07 CBR1100XX Blackbird

[Zapf]

So after 10 years, the Black bird's feathers might not be as shiny as the newest in the field. And frankly I thought it might be a bit long in the tooth.

However I have recently took delivery of one and I am enjoying the bike, specially how well it tours with full 3pcs Givi luggage and a bird behind me on my black blackbird.

Riding up SH16 on a full moon evening, leaving about midnight. With an accompanying 636 with track tune suspension, we are about to find out the difference between these bikes. The blackbird from now on will be refered as to the XX.

The XX is smooth, from 3000rpm till redline vibration is mininal. Airflow is smooth over the body work. It rides over bumps and handles like a Merc, like a big nice limo. The dual linked brakes are not as bad as what people say, yes you can't apply the front brakes to steepen the steering angle but what you get is a front brake that doesn't dive the bike very useful when you are carrying a good sized load.

It cruises at 100kmh at 3400rpm, and at 120kmh in 6th it is an easy 4000rpm. Crusing using a light throttlo with a full load, it'll average 6~7L /100km and easily over take cars in 6th.

Riding up SH16, with both of the XX's 55W H7 lights on it turns night into day. Compaired with the 636's lights, they are not even in the equation. It might even more of a difference when I replaced the stock Philips bulb with Philips +50% bulbs.

In the handling department, the XX tracks well and it has the best factory tuned suspension I have ever came across. And currently I am touring fully loaded with factory suspension and settings, and I am more than happy.... its pretty rare... :)

to be cont...

[Kendog]

Nice one.

Got some pics yet?

I am guessing the Hornet does not have long left with you now.

[Edbear]

I've been sayin' for a while, now, that the Blackbird has to be one of the best buys around, lately! Consider the price/performance equation and you can't get much better!

Glad you like it, there're are few 'Bird owners on this site who won't be disagreeing with your sentiments!

Oh, and yeah, some pics of the tour, please!

[Dafe]

The more I think about these bikes, The more I think I may end up departing the Zookis for a Honda.

I rode Darkmans blackbird when he had it and it was just awesome, what a rush!!! Amazing on the Wairarapas long sweeping roads. Nice size too.

The only way I could describe riding the bike is that:

It's not like riding a bike!

It's like guiding a Tomahawk Cruise Missile!

UNBELIEVABLY Smooth and they still look farkin Awesome! I just love them!

If you've never ridden one, Try it out - But be sure to find some nice long sweeping roads for an experience of a lifetime.

[Blackbird]

It's like guiding a Tomahawk Cruise Missile!

UNBELIEVABLY Smooth and they still look farkin Awesome! I just love them!

If you've never ridden one, Try it out - But be sure to find some nice long sweeping roads for an experience of a lifetime.


Not just smooth sweepers but the tight stuff too if you have a 6mm spacer on top of the rear shock!: Good choice:Punk:

[skelstar]

I think this will be my next bike as I do a fair bit of long distance during the year...maybe some 2up too.

[TerminalAddict]

geez .. are we all that predictable ??

I've been looking at one myself :D
thinking of 2008 trading in the 'net for one of these ... or if a larger vfr comes out

[Kendog]

I think we should hold on for the new 900 Hornet. Can't be too far away.

[Hitcher]

I wouldn't recommend changing the Bird's headlight bulb. The intensity from the standard setup is excellent. The problem is with the spread of the beam. It's very narrow -- you'll really notice this when riding winding roads at night. Aftermarket driving lights should help this.

And I'd recommend a double-bubble screen replacement -- whether or not you're a tall rider.

Linked brakes are great, particularly as Zapf describes when braking hard from speed. Having practiced high-speed braking on the FJR at the weekend, there is a lot of touch required coordinating front and rear brakes to stop the nose diving and the rear wheel locking up. Linked brakes do the thinking for you in this regard.

[Mr. Peanut]

You get a turbo kit for ~$7000 which bumps it up to 250hp. Well worth a look.

[Blackbird]

I wouldn't recommend changing the Bird's headlight bulb. The intensity from the standard setup is excellent. The problem is with the spread of the beam. It's very narrow -- you'll really notice this when riding winding roads at night. Aftermarket driving lights should help this.

And I'd recommend a double-bubble screen replacement -- whether or not you're a tall rider.

Linked brakes are great, particularly as Zapf describes when braking hard from speed. Having practiced high-speed braking on the FJR at the weekend, there is a lot of touch required coordinating front and rear brakes to stop the nose diving and the rear wheel locking up. Linked brakes do the thinking for you in this regard.


Agree with the double bubble but don't agree with you with respect to the headlights. 100 W halogen or Xenon are de rigeur for serious night riders of Blackbirds all over the world. Some fit HID kits but they are more expensive.

Geoff

[limbimtimwim]

You get a turbo kit for ~$7000 which bumps it up to 250hp. Well worth a look.For that mild increase to make passing in top just that little bit easier..?!

[Mr. Peanut]

Better fuel economy, obviously. Was surprised at how small these bikes are.

[BigB]

Welcome to the club. The bird is fantasic, great two up and even better when your on your own.

cheers

B

[Fatjim]

I'm gonna agree with Dafe on this. The thing pulls without complaint from 2500. I was used to the 'yawn pulling from 3500, the bird was smoother, and faster top end by a long way.

Definitely a goer if you're looking for a touring bike, or don't mind the lardier experience. :wait:

[Hitcher]

If it didn't have such an uncomfortable lie-on-the-tank riding position, I'd probably have one. Not bad though, for a fat sprotsbike.

[limbimtimwim]

Definitely a goer if you're looking for a touring bike, or don't mind the lardier experience. :wait:Ladies: If you are looking for a lardy experience, don't bother with a blackbird, just call Fatjim. Here for your lardy enjoyment.

"With Fatjim, things are lardier!" - (tm)

Mr Zapf, did you try a ZX-12R or a 'busa? What did you think of those? I'd like to know.

[xxblackbirdxx]

Welcome to the club. I have one and dont have the desire to upgrade anymore. It does everything and does it well. Some one said something about tight stuff and the XX. Its big but it sure tackles the tight twisties well. I managed to get mine with some aftamkt goodies on it, now that i have a working digi cam again will post some snaps to you.

[Zapf]

I wouldn't recommend changing the Bird's headlight bulb. The intensity from the standard setup is excellent. The problem is with the spread of the beam. It's very narrow -- you'll really notice this when riding winding roads at night. Aftermarket driving lights should help this.

And I'd recommend a double-bubble screen replacement -- whether or not you're a tall rider.

Honda fits Philips bulbs standard. Unlike Suki with cheaper Osram units. The Philips +50 is a Xeon filled Halogen bulb. Has proven time and time again to be very good... try some yourself. And yes I have 2 x Hella fog lights waiting to be fitted for winding roads :)

And totally agree re double bubble


Welcome to the club. The bird is fantasic, great two up and even better when your on your own.
B

:)



Mr Zapf, did you try a ZX-12R or a 'busa? What did you think of those? I'd like to know.

Nop haven't tried a 12R after reading reviews how it is not as complete a product as a XX. Haven't rode a Busa as well, althou they are faster and probly handle sharper, I rather have a smoother bike.

PHOTOS UPLOADED on 1st POST
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=41713

[limbimtimwim]

PHOTOS UPLOADED on 1st POST
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=41713Ahh, best in black.

But Zapf, your face in the last photo.. It's exploded or something!!

[skelstar]

Thats awesome Felx. You running from the Mafia? Gilted husband?

[one-speed]

well for me, i've the 97 first year out and still got carb's
most say i would suite a sports bike better,which could be right
but when i'm out there riding and when i'm thinkin, there's alot of plus's +++ and no ---.
on the track is also good.
great bike alround
next week 4 years for me and the xx and prob,and got a few more yet so:rockon:

[Zapf]

Ahh, best in black.
But Zapf, your face in the last photo.. It's exploded or something!!

Ar yes. I had 2 to choose from. Black and Silver 2 tone. But I thought can't have a blackbird that is not black now can I ?


Thats awesome Felx. You running from the Mafia? Gilted husband?

Hell no. that wasn't me it was some of those red coats pomps from the 1800's :P


well for me, i've the 97 first year out and still got carb's
most say i would suite a sports bike better,which could be right
but when i'm out there riding and when i'm thinkin, there's alot of plus's +++ and no ---.
on the track is also good.
great bike alround
next week 4 years for me and the xx and prob,and got a few more yet so:rockon:

so do you think the aftermarket pipes made much difference?

[Hitcher]

Gilted husband?

Gilded lily. Jilted husband.

[Hitcher]

so do you think the aftermarket pipes made much difference?

Yes, for "safety" reasons. I have a pair of Two Brothers carbons ordered for the FJR. If nothing else, they will reduce the sprung weight by over 6kg.

[skelstar]

Gilded lily. Jilted husband.
Thats the best I could come up with after 4 glasses of Sauvignon Blanc.

[Hammer]

Glad your enjoying it Felix. Go here for some nice bits like those bulbs, frame plugs, etc. http://www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk/

[one-speed]

so do you think the aftermarket pipes made much difference?[/QUOTE]

---------------------------------------
certainly do, hell of alot lighter and ya gotta hear yourself think(sounds great)

[Zapf]

Can some experienced XX owners give me some tip on where to loop tie downs for crossing on a ferry?

[vifferman]

Gilded lily. Jilted husband.
Gelded husband, perhaps?

[Hitcher]

The cruelest cut of all.

[Biff]

Welcome to the world of the mighty Biffbird Zapf. A world where performance doesn't mean you have to ride with your arse above your head, and where chicks think you're more of a man than a mere sprots bike rider, because yours is bigger.

Listen to the man Blackbird (Geoff) re' getting yourself a spacer fitted for the rear shock. The improvement in the bike's handling is remarkable, especially when you hit the twisties.

[merv]

Thats the best I could come up with after 4 glasses of Sauvignon Blanc.

How the heck did you spell Sauvignon Blanc after that then?

[skelstar]

Might have had some help from the label?

I dont remember much...

[Hammer]

Can some experienced XX owners give me some tip on where to loop tie downs for crossing on a ferry?

About to purchase some for a south island crossing in March. There are some that have a brace that fits on the handlebars and then loop straight off. Much better than trying conventional ones - not enough clearance on the fairing. Blackbird has sorted his without these and has pics - he is offline for the next week but PM him to see how he did it. Oxford make some of these handlebar "bra" type tiedowns - they are the go for the bird.

[Zapf]

Welcome to the world of the mighty Biffbird Zapf.

Listen to the man Blackbird (Geoff) re' getting yourself a spacer fitted for the rear shock. The improvement in the bike's handling is remarkable, especially when you hit the twisties.

Cheers, am getting an ohlins so I'll make sure they put in some extra hight in the back.


About to purchase some for a south island crossing in March. There are some that have a brace that fits on the handlebars and then loop straight off. Much better than trying conventional ones - not enough clearance on the fairing. Blackbird has sorted his without these and has pics - he is offline for the next week but PM him to see how he did it. Oxford make some of these handlebar "bra" type tiedowns - they are the go for the bird.

ic. thanks. will do some looking.

[Nonbeliever]

Very nice.