Fireblade - recent models, opinions?

Can you Fireblade gurus clarify the history of Fireblade models over
the past few years please. FWIW my take is that the last two 900RR
versions (929cc and 954cc) were going down the 'blander and easier to
ride' route but then the latest CBR1000RR has returned to 'manic' to
compete with the R1 and the GSXR1000R.

 

RR-X was the 'softest'. They've got progressively more focussed from
the RR-Y onwards.

 

as Daz has said, the 'blade got softer and softer up until the last 16"
front wheel model (RR-X), after that, it's got increasingly tougher
again.

I have an RR-1 (second year of production of the 929 model) and it's
definitely not "bland".

I've not ridden a 954 'blade, but apparently they're more mental, and
the 1000 more mental still. I don't think they're into Gixer Thou and
definitely not ZX10R levels of "mental", though.

 

I've had a 2001 929rr from new. I've ridden the GSXR1000R but none of
the newer Blades. I'm not a good enough rider to push any of these bike
to the point where I could say that one is significantly better or
worse than another. All of my points would be opinion and preference
rather than fact.

I'm going to the Press Day at the NEC on the 27th so I'll see what new
rides I can blag.

 

<applauds self restraint>

 

<g>

 

Ah, thanks, so the 'return from blandness' was earlier than I thought,
that's useful.

I'm after a replacement for my VFR750F, I tried a Triumph Sprint ST
and, while that's possible, I'm not convinced it's quite exciting
enough. I've also tried a 2003 GSXR1000 and, while it was perfectly
rideable, it did seem a bit OTT for what I want.

So maybe I'm looking at a few years old Fireblade.

 

<fx: unable to resist>

My '01 Y-plater's for sale...