much bull shit on the web, while quietly topping up my bike with oil. After another 2 k I come back with no oil again, and FINALLY with 3K on the clock, they are convinced that there is something wrong with the bike.
After another 1k i come back with no oil again. At that point I’m disappointed. They talk to Blue wing Honda, so they decide to do a test. They believed that the problem was caused by the improper brake in (which I did by the manual, as THE DEALER TOLD ME). So they put menial oil to see how that goes.
Every 1000km i keep loosing ~400-500ml per 1k km. Very pissed off at that stage. They tell me that the bikes performance will never be affected, but I take the bitch on the dyno anyway, only to find out that im 15bhp short from a GSXR 2008!
I give them the dyno results and demand a new bike as they promised. Instead they say that I need to give them a chance to fix the bike first as of consumers guarantee act (Repair, replace, refund), they tell me that they gona put in a new engine. A bit later they say it’s only gona come down to a set of new piston rings.
Anyway, at 6k I brought the bike in, now they took it apart and they found out that 2 cylinders are losing 20psi of pressure. The problem is caused either by the piston rings or by the bore.
NOW. That is a MASSIVE job for a HONDA motorcycle that has only done 6 000km and NEVER been raced or over raved.
Fuck, that’s just silly. To install the new rings the whole motor will have to be refurbished, and that is not the NEW motor I paid so much money for. Not even talking about replacing the entire bore
Its gonna take them a minimum of one month, and it is a SUMMER TIME SEASON, and now I’m stuck on their replacement CB1300S. It is a nice bike, but it is not the bike I PAID FOR, and I don’t LIKE IT!
The GEARBOXED got FUCKED UP BAD from inconsistent oil level. At this stage it feels like it came from a pickup truck. And they don’t feel like changing it, and again they don’t really trust me that there is anything wrong with it.
Only god knows WHATS IN THE EHOUST system which eaten all the oil, and has an integrated catalyses.
They also say NO OTHER bike they know of, that was sold in Auckland suffers the same issues.
Every bit of info I tell em, I must argue to death, otherwise it is rejected.
At this stage I want my refund. Ive had a bucket full of shit discussing it all with the Botany Honda Stuff, we are all getting angry and the issue is not going.
By the law they must give me a new bike, since the failure is of significant character, and gives me the right to reject any actions they try to make in the direction of fixing the bike. Im going in on Monday guns blazing.
PS Sorry for the long read….

[Bleck K6]

Hey Bleck
I have an 08 Fireblade & ride all the time from Parua Bay to Whangarei & back. I know what you mean by the feeling of the clip ons being stiff or pushing back towards the frame - I have discovered that the bike is very sensitive to the front tire pressure - the 015 needs to be at 36psi cold or greater (to 38psi) or you will get this - if at the correct pressure it is silky smooth & very light steering in the front - very easy to keep on line in all situations (esp. under acceleration out of tight corners). The drop off Manganese point is best test - you know you have wrong front pressure if you feel build up of "G's" as you bottom out (Wei to Pataua) in the front - with correct pressure suddenly feels light as a feather - even at greater than strictly legal (about a third more) speeds - Not that I have done this.
Darkie's hill is illustrative in that it can be negotiated supremely safely at the legal limit or greater providing you have sufficient tire pressure in the front - otherwise it definitely feels as though there is a fair effort to push the counter steer. I now have an 016 in front & it is similar in feel with correct pressure.

Hi yeah youve got the blk/slvr Cbr?
Have seen you on Whngarei heads rd a bit & up Taraunui rd.
Damn should have asked if they checked tyre pressure,They lubed the chain but dont know if they checked pressures.

[Bleck K6]

Ok.
So the new cbrs are known to burn oil in US. It is pretty major, around 400ml each 1 000km.
I bought my bike in late august from Botany Honda Motorcycles.
I knew about the issue when I was buying one, I obviously made it clear with the dealer, so the dealer told me that if there is gonna be anything wrong with the bike then they are gonna give me a new one. Well ok, i thought, that’s a deal.
So after the first service at 1k, i keep checking my oil level, and at 2k the dip stick is dry! I rushed it to the dealer, their mechanic told me that I’m a paranoid young silly fella, and I read to much bull shit on the web, while quietly topping up my bike with oil. After another 2 k I come back with no oil again, and FINALLY with 3K on the clock, they are convinced that there is something wrong with the bike.
After another 1k i come back with no oil again. At that point I’m disappointed. They talk to Blue wing Honda, so they decide to do a test. They believed that the problem was caused by the improper brake in (which I did by the manual, as THE DEALER TOLD ME). So they put menial oil to see how that goes.
Every 1000km i keep loosing ~400-500ml per 1k km. Very pissed off at that stage. They tell me that the bikes performance will never be affected, but I take the bitch on the dyno anyway, only to find out that im 15bhp short from a GSXR 2008!
I give them the dyno results and demand a new bike as they promised. Instead they say that I need to give them a chance to fix the bike first as of consumers guarantee act (Repair, replace, refund), they tell me that they gona put in a new engine. A bit later they say it’s only gona come down to a set of new piston rings.
Anyway, at 6k I brought the bike in, now they took it apart and they found out that 2 cylinders are losing 20psi of pressure. The problem is caused either by the piston rings or by the bore.
NOW. That is a MASSIVE job for a HONDA motorcycle that has only done 6 000km and NEVER been raced or over raved.
Fuck, that’s just silly. To install the new rings the whole motor will have to be refurbished, and that is not the NEW motor I paid so much money for. Not even talking about replacing the entire bore
Its gonna take them a minimum of one month, and it is a SUMMER TIME SEASON, and now I’m stuck on their replacement CB1300S. It is a nice bike, but it is not the bike I PAID FOR, and I don’t LIKE IT!
The GEARBOXED got FUCKED UP BAD from inconsistent oil level. At this stage it feels like it came from a pickup truck. And they don’t feel like changing it, and again they don’t really trust me that there is anything wrong with it.
Only god knows WHATS IN THE EHOUST system which eaten all the oil, and has an integrated catalyses.
They also say NO OTHER bike they know of, that was sold in Auckland suffers the same issues.
Every bit of info I tell em, I must argue to death, otherwise it is rejected.
At this stage I want my refund. Ive had a bucket full of shit discussing it all with the Botany Honda Stuff, we are all getting angry and the issue is not going.
By the law they must give me a new bike, since the failure is of significant character, and gives me the right to reject any actions they try to make in the direction of fixing the bike. Im going in on Monday guns blazing.
PS Sorry for the long read….

What a nightmare.
They should definately give you a replacement or refund & send it back to honda to look at.
Hope they sort it soon.

[Wasp27]

Naked arse........it certainly pays to check here before you commit to buying a new ride. Not only for the type of bike.....but more important the after sales service......or not. What ever you do....DO NOT BACK DOWN!!!!! IMO I would be talking to my lawyer tomorrow .....best of luck in resolving this , cheers W

[discotex]

3 guesses which dealer sold you this Cycle, I reckon some would be Spot on at the first guess......

I haven't had any issues with Cyclespot.... I had faulty steering head bearings which have just been replaced under warranty without issue.

They even said they think there might still be a slight pulse under very hard brakes and to check it over the next few days and let them know. Could be the tyres not up to temp/pressure so I plan to go for a fang today and check it out.

Given I commute (and ride pace style on the open road) I mightn't have noticed if they didn't say anything because it's a million times better now. So +1 for Cyclespot there.

[breakaway]

Take them to small claims court, mentalfacility. It is the ONLY way to get money of of people or shops that blue ball you. They can ignore you all they want, but once you get the law involved you can guarantee they'll be onto it. If the issue really is as black and white as you described it, you should get your money back / replacement / repair without any issues.

[Neofin]

Yes thats me Bleck. Also thought that there might be an over enthusiastic steering damper at work. Definitely when I feel sore hand I check the tire pressure-inevitably down in that situation. If thats your GSXR in the thumbnail with your post above - awesome looking machine - I've heard K6's are fabulous but never been on one (tried the fireblade first & didn't feel the need to look further).
Feel really sorry for Mental Facility - don't know whats at work here - I would be inclined to try appealing to Honda senior management - they have been there once before with the "chocolate" cams on the VR1000 , 750 & 500 series - resulted in the VFR - the most reliable bike made (apart from voltage regulator) - but garanteed solid engine. Usually Honda don't like to lose face re machinery that has a flaw - often the blustering via a dealership is denial in the face of evidence that points out that the firm has overlooked a vital part of the machine's use - I do think it may be related to the run-in process. I followed the dealer's advice in not letting the bike have constant revs at all- putting the engine under lots of load both ways - never allowing 'pinking' (acceleration & deceleration). I seem to have experienced a short period of higher oil consumption followed by stabilisation of oil use. I think in the circumstances you find yourself in Mental Facility, I would look at trying to communicate with Blue wing & failing that feeding back to Japan - not going to the small claims court but sticking with your argument regarding the Consumer Guarantees Act (The bike is not fit for purpose at this point - I think through no fault of your own - you followed the manual. Essentially they have designed a marvelous motorbike that through unknown quirks has not in certain instances measured up to their usual high level of reliability. The Japanese are quite proud around this area & would not want to be seen to have achieved less than they set out to. So a respectful request may go a long way further than righteous demand - no matter how justified it may appear.
Personally I am disappointed to hear that the dealership you purchased the bike off is not advocating for your position especially as you were aware of the oil consumption issue prior to purchase. You are now faced with the dealership being afraid to feedback to the company headquarters for fear they may ignite a series of unwarranted claims - where in fact I believe the machine is strong enough provided the running in has been met & this is a bit more specific that the manual has set out. (Stories from overseas of wrong oil type being supplied in the engine by different dealerships do not help to rectify the quality control issue that honda is faced with. I believe it would be cheaper & more efficient for them to supply new machines for people in your position than to continue to try & ride out what is obviously a situation facing quite a few owners.
Good luck & stay calm Mental Facility - fundamentally all Japanese manufacturers are interested in the customer being pleased with their purchase - an approach a little foreign to Western thinking. The right approach - to Japan if necessary (Not accusatory (they do try very hard to produce excellent motorbikes)) hopefully will result in a satisfactory outcom.
Cheers

[SixPackBack]

Bummer Mental facility-I feel your pain!........my last bike was a custard K4 thou, ran like a clock until 33K then started stopping randomly for a few seconds at a time. Cut a long story short it went back to colemans 6 times and had the wiring loom, ignition, side stand switch, cam/crank sensor, black box, handlebar switches.......all replaced. The fucker was no better!??
So I sold it and bought a bleck K6. 54K now and does not use a drop of oil, runs like a clock. Commutes everyday [I do not own a cage], ride in the weekend and track it............awesome bike I love it!
Be fair to say you pay your money and take your chances, having said that I think the days of Honda being infallible and uber reliable are over. Stories of heavy oil usage concerning 600 and 1000 Honda's have been doing the rounds for several years now. Similarly stories of Ducati's breaking down seem to diminish each year.
Anyway bro' hope you get it sorted, from experience threats from a lawyer help and if it turns to custard expect a long drawn out drama. KEEP THE LOANER till you achieve satisfaction-good luck:mellow:

[Bleck K6]

Yes thats me Bleck. Also thought that there might be an over enthusiastic steering damper at work. Definitely when I feel sore hand I check the tire pressure-inevitably down in that situation. If thats your GSXR in the thumbnail with your post above - awesome looking machine - I've heard K6's are fabulous but never been on one (tried the fireblade first & didn't feel the need to look further).
Feel really sorry for Mental Facility - don't know whats at work here - I would be inclined to try appealing to Honda senior management - they have been there once before with the "chocolate" cams on the VR1000 , 750 & 500 series - resulted in the VFR - the most reliable bike made (apart from voltage regulator) - but garanteed solid engine. Usually Honda don't like to lose face re machinery that has a flaw - often the blustering via a dealership is denial in the face of evidence that points out that the firm has overlooked a vital part of the machine's use - I do think it may be related to the run-in process. I followed the dealer's advice in not letting the bike have constant revs at all- putting the engine under lots of load both ways - never allowing 'pinking' (acceleration & deceleration). I seem to have experienced a short period of higher oil consumption followed by stabilisation of oil use. I think in the circumstances you find yourself in Mental Facility, I would look at trying to communicate with Blue wing & failing that feeding back to Japan - not going to the small claims court but sticking with your argument regarding the Consumer Guarantees Act (The bike is not fit for purpose at this point - I think through no fault of your own - you followed the manual. Essentially they have designed a marvelous motorbike that through unknown quirks has not in certain instances measured up to their usual high level of reliability. The Japanese are quite proud around this area & would not want to be seen to have achieved less than they set out to. So a respectful request may go a long way further than righteous demand - no matter how justified it may appear.
Personally I am disappointed to hear that the dealership you purchased the bike off is not advocating for your position especially as you were aware of the oil consumption issue prior to purchase. You are now faced with the dealership being afraid to feedback to the company headquarters for fear they may ignite a series of unwarranted claims - where in fact I believe the machine is strong enough provided the running in has been met & this is a bit more specific that the manual has set out. (Stories from overseas of wrong oil type being supplied in the engine by different dealerships do not help to rectify the quality control issue that honda is faced with. I believe it would be cheaper & more efficient for them to supply new machines for people in your position than to continue to try & ride out what is obviously a situation facing quite a few owners.
Good luck & stay calm Mental Facility - fundamentally all Japanese manufacturers are interested in the customer being pleased with their purchase - an approach a little foreign to Western thinking. The right approach - to Japan if necessary (Not accusatory (they do try very hard to produce excellent motorbikes)) hopefully will result in a satisfactory outcom.
Cheers

Thats my k4 in the pic,I had a k4 traded for a k6 then hayabusa & now back to a K4 just cant make up my mind hahaha

[Marmoot]

Stories of heavy oil usage concerning 600 and 1000 Honda's have been doing the rounds for several years now. Similarly stories of Ducati's breaking down seem to diminish each year.

Hence why I "changed team" this year.

But in all respect, I agree 08 Blade is one hell of a revolution.

[sAsLEX]

I haven't had any issues with Cyclespot.... I had faulty steering head bearings which have just been replaced under warranty without issue.

They even said they think there might still be a slight pulse under very hard brakes and to check it over the next few days and let them know. Could be the tyres not up to temp/pressure so I plan to go for a fang today and check it out.

Given I commute (and ride pace style on the open road) I mightn't have noticed if they didn't say anything because it's a million times better now. So +1 for Cyclespot there.

I just know others have had warranty issues through them, maybe its Bluewing being dicks instead?

My Bike goes in for valve clearances at CSpot tomorrow so we will see how they go.

[dipshit]

I think the days of Honda being infallible and uber reliable are over.

That day was over in the early 80's.

I have said this before and I'll say it again... I can't understand why journalists keep wanking on about "Honda quality and reliability". If any Jap bike is going to lunch itself, shit its gearbox, burn oil, etc etc - it would probably be a Honda.

Maybe Honda do put the paint on a bit thicker than some. However "Honda quality and reliability" is more of a spin PR campaign like their "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" from the 60's and 70's. It doesn't mean their bullshit advertisement spin is true though.

Or did you really meet the nicest people on a Honda..??

[dipshit]

P.S..

Sorry to hear of the issues you are having with your bike, MentalFacility. I did enjoy reading about your new bike and how pleased you were with it at the start. It does sound like they have raised the bar in the handling stakes.

I do truly hope they can resolve this for you.

[MentalFacility]

P.S..

Sorry to hear of the issues you are having with your bike, MentalFacility. I did enjoy reading about your new bike and how pleased you were with it at the start. It does sound like they have raised the bar in the handling stakes.

I do truly hope they can resolve this for you.

Cheers man. Im trully heart broken over this thing here (

[MentalFacility]

So it has been solved well. Thanks to Danny from Botany Honda.

Next week im getting a brand new 08. And lets all hope that this nightmare will never ever happen to me again.=)

Keep looking for me in ur back mirrors soon...

[AlBundy]

So it has been solved well. Thanks to Danny from Botany Honda.

Next week im getting a brand new 08. And lets all hope that this nightmare will never ever happen to me again.=)

Keep looking for me in ur back mirrors soon...


Have they changed the ring design or something, or is there a chance it'll burn oil again?

[AllanB]

I had a Suzuki that burned a bit of oil 250ml (a cup) every 1000kms. After spending $500 on a service to check it out, I was told that's acceptable - and I should just thrash it more as the big bore bikes like to rev.........

Suzuki had big issues with oil burning Bandits early on - the holes in the pistons under the oil rings were too large. They never accepted that it was a actual problem, but did change the pistons on future builds.

As far as running in instruction go - this is a direct quote and the full extent of Honda's running-in instructions for my Hornet 900:

Help assure your motorcycle's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you ride during the first 500 km (300 miles).
During this period, avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.

That's it! Hard to get that wrong!

We have a fleet of Mercedes Vito vans at work - the early models all had big oil burning issues for the first 20,000 kms then it stopped. One had the oil issue reappear near 100,000 and resulted in a engine rebuild under warranty.

It's good to see they have replaced your bike. I think that in reality issues of this nature are probably a dealers worst nightmare - it could be something as simple as a owner incorrectly reading the oil level, or overfilling it, to a faulty crankcase breather or on to valve guides, rings, pistons, bores etc.
Any issues on new bikes need to be carefully documented and if they continue an agreed upon time frame or kms to have it rectified by is a good idea. A understanding dealer is the biggest help!

[MentalFacility]

I had a Suzuki that burned a bit of oil 250ml (a cup) every 1000kms. After spending $500 on a service to check it out, I was told that's acceptable - and I should just thrash it more as the big bore bikes like to rev.........

Suzuki had big issues with oil burning Bandits early on - the holes in the pistons under the oil rings were too large. They never accepted that it was a actual problem, but did change the pistons on future builds.

As far as running in instruction go - this is a direct quote and the full extent of Honda's running-in instructions for my Hornet 900:

Help assure your motorcycle's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you ride during the first 500 km (300 miles).
During this period, avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.

That's it! Hard to get that wrong!

We have a fleet of Mercedes Vito vans at work - the early models all had big oil burning issues for the first 20,000 kms then it stopped. One had the oil issue reappear near 100,000 and resulted in a engine rebuild under warranty.

It's good to see they have replaced your bike. I think that in reality issues of this nature are probably a dealers worst nightmare - it could be something as simple as a owner incorrectly reading the oil level, or overfilling it, to a faulty crankcase breather or on to valve guides, rings, pistons, bores etc.
Any issues on new bikes need to be carefully documented and if they continue an agreed upon time frame or kms to have it rectified by is a good idea. A understanding dealer is the biggest help!

They took the bike apart. The issue was related to piston rings and the bore.

I broke her in as my the manual. Under 6000rpm, without rapid accelerations, while going through gears, and trying to load the engine. Always warmed her up before every ride, no burnouts, no raving at stand still, no other stupid shit.

After 1000km and the first service I started riding her hard.

[Bleck K6]

So it has been solved well. Thanks to Danny from Botany Honda.

Next week im getting a brand new 08. And lets all hope that this nightmare will never ever happen to me again.=)

Keep looking for me in ur back mirrors soon...

Glad to hear that.

[AlBundy]

I had a Suzuki that burned a bit of oil 250ml (a cup) every 1000kms. After spending $500 on a service to check it out, I was told that's acceptable - and I should just thrash it more as the big bore bikes like to rev.........

Suzuki had big issues with oil burning Bandits early on - the holes in the pistons under the oil rings were too large. They never accepted that it was a actual problem, but did change the pistons on future builds.

As far as running in instruction go - this is a direct quote and the full extent of Honda's running-in instructions for my Hornet 900:

Help assure your motorcycle's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you ride during the first 500 km (300 miles).
During this period, avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.

That's it! Hard to get that wrong!

We have a fleet of Mercedes Vito vans at work - the early models all had big oil burning issues for the first 20,000 kms then it stopped. One had the oil issue reappear near 100,000 and resulted in a engine rebuild under warranty.

It's good to see they have replaced your bike. I think that in reality issues of this nature are probably a dealers worst nightmare - it could be something as simple as a owner incorrectly reading the oil level, or overfilling it, to a faulty crankcase breather or on to valve guides, rings, pistons, bores etc.
Any issues on new bikes need to be carefully documented and if they continue an agreed upon time frame or kms to have it rectified by is a good idea. A understanding dealer is the biggest help!

I hardly think it's an owner thing when Blades worldwide are suffering the same issue.

Honda fucked up big time... Much to my amusement...

Go the ZX10R, lol...

[SixPackBack]

So it has been solved well. Thanks to Danny from Botany Honda.

Next week im getting a brand new 08. And lets all hope that this nightmare will never ever happen to me again.=)

Keep looking for me in ur back mirrors soon...


The latest CBR thou sounds like a piece of dog shite..........sell the fooker and buy summat decent.........ZX10 would be my pick at the mo'

[Revit]

Ive just bought a 2008 blade and had the first service. Ran it in as per book.
Didn't even check oil over run in period. I will start to do so now. I see there's heaps of comment about oil use on the '08 blades on Fireblades.org
Any other 08 blade owners out there with simoilar issues??

[Neofin]

Really pleased you got a good result Mental Facility. Its good that Honda have come through on this for you - that is great service!.
It will be interesting to hear what run in advice you receive - I think run in on this bike is far more critical/reliant on being well used across the rev range as it has fewer rings (to reduce engine friction) - hence need for ring/cylinder wall to be well worn together = harder run in - ah-la running in on the Dyno as a number of race teams do, resulting in less oil consumption (compression ring also oil control ring).
Oil consumption for me has been zero since 6500k (now at 8000k) a brief period of usage from 3500k to 6500k (scary) but now very stable.
Revit, you've got yourself an awesome bike (Congratulations on your taste) -any oil usage by your bike? - I think this is the best handling bike bar none - not sure of the power - being an old fart means ones reaction time needs to be taken into account - engine management seems to know when you mean business - machine suddenly more resonsive after full opening of throttle (& on to reasonably high revs (10,000 plus)- does not tolerate this at less than 6000rpm (it will react in a leisurely fashion if pushed at less) - then wicked responsiveness & ready for action if pushed hard 6000rpm or greater- otherwise in cruise mode & difficult to wake up. I am not sure if you have noticed it - but this bike seems to encourage rough handling, matching revs on the downchange gets indifferent response vs just stuffing it down through the box with minimal throttle blip seems much smoother??
I had an interesting ride back through the Waikato a couple of months ago - through the back way Otorohonga to Ngaruawahia - overtook about 15 bikes on an outing obviously pushing along - the Fireblade seemed to have much more in reserve than the Ducatis, R1's & Gsxr's n that group especially through the fast open bends.
I have not had the pleasure of riding the later model Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha's, Triumphs or Ducatis so am unable to make a reasonable comparison, (Note in diary - must make a point of getting some time in on rival machinery to get a balanced view - could be fun!!)

[MentalFacility]

Hey everybody. Just picked up my new blade today. Im just too happy to have her back, feels very tiny and too owerpowerd once again (after the cb1300s). I gues, the comparison, makes me appriciate the bike even more.

I've been told that im a very lucky customer to get a new bike after all, honda really stepped up for this one. My dealer says that they never had a problem of that extent before, and they are also surpriced with the such an outcome.

Im just happy that all this nightmare is over (at least for me, the dealership will still suffer a sore price of the other bike they'll fix OUCH) and i can finally ride the blade again. What a machine....


Anybody wonna go for a ride?=)

[klyong82]

Hey everybody. Just picked up my new blade today. Im just too happy to have her back, feels very tiny and too owerpowerd once again (after the cb1300s). I gues, the comparison, makes me appriciate the bike even more.

I've been told that im a very lucky customer to get a new bike after all, honda really stepped up for this one. My dealer says that they never had a problem of that extent before, and they are also surpriced with the such an outcome.

Im just happy that all this nightmare is over (at least for me, the dealership will still suffer a sore price of the other bike they'll fix OUCH) and i can finally ride the blade again. What a machine....


Anybody wonna go for a ride?=)

congrats on getting the new bike
so this Friday coro-loop with auckland uni club there will be 20 plus bikers....?

[MentalFacility]

congrats on getting the new bike
so this Friday coro-loop with auckland uni club there will be 20 plus bikers....?

Oh noes ((((((((((((((((((((

Im gonna be out of auckland for 5 days (hopefully less).

Fuk i always miss out on these awesome rides, damn. G

Gotta be some other time man.

[klyong82]

Oh noes ((((((((((((((((((((

Im gonna be out of auckland for 5 days (hopefully less).

Fuk i always miss out on these awesome rides, damn. G

Gotta be some other time man.

Yeah man no worries......have fun running the new engine in. Did they give you the 2009 spec blade or just another 2008 model?

[vifferman]

I've been told that im a very lucky customer to get a new bike after all, honda really stepped up for this one. My dealer says that they never had a problem of that extent before, and they are also surpriced with the such an outcome.
That is a very sad commentary on the regard (or lack thereof) that Bluewing Honda have for their customers.

[vifferman]

I've been told that im a very lucky customer to get a new bike after all, honda really stepped up for this one. My dealer says that they never had a problem of that extent before, and they are also surpriced with the such an outcome.
That is a very sad commentary on the regard (or lack thereof) that Bluewing Honda have for their customers.
It's great for you that you had such a positive outcome though. :niceone:

[Cajun]

good you hear you finally got a good outcome, and one you wanted.

Good luck with the new bike

[discotex]

That is a very sad commentary on the regard (or lack thereof) that Bluewing Honda have for their customers.
It's great for you that you had such a positive outcome though. :niceone:

Not necessarily. I interpreted that as "we don't get to hand out new bikes often" but that doesn't mean they wouldn't have replaced the entire engine. After all the rest of the bike was fine right?

[MentalFacility]

Not necessarily. I interpreted that as "we don't get to hand out new bikes often" but that doesn't mean they wouldn't have replaced the entire engine. After all the rest of the bike was fine right?

The engine, the gearbox and possibly the exhoust system. Other then that it all worked perfectly well.

[MentalFacility]

That is a very sad commentary on the regard (or lack thereof) that Bluewing Honda have for their customers.

Not really, it just seems that they do not get problems like this at all, therefore there is no reason to hand out a new bike.

Generally, do get the same outcome when dealing with most other companies, u'd probably have to take them to court.

[MentalFacility]

good you hear you finally got a good outcome, and one you wanted.

Good luck with the new bike

Deffinatly man, love the bike. It feels so fast and lively yet again.=)

[Crazy Steve]

My dealer says that they never had a problem of that extent before,

Who are "They" Honda Nz or Botany Honda ? ?

Because if its Honda Nz....They have been having magor problems since 1999 that ive seen...

The 1999 Blade that wasnt designed to be "ridden hard" words from one buyers mouth that was said to him from the dealer that he had brought the bike from...

And my Cbr that just caught fire destorying $100k worth of Uninsured bikes cars/Pool table/Plasmas etc in my Garage....

These bikes that are born for the Track...Carrying the Names Honda and Cbr.......Are fine as long as you leave them at home and unused without any fuel in them....

Crazy Steve.

[MentalFacility]

Yeah man no worries......have fun running the new engine in. Did they give you the 2009 spec blade or just another 2008 model?

Got a 2008.