CBR1100XX Blackbirds(s)??
Discussion
Anything i need to know or check with these bikes?
I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
Waynester said:
Anything i need to know or check with these bikes?
I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
2006 Model Owner here.I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
Riding position maybe an issue.. standard its not exactly touring spec bit of a long stretch to the bars. I got risers on mine.. makes the world of difference. 28mm retains standard lines/cables etc.
Other than that hmm, Cam Chain Tentioners are about the only thing that might need replacing, you get a rattle from the engine, doesn't affect it actually running correctly though. Mine needs doing but there is no great rush.
Being a honda the bike just works well.
Any specific questions you wanna ask?
sjtscott said:
Waynester said:
Anything i need to know or check with these bikes?
I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
2006 Model Owner here.I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
Riding position maybe an issue.. standard its not exactly touring spec bit of a long stretch to the bars. I got risers on mine.. makes the world of difference. 28mm retains standard lines/cables etc.
Other than that hmm, Cam Chain Tentioners are about the only thing that might need replacing, you get a rattle from the engine, doesn't affect it actually running correctly though. Mine needs doing but there is no great rush.
Being a honda the bike just works well.
Any specific questions you wanna ask?
What things should i check or ask when viewing a bike? You mention cam chain tensioner, anything else re: engine?
I happened to view a Bird a few weeks back in a dealership Letchworth (Herts) and the swing arm was all bubbly with rust! Bike was a 'Y' with 40k+ miles. Clearly not loved by previous owner.
I can handle a 'sporty..ish' position..to a point, my days of 916 Duke & R1's are gone sadly..
They do seem to hold their value which is + point too.
Thanks,
:cough: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1210122.htm :cough:
They're great bikes, bloody fast, all day comfy (I managed 350 miles of Scottish Highland backroads in a day with no bother), just as good 2 up. Agree with what was said earlier, it's a bit of a long reach to the bars, but it only every bothered me around town, once on the move it's fine. Tank range is in the 200 mile area, and I've managed that in one sitting before.
They're well put together, finish is good, and they're almost bombproof. The faults are all well documented and easily fixed. Bottom line is, it's a cult bike, not in the same way as a 'Busa, but it's got a dedicated band of followers, and mine gets admiring looks where ever it goes.
I got mine as I've always wanted one, and it's the only vehicle I've ever owned that's lived up to my expectations. In short, get one preferably mine!!
They're great bikes, bloody fast, all day comfy (I managed 350 miles of Scottish Highland backroads in a day with no bother), just as good 2 up. Agree with what was said earlier, it's a bit of a long reach to the bars, but it only every bothered me around town, once on the move it's fine. Tank range is in the 200 mile area, and I've managed that in one sitting before.
They're well put together, finish is good, and they're almost bombproof. The faults are all well documented and easily fixed. Bottom line is, it's a cult bike, not in the same way as a 'Busa, but it's got a dedicated band of followers, and mine gets admiring looks where ever it goes.
I got mine as I've always wanted one, and it's the only vehicle I've ever owned that's lived up to my expectations. In short, get one preferably mine!!
Waynester said:
sjtscott said:
Waynester said:
Anything i need to know or check with these bikes?
I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
2006 Model Owner here.I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
Riding position maybe an issue.. standard its not exactly touring spec bit of a long stretch to the bars. I got risers on mine.. makes the world of difference. 28mm retains standard lines/cables etc.
Other than that hmm, Cam Chain Tentioners are about the only thing that might need replacing, you get a rattle from the engine, doesn't affect it actually running correctly though. Mine needs doing but there is no great rush.
Being a honda the bike just works well.
Any specific questions you wanna ask?
What things should i check or ask when viewing a bike? You mention cam chain tensioner, anything else re: engine?
I happened to view a Bird a few weeks back in a dealership Letchworth (Herts) and the swing arm was all bubbly with rust! Bike was a 'Y' with 40k+ miles. Clearly not loved by previous owner.
I can handle a 'sporty..ish' position..to a point, my days of 916 Duke & R1's are gone sadly..
They do seem to hold their value which is + point too.
Thanks,
Only other issue with mine was an oil cooler line leak from the gasket, fixed for pence.
Build quality good - mine isn't kept sparkly clean as I commute on it daily in London. I've done two euro tours on mine and it hasn't missed a beat. Bought last july on 7k miles now on almost 17k miles, just had its 16k service last week.
Wouldn't recommend bridgestone tyres on it due to strange front wear issues particularly shown up when you have hard givi luggage like I have. Running Pilot Road 2 currently with no complaints.
That help?
sjtscott said:
Waynester said:
sjtscott said:
Waynester said:
Anything i need to know or check with these bikes?
I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
2006 Model Owner here.I have had many sports bikes in the last 20 years but due to a physical issue i need something more 'comfy' now.
I love the look of the B/Bird, and it certainly looks comftable.
Other choices are ZZR100 but maybe getting a bit old now, or of course the 1200.
I have looked at 'owner forums' for info & issues and just wondered what you guys/gals thought?
The bike will only be used for pleasure.
Riding position maybe an issue.. standard its not exactly touring spec bit of a long stretch to the bars. I got risers on mine.. makes the world of difference. 28mm retains standard lines/cables etc.
Other than that hmm, Cam Chain Tentioners are about the only thing that might need replacing, you get a rattle from the engine, doesn't affect it actually running correctly though. Mine needs doing but there is no great rush.
Being a honda the bike just works well.
Any specific questions you wanna ask?
What things should i check or ask when viewing a bike? You mention cam chain tensioner, anything else re: engine?
I happened to view a Bird a few weeks back in a dealership Letchworth (Herts) and the swing arm was all bubbly with rust! Bike was a 'Y' with 40k+ miles. Clearly not loved by previous owner.
I can handle a 'sporty..ish' position..to a point, my days of 916 Duke & R1's are gone sadly..
They do seem to hold their value which is + point too.
Thanks,
Only other issue with mine was an oil cooler line leak from the gasket, fixed for pence.
Build quality good - mine isn't kept sparkly clean as I commute on it daily in London. I've done two euro tours on mine and it hasn't missed a beat. Bought last july on 7k miles now on almost 17k miles, just had its 16k service last week.
Wouldn't recommend bridgestone tyres on it due to strange front wear issues particularly shown up when you have hard givi luggage like I have. Running Pilot Road 2 currently with no complaints.
That help?
If you hear a rattle sound on tickover, that should go when you pull in the clutch lever and it's normal,It's the clutch plates.
The only other thing is the reg/rec which is a standard Honda week point but like the cct is cheap to replace with an uprated one. I found the seat got a bit hard after a while and replaced it with a gel seat which improved things. +1 with the bar risers.The other stuff you would check is the same as with any other bike like chain and sprockets, Tyres, Head bearings etc.
I have heard of a couple that had the oil pipes that run from the head to the bottom of the engine rust through causing them to dump lots of oil. They are chrome and on either side of the engine. You can see them by looking into the hole in the side fairing. I've always greased mine when I service it and they are 11 years old now and in fine fettle. I'm not sure if this is common or just a few isolated cases. I would imagine it depends on the age of the bike etc.
I have had my 2001 FI model for 4 months now and it is up to 8700 miles after 1500 miles around Europe.
Ride magazine have just done a 6 - 8 page review of the Blackbird which may answer some of your questions.
I have always had Hondas and the Blackbird is just as good as the Fireblade and VFR 800. I wanted something that was reliable, could handle 2 up cruising and would last - I am not wrong in choosing the 'bird.
Strangely, the seat is not overly comfortable over long distances (2+ hours) and your wrists can ache at town speeds. I will probably fit bar risers and get some sort of throw over seat cushion or have a new one made. Performance is great. It is happy pottering around at 1200 rpm on 6th gear and then rolling on without hesitation. Power steps up above 7000 rpm to the redline but I rarely extend it there in the UK as the smooth spread of power and torque means you can be lazy if you wish. Handling is fine for me as I am not hugley into 'knee down' antics. It comes up well (apart from the paint is slightly thin around the tank where your knees touch) and are pretty much bulletproof. There are quite a few reports of bikes having covered more than a 1,000,000 miles without issue.
Another magazine rates the Blackbird in the top 6 bikes that will not lose money (GS1150, VRod, RC45, Ducati 916 and something else are the others).
In summary - does everything the VFR 800 does but better!
Ride magazine have just done a 6 - 8 page review of the Blackbird which may answer some of your questions.
I have always had Hondas and the Blackbird is just as good as the Fireblade and VFR 800. I wanted something that was reliable, could handle 2 up cruising and would last - I am not wrong in choosing the 'bird.
Strangely, the seat is not overly comfortable over long distances (2+ hours) and your wrists can ache at town speeds. I will probably fit bar risers and get some sort of throw over seat cushion or have a new one made. Performance is great. It is happy pottering around at 1200 rpm on 6th gear and then rolling on without hesitation. Power steps up above 7000 rpm to the redline but I rarely extend it there in the UK as the smooth spread of power and torque means you can be lazy if you wish. Handling is fine for me as I am not hugley into 'knee down' antics. It comes up well (apart from the paint is slightly thin around the tank where your knees touch) and are pretty much bulletproof. There are quite a few reports of bikes having covered more than a 1,000,000 miles without issue.
Another magazine rates the Blackbird in the top 6 bikes that will not lose money (GS1150, VRod, RC45, Ducati 916 and something else are the others).
In summary - does everything the VFR 800 does but better!
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