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...
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Originally Posted by Dafe
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