I dont get how people consider this bike "boring" it has 190 horsepower and weighs almost the same as a 600cc bike. I know its not a v4 or crossplane crank but it doesnt really matter. This bike checks off every single box for me

Coming from someone who owns 19 Duc V4; 18 Tuono v4 ; 18 cbr1000rr I can say the Honda is an easy riding scalpel on the road. Extremely comfortable and precise. Brakes are excellent. It’s an amazing Daily driver. No it doesn’t have the torque of the v4s but it certainly IS NOT SLOW. It puts a huge smile on my face every time I ride it. .

I bought a 2017 cbr1000rr base model i couldn't be happier very fast bike and it handles like 600cc motorcycle

I test rode this bike and it's an absolute beast!!! If you're using full throttle coming out of any turn on the street you're simply in the wrong gear.........and to say it has no pull??? I left her in second and she had torque EVERYWHERE......more than you can possibly use on the street. I never reached the throttle stop in first or second, Third gear is a different story, but you have no business in third below 100mph. I did also experience some rattling when down low especially when I was playing around with full throttle in third. Anyways this review doesn't do this bike justice.

I would adjust my gearing to be in the powerband when i pull out of the corner rather than blame the bike for lack of torque

I bought my 17’ fireblade brand new for $12,700 usd... at that price its for sure a winner. Deals are out there.

Love my 2008 fireblade never had any problems with her.All the power one needs on the road and more.

With all due respect, but I wouldn't say the 2017 bike is just another rehash of the "old bike". You even go back as far as the '08 bike. Yes I am a bit of a Honda fan but I'm certainly not against criticism... however, that criticism has to be valid, and some of the issues you point out, are just not true. How you FEEL about those changes and/or perceive them is a whole different matter. Let me address them one by one and also point out some other ones. (*note* most comparisons are between the '16 and '17 model, so differences between '08 and '17 are even bigger). - Same frame... while the geometry might be the same (and therefore the looks), it's 300g lighter. But those changes, have an impact on (as you mentioned yourself) the flex of the frame, and therefore, the feel of the bike. Maybe you won't notice the difference in day to day usage that much, but it's definitely there. Changing the rigidity of the frame of a motorcycle and saying "it's the same" is the same as "The Burj Khalifa is the same as the Empire state building, only a bit taller" - Same swinging arm. - again... yes. same basic model, but lighter. I'll give you this one (even if the whole flex story could be applied to the swing arm as well). -redesigned subframe - Same engine "bar a bit of tweakin". :| - 11bhp increase (20bhp compared to '08 model) , higher compression ratio (13.0, up from 12.3:1), 500rpm higher rev limit. Sorry sir, but you don't get that with "just a bit of tweakin'". Also, when you look at images of the bike, there are quite obvious differences between both models. other changes: slipper clutch, quick shifter, new air intake duct, redesigned air box, larger throttle bodies, all sorts of traction control, lights (LED), main instrument panel Sure, Honda used quite a number of "old" parts, but like you said: "if it ain't broke". (I agree on the cover of the frame... personally I think I'd remove it) I personally think this is a big upgrade and from most of the reviews I've seen and read, most people would agree. However, everyone can have their opinion. Would I change from a 2016 bike to the 2017? I don't know. unfortunately I have ridden neither of them. But, as I am currently without a motorcycle due to an unfortunate incident with my previous bike it'll definitely be an upgrade for me. :)

They don’t change the engine because it’s bulletproof. My 07 has 45k miles and once ran 7k miles without an oil change. I’ve only ever done oil changes and it’s a tank. That’s what Honda is known for, who wants to spend 5k a year on repairs for an aprilia when a Honda will hardly ever need anything… ever

No 1000-cc bike is down on power!! Dumb thing to say

You keep saying it's flat or doesn't have power in for the corners or doesn't have the pull that the RSV has, try putting over 6k RPMs when that 2nd fuel injector kicks in. You're always sitting at the bottom of the rev range when Honda (and sports bikes in general) have always had their power geared towards the mid/upper range.

Of course new bikes carry on over from their old bikes....... why do you keep saying it's the same same same? All manufacturers carry over their designs and do little tweaks here and there to upgrade it. You expect manufacturers to just ditch their chassis and motor altogether every time a new year is around the corner, and start from scratch again? Come on now, that doesn't make sense. And besides, how can you tell just by eye-balling the bikes that it is the same? Do you have the schematics to make comparisons and come to your conclusion?

I absolutely hate that utter bullshit so called reviewers come out with about inline 4s having no grunt all they have is top end. You know they do have a gearbox. Get it down some cogs and stop being so lazy. And before everyone says I'm just a Honda fanboy I'm definitely not. I'm more of a Suzuki and yamaha fan but I respect the fireblade for what it always has been. Which is the best all round 1000cc super bike reflected by the fact it's by far the best selling superbike ever.

Down shift, nothing flat about my SP2, need to learn how to ride it!! Ask BMW where their V-4 is . Also Honda gave you a V-4 in 2016 with the RC213V-S , its not their fault you can’t afford it ?

This guy doesn't have a sweet clue.

I think ill stick with my 012 blade. Only paid 5k for it. So fast

OK i have just replaced my cbr 1000rr 2015sp with the new 2017 standard fire blade and can tell you its a totally different bike its nimble has a lot more power in every gear tons lighter and is alot faster in the mid range i like the review i am not disappointed one bit when i bought my bike the garage had a que waiting for a test ride most of the guys had cbr 1000rr bikes when they come back they bought the new blade right away

You're the first non journalist I've seen on KZfaq with their hands on one of these. So respect for getting your finger out man. I would have one in a heart beat. I'll declare my bias. I used to own an 09 Blade. Your Blade brought me to the channel actually. Chuck it here Lambchop, I wanna go. Never been on a Blade which has got all those flash gizmos. Oh super sports I'm still a sucker for em even at 40 something. If I got a a windfall I'd have a fleet of em, show that 650ib. Negatives, well we all know Honda make a fantastic V4, why isn't it in this. Also brakes, Yamaha and Honda no Brembos on their top of the range bikes which is mad.

Chops it's a different bike lighter slimmer faster and full of electronic aids, so why this is the same bike. I watched your video twice and was going to buy something else and then I test drove the 2018 SP and I fell in love with the bike and I bought one. Thank you Chops. Aprilia is doing the same Chops it's the same bike they are changing the stickers each year but it's the same bike with new electronics.

Have a 2015 cbr1000rr best sport bike i have ever had, Honda makes t best motorcycles 😎

My-SP2 is absolutely brilliant, who cares if they use old parts, i did full Akropovich Titanium GP exhaust and a flash, the bike is wicked fast above 7k. The up and down quick shifter is better than a video game!! Most Isle of Man TT victorys and the most Moto-GP wins. The results speak for themselves!! HRC all day.

I know a few people who don't like the looks compared to the previous model but i think it looks better! Especially the SP *drool*

Think of it this way : If you already have a fantastic balanced bike why would you want to make a radical change to it? I'm talking about the engine and chassis. What people asked for was electronics, more power and less weight to a already magnificent bike and today they got it. I think if Honda decides to develop a new engine it's gonna be for a hole different bike. I don't think they would ever develop a V4 for the CBR. Thanks for the review

I flipping love it, beautiful thing.

I still can't wrap my head around the fact that you don't have over 50k subs

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make a great bike better. Any one who does motor work knows 11 more hp and -5kgs stock bike is is a lot and changing the flex on a frame can completely transform a bike . And the reason that bike cost so much is the electronic Olin’s suspension. I agree the price is a bit high but this bike has laid down some serious lap times that shame its rivals. It’s a light weight track bike and still a faster package for 90% of riders than a Rsv that relies solely on Traction Control. Don’t get mad at an orange because it’s not an apple. 😁

I was in touch with these cowboys at south coast honda , and was in the process of buying a honda fireblade sp1 , mainly dealing with Jamie , when contacted them to pay them for the new bike and arrange collection , they claimed that my bike had been mistakenly sold over the weekend ... I would be cautious dealing with them , things didn't add up .. But on the bright side , I did get my Sp1 , which was a better deal .. :) great bikes , nice review ...

He said it’s only fast in its power band but was driving slow in fourth gear lol he was at the lowest part of the band the whole video

Your in the wrong gear if you cannot pull out of a corner?

Brilliant review mate, loved it as I think your probably one of the best people to review this bike and you gave a proper honest opinion. I'm going to try one out, not the SP though :)

i had the first blade two others inbetween and now the 2017 awesome bike, love all the electronics, mode two does me here in thailand, weve got some lovely twistys ... flat out in a straight line doesnt intrest me. beautiful build quality comfortable for a sports bike, plenty of useable power on the roads. bike of the year mcn say no more.

I think history is proving a theory of mine on this bike: it was a stop gap until Honda finished development on the SC82 Technically, you could argue that this was the SC59’s ultimate form, despite it being considered a new model. It doesn’t receive the respect it deserves because of the power deficit to other bikes, but it’s phenomenal in every other aspect (and I think the complaints about wheelie control /traction control being tied together was thrown way out of proportion to its true impact for most of this bike's intended market).

99.9% of people couldn't ride a 2004 superbike to its limit on road or track. Save your money and buy used.

I own 1- of the very rare 2017-SP2 here in the USA, its an incredible bike for Street or Track!! It likes to be above 7,000rpm- and the Quick-Shifter is flawless up/down. Dont buy into the V-4 non-sense- to me its way to complex,which leads to a 8,000$ to have an exhaust installed(Ducati). who has the most Moto-GP wins ? HRC has 4x more than Ducati. Also i haven't had 1- issue with the bike, how many re-calls did the Ducati have already? Aprilla is un-reliable crap, they can't even get on the Podium,let alone win a race. HRC for the win!!!! 93 says so

u complain so much gandpa...its the best bike in the world and see how u complain..!!!

Did it ever occur to you that perhaps it was engineered to go fast.

Yeah the same bike ... only 90%of new parts ... common pal go ahead drive your Triumph

Good video thank you. I have to disagree to some extent, I take your points over the frame and swing arm but I’ve owned both models and I have to say they feel day and night different. This 2017 model has a different seating position, feels so much more compact and the extra engine tuning makes an unbelievable difference - more than you would think.

It may look same from outside(frame etc) but it is more than what meets the eye. 17 CBR1000RR is awesome.

it's 19 grand not 20 as you keep saying. and the extra cash gets you front brembos and ohlins front and rear suspension. and I'm pretty sure if you pulled the baffle on the exhaust you'd sort the lack of midrange pull as it normally does on inline fours. I will agree with one thing however it is lazy after 3 versions of fireblade all using the same engine. but then again the previous model was regarded as having great road manners and handling and the best all round litre bike for doing all things. so if it aint broke don't fix it I guess.

i absolutely adore this bike. if i didn't just buy a brand new bladr in 2014 i would be all over that. worth every penny when you figure in the cost of the ohlins, brembos, and all the new electronic gadgetry of the sp1

Just watched your video, very miss leading, to say the least,,

Great review! Very accurate, Honda,as a company makes very reliable,fairly expensive,very boring bikes across the board,all models are same,they dont compare to other companies bikes. you need to be a real honda fan to buy one.

Ive just read down through the comments and one thing to note here (in defence of the fireblade) and contradicting myself a little bit is......the TT. Im not going to go looking for stats and whatnot but the fireblade has won quite a large slice of podiums there and in other road races. Honda always said they designed the fireblade to be a good alround sports bike for the road. Im off myself this year to the TT (and for the last 6 years) - itll be interesting to see what McGuiness and Martin make of it...it could go one way or the other....good: they clean up....bad: the bike's too new (not enough dev time) and they dont get a sniff....thats just my opinion though! :)

great honest review. thanks.

Great review brother I was gonna to buy an SP1 brand new for $16,000 because it’s been on the show floor a 2 years. So they marked it down some. But I’ll probably just get a CBR1000rr ABS for $10,999 brand new. They also have these 2017 models marked down too on the show floor of the dealership. Quality and durability I will go with a Honda.

MCN wet their pants over the SP1 fireblade, but to be honest each to their own. Everyone in the market for a 1000cc sports bike needs to test ride all of them and then make there choice, to be honest it's all about how much you can afford or want to spend, what you require from the bike and what bike you like the looks of, I recently had a test ride on the 2017 base model GSXR1000 and loved it, it was comfortable, handled, went like a GSXR does and was great for our UK roads but what do I know I'm not an MCN editor so I know jack or is it the other way round? Lamb chops does excellent honest reviews and I would take his advice over MCN any day, he just needs to take out the GSXR now!!!!

Really good as a road bike

I think Honda wanted to make a complete bike with a great exhaust, that actually sounds epic,- my SP-2 should be here soon!!- I didn't want to go Aprilla, iam getting to old for bikes that will give me issues!!!

Great review dude, thanks for the honest feedback. I love my Fireblade but tbh think Suzuki could be the bike to be on this year. I won't be chopping mine in mind 😊

Im not a fan at all. Much prefer the now 'old shape' fireblade. Honda really seemed to have taken a backseat, lazy approach to the new blade. Much prefer the R1M, or RSV4 RF or even a 1299 for that sort of money. Not for me im afraid. What else are we gonna see being tested? ZX10RR? On a side note, video production, quality of edit, content and clip selection have been brilliant recently :D Loving it. Keep it up

nice vid chops when you straddling the gixer

This bike is a great used bargain now though. I am thinking of getting my first sports bike and looking at 1/2 year old SP's. There is even a brand new (old model) SP at the distributor in Dublin for €19,000

Love the looks of the SP

Looks like I will be keeping my 2012 for a lot longer

Worth paying £12k more than a decent used Blade? 😳 There’s a reason they’re going for £99 a month on PCP.

Glad to say I’ve just got my self a sp1 .can wait to pick it up and out of the 100 reviews I’ve seen yours is the only shit one.

great review ! very informative ! i have alot of character and punch on my ninja zx10r which becomes a beast at the higher revs thx

If you compare two bikes don’t you think it’s a good idea you ride them both?? This wasn’t a comparison video. It was a “I try the new CBR” video.

All the inline 4s are geared to high from the factory. First thing i did with my 12 zx10r was to go -1 front +2 at the back. No more problem pulling out of the corners :-)

Bearing in mind these are now down to £11k, are these now a bargain? With an 11k budget and riding mainly road and a few track days a year it’s either a 2017 S1000RR, this SP or a 2018 Tuono Factory. Currently have a S1000R and I’m quite a beefy bloke so thinking Tuono is the one. Thoughts Chops?

sort of agree on the out the box exhausts. Should do what KTM do with their enduro bikes: sell it with a heavy can that will pass Euro4 but bundle in a "trackday" kit that releases all those horses hidden away and saves some weight too!

Why do you keep comparing a straight 4 1000cc bike with V4 1100cc bike? One is a sports bike, the other is naked. You should do a review of a product that has it's intended use, and if you wish to compare it to another product, pick one that's in it's class. Don't think I'm talking down on you, I like what you do, you're good at it and I'd only like to see you do it even better. Cheers!

So between this and the New GSXR 1000, what do u think? The gsxr seems much more thrilling

Every model they bring out they do the minimal they can so they can squeeze as many models out as they can. It’s all about business. They make more money making 10 tweaked versions of the same bike rather than making one model as hectic as they can. They could of made this bike with carbon fibre wheels, frame, body work, super lightweight engine, swingarm, 250Hp+ engine etc etc but would only make 1/4 of money. It’s AAALLLLL about money bro!

Lamb chop, I beleave that your favorite cars are, Fia t- Alfa romeo- Lancia. and your Favorite Bike is Aprilia.

The new Ohlins electronics suspension itself is worth 3k. So yes it is worth the price. If you're pretty tight on cash you can always take the standard Fireblade with the Showa forks and the Nissin calipers for what 16k? . Its called SP for a reason and its 15 kilos lighter than the European spec 2008 Fireblade. Also that titanium exhaust gives you as much hp as possible. The aftermarket cans are only able to extract 1 extra peak hp out of the new Blade so why would you even want to throw in a grand for a 1hp bump? As for the Suzuki, that thing weighs 8 more kilos on the new Blade while making 8 more horses?. The v4 arrives next year but I'm going to write it here that everyone of you that's expecting it to be the "affordable" bike is going to be disappointed. The Honda VP has already stated in an interview that they're looking at a cheaper RC213V-S as an option. The other option is the track focused(or was it track only) RVF v4 at 25-30k. I can already see a lot of whiners on social media bitch about that bike's pricing.

Could you possibly fit anymore cliches into your lame 'journalism' ? It's not the same frame and engine as the old bike, it has been re-worked. If it was the same then it would weigh the same..... The quality on the Honda is light years ahead compared to the Aprilia yet the Aprilia is still more expensive............not even a contest which one will sell better...........

was waiting for this one!!!

Your making me want a 2010 Fireblade even more!

Just needs tweaking, new exhaust system and a remap, will iron out flat spots and increase pull outa bends and you won’t be disappointed even with the extra cash. 😎👍

Comparing the sp fireblade to the rsv4 rf imo is a bit odd since the rsv4 rf is still another few grand more expensive (at lease here in Australia), and I think as a road bike the sp blade has a lots more going for it compared to the rsv4. The active suspension is far more useful to riders than an extra few bhp imo. Most riders are not going to tell the difference between 195 and 200bhp. Overall the sp is much thinner and lighter than the rsv4 which will make it better to use on the road and around town. You mentioned the sp was a bit boring, but was it actually bad at anything? I think making a bike that is really easy to ride and ride quick straight away is a very difficult thing to achieve. In your rsv4 rf video, I saw that initially the bike was a bit hairy for you. Would you say that’s good character or unrefined? Great review but I do think you’ve focused on the engine more so than the other more important changes they made. I sort of get the impression that if the blade sounded better/more exciting your opinion might change. I agree that it’s frustrating that a full redesign wasn't done but a euro 4 bike that is 195kg wet is incredible. Maybe ride them both back to back around town and make another video if you get a chance. I think on low speed stuff is where you will see the big differences between them.

I agree with you on the Honda ... To me The 2017 RSV4 is breathtaking !! Honda is slacking a lil.....

MCN just voted the 2017 blade sp best in class, enough said and I'm a huge fan of the panigale rsv4 and s thou rr.....

There's only one bike for me. The Fireblade.

Why do you do these reviews when its clear you cant take these bikes to the limit of handling. Like most test rides, its what the test rider likes, easily fooled by a nicer sounding exhaust etc. Dont get me wrong, Im thankfull you are making these vids, maybe a closer look all over the bike to give the viewer a good look at the bike

I normally like his reviews, but this one's he's talking out of his big arse...

"Flat flat flat flat"... You're at about 4K RPM mate 😂

Are you sure this is built specifically to compete with the V4? Or is it just a new liter bike from Honda? 😂 Dumb thing to say dude.

What is the rattling that bike is making down low mine has it too I’m disappointed never have any of my other bikes done that

Hi Lamb Chop, what roads are you riding here? They look great

Did womble loose his side fairing or something? looked a bit odd

MCN’s superbike shootout had the 2017 Blade SP1 as the pick of the bunch with the Aprilia ranked in5th place so maybe you got a lemon or perhaps your biased.

Great review. Please please dont stop being honest....read an MCN review and they'll rant on about how amazing it is til the cows come home. I can almost see your seeing it the same way as i see myself with my RSV4 (commented on that in that review) for the sake of an electronics package id much rather have my old 2010 rsv4 factory with the ton of mods that ive done than fork out possibly another 12k to get the latest and greatest....id rather throw 2k at mine and upgrade the ohlins forks to a higher spec. When i got the ecu reflashed that gave me the factory QS off the newer models...thats all i wanted... I think if i owned a fireblade (especially yours) then i wouldnt bother or if i did id go for the older pre electronics sp model....i bet thats probably a snip now...

Great review LCR, how does it compare to the prev gen (2012) blade if you have ridden one ? Also will you testing the new GSXR?

all honda have to do is stick a v4 in a cbr and im in the dealership throwing my wallet at the first salesman i see

Always enjoy your videos. How about for a bit of a change you take out a Harley ? I can imagine that would be a riot with you riding it !

what they don't go crossplane

Was this a review on the RSv4 or the fireblade?

Some of the best on board (chesty) video I've seen in a while, but who the Fuck stops in the middl of the road for a chat???

The Japanese are known more for effeciency and practicality and of the 4 Japanese bike makers Honda most of all. It seems the Fireblade has always been about balance and giving the rider a feeling of the bike being an extension of the body where you forget about the bike and focus on the task. I see this similar to a fine Katana sword that is perfectly balanced and sort of disappears in your hand. In contrast, Euros, home of the broadsword, are more about creatin a feeling of being overwhelmed and exitement. Different strokes for different folks.

Hi Chopsy, I appreciate this is an old thread but wondered, do you think changing the front sprocket on this bike would liven up that midrange? Cheers. T

why are people obsessed with bhp figures. even a bike with 100 bhp will do 0-60 in 3.5 secs so why ain't the blades 189 bhp enough

Started to get sea sick with the moving camera. I know it's helmet mounted, but remember that when filming please !! And please review the bike and present the Pros and the Cons without bias, and let your audience make up their own minds. We are each looking for something different in a bike for different reasons !!!

If it's the exact same frame, wonder if one could slap the 17 fairings and head cowl and lights on the prior variant? Think they'd snap right into place, or new mounting points. Just a theoretical question.

Will Ducati let you test ride a 1299? TBH that's the only sports bike that tingles my bits. For now I'm more than happy with my 1290R but maybe one day I'd consider one!

I saw a 17 registered Fireblade this evening, it looked so small! Or maybe I'm getting bigger!

I've not ridden the SP yet, but on reflection, I share your sentiments, 20K is too much for what is essentially the old bike with some weight saving. Last years SP was a hell of a lot cheaper (in fact cheaper than the new stock 'Blade) but it was missing a lot of things still. Did you find at lower speeds it was a bit bogged down? Not sure if it is an exhaust thing or if a PC would be needed to remap things... I will certainly be testing the new gixxer, as it will be either that or the 'Blade for me I think :-)

honest review, well done - can you take out the ktm super adventure s?

Just been voted Best in class by professionals, not weekend warriors