Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird - thoughts?

Robbo

Robbo

Robbo

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Joined
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Good evening bikers!

My dad has his eye on one of these, he wants something sporty and quick that isn't too expensive as it's a weekend luxury bike really. He spotted a 1998 model locally that is in excellent condition, it is literally like new for the most part.

I think it's a great looking bike considering its age and obviously it has plenty of power and seems fairly comfortable for a sports bike.

Has anyone here had one, what do you think to them? Are there better options for the money (£2.5k~)?
 
Great engine but look big and not very pretty IMO.

Considered a Kawasaki ZX12R? Monster of an engine, the black and gold look amazing still and comfy too. also loves corners :)

My second choice for that cash would be early Hayabusa
 
kidloco said:
My second choice for that cash would be early Hayabusa
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And Blackbird's aren't pretty? :D

Robbo - I like Blackbirds and am considering one to replace my Fazer thou' as a touring bike for me and the wife. They are a lovely ride, the engine's last forever but as kidloco says - they're big. If its something he wants to mess about on, there are other choices but if he wan's a mile muncher that will do 150mph+ all day every day you can't go far wrong. :)
 
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It's not my favourite looking bike personally (I love the ZZR1400) but it looks decent and it seems a lot of bike for the money.
 
I've had 2. The earlier bikes (carbed) are best in terms of power and fuelling. Overall superb bikes that are all day comfy and hugely powerful and stable. Perfect sports tourers.

As you'll see from my sig (which needs updating) I've also owned a ZX12R which is another level of brutal power. The 12 is a bit more fun and better handling, but has terrible range and economy.

The only reason I got rid of my blackbird was because it was a bit too serious. I stopped going out for a quick blast as it somehow seemed below it! I went back to a GSXR1000 just for the giggles really, but I'd rate the blackbird as possibly the best all round bike ever made.......but just doesn't have much fun factor
 
Sagalout said:
I've had 2. The earlier bikes (carbed) are best in terms of power and fuelling. Overall superb bikes that are all day comfy and hugely powerful and stable. Perfect sports tourers.

As you'll see from my sig (which needs updating) I've also owned a ZX12R which is another level of brutal power. The 12 is a bit more fun and better handling, but has terrible range and economy.

The only reason I got rid of my blackbird was because it was a bit too serious. I stopped going out for a quick blast as it somehow seemed below it! I went back to a GSXR1000 just for the giggles really, but I'd rate the blackbird as possibly the best all round bike ever made.......but just doesn't have much fun factor
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I remember a discussion in this subforum many moons ago where I was looking to get rid of my POS bike (Deauville) and upgrade to something a bit better.

After seeing your blackbird I was mesmorised and researched heavily into it. It soon became my bike of choice obsession for about 9 months.

I now own one (2000 reg) in the metallic blue colour and I love it. Ride it every day to commute 30 mile round trip.

I don't know loads about bikes, I just enjoy riding them. The blackbird isn't the prettiest of bikes (although I happen to like the look more than some modern looks). It does however reek of performance. I mean that in terms of engine, reliability, build quality, etc.

It's a great bike and very practical in most given situations. It can be one of the fastest vehicles on the road or it can be a sensible tourer packed to the 9's with accessories and still function.

Overall, as Saga said I believe it to be one of the best all round bikes ever made, and it's a Honda so it will stand the test of time.
 
I LOVE my 2004 blackbird

it is my perfect bike, fun on my own, and MORE that capable with 2 up and luggage as well!

I have not even looked at other bikes thinking oooh i want that one lol
 
does the job and has honda build quality.

hayabusas are good alternative monsters but have the problem that suzuki built them so don't get them wet or they'll rust....
kwaks - bulletproof motors on all bikes (ZX9 is a capable bike and a lot cheaper as they are overlooked) and finish is marginally down on honda. :)
 
As promised! :)

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Just got rid of a 2008 Aprilia Tuono, for a 2001 Blackbird, and im not disappointed, bonus is itll do 200 mls to a tank rather than 80 on the Tuono, comfy, fast to the point i didnt realize the rate of knots i was going today on approaching a car, brown pant moment lol, also the Honda reliability.
 
My dad has one of these, loves it to bits but unfortunately it keeps conking out on him whenever he goes away on it. Something to do with the regulator failing? He paid a bit extra for what was supposed to be a slightly better version than other aftermarket parts but it's lasted half the time. He's looking to sell it now, it's served him well for the past 10 or so years, 55K on the clock now :D
 
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