If the Honda Fireblade Engine is laboured regularly, what could be expected to fail first and ultimately what damage will result from this style of driving a BEC?

Example of labouring is below 20mph in 3rd approx. 1500rpm (engine bogging down etc...)

Certainly damage your image

why would you want to be in 3rd gear at just over tickover revs ,you have a 900cc bike engine not a v8

I'm speaking 'generally' not me

Trying to convince your build partners they need to give it some stick?

I wouldn't think it would it would cause any serious harm to the engine -- read somewhere about low speed running causing accelerated wear to carb needles and jet tubes but yours is injection, isn't it?

How about, carbon buildup, followed by preignition which will pound the bearings out in short order...

Cheers, Ted