How to spot a
blade model from a mile away.
There are some people around that
can tell a bike simply by looking at the tyres. I don’t know about you but
these people really get on my tits with their train spotter eye for details that
most of us simply cannot see. I find the best way to deal with these people
without resorting to violence is to, if not beat, at least get level with them
on a particular subject. My chosen subject is of course Fireblades. J
In the Fireblade family there are
four different models. Each model typically spans a two year period and
includes 2 designations. I will go through the four types then tell you the
easiest way to spot them even if they have been extensively modded.
1992-93 Model RR-N/P
This was the first Fireblade and
had the original twin headlamp fairing with the essential drilled holes in the
front near the lights. Individual characteristics of this blade are that it’s
the only blade to have a speedo cable. I know its not a lot but take the
bodywork off and that’s the only visible difference between this and the next
model
1994-1995 Model RR-R/S
This was the first blade to feature
the now famed ‘Foxeye’ fairing. Other than the loss of the speedo cable the
bike cosmetically was largely unchanged.
1996-1997 Model RR-T/V
This was the first time that the
blade had actually changed but to the untrained eye this bike looks more like
the previous model than the earliest model ever does. The first thing to notice
is that the seat unit has gained an extra hole, early models only have one. The
front mudguard has changed to a more wrap around style and the forks have gone
from gold/bronze over to silver. The fairing bracket has also changed so it
mounts from the centre of the frame rather than part the way down the side and
has gone from silver to black. The legendary holes in the bottom of the fairing
are now gone although the top ones remain. The engine has sprouted a oil window
rather than the original dipstick. The clutch cover now has three bolts in the
centre and is no longer convex.
1998-1999 Models RR-W/X
The final Fireblade that shares the
same basic look as the original. The easiest to spot differences are that the
whole bike has gained a softer rounded look. Smaller detail changes include
upper fairing holes that are upside down. The front brake callipers have
changed colour to silver as has the exhaust can (a blade with the original
exhaust is a rare beast indeed). The fairing bracket still remains mounted in
the centre but has reverted back to silver in colour. The mirrors have lost
their cheap n nasty rubber boots and now sport a nice clean F1 look. The rear
seat unit has lost it’s two holes which have been replaced by one much smaller
hole nearer the seat. The clocks have become an all in one unit and also
incorporate the idiot lights as part of the unit. The rear brake calliper has
also changed from black to silver. The front of the bike now possess an air
intake underneath the headlight. The exhaust system is now silver.
SO how do you tell a blade in three easy steps?
92-93 N/P = yes no no
94-95 R/S = no no no
96-97 T/V= no yes no
98-99 W/X= no yes yes
So there you have it, that’s how to
become a blade nerd without actually knowing anything but three questions. J Take a look through the
gallery and see if it works!