Test rides are tricky, though. 99% of bikes in the age category I'm looking at are private sales. Which is the better built/reliable between the R1 and fireblade?
I'm grabbing info from mates & anywhere at the mo in my search for my next bike.
The Blades engine is stonking & bullet proof & Every single person has said the same, The only known issue is it jumping out of 2nd if the previous owner/owners have been popping wheelies going from 2nd to 3rd ***** up the selector apparently & is a common problem on thrashed ones so if test riding a Blade stick it in 2nd & thrash the knackers off it & see if it pops out of gear., Another thing worth mentioning on the Blades is get a fuel injected one & one that has a 17inch front wheel/tyre. Bit of lag on the earlier carb models & the fronts a bit wishy washy when on a 16.
ZX9R is one of the Few big bikes I've ridden & I have to say it was the easiest bike I've ever ridden as well.
R1's - A couple of mates had R1's & rate them for wheelies
but they are no good if you are a tall guy/big bloke as there is no front end on them. Go like **** though with the right jockey style rider on.