Faults:

Wheel bearings.

General Comments:

An awesome and beautiful looking machine. Very fast and exciting, and the sound when it hits 7000 RPM is better than your favourite rock band.

So reliable and the build quality is hard to match.

A nightmare around town, but I love riding long distance on this machine when the weight is off your wrists.

This bike keeps up with pretty much anything, and I don't think I could ever find another motorcycle with such charisma as this one.

Great on fuel too, with 160 miles to a tank, however hard you ride.

Faults:

The alternator (generator) burnt out (twice) at 35,000 and 56,000 miles: Had it rewired.

General Comments:

The handling/steering is ultra-quick; as a result it can shake the bars under acceleration on a bumpy surface, but experienced riders do not need a steering damper (the bike is telling you to lighten off the throttle, just a bit).

The braking is powerful, but progressive and with good feel.

Although not as powerful as its competitors, or more modern large sports bikes, the power is good all through the rev range and, because it is so manageable, can be used more effectively to make up any shortfall. The on/off throttle response is not the problem that journalists make it out to be; a few hours riding is enough to tune yourself into it: after that the instant response is a plus.

For a large sports bike the comfort is very good, it can be ridden all-day (over 500 miles), then the next day! The riding position is more upright and comfortable than its competitors.

Faults:

Rear shock.

Head bearings.

Wheel bearings F/R.

Rear spindle came loose and wore the swing arm,

General Comments:

This is my second 94 blade. I think this is an awesome bike for its age. Granted, a lot has had to be sorted, but given the mileage it's fantastic. I do quite a lot of mile's on my bikes, as I just love to ride, and have done since I was 5 years old.

I have had a 99, R1 02, R1 04, R1 03, 600rr 98, and a Firestorm, and the blade always gives me a better buzz than any of them. I have even turned this bike into a street-fighter, and it's even better.

I've added an Ohlins rear shock, progressive, front springs, stage 1 dynojet and it's FANTASTIC.

One of, if not the best bike you could own for less than £2,000.

Faults:

Block cracked with only 8900k.

General Comments:

Have no bad points. Will be happy when the block is replaced.

Faults:

The forks needed new seals and one spring.

New bottom yoke was needed, along with head races and wheel bearings.

General Comments:

This is an awesome bike! It handles beautifully, pulls like a train and causes me to grin like a cheshire cat.

I hadn't ridden for 8 months after crashing the GPZ. I bought this and then I did 3000 miles around Europe, and it's a very confidence inspiring bike.

I don't think I would be able to part with it. It's a joy to ride. The brakes are very forgiving too.

Faults:

Cosmetics only - they build a fantastic machine like this and then save sixpence by using fairing bolts that rust!

Otherwise everything is good as new.

General Comments:

Even a mild tuning exercise (i.e. swapping the exhaust and jetting) can produce serious fun-power.

A bike that is still remarkably rapid and handles great, yet is comfy enough to hack the length of the country without suffering.