2003 Hornet vs 1996 Blackbird

[tipper]

looking at both of these - fit into my price range. Part of me say newer Hornet plus injection = good, part of me says Blackbirds are cooler, and more attractive, even with carbies.
I need an occaisional use bike for get out of town rides, which one would you choose, and why??

Hurry up, coz I gotta do this soon!

[Blackbird]

Two totally different beasties, both excellent machines, depends what you really want them for and how you ride. It's obvious what bike I rideand prefer but unless you have a compelling reason for wanting an 11 year old Blackbird, it's gotta be the Hornet. If you really want a Blackbird, then save your pennies and go for the injected model at some time in the future.

[tipper]

I'm a bit of a nana nowadays and am looking for a 'friendly' bike' - not too many vices, predictable and responsive, with good room.
Some say the BB are a bit heavy round town - true?
How old is yours??

[Kendog]

The Hornet is a great bike, no doubt about it.

Have a look here for a bit of Hornet info.

[Blackbird]

I'm a bit of a nana nowadays and am looking for a 'friendly' bike' - not too many vices, predictable and responsive, with good room.
Some say the BB are a bit heavy round town - true?
How old is yours??

Mine's a '99 injected bird, full horsepower pre-cat with 60000 km on the clock. "Heavy" is a relative term but I'm a short arse at 5'8" and it's absolutely fine. I also have a 6mm ride height spacer under the shock which makes it quicker steering anyway and some other accessories to make it perfect for my needs. The motor is as smooth and reliable as you'll get and some of the UK Blackbird site guys are up to around 200000 MILES with no major work on them. Changing the cam chain tensioner at 60-70k (a 30 minute and $140 job) keeps them utterly reliable. Alternator stators and reg/recs can fail on earlier models but it's rare and not bank-breaking to do a permanent upgrade. Although the motor is smooth and predictable, you'd better be hanging on when you hit 7000 rpm!

[tipper]

Have a look here for a bit of Hornet info.

phew.. a bit of light reading there.
Hornet appeals because of simplicity, Blackbird coz not everyone's got one

[pritch]

I had a Hornet, loved it. Haven't owned a Blackbird but have ridden one for a few days, it's an immensely capable machine.

I commuted on my Hornet and I toured on it. It's an all-rounder and will do pretty much anything well. Some other more specialised bikes will do specific things better but would otherwise not not be as good as the Hornet.

For commuting the Hornet would be better. For a lot of riding there would be give and take between that and the Blackbird. At the longer distances and the touring end of the spectrum the Blackbird would be better.

The Blackbird is one of Hondas "flagship" models and if the one you are looking at has been looked after the finish should still be spot on.

Of course if you were planning journeys at over 140mph it has to be the Blackbird. If not for very long.

As always it depends what you want to use the bike for...

[Gremlin]

As always it depends what you want to use the bike for...

pretty much sums it up right there... Hornet is brilliant for commuting around town, but if you want high speed fun, you'll be hard pressed it get it much over 200...

give Zapf a pm, he's spent a fair few k on both...