Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird Reviews

Click here if this is your business
Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird
★★★★★
4.8
94.0% of users recommend this
Click here if this is your business
  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

? Ask our helpful community of experts about this product or company
Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird - Ask a question now

Media Gallery for Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird

Refine your search

  • Average Rating Over Time
  • Within the last month ***** (From 0 reviews)
  • Within the last 6 months *** (From 0 reviews)
  • Within the last 12 months * (From 0 reviews)

Latest Reviews

“more of the same but better”

★★★★☆

written by jasonstuntman7 on 20/09/2016

having ridden bikes since age 7(now 45)mostly inline fours was in the market for another so plumped for this-glad I did-much smoother than previous 4s solid feel and nice handling(linked brakes also effective)dropped a tooth on front sprocket which really livened things up overall very happy when I thought another sports tourer would not impress.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Will Run After Others Long Gone”

★★★★★

written by massblackbird on 17/05/2013

The fuel-injected Honda CBR1100xx Blackbird or "Superblackbird" is still the best made and most usable sport touring bike out there. I have owned ten bikes the last 35 years or riding, including sport bikes, sport tourers and Wings by Ducati, Honda, Harley and Kawasaki. I also have a few seasons of track experience and made it to intermediate level on technical tracks. The bird is no sport bike by any means, it is a fast and graceful road bike that should be left stock after purchasing and installing the correct springs and sprotbike tires (OK, maybe lighter cans). I love the build quality and I feel that I really own something valuable, even though the bike is ten years old now. I have had no major problems except a thermostat going bad. The bike is the best mix of handling and comfort of the sport tourers and the engine has the usual Honda mid-range properties. There are many faster bikes out there like Hyabusas and the last crop of liter bikes. There is still way, way more speed and power than I can use on any road even when I go crazy. I have seen high speeds like 150 and I know someone who made 180 on a stock fuel-injected Bird in the Texas mile. The manners at speed are great. The aerodynamics are the best of the bikes I've ridden. It's wonderfully stable.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Blackbird can own the Road and the Track!”

★★★★★

written by Subzeroryder on 22/04/2013

Got crazy looks for riding to my first track day on the heavy old '98 Warbird in Sport Touring dress. Stripped her down at the track, fired her up, got in line behind the instructor and she never missed a beat. I'm told "That's a heavy bike, don't get discouraged by the smaller bikes passing you up." After three laps hugging the instructors tail he calls the 'Bird out, "The guy on the CBRXX, you're ready to move up to the next class, the ZX10 and CBR600's need more instruction"! Spent the rest of the day holding my own in the corners with the "race bikes" and destroying them down the back stretch. End of day, back to Sport Touring dress faster than they could strap down their bikes on the trailer and beat them to the TGI Friday's 50 miles away to hear "wow, I can't believe how that big bike handled the track!" Yes, the Blackbird is an awesome bike that can do it all.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Big wobbler”

★★☆☆☆

written by hobgoblin222 on 23/03/2013

A very well made bike, easy to ride and fairly economical, good finish apart from furry fork sliders, easily scotchbrited.....1998 carb model. However, it wobbled at 40mph,worse with a top box, (empty) even a rack affected it...and wore the front tyre strangely, making lumps round the outer tread., with plenty of tread depth, this happened with sport smarts, metzelers...and Maxxis tourers. I tried everything, new bearings, fork springs, oil, rear shock, frame alignment. After nearly running out of road on a long 40mph corner, I asked for hewlp on two prominent BB forums, I was called an idiot and flamed relentlessly for being so stupid as not being able to fix the problem, however, looking on other sites it was aparrent that it is a common problem with some BB's. So my advice is have a very good feel of the handling, with a light touch on the bars while slowing down from 50-40mph, if it shows any sign of a wobble..walk away. Some do, some don't. What really put me off the Bird was the attitude of Ixxra and Bird forum "experts" basically saying..how dare you fault this bike, you idiot...

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Massblackbird's Response to hobgoblin222's Review

Written on: 17/05/2013

This is not a bike for a top box. I have long experience my '03 and would advise to stay with soft bags. I have taken this bike to the airstrip at Loring, ME and begged off at 170, though I learned that the stock bike gets to 180 mph, so the aerodynamics are really excellent.

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Hobgoblin222's reply to Massblackbird's Comment

Written on: 17/05/2013

Quote..".it wobbled at 40mph,worse with a top box, (empty) even a rack affected it.."
40...not 170. Why say its ok at 170 ?what relevance does that have to harmonic frequencies of offset steering heads, 40mph and 60mph ?
Had mine to 185..so what, it still wobbled at 40 top box or not.
Some do some dont.
I have owned hundreds of bikes.

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Massblackbird's reply to Hobgoblin222's Comment

Written on: 18/05/2013

Now I remember why I don't join in these forums.

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Hobgoblin222's reply to Massblackbird's Comment

Written on: 18/05/2013

You still haven't said whether you noticed a wobble at 40, not 170...the reason some bikes wobble at 40 is there is a tendency, because of castor, to shimmy, this does not occur at 170, so comparing those two speeds is irrelevant, so, yes, stay away from making irrellevant comments.
If you have a bird that doesnt shake, fine, I'd have one, but don't hijack a comment with irrelevancies.

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Fanbloodytastic”

★★★★★

written by on 07/11/2012

I bought my BB New in 1998 and was immeditely struck by it's awesome, brutal Power, it Revs High and screams up to Frightening Acceleration which can lift the front wheel without warning, It is like being projected from a Crossbow, bloody fast,smooth and rapid, a wonderful machine,what dreams are made of !

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Awesome Blackbird ”

★★★★★

written by on 12/04/2012

Like most people I have owened loads of bikes but I must confess that this is without doubt the best bike I have ever had. I have ridden bikes for about 35 years and have enjoyed every second of it. At work I have a FJR 1300 and until recently I had a Daytona 955i which I must say was also a good bike. As good as that was though it does not compare in any way to my current BB, indeed for me any I don't think any other bike could. Whilst I have only owned one for a short period I am totally biased towards its all round capabilities. It has 26,000 on the clock, is Titanium in colour and Is in what I would describe as show room condition. For a bike this old the build quality is second to none. I have made only some slight changes namely, clear indicators, adjustable levers, double bubble screen and have added a radiator grill and a couple of silver mesh grills for the two side vents n/s and o/s. The power delivery is exceptional as is the handling. The bike is so well planted and easy to ride although I wouldnt recommend it to the novice rider. I've been fortunate enough to have completed advanced motorcycle training (work) and even with these perhaps enhanced skills this bike tests you to the max. I don't think I will ever want to own different type of bike. The Honda Blackbird is the bike to own once you have tried all the others.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“What I imagined a Motorbike to be!”

★★★★★

written by Duncan Moffatt on 10/03/2012

This is my sixth two wheeled vehicle in the last 2 years! I started with a 400 Burgie, loved it, underpowered! then a Honda Silverwing, Loved it, underpowered! Then a KTM SMT, low speed fuelling a deal breaker, spent loads on trying to smooth it out, gave up in the end and sold it, glad to see it go! then a Suzuki Intruder 1800, I love it, loads of power, but strictly for cruising, posing and cleaning! still have it, so I needed a day to day bike that was Powerful, smooth, comfortable, reasonably priced, and made me want to keep Biking. This Brings me to my Honda Super Blackbird 1100XX WOW, be careful what you wish for,my Mum used to remind me, this bike is an absolute Gem, it is a 1998 Carb model, in good fettle, with all it's power still available only 31K miles completed. The brakes are as good as the KTM, the fuelling at all legal speeds is excellent, the handling neutral, the performance simply blistering. It is set up for me, with the addition of bar risers, and a double bubble screen, as well as matching side panniers, and a sat nav bracket. I decided to ride a bike because I was bored with car travel, I am old,and only a fair weather biker. This Bike is why I took the trouble to pass 2 tests, and take my advanced assessment, It is just Magnificent. Time will tell if it is cheap to maintain, I already know that it will eat petrol compared to my Diesel Car. I guess this Model has been discontinued now, replaced perhaps by a new, shiny model, but I love this Blackbird already,no wonder it attracts a fiercly loyal following.I sincerely hope to have a few happy years with it, before it is passed to some lucky buyer after me.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“CBR1100XX4 Super Blackbird”

★★★★★

written by on 29/02/2012

What can I say about the Blackbird that hasn't been said already!! Here goes. After being off a bike for 20 years I had the urge to get back to biking so I purchased a CBR600, after 14 months i went looking for an upgrade, I spent quite some time researching many different bikes, I had made my mind up that I needed to pick the right bike from the outset because I could not afford to change bikes on aregular basis. It soon became clear that the Blackbird would be on the shortlist. After testing a VFR800, FJ1300, R1, Fireblade, Bandit 1200 all good bikes in their own right, I got to ride a Blacbird (carbed), from then on their was only one bike to get. I went to a Honda dealer to look at a couple of early injection Birds for sale only to be dissapointed that when I got there they were all sold. I took out a demo Bird and came back and bought a new matt black Blackbird. In the last 8 years I have only clocked up 20k with a smile on my face for all 20k. I have taken it round Mallory, Silverstone and Donnington on track days and the looks I get are second to none, I got round Donnington in 1min 58secs and even the instructor came over and shook my hand. The bike is completely standard in terms of engine output, I have fitted Scorpion Street Extreme short stubby cans which sound amazing with or without the baffles in. Very often set of car alarms in towns when riding at 30mph such is the resonation from these bad boys. I have been all over the UK and have got 200mpg on one tank of fuel whilst doing a charity ride a few years ago, normally and consistently getting 170-180mpg. I usually ride with some mates, 2 Fireblades, 1 ZX1400, 1 GTR1400. The Blackbird is like a Rottweiler on a lead most of the time. I have put on a pair of VFR800 bar for a little extra height, easy mod looks standard, a custom gell seat lowered 40mm coz my little legs can't get planted firmly with the standard seat, full Autocom comms unit pillion to pillion & bike to bike, garmin Zumo 660. absolutely brilliant at any speed. Standard original chain and sprockets, HID unit that I fitted to the dipped beam only as this stays on all the time, this does have a slight problem in that when I switch from main to dipped it does interupt power enough to cause the dipped bulb to go out, looking to sort this out this month (not sure how so any ideas would be greatly appreciated). I will be buying a new battery this year as it did let me down on last trip out (oct 2011). I will be looking at lowering both front and rear footpegs this year as the old legs are starting to complain after a long trip, my kidneys take a pasting when the wife want's me to stop, even with the autocom system she prefers to use the punch in the kidney's to comunicate with me, she say's I tend to stop when she want's to stop rather than when I think we should stop using the PTTK method. After 8 years the only thing I don't like is the front forks, no matter how often I clean them they look grubby, i have thought about super polishing them to a smooth finish and laquering them, again any idea's are welcome. The power delivery is smooth and precise, handling is spot on as standard, build quality is typically Honda, superb. I tried some Michelin Pilot Road 2 tyres in 2010 but they came off after 1k and I went back to Bridgstones, currently using 023's and I will never stray from Bridgestones again. Like so many Blackbird owner's what do you buy next, I can't see anything out there that even comes close so I will be running mine into the ground, with 20k on the clock it's just run in compared to a lot out there, with the build quality this bike will just get better with age.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Guest's Comment

Written on: 07/03/2012

How are they working the handle bars of the VFR 800, I have heard the ones from the old VFR 750 could be better........Did you bought them new or second hand ???

ThXX

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Tadjer's Comment

Written on: 11/04/2012

Hi Bill,

I found a reel of reflective tape in my garage recently so decided to try covering the front of the forks. My forks are not smooth or shiny but more of an orange peel effect. Only time will tell if the tape stays on.
I think I will also be looking at your option from Wilkinsons when I get dragged around the shops by wife.

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Guest's Comment

Written on: 06/04/2012

Hi,

With regard to the front forks, I protect them with adhesive clear film which i got from Wilknsons. You can cut it to size and protect the whole fork whilst maintaining a polished (protected look)

Bill

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Tadjer's Comment

Written on: 08/03/2012

The VFR800 bars were bought new, they were easy to fit (1hr) they have made quite a difference to me in that they sit me up slightly and take my weight off my wrist's. I don't know if you get any better using VFR750 bars.

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“In six years my 2005 Blackbird has covered just shy of...”

★★★★★

written by kurodori on 10/05/2011

In six years my 2005 Blackbird has covered just shy of 60,000 kms and has not missed a beat. It's been ridden in all conditions from one side of Australia to the other, on one occasion 1000 kms in one day in 40 degree heat.
I have three other very desirable road bikes but still ride the 'Bird the most. In my 45 years of riding all sorts of road and off-road bikes I have not found one that satisfies me as an all-round ride the way the 'Bird does. It has however presented me with one gigantic problem... what am I going to replace it with when the time comes? I guess it's time to start looking for a low mileage used 'Bird to meet that eventuality, or buy up every available part to keep my girl going forever!

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.

Guest's Response to kurodori's Review

Written on: 22/06/2011

Exactly my sentiments, love my Blackbird.

Reply to this comment
If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“I bought my 1998 bike off a mate who bought it new....”

★★★★★

written by Petrozthegoatslayer on 11/04/2011

I bought my 1998 bike off a mate who bought it new. The bike had around 12000 miles on it when I got it. It looks new. My mate was always too busy to find time to ride. I bought the bike literally checked the tyre pressures changed the oil and rode to the south of France/Spanish border in a day. Spent one day pottering about in the sun and then 1300 miles back home. All I ever have to do with this bike is make sure it has petrol, with a bit of restraint I can get around 50 mpg at French auto route speeds 90-100mph. All round a brilliant bit of kit. I have finally come onto the BlackBird after 32 years of assorted bikes including the last 4 being new model Triumphs the last being a Rocket3. The build quality of the Triumphs is poor compared to my 1998 Blackbird plus all of the Triumphs have had niggling faults/ poor finish. Once I got the Blackbird I never bother riding any of my bikes so got rid of them just keeping the Blackbird. The only reason my mate sold it is because he emigrated and was not allowed to take the bike with him. Nedless to say he has now bough himself a replacement BlackBird in his new home. I can't believe Honda stopped building these bikes. I understand the VFR 1200 is a good bike but its looks leave me cold.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Without a doubt the most reliable and satisfying bike...”

★★★★★

written by on 08/04/2011

Without a doubt the most reliable and satisfying bike i have ever owned. You want to commute no worries,ride Europe no worries ,tour the world no worries. Go fast, go slow ,tour, commute, go crackers,do track days whatever this bike lets you do it all. As an everyay ballistic cruiser its every thing to all men. Many new bikes have come and proudly have stated that they are more than the Blackbird. I paid less than £2700 for my bike cash,and sold at 5 years later with 32000 miles on top of the original 22000 miles for £2450! These other missiles may be quicker,but as an all round bargain,they are left wanting. I wish i could buy it back! No other bike has been so much the total bike to me before,and i miss ,and regret the sale of her.Some things need to be done to extract the extremes of handling and preformance,but why bother,out of the tin this bike is an allround missile,capable of completing any motorcycling task,any time any place anywhere.People have passed comment on the linked brakes,many having never ridden the bike to be able to honestly judge their attributes and downfalls. Ok,going down hill when you want to drag the back brake to put a bit of heat in the back tyre to promote grip,can be difficult as it causes the front to dip and restricts the steering;,and when doing slow foot up slow turnings in the road its dificult as you struggle to finely balance the clutch and brake control without again affecting the front end wanting to compress at the same time. However,before ABS and traction control,you could safely get on this bike and really crack on at high speeds covering a variety of roads in various weather conditions and be rewarded with one hell of a grin factor; it didn't matter what anyone said about the Blackbird,she was my everything,and otherbikes since are either charecterless and so much the same or so bland that they don't stand out with any longlasting merits or virtues. I'm ashamed i sold her and iwish i still had her now.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“hi i bought my blackbird the day in blackpool and rode...”

★★★★★

written by on 14/03/2011

hi i bought my blackbird the day in blackpool and rode it all the way to greenock on 1 tank of fuel that cost 24 pounds exlant considiring thats 178 miles never had to get off the bike onece due to complete comfort even though i have a sprained right ankle but hey thats ok cause it wasnt my left lol anyway back to the bike you can sit easy at well over the 100 mark and the bike wont miss a beat and for theese people that say its heavy i could not dissagree more i found the bike very agile and light the bike has so mutch power behind it i think its a trip to knock hill on my next day off to see what it can do love the bike cant foult it i think i will have a blackbird till i die now.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“I bought a 2000 model Blackbird in May 2010 after...”

★★★★★

written by on 07/03/2011

I bought a 2000 model Blackbird in May 2010 after spending my first year of biking on a CBR600F. When I looked around for a larger bike I kept coming back to the Blackbird as having everything I wanted, sports bike style, pillion friendly, exciting performance, touring comfort, good looks etc etc etc. Then I got to ride my first one as a test ride at a local bike shops open day, it was everything I had hoped and more and the bike was mine half an hour later.

I have done about 6,000 miles on her now about 90% of which has been 2 up. I changed the seat for a custom seats Coventry unti to get even more comfort especially for the Wife. The shape they put into their seats really does improve the Pillion's ride even more than the standard seat.

We do all sorts of journey from local to Belgium and back being the longest single trip so far. I just love how smooth the engine is and the whole experience of riding it.

I have changed the cans because frankly the stock units were too quiet. Thye new cans are not that noisy but they do help other motorists to be aware that you are there. I have also put a Power Commander on her not really to increasew the power but to improve economy. She had always run quite rich before this and after fitting the PC and installing the right map my max range on one tank went up from 170 to 200, it has made it even smoother if thats possible. This bike is a real all rounder and I would recommend it to anyone!!

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Love it, love it, love it. Recently rode the vfr1200...”

★★★★★

written by on 15/02/2011

Love it, love it, love it. Recently rode the vfr1200 and it didnt come close to the exhilarating felling the blackbird give me every time I ride it!!!!!!

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“SIMPLY THE BEST BIKE IN THE WORLD, I'M 67 YEARS OLD...”

★★★★★

written by on 28/01/2011

SIMPLY THE BEST BIKE IN THE WORLD, I'M 67 YEARS OLD HAD A BIKE SINCE 16, I LOVE MY BIRD CAN'T WAIT TO GET UP IN THE MORNING TO GO FOR A RIDE! DO ALL MY OWN SERVICING CARB MODELS ARE MY FAVE! SO EASY TO LOOK AFTER!

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“There is a lot of truth in the comments already posted...”

★★★★★

written by on 13/01/2011

There is a lot of truth in the comments already posted by other reviewers on the Blackbird, and many consistent themes, from reliability mated with a mighty engine to such a good overall ride experience that its hard to think of a better replacement.

The standard Blackbird is almost perfect out of the crate - powerful, not too heavy (but heavy enough to damp out bumps), quick enough steering but stable, great performance yet with economy and big tank to give true tourer range of 200 miles or more.

However equipment is basic by modern standards, from lack of adjustability of front suspension to lack of heated grips etc. Standard riding position is pretty stretched out and not comfy enough to go with the high-mile potential of the machine.

But thats pretty much where the faults stop - and they are all easy to retiufy with aftermarket parts in any case. To turn it into the best sports tourer on the plant (IMHO) all that's needed are:

Bar risers (Gilles go up and back up to 100mm)
Footpeg lowering kit
Gel Seat (CMS seats do one that is brilliant)
Hard Luggage (Kappa K21s go well on the sides as they don;t stick out too far - this bike loves to filter!)plus K48 on top with extra rear brake light. MRA Vario Screen is useful, as are mirro extenders.

And that's about it. However, unable to resist pampering it, I also added a gear indicator, voltmeter, extra lights (an HID conversion is available if you don't like clutter), carbon cans, re-built rear shock and JAWS forks kit, lowered passenger pegs, heated grips, pillion side grips, braided steel lines and sintered pads plus racing levers and a louder horn.

Now an astionishing machine - fast but controllable. A real friend, not just a bike. You can have a relationship with this one.

Now appreciating in value - so looks like Honda really did make a mistake replacing the Bird with the 1200 VFR and buyers are voting with thier wallets.

Highly recommended. For any bits and mods check iout JAWS the best source of Bird info on the Planet.


If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Having owned everything from Harley's, BMW's to NC30's...”

★★★★★

written by on 01/01/2011

Having owned everything from Harley's, BMW's to NC30's to Aprilia's Tuono, finding my ideal bike has been an eventful journey. After nearly 30 years of biking I do believe that I have settled, yet again, for Honda's Blackbird.
I have read that some people refer to the BIRD as too refined, lacking in character etc. Nothing could be further from the truth. I absolutely love the sound that resonates through to your skull as the revs slowly climb. This is accompanied by the seemingly never ending wave of torque that is generated from this turbine smooth engine that thrusts you forward at an alarming rate of knots. Quiet how riders managed to re-calibrate their brains to this level of performance back in 1996 is amazing. Even now in 2011 the get up and go of this beast is simply devastating and one to put on your 'try before you die list'.
As the revs climb through this very usable 2,000-6,000rpm band that sound strikes again, rumbling from deep within the bowels of the beast, however things are about to change, que Mr Sulu. The engine changes her pitch as she gathers her skirts and sprints at the horizon like Flo Jo out of the blocks. This acceleration is devastating.
This character change is for me is what keeps this motorcycle interesting and yes I have ridden a VTEC and hated it. Unlike the fake mechanical change of the VTEC the BIRD's transition is far more fluid and graceful, courtesy of all those cubes. There is no substitute for cube's you know. What a transition though, from this delightfully silky smooth, useable yet unthreatening zone of the rev range which is both warm and familiar like the busom of your loved one, tempted to the north side of 7,000rpm where a fiery Mistress awaits, beckoning you deeper and deeper into the RED, always wanting to excite and satisify. Only problem is of course that this Mistress will usually lead you to trouble, in this case with the law. Remember lads, we so far have only described the engine's personality. Now lets check out that all important chassis.
You would be forgiven for overlooking her to start with, instead impulsively opting for the smaller lighter models. This is the BIRD's Achilles heel, she would never win a beauty pageant. After all this is the path that I myself have trodden switching for one bike to the next, searching for the one. For those of us who have experienced the BIRD in all her glory the search is over.
You best get to know a bike, warts and all, by cleaning her. When you have cleaned your BIRD as often as I have you become very familiar with her parts and I have to admit that her parts are pretty basic, no fancy fork adjustments here, just normal way up 43mm sturdy fork legs. Holding up the rear we have as basic a shock as you're likely to come across, but this motorcycle is more than the sum of her parts. Once you have allowed your confidence to grow with the BIRD you will discover that what you thought at first to be a basic chassis has the power to deliver truly satisifying rides. Because of the sheer amount of effort required to get this girl to hustle you will be rewarded with fabulous sessions in the bends. Yes she has a preference towards fast A road sweepers but is equally willing to tackle the tighter B road twisties, provided you lead her with a firm hand. I have just fitted bar risers to mine with pre-load adjusters. Unless you have the arms of an ape you may find the stretch to the standard bars too much, causing back ache and wrist ache. Do not let this put you off purchasing a BIRD as after the modification things are much improved. I can vouch for the bar risers being a worthwhile investment as I also had them fitted to my last BIRD. Yes I had a Blackbird before and yes I sold it following a fabulous trip to the Alps two up. Why? I had enjoyed the BIRD so much on the roads in Germany that upon my return I sort of lost my way, becoming depressed at the state of our roads, feeling like an outlaw for just owning such a rapid tool. In the end I sold it convincing myself that further flirting with this Mistress Red would only end in disaster. I spent nearly two years on board a CB1300 which was solid and dependable, but I found myself longing for the BIRD called Mistress Red. You don't realize what you had until its gone I guess.
After months of looking I located a 6,800 mile example in blue. I have been off over the Christmas break, in which time I have re-painted her fork legs and fitted a new screen. She is fully serviced with new tyres and has highly polished paintwork. If she were a woman she might not have the best legs in the business, ok so her rear is built more for comfort than speed. She does'nt wear the latest sparkly clothes but underneath that plain Jane exterior you will find a girl with a deep and interesting personality, her chassis might not be the skinniest waif like one out there but if you stick with her you surely will grow to love her endearing personality. Once at this stage like so many owners before you, there is no denying she looks sexy as hell! With the BIRD you get the dependable easy going soul mate between 2,000 and 6,000. But you can also enjoy the delights of Mistress Red ..Best of Both Worlds!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to ride what is quiet simply the best bike in the world........in my experience!

Gary

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Bought our blackbird 18 months ago - one owner - been...”

★★★★★

written by on 29/12/2010

Bought our blackbird 18 months ago - one owner - been all over uk & Brittany on it with wife as pillion. Absolutely brilliant machine. As we are both short arses (5'-2")we have a lowered gel seat (highly recomended) & fitted carbon cans to reduce overall weight. Been looking at what to replace it with - cant find anything to touch it as a wonderful sports tourer - so we will keep it until we are too old to ride!

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Awsome! awsome! awsome!. Best bike I've ever owned. ...”

★★★★★

written by on 19/12/2010

Awsome! awsome! awsome!. Best bike I've ever owned. Smooth, reassuring, and quick, though I've nowhere near reached the bike capabilities. Go for the fuel injected machine the best in my opinion! Although there isn't a bad Bird. Most owners keep their bikes for a very long time a testament to their quality, they become part of the family..... Great in the city, country lanes and on the open road. Word of warning, I would not recommend the Bird as your first big bike, get 12-24 months riding experience on a 600cc - 900cc machine first then proceed to a Bird. They are heavy when stationary but agile on the move even at low speeds. Make sure you fit 'Crash' bungs to protect the fairing, your more likely to drop the bike whilst manoeuvring at very low speed (parking etc). You won't pick the bike up on your own it's heavy!!. Totally reliable, reassuring, dependable, lovely looking machine, you'll really struggle to get a better all rounder.

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“having had mostly supersports bikes i was a bit unsure...”

★★★★★

written by on 15/12/2010

having had mostly supersports bikes i was a bit unsure about the blackbird but it made sence to buy one as i do a lot of miles and will be touring europe next year . so i went out and bought a 05 plate bird with low miles and lots of extras and wow what a machine this bike is pure class , a little heavy but you dont notice that once your moving and boy does it move , the build quality is great my bike looks like it has just come out the showroom i ride in all weathers and it never lets me down , the only advice i can give to anyone looking at buying a bird is get some experiance on a smaller bike first and make sure you have plenty of clear road before you give it some as it will cover distance in no time . thanx for reading and safe riding .

If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

Do you have a question about this product or company? Simply type it in the box below and one of our community will give you an answer

Our helpful community of likeminded people will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Thanks for asking a question.

Once we've checked over your question we will put it live on the site and our strong community of experts will hopefully give you some great answers that you find useful.

We will email you when the question is on the site

overview