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Common issues With a 2018 and up fireblade

2.7K views 13 replies 4 participants last post by  Baksteen  
#1 ·
I'm considering upgrading to a newer bike, as I just sold my 2011 R1. I'm looking at the 2018 Fireblade 1000RR and was wondering what common issues I should be aware of.

I've heard some reports of ABS malfunctioning, causing riders to lose control and go flying. How common is this problem? It sounds pretty scary.

I've also come across mentions of "false neutrals" on these bikes. How widespread is that issue?

I'm used to my R1 being rock solid, and I'm hoping for the same kind of reliability with the Fireblade.

For maintenance, I change the oil every 5,000 km, and replace the air filter and spark plugs every 10,000 km. I’m hoping to get the same long-lasting performance from the Blade as I did with my R1.
 
#2 ·
I have a 2018 model for over a year now, I got it with a 19500kms on it and now got it to 27800kms and I am generally satisfied with it.

The ABS will not try to kill you, but you will feel a spongy lever that could make you feel uncomfortable until you get used to it. I tried flushing the system many times to get a faster response from the lever with very small difference, I believe the issue is the way the ABS unit is designed, I noticed that pulling the lever to prime the unit before braking adds significant stiffness to the lever and reduces lever diving. I just remembered that I had a dream about it sinking all the way to the handlebar few nights ago 😅, really!

Aside from the ABS which is not a problem IMO, the only two problems I faced with the bike being 2nd hand were the starter motor and CKP sensor.

I have replaced the fuel pump motor once which turned out that it was already replaced in the previous ownership with a cheap motor, I ended up putting the same one later.

You can put a 190/55 tire profile on the rear with no issues, I recommend that very much as it will change the way the bike handles in corners.
 
#3 ·
Thank you very much for the reply, I can now get a CBR 2017 1000RR SP with 12200km on it and I Think this one should also be good like the 2018? I think they have the same motor C77.

Both bikes are more or less in the same price range so witch one should I go For the 2018 with 10800km or the 2017 with 12200?

I know the SP comes with Ohlins semi-active and Brembo Brakes

Regards
 
#4 ·
2017-18 SC77s are identical, 2019 SC77 have the Wheelie control separate from the Traction Control.
If the 2018 with 10800kms is not SP, then I would go with the 2017 SP with 12200kms if the price is close. The SP has the superior Ohlins suspension.
 
#10 ·
My 2018 has had no problems. Mine is not ABS. They were blowing them out for $11,000 and I could not pass that up. I have 28,000 miles on the bike.

I would love to have had an SP and I think that is a good choice. The only downside would be the cost of replacing the electronic shocks and at some point they might not even be available. That would be a concern if you put a lot of miles on it.
 
#12 ·
My 2018 has had no problems. Mine is not ABS. They were blowing them out for $11,000 and I could not pass that up. I have 28,000 miles on the bike.

I would love to have had an SP and I think that is a good choice. The only downside would be the cost of replacing the electronic shocks and at some point they might not even be available. That would be a concern if you put a lot of miles on it.
Lucky, I got it at 19500kms for almost 20000$ and added about 1000$ on it since 😓.

Ohlins service is not an option where I live, it is really something to consider. A bit late to mention now, but I'm sure there is a DIY way to change at least the fluid every few thousand miles to keep the internals fresh. I did full fluid change the first week I got the bike, it's kind of my way of making sure the vehicle has my mark on it.