EVERYTHING WRONG WITH MY HONDA BLACKBIRD

[@yonniboy1]

The Blackbird's a great and very under rated bike, in the early noughties 12 of us travelled from Belfast to the Catalunya MotoGP, everyone was on R1s, Fireblades and a single 996SP but one fella was on a Blackbird and stayed with our litre super bikes the whole way, a great bike and IMO much more stylish than the Hayabusa.

[@CHOPERUS23]

Well he would do since it's just as fast and even more comfortable than an R1.

[@ivor1957]

Not surprised he stayed up with those bikes you mentioned 😂

[@hedning003]

underrated? pherhaps by someone that dont know shit about bikes

[@yonniboy1]

@@hedning003 That's the point people were unaware just how good the Blackbird was unless you'd rode the bike.

[@GBMatthew07]

I really respect people that buy and restore older bikes because it takes a great deal of time, skill, research and of course expense. I currently ride an immaculate 2005 Honda CB1300 F in silver and it's still a fantastic bike with huge amounts of torque and a reasonable top end for todays roads.

[@surdanwhatley2939]

I had a 53 plate Blackbird in 2005, best bike ever. I’ve been thinking of getting another one; absolutely loved it. Really looking forward to seeing you rebuild; best of luck👍

[@BibtheBoulder]

I reckon they will eventually become very collectable...

[@jarrodleis4046]

I have an 02 in my collection in the same colour as yours. Mine is mint with about 12k. You are always best to purchase the best example you can find when buying used. That said your bike looks like a good candidate for one of those Chinese body kits. Please do not put an aftermarket exhaust on the bird. They just don’t go with the character of the bike. “An iron fist in a velvet glove “

[@michaelsolomons3025]

Great bike, I have a 2007 bought with only 14,000 kms 3 years ago and just love the smooth power delivery, comfort and handling, just to note these bikes do not have a slipper clutch or ABS they have CBS which is a combined brake system where front and rear are linked, it works well although some riders de-link them. treat them well and these bikes will last forever, definitely a keeper.

[@bootz0409]

Very off-putting then that this guy mentioned the Blackbird comes with these features. Lying or just plain ignorant?

[@mylocator]

my 07 yama 1300 has a slipper clutch. meaning all hand and or foot with no clutch handle just a finger trigger shifter.

[@motooilermotooiler9597]

@@bootz0409take it easy man

[@Captain-Donut]

Being looking forward to this ….. love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@browser87]

Looking forward to future updates. I've owned a 1999 FI for 22 years now. It's been the best machine and practically bulletproof 🙂

[@BikesofRye]

Good to hear! How many miles have you put on your bird?

[@browser87]

@@BikesofRye She only has 28,000 miles. Reserved for sunny days only 😁

[@oswaldvanbeerendonk6882]

I have the same bike (1999, fuel injected) which I use as my daily commuter for work. It's just ticked over 140 000km (whatever that is in miles, I'm in NZ) with zero issues apart from the rectifier needing replacing. No modifications, totally original and it's never let me down. Did a 5000km tour of the South Island last year and easily kept up with the sport bikes. Restore yours and keep it.

[@PersonManManManMan]

Restoring a Blackbird is a service to humanity, great work man, appreciated!

[@bobledger387]

Appreciate you said you would add after market cans, I have a pair of almost new OE cans in the loft, also original screen, seat and chain guard, all mint condition

[@DirtRiderLife]

Tip: when putting your BB on the centre stand use the lift handle accessed through the rear cowl cut out. BTW BBs were fitted with link brakes but not ABS

[@ChiefUno1]

yeah.....none was ever fitted with abs brakes as standard...CBS

[@dave8204]

I don't want to be negative but I've been around bikes,bikers and bike shops for long enough to know that's going to be a money pit. I'd have gone for something at least running and with everything in one piece,would have cost a bit more but saved a lot more in the long run and still had the fun of tearing down and rebuilding. Good on you though,a running total of costs would be interesting. Not knocking you at all,far from it,I've just seen so many guys over the years take on this kind of thing not realising what they're getting into. New subscriber and I'll be along for the ride wishing you luck all the way.

[@nitrousninja882]

I hope you didn't pay too much for the Blackbird. Keep with it and refurbish the big Honda. It has potential. There are so many Hayabusa and ZX-14's over here in the USA, that a Blackbird seems refreshing to my eyes. With the right mods and paint you could create a very nice bike that would be a showstopper! Just don't give up and sell it!

[@GiantmanUK]

Good vid! I bought my first BB in December last year from a local bike shop,a 2001 model with 46k miles on,a full mot,serviced with new front pads,recent aftermarket shock and custom paint for £1,350. Amazing value,and the power is incredible

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

My wife's boss has one of these. He's had it for years, rides it to work every day, rain, hail or shine. It's about a 50 mile round trip, too. He's obviously kept up with tyres, chains, sprockets etc. but aside from that, he hasn't touched it. The bike is well in to the six figures now and it runs like a Swiss Watch. The finish of the bike has held up remarkably well, also, especially considering it's outside for the best part of 50 hours per week. Honda did a pretty good job on this model, for sure.

[@raggersragnarsson6255]

The Honda finish in the 90s was outstanding. My CBR stood up to the same all year round UK punishment and it didnt tarnish at all with only a daily rinse during the winter. My Yam and Kwak bikes suffered rust in many places over the same period.

[@AW8UK]

Great to see your rescue the bike. Many find the existing power/torque more than ample as did I when riding one. The numbers wouldn't stack for me if buying as a project. For me the cost of bike plus cost of work won't be more than resale value any vehicle when sorted.... ...But I accept there is other value for you & channel. Thanks 👍

[@andrewgibbs5135]

I have completed a few ‘projects’ over last few years, always spent more than the completed bike was worth but enjoyed the process. The more recent ones have been chosen more carefully than the earlier ones 💰💰😉 Keep it numbers matching, just in case you decide to sell. Repair the casing fixings. Wishing you the best of luck and looking forward to seeing the process and the result !

[@williamlowther7051]

I'm on my second one, great bikes delinked the back brake from the front but kept the front brake linked to the back, just use the front brake when riding love it,

[@BikesofRye]

I am considering de-linking the brakes on this... I have no doubt it must reduce a good amount of weight from the bike too

[@aviator2k9]

Own this beautiful machine myself, 2004 model. Went from a 125cc straight up to the Blackbird & ironically felt safer on the Blackbird (despite driving in pouring rain when I first drove it on public roads) than I did on the 125 as the 125 was was a Lexmoto Michigan which meant the tyres were horrendous (for Lack of a better word & surprised they're even road legal). LOVE my Blackbird & wouldn't change it for the world :)

[@iliasmetalworks]

I owe one since 2007.I have traveled through Europe, dragging knee in each corner, now it's been sitting in the shelter due to family commitments. I have plenty of genuine parts for the bike, give me shout if you are after parts. Enjoy the rebuild this bike has plenty of character and quality.

[@steviejinx1225]

Loving these videos. Been out on my bird today, taking it to France July 26th. Looking forward to more of your clips 👍🏻🏍

[@BibtheBoulder]

Just spent two hours out on my Hayabusa. Fabulous day to blow away the cobwebs. Love the old Bird's....great bikes.

[@steviejinx1225]

@@BibtheBoulder my eldest lads got a Hyabusa... unreal bikes 🏍 👏

[@BibtheBoulder]

@@steviejinx1225 Never been abroad by bike but always fancied it. Whereabouts are you heading to?

[@steviejinx1225]

@Bib the Boulder we go every year. France, Spain. Italy.etc This year we start in Cherbourg and head to Bruges 1st then move down through Germany etc. Do it once and ull be hooked mate 👍🏻

[@BibtheBoulder]

@@steviejinx1225 It's one of those things I have spent years intending to do. I'm 60 this year so really need to make it happen. I fancy the Pyrenees...

[@iainatkinson9239]

Just wanted to add that the front fork kit Jaws sells is excellent he also does a rear shock rebuild service which I can also recommend, not sure if he still sells used parts, once it's up and running the fuel injected bikes do run hot so don't worry if the fan is always coming on and off

[@1200sbeemer]

I wanted one of these bikes bad but I had just bought a Suzuki 1200 Bandit, it was no slouch for roll on power. I fell in love with that Blackbird, wish I could have gotten one. Look forward to seeing the restoration.

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

one of the lads bought an ex police blackbird, it was in great shape for its age, I love that red paint on yours, I dread to think how much replacement plastics are going to cost.

[@steveparish9210]

Good luck with your project looks like a beautiful bike, I remember the fuss over this beauty when it was first released

[@richardtaylor3798]

Looking forward to it--i did a similer thing back in the 80's with a CB900FC (bent crank on the ATU side) -never stripped a bike like that before-but i did it,what a complecated engine-2 cam chains 16 valves, a "new crank" even then was £400!!!! so got one from a breakers yard for £30!!!! ----good luck fella.

[@TheVFRacer]

Looking forward to see what you do to the bike as I am planning a similar endeavour on my Blackbird in the near future.

[@johnnykawakid]

Great bikes. On my 8th blackbird now. Racked up lots and lots of miles, without any problems at all.

[@bmint]

Beautiful bike! And probably some beautiful memories in that time/length.. Honda is the best!

[@BikesofRye]

It sure is!

[@bmwgsblackgus7636]

Look forward to watching the bikes progress good luck with it 👍

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks 👍

[@mickwilkinson87]

The same as mine loved it but a heart attack put payed to that it got to heavy 😢 mine was the carb one many thanks for this blog really looking forward to it 😊

[@BikesofRye]

Sorry to hear and thanks I hope I continue to provide you with the content you want!!

[@rogerthedodger5788]

My Blackbird lived in the garden under a cover. Left all winter and it would start at the touch of the starter button in the spring. Fantastic bike. Only issue I had was the generator failed. Got a replacement from Jaws. Sold it ( wish I hadn't now) as it was so smooth you'd be doing 100mph feeling like 40 and worried about my licence.

[@MikeTheBike58]

Had a 1999 Bird for nearly eight years,great bike.

[@bikerintheblood]

I had a new HBB in 2002 in red. Loved it but got bored riding it after just 8000 miles. I did track days on it and thought nothing of getting my knee down on roundabouts. I maxed it for miles early one morning on the M40 southbound. An absolute beautiful bike 🤩, but it did it all so well, so easy it got boring. Now over 20 years later, I think I’d appreciate just having the bike for a sunny day and some fun of course 😎

[@andrewturner864]

Early injections power commanders are hard to find as pc11 was available at the time . I modified a 600rr one with vfr800 sub loom and started with a base map then tunes it in on Dyno.

[@hoost3056]

I like Hondas because of their reliability. I read about one guy that took an unmodded Fireblade to 250K miles, so 70k means that the Blackbird is just breaking in. Go all out,though, with the build. Make the bike immaculate with the paint and details. Use the best suspension components and brakes only because you are going to go way past 200 mph. If you can get on Bruntingthorpe for a top speed run, that would be cool. Regardless, do things to the bike that may seem overkill but will enhance.

[@427Musclecar]

I have one with a turbo. Awesome motorcycle, you will have it back to new in no time!

[@nano-ep9ih]

Aye lad so glad I've stumbled across your channel, cant wait to see the jobs you do to the bike, i myself ride a 2010 yamaha xj6 but blackbirds are one of my favourite bikes by Honda, keep up the good work

[@BikesofRye]

Legend!

[@ianripley-ws8vh]

Hi .. I've ridden one for 15 year's l love it so much I sourced another one 15 k from new 👍👍

[@1mick66mick66]

Having bought a few cat Ns, I've found is a bit of a false economy buying the cheapest bike out there, especially with very high mileage.. the few hundred pounds saved on initial purchase are soon wiped out replacing parts... Having said that... Looks a very interesting project....

[@paulharrion3398]

I remember looking at the Blackbird, Hyabusa and the ZX12R back in 2004. I went with a ZX12R and still have it now! Any of these bikes will make you smile when you crack the throttle open...😉

[@krotchlickmeugh627]

Wild that you want to replace the whole engine rather than the rudimentary fix to that stator cover the original needs. Never met a bloke like you before lmfao

[@stevenhoward8792]

Just subscribed to your channel because I absolutely love the honda blackbird and I'm very much looking forward to what you do with it, I owned a blackbird back in the day ,it was a fantastic bike and I had many a happy adventure on it 😀, by the way really enjoying your channel and content.

[@BikesofRye]

Welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy this project 😎

[@kristopherdavidson2097]

Great idea and best of luck with the refurbishment. I appreciate you said you will replace the engine, but are you still going to strip it down for us ?(I would be interested to see its components and I'm sure others would appreciate seeing what goes into making this great piece of engineering). Cheers!

[@will7947]

Genuinely looking forward to seeing how this pans out!

[@dukie1616]

Yes I’m definitely on for this ride.

[@modoudrammeh]

On you get it going, change all fluids, plugs Make sure you use e5 only on the early birds It's my fave bike ever Contemplating selling it for a vfr1200f or keep it in the garden...I only want to get rid due to the dated looks But it's simply the best bike ever

[@thedriverofallthings]

I've had 2 of these Only thing I hate is the stupid linked brakes, other than that their is only a few bikes better at doing long trips on a motorway. Boost it and enjoy it till it goes bang, give it the send off it deserves

[@Storm.13]

Unlinking the brakes is a common and apparently fairly easy to do mod.

[@thedriverofallthings]

@@Storm.13 it caused me to crash in snow 🤦‍♂️

[@davidcarroll2035]

I had the bike that lost it’s 11year world’s fastest production motorcycle title to the Blackbird and Hyabusa it’s the Kawasaki ZZR1100, had it for many happy years and still regret selling it. I never got to own the Blackbird and can’t warrant owning one now as I literally do only an 100 miles a year now due to health. But it’s sure one beautiful machine you will have there.

[@robertpaisley7257]

Love this channel looking forward to the blackbird being done

[@stephenplatt2078]

That is what I was thinking of doing, Stephen.

[@chriswarwick1955]

Still got my 2006fi and will never sell it, fantastic bike 👍

[@motomallen]

I still say turbo streetfighter lol. A low-mileage second-hand motor will be cheaper than stripping and rebuilding the original, but not as much fun to watch. Great channel, your down to earth style of presenting is quite refreshing.

[@themayorofdipshittery3646]

I had a 1998 super blackbird. Took it all over Europe along with my mates on litre sports bikes, it was easily capable of out pacing them while being super comfy too, it also had great tank capacity. I had the full Honda top box and panniers on it, a great mile muncher. Sold it to my cousin and he wrote it off within a week 😱😱😱😱👍😱👍

[@flitsies]

By the time you finish it will be like triggers broom, which he had the same broom for 20 years, and only had 17 new heads and 14 new handles, but it was the same broom right haha.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I did a similar thing on a Blackbird a couple of Years ago on my channel (take a look if you get time) bought from an old guy in Bristol who had neglected it for some time, but it ended up a real beauty after a few weeks and a few £££ - amazing bikes on a budget 😁

[@rickphillips2900]

Great bikes. My modified one was featured in Performance Bikes. I now have a ZZR1400 but wish I’d kept the BB too.

[@davidsandilands1285]

Interesting Videos. Had a good few years on a BB myself. The bike has been used in the salt. Either its had are paint or its not been used very hard, otherwise it would be peppered with stone chips. Will be following your progress.

[@matthewfrancis8825]

I owned a cbr 1000 f what a bike what an engine and it was my first big bike and I always think that it was a good choice at the time. I swapped it for a red 1983 Kawasaki g p z 750 r 1 with a Harris performance 4 into one exhaust. It was and still is immaculate and I will never sell it as it is such an iconic bike. When I was sixteen I saw one for sale in a bike shop and just fell in love with the G P Z range at the time the Eddie Lawson rep was in my opinion motorcycle porn in green but also the red version was a looker as well. What can you say about the Blackbird apart from wow looks ace and goes like fragg.An instant hit for Honda.

[@incognito8448]

Honda Blackbird ... its the best choice for restoration and still substantial for track day

[@joshnnik]

The only bike that I regret selling…….but I did keep my license 😊

[@jamesjefferson9628]

Great look. Great luck

[@BikesofRye]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@motooilermotooiler9597]

Good luck with the rebuild, mate

[@gregrsvr3947]

I had one for 10yrs, best mod is to fit VFR V-tech bars, improved riding position and still looks factory.

[@nickbitten9910]

Every Blackbird owner I have met has been mad about them ( in a good way).Am a Kawasaki bloke but always had a soft spot for the B.B. * I may be wrong but was there a limited run of 1200cc Blackbirds at some point Good luck with the resto.

[@borisbabich]

At least the Michelins appear to be brand new. 🙃 Good luck, will follow.

[@freemenofengland2880]

Good luck with this one !!! 👍

[@Deebemc]

Replace the engine? Hardly a refurb then………..but it’s a fab bike. Good video. Looking forward to the progress.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Good choice for the channel and let people see what is possible,,☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland

[@xB0RNFR0MPAINx]

Wow! This is getting interesting here :)

[@BikesofRye]

Glad you think so!

[@ameet7749]

Love from Nepal 🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵

[@cp4512]

Some of the eBay cheap body fairing kits aren’t too pricey. I put one on a ZX6R I crashed years ago 😔. There are some dodgy kits out there too so you have to be careful!

[@dave8204]

A mate in the trade once told a customer not to waste his money on one of those eBay body kits from China,told him he'd be amazed if it even arrived and there's no way it would be any good at the asking price anyway. Guy went ahead and the quality was pretty amazing ,fitted like original with zero hassle and the bike looked like new. I'm old enough to remember when people were saying the same kind of things about Japanese stuff,a couple of well-established dealers around my way selling Chinese bikes.

[@cp4512]

@@dave8204 The one I put on the ZX6R wasn’t too bad at all and was much better than expected. A few of the mounting points needed a little fettling but that was all. It was a fraction of the cost of getting OEM bits and came fully painted. It was even cheaper than buying second hand bits that would need minor repairs and paint! But I have also heard some horror stories so would buy from a seller with some reputation.

[@jimlittle3240]

This will end in tears.

[@BikesofRye]

Oh I have already lost my head with it 🤣

[@APASSIONFORDETAILING]

Great video like the new style

[@davidheaney9249]

Might want to check out that main stand when you put it on it looked a bit low like the rear tyre was touching the ground or could be as mentioned a different shock .. the body work will be the biggest problem all the other jobs are pretty easy

[@andrewturner864]

A common mod is to put a 6mm shim above shock or get a ride height adjustable shock to improve handling

[@ekspatriat]

Right then. Please keep a running spreadsheet of all costs. With what you propose to do I think you will be shocked as to the final price. Thanks.

[@jackgodden-dl9oo]

Love the videos mate I ride a 675r so watched you since you owned your 765. I just feel you was more you when you had the 765 if that makes sense …. It’s positive feedback bro… I’m still watching 👍

[@jackgodden-dl9oo]

I could also be open to you doing a review possibly if you was interested as it interests me a honest opinion on my bike. Cheers

[@hvt8147]

Nice one Jack. 👍 honest opinion

[@ZZR14988]

I've just sold mine other day missing it. red as well 1st of injection. When you sed about changing the pipes please don't if possible it doesn't Look right. I was going to put on power commander quick shifter but never got round to it.

[@Fairkehr]

02:20 - the Blackbird never had a ABS-System.

[@timrains5011]

I bought a pup BB. All it's ills were cured by a new cam chain tensioner stator battery and reg rectifier. Don't do any of the snake oil fixes like the loom fix. It's bullshit. That engine will be fine, replacement isn't necessary. Please keep it standard. So many modified to some individual's idea of what looks good or makes it faster. Love the stock cans.

[@andrewonmyway8184]

Going to be great to follow you and he bike. Why would you have to repaint the whole bike? The tank looks perfect. Surely a new left hand side fairing would reduce cost. If money is no problem, then forget my question. Good luck. I have subscribed as I am a big fan of this the Blackbirds.

[@BikesofRye]

I have a certain finished bike in mind 😉

[@Mike_Ockiner]

Just found you and subbed. This should be great!!!

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks!! I think so 😎

[@gntdriver2840]

Theres easily a couple of grands worth of repairs there without replacing the engine or having the bike resprayed,personally i would have spent 5 grand on a really nice one

[@motorbikesandhacks]

That rear shock looks like it might have already been replaced. YSS with a silver preload collar? The original needed a C spanner; if that's not the case, I guess YSS.

[@BikesofRye]

Oh I will check that!!

[@davidl416]

LBS brakes not ABS, such great fun to bleed them. They do sell delinking kits for the XX. Also no slipper clutch came from the factory on the XX.

[@peterfranklin1759]

I think if you were a dealer and were looking to repair this bike to sell on, you'd pretty quickly come to the conclusion that it wasn't financially viable. Which was reflected in the price. But that, of course isn't what you are doing. Good luck. I've subscribed.

[@kromkromic2458]

So, here is my take on this, do that bike right and DONT replace engine rather get this one going untill perishes... That would be real testament to hondas, relyability

[@graemewatson9916]

I bought a Blackbird new 20 odd years ago. Without doubt it was fast but also the blandest dullest bike ever. I would go for long rides and when friends asked me where I had been, the experience was so boring I just could not remember. Good luck with the restoration but it looks knackered to me. I see bottomless money pit with a very drab outcome.

[@Lunch_Boxx]

I own a 98 and they DO NOT have anti lock brakes! They come with a linked braking system. Mine has been de-linked.

[@BikesofRye]

I am looking to de-link too

[@charlesscottkelly]

Thinking of getting one of these next.. Unfortunately i know jack shit about fixing them.. After butchering bandit carbs and various other jobs that seem to turn into nightmares.

[@jamestaylor6072]

I think you're mad, to take this on, but it will be interesting.

[@BikesofRye]

Should make for entertaining content 😅

[@mabrokenleg2388]

The sc35 never came with ABS. It was fitted with CBS, which is Hondas proprietary integrated brake system...

[@georgeday5901]

I hope you have deep pockets ,the cost will go up and up I have already spent almost a £1000 on spares and it's not finished yet

[@andrewedmonds9347]

You said you were quitting KZbin previously. TITLE NAME Are your TITLES Clickbait ? I’m keen to remain a subscriber. I like your videos. I really like your point of view , nearly all the time. I’m sick of “ clickbait “ titles. I appreciate you need to get views, can you do it without scraping the lowest denominator .. barrel ??

[@darenreynolds8824]

Youll proberly find a new cam chain and adjuster and itll be good to go , most good used engines ended up in kit cars

[@aaronbligh3619]

Excellent videos, I currently trying to find out why we don't have any zx25 in the UK. They sound and look like a brilliant bike, especially for a starter bike . Do you know if we might start seeing them here.

[@BikesofRye]

Sadly I don't think we will ever get the 250cc as it won't pass emission regulations plus I don't think it would sell very well in the European market. However the 400 is coming by the end of the year!

[@aaronbligh3619]

@@BikesofRye thanks, that's great news about the 400 . There engines are great. What's your thoughts on the 2015 BMW rr 1000 . I've been looking at 1 today on eBay for 8k

[@markbenson7670]

Can't for you to start .love a rebuild

[@tenbear5]

it only held that record for a day or two, it is a honda afteral. Good solid bike, but doesn’t lend itself well to speed mods: the Busa would be the bike of choice there (see BigCC in Wokingham). Of all them, the zed11 still trumps them.

[@truck191]

164 bhp and 194mph top speed , what is 310kmh. This one was the first in 1997 which hit the 300kmh barrier for first. What you were talking about was the after 1999 fuel injected model

[@djbbdfggh]

About to put one of these motors in a rage buggy

[@elobiretv]

If your gonna strip the bike down then definitely service the suspension, it's not difficult to do and by now that fork oil is knackered.

[@bryansuperduke1290r]

Just buy a Hagon shock, all you need for what your going to use the bike for.

[@BikesofRye]

Will look into this thanks!