My new bike 9 years & 100,000km later

[BigB]

So I’ve had the blackbird for 9 years and just clocked up 100,000km and still love it:love::love:.

I’ve have been all over New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff and a lot of places in between, much of it solo but also many trips with the wife. The Blackbird is a fantastic all round bike allowing me to have loads of fun on my own or riding two up. It has been on numerous Kiwibiker group rides from doing the Coro loop “race track” to weekends away and the infamous South Auckland Thursday night rides (never once incurring the attention of the law enforcement brigade :Police: until like its cousin in the North). It has allowed me to meet some amazing kiwibikers, also some who were just a pain in the ass and you wished would just shut up……. but that’s the joys of an open forum.

Anyway back to the bike.

Over the years there have been a few modifications

• Rider Custom seat
• Givi Top Box
• Ohlin’s Rear Spring
• Yoshimura Slip on exhaust
• Scott Oiler
• Pyramid Double Bubble screen
• Pyramid Rear Hugger
• Mirror Arm Extenders
• Radiator Guard

So the first photo is from the day we got the bike to what it looks like now with the changes. I have no plans to sell the bike as I still love it and it does everything I need

cheers

[AllanB]

Very good effort. Just run-in?

[GrayWolf]

100,00km in 9 years? Wow so that's a little over 10k a year...... :baby:

Ive had mine 2.5yrs and its on 60k..... can I start a thread about it???? :brick::brick:





Yeh, so I am feeling a bit 'sarcy' this arvo, my trip to NP got fucked up... :motu:

[Maha]

I have had six bikes in that time, you are one of a small group that has not changed bikes since the day I joined the site. Must feel great when the urge not to change is less frequent.
Awesome stuff Brian.
I remember that huge ride to Okororie we did years ago, you had to show us they way through the back roads to Matamata.. nothing new on my earlier rides ;)

[G4L4XY]

Glad to see she's still going strong and in such good nick.

[nzspokes]

Thats very cool. Nice bike.

[SMOKEU]

Have you ever binned it?

[caspernz]

Nice bike you've got :2thumbsup

Have always like the Blackbird myself, just never owned one. Cool to see tasteful and sensible mods made.

The joy of long term ownership, yep I get that :clap:

[BigB]

Have you ever binned it?

Yes :( touch wood only once on the way to work

$5500 later it was back to new only took 3 months for the parts to arrive....

[Big Dog]

I only managed 70,000 in 9 years of Hayabusa ownership. But it was only an only bike for 2.5 years.
Financial misfortune is the only reason I didn't put 30,000 on it every year. 36,000 was in one year when my coffers were a little more full. Only using it for fun rides sure cuts the kms. If I had more money now she would still be in the shed and is still be putting 10,000 a year on, multi bike bug has bit. I spread the workload these days.

Nothing quite compares to being excited every time you see your bike.
1000kms a year or 100000. Especially when you already have 100000 on it like my old Kawasaki. That took me 14 months.

Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[SMOKEU]

Yes :( touch wood only once on the way to work

$5500 later it was back to new only took 3 months for the parts to arrive....

Ouch! Did you have insurance fix it, or did it have to come out of your own pocket?

That sounds like quite a high repair bill. Was it repaired only with OEM parts?

[Muppet]

Good thread.:niceone:



So I’ve had the blackbird for 9 years and just clocked up 100,000km and still love it:love::love:.

I’ve have been all over New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff and a lot of places in between, much of it solo but also many trips with the wife. The Blackbird is a fantastic all round bike allowing me to have loads of fun on my own or riding two up. It has been on numerous Kiwibiker group rides from doing the Coro loop “race track” to weekends away and the infamous South Auckland Thursday night rides (never once incurring the attention of the law enforcement brigade :Police: until like its cousin in the North). It has allowed me to meet some amazing kiwibikers, also some who were just a pain in the ass and you wished would just shut up……. but that’s the joys of an open forum.

Anyway back to the bike.

Over the years there have been a few modifications

• Rider Custom seat
• Givi Top Box
• Ohlin’s Rear Spring
• Yoshimura Slip on exhaust
• Scott Oiler
• Pyramid Double Bubble screen
• Pyramid Rear Hugger
• Mirror Arm Extenders
• Radiator Guard

So the first photo is from the day we got the bike to what it looks like now with the changes. I have no plans to sell the bike as I still love it and it does everything I need

cheers

[R650R]

Well done. I took 14 and a half years to put 100,000 on the GSXR, was overseas (parked up storage) for nearly four years of that though. And a large portion of that was working six days a week at night so little time to ride.
Funny as income level/standard of living risen have ridden less. Used to easily do 25-30k year on other bikes back when had no car and only on about $10hr etc... even 'afforded' to go clubmans racing Manfield lol...
Its an interesting relationship you have with a machine when you keep it that long, there's lots of near misses/front end saves etc that I wonder if I'd gotten away with had I not known bike so well.

[cheshirecat]

Did 75,000 miles over three years on a VF500, mainly London riding. 2 clutches (changed by the curbside), 3 sets of pads and oil changes, otherwise bike intact aside from London grubbiness.

[Blackbird]

Hi Brian,

Great to see that you've still got the 'bird. It's still one of the great mile-munchers and has legendary reliability. Some of the guys on the UK BIRD forum are well over 200,000 miles with little more than a cam chain tensioner change in terms of engine work. Had mine for 8 years and it's still the best all-round bike I ever had. You might be interested in the reviews that 2 of my riding partners did on theirs - I'm sure you'll agree with their views! http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/the-old-firm-bikes_18.html

Cheers,

Geoff

[AllanB]

I have had six bikes in that time, you are one of a small group that has not changed bikes since the day I joined the site. Must feel great when the urge not to change is less frequent.
Awesome stuff Brian.
I remember that huge ride to Okororie we did years ago, you had to show us they way through the back roads to Matamata.. nothing new on my earlier rides ;)

I've had my Hornet since new in 2007. Still like it but can't afford to consider changing. That may be a big difference in longer term owners and yourself.

[Damantis]

I just bought a 97 Bird and am looking forward to putting some serious kms on it. Definitely going to check out the south island for a couple of weeks next February.

[Blackbird]

I just bought a 97 Bird and am looking forward to putting some serious kms on it. Definitely going to check out the south island for a couple of weeks next February.

Have you got a manual for it? I've still got a lot of my Blackbird info such as an e-manual, how to raise the rear ride height and so on. Could probably upload it to Dropbox if you want any of the info.

Cheers,

Geoff

[bushy]

Have you got a manual for it? I've still got a lot of my Blackbird info such as an e-manual, how to raise the rear ride height and so on. Could probably upload it to Dropbox if you want any of the info.

Cheers,

Geoff

Hi Geoff, would that info be relevant to my new (to me) 2004 Bird? Is so would love to get a copy of the manual. Will PM you email address.

I have owned a lot of different bikes over the years and have to say early impressions about the Blackbird means it might stay in the stable for longer than most. I just need to get my radar detector mounted to it sooner rather than later :whistle:

[hayd3n]

good to see ppl are keeping their bike's
my 600 is on 117,000 kms and im still loving it,

[Blackbird]

Hi Geoff, would that info be relevant to my new (to me) 2004 Bird? Is so would love to get a copy of the manual. Will PM you email address.

I have owned a lot of different bikes over the years and have to say early impressions about the Blackbird means it might stay in the stable for longer than most. I just need to get my radar detector mounted to it sooner rather than later :whistle:

I think it only goes to 2002 but a lot of it will still be relevant. I won't email it as it's over 100 Mb but may well upload it to Dropbox along with a heap of other 'bird info I've kept. Bear with me for a few days please as we're heading for Auckland first thing tomorrow for a few days - new grandchild on the way! If you're not aware of John (JAWS) Smith in the UK, he's the best Blackbird parts supplier bar none: http://www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk/bird.htm . Nobody knows more about Blackbirds than John.

I had a detector and screamer on my 'bird too: http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2010/05/radar-detectors-worth-having.html and here's how I used a laser for wheel alignment on it: http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2010/03/wheel-alignment-improve-your-handling.html . (Modified slightly for my Street Triple)

[bushy]

Nice web site Geoff, and agree with all aspects of your bit on radar detectors. For me its about enjoying the ride at legal speeds and not having to constantly worry about creeping into the ticket zone (or walking zone) as it is so easy to do on the Bird.

Can do the drop box thing, have sent a PM. Enjoy Auckland.

Cheers, Matt

[Damantis]

Thanks anyway but the last owner gave me the Haynes manual an list of what services he Did on it and when in the ten years he had it

Sent from my LG-P705 using Tapatalk

[insomnia01]

So I’ve had the blackbird for 9 years and just clocked up 100,000km and still love it:love::love:.

Had mine for 8yrs now 99' model :innocent: done a few GC, C1KC & a Sthn Cross Road rally :Punk: been all through the nth isld & now hooked on the sth :facepalm: got most of the mods you have listed & current milage is sitting on 236,000km still manages to give sporties a shock siiting on their rear :psst:

[insomnia01]

Definitely going to check out the south island for a couple of weeks next February.

Early March I find is the best time, less tourist's & the weather is still fine.... the past few years I've been down for @10days & have only ever had 1 wet day which was still rideable, keep in touch if you like I'll soon be planning the next trip down there :wait:

[BigB]

Ouch! Did you have insurance fix it, or did it have to come out of your own pocket?

That sounds like quite a high repair bill. Was it repaired only with OEM parts?

Was insurance & very close to a write off, lower fairing $1100, exhaust $1300, sump cover $300 it added up really quickly

[BigB]

Hi Brian,

Great to see that you've still got the 'bird. It's still one of the great mile-munchers and has legendary reliability. Some of the guys on the UK BIRD forum are well over 200,000 miles with little more than a cam chain tensioner change in terms of engine work. Had mine for 8 years and it's still the best all-round bike I ever had. You might be interested in the reviews that 2 of my riding partners did on theirs - I'm sure you'll agree with their views! http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/the-old-firm-bikes_18.html

Cheers,

Geoff

Hi Geoff

Yeah still love it, had to learn to ride it again when I put the Yoshimura on such was the difference

[insomnia01]

where did you purchase your hugger from ?? I'm possible looking at buying another one soon ( 2000 Blue like yours ) so I can pull my 99' apart & repaint etc, great all round bike......

[Gremlin]

I'm all nice and fuzzy seeing all these bikes with good km on them.

CB919 (05) is just getting a birthday currently at 123k. Rear Ohlins serviced and going back in. Front suspension pulled apart, new springs, bushes, seals and outside coated to try and prevent the spots they often get. Bet the handling will be much improved.

1200GSA ('10) has done 92k (owned since Jan 11 when it had done only 4k because it was a demo). Ohlins mechatronic suspension just had it's first service. Mileage has dropped from 35k a year to more like 15-20k. I've come to realise NZ is a bit small for high mileage as I've done most of the significant roads all pretty recently... if only it was more like Europe or USA :ride:

When I traded my 990SM to the dealer for the BMW, when I told him it had done 63k in 27 months he thought I meant 6k :innocent:

[BigB]

where did you purchase your hugger from ?? I'm possible looking at buying another one soon ( 2000 Blue like yours ) so I can pull my 99' apart & repaint etc, great all round bike......

Got the hugger from http://www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk/bird.htm they have great stuff & as Geoff said are very easy to deal with

[Vinz0r]

I'm all nice and fuzzy seeing all these bikes with good km on them.

CB919 (05) is just getting a birthday currently at 123k. Rear Ohlins serviced and going back in. Front suspension pulled apart, new springs, bushes, seals and outside coated to try and prevent the spots they often get. Bet the handling will be much improved.

1200GSA ('10) has done 92k (owned since Jan 11 when it had done only 4k because it was a demo). Ohlins mechatronic suspension just had it's first service. Mileage has dropped from 35k a year to more like 15-20k. I've come to realise NZ is a bit small for high mileage as I've done most of the significant roads all pretty recently... if only it was more like Europe or USA :ride:

When I traded my 990SM to the dealer for the BMW, when I told him it had done 63k in 27 months he thought I meant 6k :innocent:

You certainly get your moneys worth don't ya.

[Big Dog]

I'm all nice and fuzzy seeing all these bikes with good km on them.

CB919 (05) is just getting a birthday currently at 123k. Rear Ohlins serviced and going back in. Front suspension pulled apart, new springs, bushes, seals and outside coated to try and prevent the spots they often get. Bet the handling will be much improved.

1200GSA ('10) has done 92k (owned since Jan 11 when it had done only 4k because it was a demo). Ohlins mechatronic suspension just had it's first service. Mileage has dropped from 35k a year to more like 15-20k. I've come to realise NZ is a bit small for high mileage as I've done most of the significant roads all pretty recently... if only it was more like Europe or USA :ride:

When I traded my 990SM to the dealer for the BMW, when I told him it had done 63k in 27 months he thought I meant 6k :innocent:

Probably wanted to sell you haemorrhoid cream when he worked out the truth!


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Gremlin]

You certainly get your moneys worth don't ya.
Double edged sword really. On the KTM I lost 2/3 of it's value in 27 months... bit sharp but thems the breaks, plus I learnt brand new bikes are super expensive for me. However, that KTM, the old model wasn't what I wanted, so no choice. BMW was the demo (only one in the country) or brand new. Service and tyre bill was also... significant. Tyres could be finished inside a calendar month (and we're talking touring tyres).

You get the funny side too. With the KTM, dealer on my behalf told the Pirelli rep I wasn't happy with a 2 week life on a set of tyres and I'd eeked out a 3rd week. The poor bastard was so shocked he didn't even ask the mileage and only after examining them decided they were simply worn. Then he asked and on being told casually about 5-6k asked if I'd stopped during the time. :D Lucky it was on the BMW that I did 3300km in 52 hours then... I wouldn't have made much more than a week on the Pirellis like that :rolleyes:

Yearly mileage was around 45-50k across bikes. Now it's probably only 30k. More depressing, I'm excited at seeing all this money I didn't have before. Servicing and tyres are only half yearly or annually... I even think carefully about tyre choice as I'll actually have them for a while :lol:

[240]

That's looking nice big b :niceone: