Honda offers update for ‘sensitive’ Blade

Honda is responding to what it says is a handful of complaints about its 2002 FireBlade’s sensitive steering, with a ” product update ” .

It’s not a safety recall, you don’t have to have the work done, and most riders will hardly notice the difference, but every owner is being asked to contact their dealer.

The bottom yoke will be replaced and the taper-roller steering bearings swopped for roller bearings. Roller bearings offer more friction and therefore greater resistance to steering input. The work takes about two hours and is offered under warranty.

Honda says the complaints about ” sensitive ” steering have only been raised under extreme conditions, which the new set-up should cope with.

There is no change to the geometry so there should be no significant impact on handling, although you might find the bike slightly slower to turn at low speeds.