Honda Blackbird
Discussion
Not had a bike for several years, but am thinking of getting a Honda Blackbird. I need to get some sort of help in riding safe, I live in the Surrey-Hampshire area. Also what do you think of the choice of bike, any help would be helpful.
P.S the wife is not at all keen, but life insurance is all paid up so what the hell.
P.S the wife is not at all keen, but life insurance is all paid up so what the hell.
Not personal experience, but that of my Father who's had one since new (55 plate).
Simply, he loves it. Moved from a Bandit 600 to it, and hasn't looked back. He did change a few things cause he's old though - bar risers, seat, full givi luggage rack. Otherwise its the same bike that left the factory. Quick enough to be scary, but refined enough to be ridden sensibly (Honestly officer). He also happens to be a RoSPA Gold holder too, so has undertaken advanced training.
I've been on the back of it (I ride myself but only a Varadero 125) and its quick, but smooth and comfortable at the same time. One of the biggest things that improved confidence in the bike was decent tyres and having the suspension set up for him (& Mum). I think he's levitating towards a sportsbike for weekend blats in addition, but as yet is perfectly happy with the Blackbird. Seems to do everything very, very well.
Reliable as anything Honda has built in recent times, some argue that the linked braking is useless, but at least you don't have the annoying VTEC system as with the VFR. Second hand they are pretty reasonable, and as far as I can remember, the Fuel Injected ones are the ones to go for.
Hope this helps anyway.
Simply, he loves it. Moved from a Bandit 600 to it, and hasn't looked back. He did change a few things cause he's old though - bar risers, seat, full givi luggage rack. Otherwise its the same bike that left the factory. Quick enough to be scary, but refined enough to be ridden sensibly (Honestly officer). He also happens to be a RoSPA Gold holder too, so has undertaken advanced training.
I've been on the back of it (I ride myself but only a Varadero 125) and its quick, but smooth and comfortable at the same time. One of the biggest things that improved confidence in the bike was decent tyres and having the suspension set up for him (& Mum). I think he's levitating towards a sportsbike for weekend blats in addition, but as yet is perfectly happy with the Blackbird. Seems to do everything very, very well.
Reliable as anything Honda has built in recent times, some argue that the linked braking is useless, but at least you don't have the annoying VTEC system as with the VFR. Second hand they are pretty reasonable, and as far as I can remember, the Fuel Injected ones are the ones to go for.
Hope this helps anyway.
I rate the Blackbird very highly! I bought a 54 plate on a whim last summer as a work mate was emigrating and the price was right. I'd never ridden one before but I liked it so much I traded it for a brand new one 3 weeks later. It is a very easy bike to ride as the power delivery is just so smooth and progressive. Nearly as quick as a full on sports bike and nearly as comfy as a full on tourer, one or two up. Brilliant all rounder. The Bike magazine article gives a very fair account of it. Honda build quality as well!
I have had one since '98 - excellent tool & reliable enough (considering the abuse mine has had). I find that the linked braking is fine (just make sure you have some decent pads). That's the bike out of the way 
As for this:
In any event, the Bikesafe days run by the plod are a good start for feedback. Also, Honda do a MAC course which was excellent when I did it, worth looking at I'd say. But to be really covered, something on a regular basis would be best - seek out you local advanced motorcyclist group & pop along.
Good luck
As for this:
J H 500 said:
Not had a bike for several years.........I need to get some sort of help in riding safe
Essential. Are you intending to get one in Winter, or wait until Spring has sprung?In any event, the Bikesafe days run by the plod are a good start for feedback. Also, Honda do a MAC course which was excellent when I did it, worth looking at I'd say. But to be really covered, something on a regular basis would be best - seek out you local advanced motorcyclist group & pop along.
Good luck
Bikesafe is a very good start - I was the youngest there (19 at the time) and I took a lot away from it. It caters for all abilities/ages and bikes, so no one should feel out of place. Take it slow and build on what they teach you, and you'll get the most out of it.
I then made the further leap to joining an Advanced Motorcyclist Group (EAMG for anyone who cares) but due to Uni term time commitments haven't been able to train & take a test. Well worth doing, though I think I lower the average age there a fair bit, everyone was more than welcoming.
I then made the further leap to joining an Advanced Motorcyclist Group (EAMG for anyone who cares) but due to Uni term time commitments haven't been able to train & take a test. Well worth doing, though I think I lower the average age there a fair bit, everyone was more than welcoming.
Try the Blackbird before you buy it.
They are beautifully smooth and ridiculously fast, but the riding position isn't everyones cup of Earl Grey.
With mine I found that it was a bit of a reach to the bars (and I'm 5'9"
so after an hour or so I was getting pins and needles in my hands from the nerves in my neck getting slightly pinched as I looked up.
Not everyone has this problem though; my 5'5" wife adored the bike and wanted to swap for her VFR but she was already too fast so we sold it instead.
They are beautifully smooth and ridiculously fast, but the riding position isn't everyones cup of Earl Grey.
With mine I found that it was a bit of a reach to the bars (and I'm 5'9"
so after an hour or so I was getting pins and needles in my hands from the nerves in my neck getting slightly pinched as I looked up.Not everyone has this problem though; my 5'5" wife adored the bike and wanted to swap for her VFR but she was already too fast so we sold it instead.
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