Honda CBR1100XX BlackBird First Ride
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- Опубликовано: 11 окт 2024
- Today we ride a 2003 Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird! YES!
Want your bike featured in a first ride? Please send me an e-mail at theherorr@gmail.com to arrange for a ride, Massachusetts area preferred.
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Want your bike featured in a first ride? Please send me an e-mail at theherorr@gmail.com to arrange for a ride, Massachusetts area preferred.
Nice video, you really love Honda! -PS: whats the song of the outro?-i like them too. I've ridden the CBR 125 R in driving lessons^^ Its a nice Bike but i want to take her out with the skill ive got now. My RS4 125 (the bearing from the outputshaft exploded and damaged the transmission housing) has got a great suspension, but its a bit hard at the rear for 75kg and its to small with my 6'2 (188) bodysize but it works fine with a smaller girl on the back (-60kg)^^
I would love to let you ride my aprillia shiver but its a bit to much gas money to get across the atlantic 😂😂😂
HeroRR what area are you in cause I’m in mass and would like to meet up but don’t have a bike for you to ride
Do the Hayabusa you ganna like it! Yesterday i have driven one for the first time and i liked it verry much. It got a verry smooth powerband!
i got a street legal xr350r im in maine.
My dream is that someone at Honda is watching this and they FINALLY, for real, bring a modern version of the Blackbird back.
I've think we should make a petition for honda to bring it back. Ever since I saw the 2011 concept blackbird I can't get it out of my mind.
As versatile as it was, it’s a good all-around bike to market. Instead, they make use-specific bikes that don’t make anyone happy.
They did, the new VFR1200 which is rubbish and so ugly in comparison.
Just bring it back as it was with the modern electronics and it would be fantastic and I would then buy another one no problem ....👍😁😁😁😁
The reason why they wont is because they are too busy making slow bikes like the Africa twin dont get me wrong they just seem to think they can make only one super fast bike the CBR =Rrrr 1000 nice bike but make a sport tourer I kinda thought the VFR1200 was pretty cool then they caved and dummed it down IDK I love then hate them sometimes
I'm a female owner/rider of a 96 BB. Second bike for me. I went from a SV650 to this. Was a bit scared of it at first bit now I'd never part with it. Absolutely love my Bb. Effortless. Heavy bike on standstill for me. I'm 5ft4 and 9st. But I've had it for 4 yrs now and am used to her!! Best purchase ever x x
I'm looking at getting one of these beauties in the next few months and I was a bit worried about the height of the seat and if i'd be able to flat foot it or not, but seeing as you're 5ft4 and you not only manage it but you love it makes me feel like it will be totally fine. Still going to find and sit on one first though 😁
I'm 5'6 30 inseam I'm so happy there's hope for riding this big bike. I found an 02 with 3k miles at a great price
Lol @ the cringe forced insertion of "female rider" out here casting lines 😂😂😂
The Black Bird has aged so well
It’s still my dream bike
Don't let it be a dream. DO IT !
@@damon2692 ^this is real deep man :)
go grab one man!!!
I know nothing about the prices in America but over here in norway these are pretty rare but when ever these pop up for sale they are usually really expensive
ManneredCheetah I’m in America and I have been looking at prices and it’s not bad around $3k to $5k
yet another blackbird owner coming by to check and see if you had the same reaction the rest of us did. I've had mine for 7 years now and still daily it, drag it, and cruise highways and backroads with it. stock pipes are still the best sounding. you need quiet exhaust to hear all the wonderful chirps and whooshes of the engine, gears and intakes.
I'm still in love with my first , and only road bike . Didn't get my licence till I was over 30 (self-preservation) lol ... 20 years ago , you could do a knowledge test , book a riding course , hire a bike for the riding bits , and be riding around sporting an L plate for ??long , before repeating the process with P plates for ???long . When I got the 👍 from the minister of finances , I bought a road helmet , and got the "wheels in motion" , so to speak . Because I was over 30 I had my L's for 14 days . When I did the 2nd course and test , I totally skipped the P's and was able to buy and ride anything legally with one stipulation . No Pillion for 12 months ... Got a great bike asap and threw my wife on the back .
Hard to believe some 20 years ago, 2 months after passing the MSF and getting my endorsement I was riding a Blackbird. I started on a Superhawk. Two months later was trading that in for a Blackbird since a couple of riding buddies sold me on the bike. Never once concerned about the bike's weight or power, just rode that thing and had a blast. By far the most comfortable bike I've ever rode and had power for days. Rode that bike all over the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak, Salida, Fairplay, Aspen, Breckenridge, Bishops Castle. Amazing machine and amazing times!!!
Even though it's older video, your instant love with this bike made me smile. I'm a tall guy(194cm), so she is THE tall Lady for me. Got 2004 matt black/silver for 15 years+ and still runs like young kitten. You were right, lady runs hot when not moving, but who wants to be standing still ;). Its very comfortable bike to ride long distances. If it rains you get to be mostly dry and at least for me it's just in sweet spot not too leaning or upright position. Don't have to think too much overtaking someone/-thing with which gear you on, just twist throttle a bit or a little bit more xD. Longest continuous trip with just refuels was 650Kms for me, and I wasn't even exhausted, despite I'm over double of her age. This bike will take you for the ride with her and have to just sit back and enjoy the company. Definitely get one if available. For everyone who "owns" BlackBirdie: I'm happy for your marriage (Birdie owns you). Much love and peace for everyone from Finland.
Had a 97 Blackbird, it would flatten your eyeballs between 7 and 10000rpm. Very fast, smooth and safe, wonderful bike and still relevant today, stable and great brakes.
The great thing about motorcycles is that you can just stick the key in and turn it on without having to buy it dinner and lie to it.
And u always get a ride!
@@oxcart4172 unless it's a Ducati
@@loggi7605 😂😂😂
speak for yourself!
Hahahaha
By the way! This blackbird is a 2003 model (last year offered in the USA). IT has EFI.
Try get your hands on a kawasaki zx12r either model would be good to hear what you think of it? Love u r vids BTW Bro good work lol n there is no thing as to many bikes..I agree with that
mines an 01...last model before honda detuned the model...mine is a rarer candy apple red...i have a 4 into 1 roo racing can...its quite loud...gonna change it back to original. As for the bars...a lot of owners change them out for VFR bars with no changes to cables brakes hoses etc. I think too that your peg hieght is "high" but probably because of the corbin seat..sits a bit lower than the OEM.
The engine is so smooth due to honda putting counter balancers in the engine. Its a real shame that honda didnt just upgrade it ie better suspension, another 1-200cc, handling can be improved just a tad by putting in a couple washers or spaces on the rear shock mount.
its a heavy bike but get it moving and its magic. My wife toured uk on it before going to the isle of man...believe it or not..it gets smoother once you a cruising above the 4000rpm mark..so smooth.
Brakes get better with braided lines...
954 or 1100 for weekend quick rides em roads?
I think 954 is more fun package, more light
But the BlackBirds are awesome, power and confort
The 1997 is better, 12hp more
@@mariuslk8968 doesn't really bother me... They've got more power than I'm gonna use or need... Extra 12 hp or not... Just love the blackbird... Quality bike... There's no other new bikes on the market that gets the blood pumping like my bird does...
The scariest thing about the Super BlackBird was how not scary it was at 200+ KPH. Add another 50-60 KPH to that and there was still no hint of blur in the mirrors. Keep in mind that the engine was hard-bolted to the frame; no rubber mounts, that's how balanced the engine was. The bike was 15 years ahead of it's time. I've owned three of them, currently ride a ZX-14R and in many ways the Honda is still superior. Although it did have it's quirks, it was the most reliable motorcycle ever built. We used to joke about the tool-kit strap as it's weakest link. The earlier carbed models were the best. Even with the smaller tank, it had a greater range than the FI models. You're right about it running hot, but that was only an issue with the FI models. The weight is absolutely not a factor once you're moving. Add a loaded-to-max 3-piece set of GIVI's and a passenger and you barely notice the difference. You never really got to check out the suspension, but that was one of the weak areas; something that most owners upgraded right away. Most raised up the bars but I loved the more radical riding position. What a beauty that bike was.
@Marty Shiiffman
Thanks for the insight. You mentioned that running hot was only an issue for the FI bikes. Can you expand on that please ? Any particular reason why the carbureted version would run cooler ?
@@russianwolfhound1 You know I've always speculated that the the electronics for the FI was power-intensive. I do think the charging system was a tad less than bullet proof. Aside from the cam chain tensioner the other soft spot for that bike was the regulator. Many owners, including myself installed aftermarket voltage/current gauges. If I recall, a higher output stator was also available. It for sure helped as well, if the battery was near 100% and didn't offer too much draw on the system. It's worth noting, that on a hot day, sitting at idle at a red light with the fan running, the battery would be discharging.
@@muddzx
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Hi from the UK, I px’d my Fireblade for a new Blackbird in ‘99. The best bike I ever owned, saw 195mph on the clock during my ride to work early one morning. A rocket ship when you wanted or a two up cruiser with the wife on pillion. Sold it after 3 years to preserve my license. Thanks for doing this video, brought back some very happy memories.
Back in the 90s and into 2000s we had to know what gear we were in. That bike was built for the Autobahn of Germany. They loved it. Here in the US we had no place for it. Cool bike. Good on you for sharing the experience. It is a classic. Edit: that bike was built to do almost 200mph for a long time.
Love my '02 Blackbird. Found it in front of a Honda dealership in the summer of '08. Belonged to some doctor who never rode it (less than 2,500 miles on it at the time). Buying this bike was one of the best purchases I've ever made. And yes, they do tend to run hot in town or at idle. Get moving at highway speeds to keep lots of air flowing through the radiator, and it holds a pretty steady 185 degrees.
Sold My 2009 CBR 1000 RR and bought a 2001 Blackbird after hearing such great things about this bike.Fallen totally in Love with the Blackbird.Awesome Machine to ride even 18 years on.I have owned a few motorbikes in my time and this is at the Top of that list easily.Smiling from ear to ear and chuckle with joy every time I ride the Bike.Pure Joy!
I picked mine up about 8 months ago (Australia). It is the second Bird I have owned. First was a 99 model and the current is a 2006. These are true icons of the motorcycle world. I bought mine so my wife and I can get out on the bike. I have an NC750 for commuting and the Blackbird is the fun weekender.
Great video mate.
I installed a 03 blackbird engine,electronics,and exhaust into the 93 cbr900rr and i really love it..its got razor sharp handling and plenty of power..of course the build took me a year and a half but every time i ride it it gets all thumbs up and plenty of good comments so im happy
I have a year 2000 red 'bird. I'm ashamed to say it's been tucked away in my garage for 18 months. However, I've got the itch back, and I'm happy to report that, following a new battery, it started first time. A bit of a brake clean, an oil change and some general tlc means I'll be back on the road next week. 😁
As a blackbird owner for several years, I can attest to the statement of be careful of speeding tickets. In the first 6 months, I got 2 tickets and arrested for a super speeder 170mph in a 70mph zone. It’s so smooth on interstates it’s very hard to not be triple digits
Opossum racer yeah they like to run fast 100mph feels like 60 mph and you go " why am I passing everyone...oh whoops!"
Dang how much did that 170 ticket cost you?
@@kinglumpy6145 probably half his licence point plus hefty fine
Yikes that's a stint in the cage here in Norway lol.
Brother at 170 mph, why would you stop? No police car on the planet outside of dubai can go that fast. Way too fast to read your plate, just stay in it for another 30 seconds and you’re half a county away lol.
I used to ride ~400kms everyday to and from work on my blackbird. (around 1 hour 15 minutes one way at slightly illegal speeds 😁) Enjoyed every single moment of it.
200 km in 1 hour 15 minutes is on average 160 km/h or 100 mph 😉
Lol what was the fuel mileage? At 7l ever 100kms with a tank of 21l you can get only 300km. So you had to refill everyday, sometimes twice.
@@RedEemblem that was in Saudi Arabia where petrol was real cheap (13-ish cents per liter)and I used to work at an oil refinery so the company paid for the fuel anyway. Not that it would have cost much in the first place.
I can vouch for the bikes stability in every conceivable weather condition after riding in hair raising cross winds that made me ride at an extreme angle of lean on arrow straight highways. the bike was ridden in temperatures ranging between 55c in the summer heat and -2c in Riyadh's cold winters.
And the sandstorms. Oh my God the sandstorms checked the air filter after a particularly bad sandstorm and found a pretty deep layer of fine dust kudos to the original Honda air filter for not letting any of those contaminants into the engine.
At the end of the day, all the bike ever needed was just the regular oil changes and she still ran as smooth as the day I got her.
@@speedpower2740 I used to max out the top speed on every single commute. The place I used to work at was pretty much in the middle of the desert with almost non existent traffic and clear visibility as far as the eye could see. Except when the blinding sandstorms hit which is when I had to slow down to a crawl.
To be honest, slowing down to a measly 140kph after going full blast felt like the bike was pottering around at 20kph and everything felt super slow. That bike was an amazing highway mile muncher with the tall MRA screen and jaws handlebar riser kit.
I sold my 2003 Blackbird and I bought a 2012 Fjr1300 with 20,000 miles and I regret every day, I thought the FJR was going to be just as smooth and with the Blackbird's torque with some less power, but no, big mistake, the FJR does not. It does not even reach the heels in smoothnes, quality, power, high speed stability, in short, I did a bad business. Everything they say about the Blackbird is true, there is no need to sell it.
Yeah, the bird's speed just creeps up on you. It pulls so linear and smooth, and pulls strong throughout the rev range. You go out for a nice calm cruise and you look down and your doing 130...
WhiteSpider125 why I’m glad to have my Yoshi exhaust. I could see the speed sneaking up on you with the stock exhaust.
Aint that the truth, its so smooth ya speeding before ya know it, and so damn quiet with the stock pipes, but after a while ya can just tell by ya throttle position and gear your in without having to check.
Even hard on the gas so smooth front wheel of the floor nicely hovering loved having a ride of one
I got a 2003 Blackbird after several years of riding a Bonneville. I genuinely, accidentally did 136mph in third gear on my first overtake. That made me smile.....! What a bike. I’m now after another having written mine off in a crash last year (bloody loose chippings!)
I'd love to get a Blackbird one day, but I'm 5'6". I doubt I'd reach the floor :/
I have a turbo on my Blackbird. 217hp on 8lbs, 265 on 12lbs :)
Mem Ories daaaaaammnn when I get a blackbird I’m gonna got you up to see how to do the same😂
How difficult was it to do? Do you still maintain everyday drivability?
Maniac...
My norm bird has warp speed. Can't even imagine an air one....
Normies: turbobusa
Real riders: turboblackbird
I like this, Honestly I think you should add Nostalgic Bike reviews to you repertoire, or just reviewing Bikes Period
just got a 2002 with a little over 22k miles on it . its in great condition so clean. all stock except for taller hand grips from a vfr. been watching all the blackbird videos i can
I have a 98 Blackbird and commute, tour, and play on its amazing. I can't recommend this bike enough
I had a Blackbird for 10yrs...a good mod is to replace the bars with the ones from a VFR 800 V-Tec, higher and nearer, no adjustments to pipes or cables needed
ive had mine since 02...been to Isle of man on it..toured with my wife fully loaded...just read your comment re vfr bars...after wrote same thing and posted...ill never part with mine...candy apple red...honda panniers to match...and now parked in my lounge room :)
Exactly what I was thinking, just turned my VFR800 to track only so I’ll use the stock bars on a Blackbird if I get one next season.
@@dancarlos1216 Only the V-Tech version fits.
Greg RSVR Yeah, mines an 02.
I did that same mod to my '97 back '02 or so. It helps but I wouldn't mind a tad more.
Yesss dude one of the most underrated bikes ever made!! Have had the pleasure of riding on and they’re amazing.
Currently rocking a '99 Blackbird...LOVE IT!
Estimated MPG...? Riding habits?
Bird is the word! I had a '97 XX back in the day. Miss that thing!
I have a 2002 in silver...125.000 miles on it. Regular maint. 18 sets of tires. half dozen chains and sprocket swaps....A few brake pads over the years. Fork seals...R/R the rear shock...New voltage reg. A couple of timing chain tensioners and she still tries to rip my arms out of their sockets every time I get on the throttle...The best mod you can do to this bike...Swap the clip on's for a set of 2004 to 2006 VFR clips...that solves the long reach issue....They run hot in stop and go traffic 212' in stop and go isn't unheard of and the fan kicks on at that point. I have worn off my peg feelers and put a few deep scratches on the stator cover from cornering...She likes to be man handled! It's not a bike for the timid...She'll hurt you if she senses weakness...Just like a real woman.
My second bike was a '97 Blackbird and was my only form of transportation for 2 years as I went to college. Amazing bike and comfortable for long rides, I would buy a new one in a second if Honda every brought it back!
The reach will help to reduce frontal area and wind buffet. I encountered this with my 1050 Sprint GT after riding more upright bikes and got used to it very quickly. Wouldn’t go back now. I’m still looking at buying one of these beautiful machines.
What a bike. Still one of my favourites. Since the 90's.
I had one of these for 10 years. Brilliant bike!. I took my CBR600 for a service. I could not see why you would need a bigger bike. The dealer lent me a blackbird for the afternoon. That was it, I fell in love and never looked back. Effortless, quality engineering.
If the engine is spinning where you want it for that moment then YOU'RE IN THE *RIGHT* GEAR! Gear indicators are one of those absolutely useless gimmicks with no real purpose. The neutral indicator is a good thing to have, if it works. But there's no point to a gear indicator.
BTW I've seen footage of Blackbirds on the Autobahn where they seem to run cooler. Seems the radiator & cooling system was designed for speed. 👍
Good vid, thanks for posting it!
Have to mightily DISAGREE regarding gear indicators. They are VERY usefull!!!...
@@juliusilori How so?
@@HiroNguy some people can't count very good
@@takodamoto What's to count? If your engine's spinning in the right Rev range for conditions you're in the right gear. If you forgot you're in top and go for another upshift no big deal, you just found out you're in top. Similar fir 1st.
I've demo'd a couple bikes with gear indicators and never looked at it.
@@HiroNguy bro trust me I know. I was poking fun at them lol.
Just sold mine after owning it 10 years,fantastic bike.
Facts... nothing is like the rush from a fast bike. I love cars but not nearly as much as I used to since I have started riding.
I have 3 of it's parents 3 CBR1000f's (3 different models) and a bird along with a VFR800.
The bird cannot be beat, it does everything so well.
The old CBR's are fast enough and comfy, the VFR is just fun.
Karli Kirk I had a 90 CBR1000f. Loved it. Now I have an 03 VFR1200. Nice too. I wish I still had my Aprilia Futura.
@@davidyaroch6622 I have never even sat on an Aprilia so I will take your word that they're good.
Keep well and keep safe.
I own a 96 cbr 1000f, my father gave it to me since he doesn't ride anymore.
Problem is, i have yet to ride it since i'm still working on my licence. Would you say it's managable as a first bike?
Being european i take lessons on an A class bike (cbf 600) so it's not like i jump up from a 125 to a 1000 but there's still a 100kg weight difference.
My dad said it's heavy but managable, but the man has ridden bikes for decades so i'm a little worried about the weight.
@@ric84 I am only small 5' 8" and 11 stone I have only one problen that's doing a u turn on a steep hill but that happens with most bikes and is not recomended.
They can be difficult in tight corners but manageable, great for long distance, comfortable and well behaved.
If you are a little lazy I think you will love it.
Stay safe and watch those cagers.
I absolutely love Blackbirds. I own a '98 and an '02 Bird. The '98 since it is Carbureted I have turned into a drag bike. Mr. Turbo turbo, Nitrous Express NOS kit. 12" extended swing arm. Air Shifter. Carbon Fiber Wheels. 7.90's in the Quarter.
Great video...this bike is a legend, it still has magic appeal after 25 years!
Sold my zx10r and kept my blackbird. It’s truely amazing road bike. Carb model the one to go for.
Fuel injected 'Birds run hot, it is known and normal. Carb'ed 'Birds run considerably cooler :) Anyway - Hondas masterpiece, no questions asked. my '97 BB runs just like on day one, zero issues and i love it. you put it nicely: "you feel like a force on this bike when you're moving." this is absolutely correct.
I call it a stealth bike how it lowers when you sit on it and hugs the wheels. Got black leathers, a black agv stealth helmet with black visor, looks like something out of a sifi movie, like you say, a real presense, can't help but go posing on an All Black Blackbird. It eats most other vehicles on the road fortunately because I'm not scared of going round corners. Love it.
@@richardballinger517 I have eaten a lot of bikes even on race tracks with my Blackbird, one time I had shred the sides of my back tire so much that I did not lean in corners for a few weeks just to impress the kids on their rr:s and whatever. :)
I have a 954 and thinking more about
forward in picking up an XX. But I wonder if it's worth it for my use, which is just a few laps on the weekend. The 954 is strong and light. Really good. I'm afraid to go to the bird and find it too big and heavy, slower and different combined brakes... But I thought injection would be better. I didn't know that carbs heat up less.
@@classicmotorsco.46 once you sit on it it's surprisingly agile. But at the end of the day it still weighs well over 500 pounds. Track use is possible but I'd say there are more nimble bikes for this use case.
@@DJS4000
The laps um the weekend is in the street. I don't go on circuits. Only on highways. Of course I enjoy accelerating and cornering, braking hard and leaning. But that's pretty much normal. I still have to have this XX animal.
Extremely underrated classic if that is possible. Also, styling that has carried so well into present day. Unlike the Busa which has that mid 00's look. Which has aged terribly. Kind of like XXL t shirtsb
I had one since 2006 wrecked it! But I replaced it with a new one 2002 red my 1997 was black and I rode it for ten years and I went a 190 mph on it once it still wasn’t maxed out! But my red 2002 with 40’000 miles on it and fuel injected with a pipe and power commander on it as well!! I was in a bad accident on my x wife’s bike and I lost one leg and foot I was only going 10 mph on it at the time 😢 But I still have my red Blackbird in Phoenix Az I still dream about it but I’m going to pick it up soon I love my blackbird CBRXX!
As a blackbird owner, you done a excellent honest review.
Kind regards
Dave
This is my favourite bike of all time. The looks, the performance, the comfort. Unbeatable! The best 2 versions are the 1998 with the refined carburators and updated suspension. OFC the 2006 version with digital dash and fuel injection would be the second one.
TRUST ME, you can lean the XX just like a Fireblade and scrape the footpegs before you lose traction !
Its not just that XX you are riding that has issues with heat during low speeds. Many, including me, installed a manual switch for the cooling fan when we got to longer red lights.
Buts thats not just the XX, it was the same thing with the late 90s/early 2000 bikes such as the Fireblade, R1 from that era.
I have a mate that installed an automatic trigger for the cooling fan when tempreture reached certain degrees. A very simple hack tbh !
I have a 954 and thinking more about
forward in picking up an XX. But I wonder if it's worth it for my use, which is just a few laps on the weekend. The 954 is strong and light. Really good. I'm afraid to go to the bird and find it too big and heavy, slower and different combined brakes... But I thought injection would be better. I didn't know that carbs heat up less.
This was the dream bike I got to own. It did not disappoint.
Just picked up a low mileage and super clean '97 Blackbird for a great price! Had to jump on it since I NEVER see these bikes for sale around here. Amazing bikes!
I've had my Blackbird for 10 years, done 10s of thousands of miles and I still get a grin when I ride her.
I've seen this video over and over again. I got a blackbird my self. Love this bike. Great video👍👍
Very clean bike. Looks like Andy has taken good care of this Bird.
A cracking bike. I agree it is a beautiful bike.I first rode one back in 1999 and was looking to buy one. Then I went and bought the Kawasaki ZZR 1100 . Brand loyalty had something to do with it. Absolutely no regrets. I still enjoy riding it 20 years later.
First 200 mile per hour bike. That's why so much power. She is a force to be reckoned with. Even to this day.
Got A 21yr old blackbird and she still going strong 💚
saw this bike today for the first time out on the street, thanks for the upload man i love your channel so much
Somehow, RJ's latest videos brought me here. Stunning bike. Kudos to the owner for having kept it pristine.
I've had a number of bikes including an 03 RC-51 and a Ducati 900ss SP, and have to say that my (current) Blackbird is the best all around bike I've ever owned. I am a bit on the short side at 5'7 and had the clip ons replaced with a JAWS handle bar> almost sitting straight now. 0 to 60 is about 3, and 60 to 120 is also around 3. I am an outlier and actually love the linked brakes as it allows a nice smooth slow down in traffic by using the rear pedal first. Handling wise, I take mine on a local river run all of the time and I am always amazed at how it corners for such a big bike. I also love that if I push a little too hard, the rear predictably slides rather than the front. As I get older and slow down, I may replace her with an ST1300, but until then... she will always have a place in my garage. PS: They run hot, especially when sitting at a stop light.
I'm picking my 2002 up Saturday. Watching your review has really helped in sooooo many ways. Thank You
You're right, you can /really/ lean these bikes, and they're fantastically stable.
The most stable bike I have ever riden in my 35 years of riding.
Having ridden a Blackbird, I think it is a lot like what my ZX-14R is now. People who have never ridden one think it is only about drag racing or top speed pulls, but both bikes are so much more.
Others write them off as "touring bikes", which they both do very well, too. But both bikes handle and hide their weight at speed. Anybody who hasn't ridden a Blackbird or 14R has no idea how good both really are. And the Blackbird has that great transmission, while my 14 has a bit clunky Kawi one. (My only real complaint about it.)
Props to Andy, that Blackbird appears to be in perfect condition. Great to see an older sport bike that has clearly been loved and properly maintained.
I used to take my blackbird through the dragon alot. I can attest to how well this big bike handles on twisty roads. Wish I had never sold it.
I’m going to go. It’s going to be awesome on the Cherohala Skyway.
So you came full circle you made the epic video that got me to buy my blackbird 1100xx now you are riding one bravo young man Bravo....
so glad to see the Bird in a nicely produced video, nice work 👍
The XX was my bike for over 10yrs, had two of em, made somewhere over 200.000 km in total. Unmatched bike.
Mad they never replaced this such a great motorcycle 👍
I own a 2003 Blackbird as well it looks exactly the same. I love to ride it. It`s such a fine ride every time. Nice review.
Great vid, mate. I've had my bird for close to twenty years.. have been contemplating selling it.. your video has set me straight!
Yeah- heavy when you're pedaling, and if the reach to the bars is a bit much (I'm tall, works for me) you can get riser clipons.. get one, GET ONE!
The blackbird was never intended to be a sport tourer. People just said it could be used for that because it was so comfortable. Kinda like they say about the busa
The heat is a normal thing. It does heat up pretty good when not moving.
Those mirrors are great.... I'm watching them as u cruise. U can see everything clearly
My blackbird runs hot at a stand still but so does my VFR. Both of them cool down quickly when you get moving. I have never had any overheat issues with either.
Agreed on all points! Have ridden busas too but the blackbird just feels so much more nimble in the corners than the busa
One of the iconic 3. The Blackbird, Ninja Zx12r (my favorite), and hayabusa
I'm trying to decide between the Blackbird and the famous ZX12R.
@@EEEBA1 I'm bias I'd say the zx12r I absolutely loved mine and would get another one in a heart beat
I say bird. Its a smooth locomotive...with warp speed.
That bike along with the vfr (2003) will always look good. I get compliments on my vfr all the time still.
Awesome video and I totally get your hype! Late 80's to early 2000's Honda's were the best bikes ever built! I highly recommend testing an FJR 1300 as well. That thing will blow your mind!
Had this exact bike -- 2 brothers and tuned and it is THE BEST OVERALL bike Honda ever made. And yes- I sold it for one reason, well two- i was either going to be in jail or dead bc its that addictive and it is supremely refined at the same time... I wish I still had her.
Thanks for a great video. I was out of bikes for the past 30 years and only in the last couple of years decided I wanted back in. A few years ago I saw a Blackbird and still to this day think it's the best looking bike ever. That one you're riding is absolutely perfect. You'd never know it wasn't a brand new bike.
30 years ago (when I started a family) I sold my '83 CB1100F which was the most beautiful bike I ever owned. My bike today is a old '88 GSX1100F with a lot of miles on it, but for an old retiree like myself I still love the power and torque as well as the weight of the old sport touring bikes.
These have been my favourite bike since before I started riding or even knew anything about them. This is the best review I've seen, and makes me want one even more.
That's a pretty accurate and comprehensive review of the XX. I've had 3 of them, and have completed an Iron Butt ride on the current one (1,100 mi in ~17 hours). You should definitely buy one. We're coming up on the time of year where you can find one in decent shape for around $3,500 if you're patient. I think I paid $2,800 for my first one in 2015
Are they really that cheap! Dang I could sell my ninja 250 and get one of those if I could afford the insurance.
@@sed8181 You can buy a 1997 reportedly owned by Mike Tyson with 1,900 miles being sold by a shop in Brooklyn currently listed for $3,999. Check Craigslist in NYC. Found a hand full under $3,000 in different parts of the country and more if you're willing to go up to $4,000. SearchTempest is your best friend for hard to find bikes (or cars). I'd advise to hold out for fuel-injected model and preferably one that's already fitted a single can header-back exhaust system like a Yoshi, Akra or Micron (like mine). Those were over $1,000 new and most are out of production now.
@@iain6882 The stock exhaust is fine and you don't gain any power on the FI models anyway. Huge waste of money unless you feel the need to get into a noise competition with the Harley guys. That money is better spent on a good seat.
@@spareparts7630 My dyno chart would disagree with you. 134hp at the wheel oem vs 152 with Micron header-back and pcIII tune. Also 16 lbs lighter than OEM fwiw. But hey, I'm sure you know more than I do
Jesse Smith I agere. 154hp on the wheel, akra 4-1 exhaust, pc3. 2003 model. White indicators, custom seat, led stoplight, öhlins shock suspension.
To answer his question regarding the twisties... it awesome!
A good workout on the quads moving off the seat from side to side, however I can get around the hills as quick as I can on my Fireblade but with more confidence and comfort.
It's a pig to physically move around, but as soon as it's rolling, it's so light.
What a blast it was to own a '99. Big, smooth, fast.
Smooth, effortless, leg cooking, unrelenting freight train. The XX is all those to anyone who rides one.
Funny thing is, if you rode or owned a CBR1000F before (which I did) you can "feel" that bike's DNA in the XX. They just have the same demeanor and there are even some visual and ergonomic similarities between the two. The F is another legend that was often overlooked for the more glamorous or hyper-focused competitors. More bikes never hurt anyone, I'm currently at 9.
Absolutely fabulous bike CBR1000F still have mine from the day I bought it back in 1992
I think it looks great, I especially like the turn signals in the mirrors.
Honda super blackbird was a tremendous motorcycle
I love the Blackbird! Former world fastest bike!
My first bike was a "78 Honda Cb750F Super Sport. My second was an "83 Yamaha Seca 750. I have owned Hondas ever since. Even had a VTX 1300R for a few years. Just great bikes. That Blackbird is gorgeous but I still want the RC 51 to add to my collection.
I was literally JUST looking at Blackbirds on FB marketplace while I was watching your old "Ninja 300 at a big bike meet" video while you were uploading this video.
Aaaaand I bought it. I know there are faster bikes, but dayum. This bike hauls. I can't wait till I really get it tuned up and ready for next season. What a dream!
I will never forget the first Blackbird I saw when they first came out. It was bought by a local Dr. who took it out, got on the throttle while entering the highway, and took it back to the dealership scared for his life. My Concours 14 only has 10 less HP and my -King has over 10 more HP. Crazy where motorcycles have evolved into.
Oh! Rode home from work today myself and my buddy two up on the ''bird, I weigh 240 he's about 220! And we didn't go slow! Try that on a R1!
Appreciate the review, I find the BMWK1200s/1300s (166HP/175HP,) ABS/Suspension incredible, I think worthy of comparison, if one get the chance.
I have a 2000 with 51k miles. I commute 60 miles roundtrip. I would like to update the bars to something more comfy. Otherwise great seat, sneaky fast, handles fantastic. You can really get this bike going on a backroad. It's screwed together really well. All and all one of hondas best bikes!
You can put VFR800 bars on them. Gives about 1-1 1/2 inch of height. I have them on mine.
Just yesterday i rode a '98 Blackbird. The power is race like and never ending, but, its the 3rd CBR i have ridden in the last several years and i just can not own one, due to having bad wrists, and well, i'm old. Gonna stick with my ST, VF, and my CB Honda bikes. 1100 xx is a cool bike though :)
Taking delivery of a 2000 gunmetal bird with 1,600 miles this week. Cant freaking wait
You will love it. Did you get it?
@ lol. He never said it was actual size. A model would fit the description too. I just hope he does not hurt himself while riding it😂🤣😂🤣. Lol, you never know, he might crash into the gun metal Lamborghini he took delivery of the other day.
I just bought a fuel injected one. It my absolute Hero bike. I keep having to pinch myself seeing it in the shed. It's absolutely gorgeous. It is a joy to ride. I might even figure out how to adjust the mirrors one of these days.
I almost daily ride my Blackbird, I love it. I tell everyone that it doesnt mind being ridden around town at 35 or racing my buddy's on their R6s. Still smooth as butter. And they do run a little hot lol
I own a 99, the first year of fi, and I love it. I'm 52 and it makes me still feel young. Not my daily anymore because of high pegs but I'm keeping it until the motor dies. I may even find a replacement engine, that's how much I love it.
Ebay has adjustable pegs that can lower and move the pegs forward. I have them on my 99 and love them and my straight bars. I am 57 and my Bird isn't leaving until I quit riding.
God, I still remember the day I first took my brand new 2006 Bird out. Only way I'll let go off that bike is when they carry my dead body from the crash scene. Most incredible piece of machine ever made imo.
Tourer concept didn't yet exist in street category at this time.
You had Cruiser, Sport, Race replica.
Sports like GSX F, CBR F, ZZR, FJ were all smooth they were all stretched a bit and had quite Race riding positions compared to what you expect from a tourer today.
Most of them had Smooth engines that would pull from 2K rpm than have nothing in the middle and than have decent top end.
CBRX Was Kind of optimised to be Top end ish to break that speed record tho altho its smooth troughout. Its a 1100 however.
I have the zero gravity windscreen on mine too. Love it! This bike will get your blood flowing very easily.