Table of contents

• TuneUp 2.0 with Triple Speed ​​Headquarters Tuning and conversion guide Honda Fireblade
• Price, quality and feel
• Handlebars
• ABM Race Clip does not fit on it
• Leverage
• Footrest systems
• LSL rest system for the racetrack
• Reverse circuit on the Fireblade
• Slip-on damper
• electronics
• Struts
• Nice to have
• Fireblade on the race
• Performance measurement
• Overview

Ines Mannl

17th pictures

Ines Mannl

1/17
Don’t worry, it has to be that way! Even if this Honda is not ready to drive, it all serves a higher goal! Namely …

PS

2/17
… the Akra slip-on made it possible to improve her performance as well.

Dennis Witschel

3/17
And so it was in the end, our CBR 1000. Not just a visual treat, …

Ines Mannl

4/17
Overview suspension struts.

Ines Mannl

5/17
Overview of rear silencers.

Ines Mannl

6/17
Overview of footrest systems.

Ines Mannl

7/17
Overview of levers.

Ines Mannl

8/17
Overview of handlebars.

Ines Mannl

9/17
Some parts are only used for optics. But as is well known, the eye goes with it.

Ines Mannl

10/17
We tested three adjustable footrest systems. And what must say? They are actually adjustable, but the flexibility of the ABM system is quickly limited if an accessory muffler is installed on the bike.

Ines Mannl

11/17
Michael “Obi” Obringer and Jens Hebisch at work.

Ines Mannl

12/17
When it comes to cushioning, many factors play a role in the purchase decision. The Wilbers shock absorber is a real tip for everyday life and home trips, for really tough guys with a stopwatch there are few alternatives to Ohlins.

Ines Mannl

13/17
Footrests should also be stylish at first. But from slip resistance to the ability to flip the shift scheme, there are many aspects worth noting.

Ines Mannl

14/17
It is cheaper to get away with alternative leverage. You can read in the article which ones are available and why.

Ines Mannl

15/17
Depending on the accessory, this can be quite expensive. For example, the Akra silencer with at least € 1165 tears a big hole in your wallet.

Dennis Witschel

16/17
… upgrade the Honda Fireblade at key points. Not only visually, but above all functionally.

PS

17/17
And here again in an overview of all tested add-on parts.

counselor

workshop

TuneUp 2.0 Tuning and Conversion Guide Honda Fireblade

TuneUp 2.0 with Triple Speed ​​Headquarters
Tuning and conversion guide Honda Fireblade

Content of

Take a sporty motorcycle and take a look at its problem areas and potential for optimization. This is what TuneUp 2.0 is all about with Triplespeed Headquarters. Kick-off bike: the Honda Fireblade.

Jens Hebisch

09/15/2015

Anyone who counts the Honda Fireblade as an old iron because of a lack of horsepower, lack of driving aids and long years of service in the purchasable premier class, probably also thinks that Salma Hayek, due to her mature age, to a tea dance in the retirement home instead of with a king boa around her neck on the stage of the Heard Titty Twisters. To put it hard: He has no idea about hot devices. Salma should kindly keep swinging her hips and let the fire blade burn brightly.

Buy complete article

TuneUp 2.0 with Triple Speed ​​Headquarters
Tuning and conversion guide Honda Fireblade

8 pages) as PDF

€ 2.00

Buy now

The legendary PS-TuneUp is ideal for this. However, the framework has changed slightly compared to the past: There is a separate PS-TuneUp team – Triplespeed Headquarters from Erlangen. This brings us even closer to everyday screwdrivers and the practical experience of the conversion specialists. The approach has also been modified: no school grades or assessment boxes, but data, facts, emotions. Nevertheless, it is the original PS-TuneUp: Take a sporty motorcycle and take a look at its problem areas and potential for optimization.

Price, quality and feel

What does the aftermarket have to offer? What makes sense, and what should be chased through the spam filter? We focus on price, quality and feel. But also: How can it be installed, how good are installation instructions and fits and of course, how does it feel to burn with it all over the house? In terms of a genuine Superbike base, as the Honda Fireblade SC59 definitely is, that shouldn’t be enough. What wants to get our blessing has to prove itself in the tough track test. It’s not about putting an IDM burner on the wheels. But many Honda CBR 1000 RR pilots like to drive to the racetrack. We put the TuneUp material through its paces at Dannhoff Motorsport in Oschersleben. So fire blade – then open the tool box!

Handlebars

Ines Mannl

Touring athletes will be happy with the LSL variant, but we would stick with the originals for the racetrack.

First we rush onto the command bridge, that is, onto the handlebars. In series production, these are mounted just at the height of the fork bridge, which offers a sporty but still relatively relaxed seating position for a real Brenner. The first test person comes from ABM. We hope that their “Multi Clip Tour” will provide even more comfort on the home route and, given the sheer endless adjustment options, even more individualization of the seating position. But it is precisely this versatility in height, width and angle that is both a curse and a blessing, because the Honda Fireblade SC59 surprises with an acute lack of space in the stem. Again and again you come up against your limits, sometimes you touch levers or containers on the cladding or hit the handlebar clamps on the dashboard. The complete freedom of position finding is history and gives way to assembly frustration.

ABM Race Clip does not fit on it

Those who like to spend evenings in the garage with an after-work beer or relaxing coffee and fail to be thrown off track will find their happiness sooner or later. Master Obi, however, pulls out the hair that is no longer there several times and is delighted when we finally found a compromise. It feels relaxed and comfortable on the road with the Honda Fireblade, but it’s nothing for the track.

But ABM also has something for this in its range. Obi mounts the massive, triple clamped clamps. The name says it all – Race Clip. Look what they’re called: pure racing. You would be our absolute favorite on the Honda Fireblade – but unfortunately it doesn’t fit either. Certainly one would be able to fix this with some tinkering (swapping brake lines or the like), but under the aspect of “plug and play” it doesn’t work.

Last but not least, we have the “Tour Match” from LSL. In terms of seating position, this is clearly in the direction of a relaxed touring posture. Anyone looking for that will hit the bull’s eye here. As usual from LSL, the part is straight – no multiple adjustment options, but easy to assemble and off. On the country road, this is also casually around the corner, but is out of the question for track use. For the racetrack – really strange – we are reassembling the original Honda stub due to the space concerns mentioned. It works pretty well.

Leverage

Ines Mannl

A tip from experience: Don’t just buy by look.

Next, the focus is on leverage. For aesthetically inclined SC59 pilots, the series parts are likely to go into the spare parts box first. They are exchanged for beautiful and functional milled material. First against the “Synto Evo” levers from ABM. Great fit, great feel. Exchangeable lever ends – very clever and cool. The brake and clutch levers are adjustable in six positions, cool style. But then the disillusionment: the parts hit when the steering wheel is fully turned. Again, one of our supposed favorites has to go back to the box. 

The next pairing comes from Krefeld. Once again LSL proves that they deliver a bit straightforward, but 100 percent goal-oriented. This applies to fit, material finish and adjustment options (6-fold), plus there is a predetermined breaking point at the ends – and nothing hits. If you are looking for a decent replacement for the original levers on the Honda Fireblade, you won’t go wrong here.

Ines Mannl

Not only do they look good on the wall, the levers. But it is up to you who comes to the bike.

Now for the Gilles material from Luxembourg. The brake and clutch levers are also clean and easy to assemble. In contrast to the other two pairings, they can be freely adjusted in advance using a thread and are a bit martial in terms of design, similar to the ABM parts in Mad Max style. But even these two CNC-milled precious parts do not make it to check-in on our subjective toplist, and thus for assembly for the very fast Fireblade laps on the racetrack.

This place is already occupied. With the levers from Rizoma. We are actually a little surprised by ourselves, because optically the parts are chic, but rather simple, if not even inconspicuous. In addition, only the brake lever can be adjusted using an adjusting wheel, the clutch lever, on the other hand, does not offer any options. So why Rizoma? First: The levers are foldable, which makes sense in the event of an emergency. Second: They just feel great and are full and clean in the hand. We adjust the clutch lever simply by loosening the pretension of the clutch cable. So it fits for the track. We’d probably choose a different set for the road, but for the mix of road and race this is our favorite on the Honda Fireblade.

Ultimately, it should be noted that this category offers the most space for individual preferences, because all pairings work – the ABM Synto Evo, however, only with restrictions. 

Footrest systems

Ines Mannl

Three pairs of footrests with very clear differences.

Again we start with ABM. From the box, the part looks appealing in terms of workmanship and finish, but the image slowly darkens when it is mounted on the Honda Fireblade. There are assembly instructions, but they are more of a presence than really informative assistance. To make matters worse, there is no parts list at all and you start to doubt whether you are on the right track or whether you have the wrong socket or screw in your hands. Nothing that would bring an experienced screwdriver to its knees, but which can definitely frustrate the ambitious amateur garage mechanic. 

LSL rest system for the racetrack

If the part is mounted on the Honda Fireblade, it unfortunately shows that the large adjustment range is rather theoretical. Adjustment options are limited, especially when combined with an accessory pot. This should primarily affect tall people who would like to have the notches far back and below. It should also be mentioned that the ABM detent bodies are very short, which is why you often only stand with the ball of the toe on the tip of the very grippy detent. One likes it, the other prefers the very firm step – it depends on the driving style.

LSL shows you how to do it correctly with detailed and easy-to-understand assembly instructions. There is also a detailed parts list, which enables the individual components to be assigned to the respective work steps almost unambiguously. Here one notices the great experience of LSL since the beginning of the sport motorcycle-technical customizing. Unfortunately, this can also be seen in the design. “Form follows function” is of course basically okay, and what seems old-fashioned to one person may like “old school” to another. But maybe LSL can sharpen a little bit of style. But back to the function: The system can be neatly installed, not absolutely individual, but sufficient with six different positions (three times vertical, three times horizontal) and of a solidity that is second to none. Fact: The LSL rest system is an almost full-fledged crash pad on the foot and can protect your wallet, especially on the race. That makes the LSL system extremely interesting for racers for whom style is of secondary importance. You can choose between different versions of the grid bodies, so everyone can find a hold.

Reverse circuit on the Fireblade

Ines Mannl

We tested three adjustable footrest systems.

The Gilles system flashes us from unpacking to the last meter on the asphalt. The workmanship and appearance are already in the hand. Solidly manufactured and yet blessed with maximum and also ultra-simple positioning of the detent body (just loosen one screw, adjust horizontally and vertically, done), you really look forward to trying out all sitting postures. In terms of assembly technology, there is not much in the way of this, because in addition to good instructions, there is an exact parts list. In addition, the perfect fit of the components is impressive – the Gilles system is the only candidate to even come with a pre-equipped electric brake light switch, which, in contrast to the competition with its hydraulic pulse generators, significantly simplifies assembly. Only the names of the individual parts, which consist of a combination of letters and numbers, make you doubt whether you are still working on a rest system or preparing for the math diploma. Regarding the detent body: It is the perfect size for almost all preferences and shoe sizes and offers great grip, regardless of whether the Honda Fireblade is used for speeding up patched up country roads or wildly over the curbs. Conclusion: Gilles is our personal favorite here for every job.

Another addendum on the subject of “reversed gearshift”. Basically, this is not a big deal with the Honda Fireblade SC59 by simply turning the boom on the transmission output shaft. But with the ABS models, this tends to pinch with a plastic cover on the engine. Gilles scores fully in this regard, as you can change the shift pattern on the shift lever itself. Time required: one minute with two left hands and blindfolded. 

Slip-on damper

Ines Mannl

Yes, there is a performance difference. But the difference in price should not be ignored!

Akra is Akra! The titanium slip-on damper developed for the Honda Fireblade SC59 comes at a very high level in terms of manufacturing quality, fit and functional accuracy. If you can handle the fact that the order at the Honda dealer tears a crater in your wallet, there is nothing to think about. Thanks to its own exhaust flap, there is – as the test bench measurement shows – almost no loss of performance compared to the series pot. With the help of a Power Commander V you can mobilize one or the other horse.

In comparison, the elegantly manufactured Arrow part is much cheaper around the corner. How does it work? Via the red pencil, see exhaust clamp. An aluminum clamp with a rubber pad at Arrow, a carbon fiber counterpart with glued-on mounting bushes for easy attachment to the footrest system at Akra. Outer material: Arrow in aluminum, Akrapovic in titanium. But although you can order the supposedly cheap alternative in the noble metal, you still do not get the Akrapovic price by a long way. Why? Example exhaust flap: This is completely missing from Arrow and is being replaced by a dB eater, the clogging effect of which allows road approval, but in return also dulls the Honda Fireblade in terms of performance.  

electronics

Ines Mannl

Automatic gearshift or quickshifter – once you’ve driven it, you’ll never want to go without it again

Regardless of whether on the track or on the road – anyone who has ever driven with an automatic gearshift will never want to go without it again. As a guest at Micron in Furth, the Honda Fireblade is not only supplied with a quickshifter, but also receives a Power Commander V and a corresponding set-up on the dynamometer. On closer inspection, this is illegal, but since we are currently on site and we are headed straight for the track test, we simply cannot resist. If you take a look at the performance diagrams, you will also see that the electronic helper does not turn a storm into a hurricane, but simply smooths the gusts. You can do without it on the road with this silky smooth running foursome. In addition, so-called stand-alone quickshifters are now also available – all legal.

Struts

Ines Mannl

Ohlins or Wilbers? Depends on the driver.

Why try an Ohlins or Wilbers when our test bike already has a golden TTX? Quite simply because this TuneUp is available for all SC59 pilots. When choosing a shock absorber, you should think carefully about what you are really planning to do with your Honda Fireblade – exclusive home route, with a pillion passenger between the ice cream parlor and the beer garden, or occasionally with light luggage in the mountains? Then you should seriously look at the Wilbers shock absorber. The component from Nordhorn shines with a wide range of uses. In addition, you can express your wishes when ordering. For example, whether you are primarily out and about with a pillion passenger or predominantly sporty alone on the country road. Each shock absorber is then individually assembled and delivered. Price and performance are completely okay.

That hardly works at Ohlins. But the Swedes can lay tracks on the racing asphalt for the Honda CBR 1000 RR! After long-running in Oschersleben with the Wilbers Competition, it is plugged in – and the jaw is folded down. What is revealed in the rear of the TTX is great cinema. If the bike still moves minimally in the first turn, just one click changes the rebound stage, subject through. 

If you are looking for a high-end product for almost all situations in your Honda Fireblade, you should contact Wilbers immediately. But if you see every extra tenth on your watch as a potential enemy of the state, take a course in the direction of Sweden and charge it full.

Nice to have

Ines Mannl

Axle mount and axle nut from Gilles. Don’t make them faster, but they look good.

Now briefly to the things that nobody needs, but enhance the Honda Fireblade. First, the serial number plate holder comes down. We chose a part from Rizoma. Then we have the fine rear wheel axle mounts from Gilles – not a bit faster, but they look great. This also applies to the axle nut from the same company. 

Zero fancy, but absolutely sensible: The assembly stand mounts from LSL, the wide plastic plate of which prevents ugly scratches on the swing arm if you do not position the jack stand precisely with shaky hands due to the fight for the biggest pot. For those who like it pretty underneath, Samco offers radiator hose kits in different colors.

Now to a point that we could not test on our SP because there are no pillion pegs on it. We were complaining that dismantling and reassembling the passenger running boards on the Honda Fireblade was not so easy, and that you had to cruise around with the optically unfavorable doormats on the rear all year round, just to be able to chauffeur the sweetie twice to swap pumps . ABM saves the relationship and offers an adapter kit that makes re-assembly much easier. So, now the sleek MRA Racing windshield on top of it, which already provides significant relief from wind pressure on the country road and allows a deep stoop for top times on the racetrack.

Fireblade on the race

Dennis Witschel

Pimped enough, it’s off to the race!

For this, the final TuneUp of your choice is assembled, tormented in racing leather, the colorful marble pulled over. Now it’s on to the racing asphalt, let’s see how sharp our optimized Honda Fireblade really is. 1.34.5 minutes with optimal outdoor conditions and clear slopes – we think that is impressive when you consider that we only have to reassemble license plates and mirrors. Then it’s absolutely legal to get bread rolls, take the sweetie to the next gelateria or – and that’s our top tip – to Salma’s next appearance in the Titty Twister.

Performance measurement

PS

Performance chart

The best weapon is a good accessory exhaust with test bench adjustment. Most accessory slip-ons – especially the cheap ones that are brushed for riot – are pretty, but they cost performance. Our diagram reveals the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.

Overview

PS

All tested accessories at a glance

Related articles

• Tuning and conversion guide Suzuki GSX-R 1000

  Andreas Feulner 15th pictures Feulner 1/15 Performance and electronics – in these areas Suzuki has neglected the GSX-R 1000 badly. Nevertheless, it is…

• Conversion and tuning guide optical tuning Suzuki GSX-S 1000 1-2

  Ines Mannl 21 pictures triplespeed headquarters / Ines Mannl 1/21 How it all started: With a standard Suzuki GSX-S 1000. Technically first class, the…

• Comparison test Ducati Monster 1200 S, Honda Fireblade, Kawasaki Z 1000 SX, Suzuki GSX-S 1000 F

  jkuenstle.de 27 pictures jkuenstle.de 1/27 The disguised Suzuki GSX-S 1000 F has to prove itself in the field of competitors. jkuenstle.de 2/27 Nice is…

• Tadao Baba – The father of the Honda Fireblade

  Honda Sports & scene Tadao Baba – The father of the Honda Fireblade Portrait: Tadao Baba The father of the Honda Fireblade When Honda launched the…

• Garage tuning guide Honda CBF 1000

  Jahn 15th pictures 1/15 2/15 Michi double light module. 3/15 MRA variotouring screen. 4/15 SW Motech mirror extension. Gary Bonar Photography 5/15…

• Endurance test final balance: Honda Fireblade

  Bilski motorcycles Endurance test final balance: Honda Fireblade Endurance test final balance of the Honda Fireblade Conclusion after 50,000 test…

• Traction control Ducati 1198S, C-ABS Honda Fireblade

  K 28 pictures Honda 1/28 Honda 2/28 Honda 3/28 Honda 4/28 Honda 5/28 Honda 6/28 Honda 7/28 Honda 8/28 Honda 9/28 Honda 10/28 Honda 11/28 Honda 12/28…

• Concept comparison: Honda Fireblade, KTM 990 Super Duke R, Suzuki GSX-R 600, Yamaha FZ6

  Gargolov motorcycles Concept comparison: Honda Fireblade, KTM 990 Super Duke R, Suzuki GSX-R 600, Yamaha FZ6 Concept comparison: Honda Fireblade, KTM 990…

• PS-TuneUp Triumph Daytona 675 race track tuning

  Feulner 17th pictures Andreas Feulner 1/17 PS-TuneUp has set itself the task of forging a good racing athlete into a hot race track sweeper with the…

• Screwdriver tip exhaust system – Honda CB 750 Seven Fifty

  Ralf Petersen 14th pictures Ralf Petersen 1/14 The starting point: a Honda CB 750 Sevenfifty for 850 euros, first registration February 1994. Ralf…