Honda X11 - Any experience?

**Biff** · 1st May 2005, 12:17

A bike that passed me by, and by all accounts an absolute failure for Honda. Has anyone any experience (owned/ridden) a Honda X11?

Basically it's a naked Blackbird: http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicl...honda_x11.html

I've never seen one or known anyone that's ridden one.

**Marmoot** · 1st May 2005, 17:03

Originally Posted by Biff Baff

Basically it's a naked Blackbird

Yea i've ridden one.
Exactly like what you said, I presume.
Could feel a bit heavy if you are of moderate-to-small posture.
Handling is ok and very comfy. Wind protection (surprise) is ok if you're not too tall (I'm 5'8)
Very torquey and powerful.
I'd like one, but I wouldn't buy naked....
Should be able to get one for cheap.
Not many around, I suppose.

**Blackbird** · 1st May 2005, 17:16

There was a test in Performance Bikes about a year ago. Apart from them calling it pig ugly, they were quite impressed with it. Is it still made? I'd imagine the depreciation would be a bit fierce as sales were very low in the UK.

**Hitcher** · 1st May 2005, 17:41

Not one of Bluewing Honda New Zealand's better sellers. Almost as ugly as an ugly thing. The CB1300 will have sold considerably better here than the X11.

I am constantly surprised by New Zealand bike wholesalers/distributors in terms of what they bring in and what they don't. Honda is a good example. X11, about as popular as a bacon buttie at a Jewish wedding, yet imported and promoted. But the TransAlp, Africa Twin, Deauville and Silverwing don't figure at all.

**Biff** · 1st May 2005, 18:00

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Not one of Bluewing Honda New Zealand's better sellers. Almost as ugly as an ugly thing. The CB1300 will have sold considerably better here than the X11.

I am constantly surprised by New Zealand bike wholesalers/distributors in terms of what they bring in and what they don't. Honda is a good example. X11, about as popular as a bacon buttie at a Jewish wedding, yet imported and promoted. But the TransAlp, Africa Twin, Deauville and Silverwing don't figure at all.

I suppose if you look at all the hype and pomp when the Bird was launched, in terms of promotion and it's subsequant success in terms of sales, they thought they were onto a winner - so backed it.

Do the importers here not bring in TransAlp, Africa Twin, Deauville or Silverwings?

**Coyote** · 1st May 2005, 18:07

Take that daft looking air intake thingy, and it might look pretty cool

**louisb** · 1st May 2005, 18:27

There's one on trademe at the moment... it's been there for months.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-20112196.htm

I love the naked agressive look it has...

12 grand though... not THAT much depreciation...for a 2002 model??

**Zed** · 1st May 2005, 18:57

Hmmm, I never knew they existed! Looks nice and stylish but the nakedness lets it down IMHO.

Thinking of deserting the 'Bird club huh Biff?

**Biff** · 1st May 2005, 19:31

Originally Posted by Zed

Hmmm, I never knew they existed! Looks nice and stylish but the nakedness lets it down IMHO.

Thinking of deserting the 'Bird club huh Biff?

Nope - I'm hanging on here waiting to hear from the insurance company. Hopefully I'll get a phone call early next week informing me that they've written the Biff Bird off and there's a new black one sitting in Casbolts with my name on it. Fingers crossed.

But I dooooo like the X11. I bet it's a hoot to ride.