Honda 1200 Super Blackbird 50th Anniversary Overview

Jeff Stone gives us an in-depth look at Honda's 1200 Super Blackbird Bike and an overview of some of it's special features with it being the 50th anniversary, including the 40bhp and it's distinctive paintwork.

[@nunom1973]

Loved mine, had one for one year and a month, until it was stolen, did 31.000kms in it, it was brilliant

[@j.v.2103]

I am sorry for your loss. Mine usually is never further then a glance away!! But not many people know about the super blackbirds

[@mirzahrnjic9068]

Best bike ever..

[@simoncutmore]

Bought one new in 1998. XXW, last of the carb models. Still have it, still unbeatable. I have been given loads of courtesy bikes for services but none match it. Standard bike except SS downpipes now. And a Scottoiler, am still on the original chain and sprockets. The only downside is that fitting a Wingrack can induce a bit of a steering wobble if you take your hands off as you slow down at around 40mph. Why? I have no idea and neither does anyone else it seems. Garaged and maintained since day one. Never dropped. Top wheels.

[@raymondpinder3692]

What number is yours out of the 26 built Simon ?

[@simoncutmore]

No idea. How do I check? Presumably the info for the last 26 is out there somewhere?

[@raymondpinder3692]

Hi Simon,My V&M is number '00' (the original road test bike).The number is on the top yoke. You will see that the Jeff Stone Video bike is number 15.I am interested to know which number you own. Cheers Ray

[@simoncutmore]

Couldn't see anything when I had a quick look last night. Do you mean on the silver bit that the forks stop at at the top? Whereabouts? Is it big or as part of another number?

[@raymondpinder3692]

Look at jeff stones video (about 57 secs in).He shows the plaque with a number on it.This is the number I am referring to.

[@davidmcdonnell628]

Blackird is a modern classic id love to have that limited edition one please Honda make a new blackbird!!😁

[@kiddcisco]

These are awesome bikes and in time I will have done most of the mods as they have shown, already overhauled suspension and went with a Gen2 Busa frnt end and Penske 8987 out back, Gilles rearsets. Love the Bird

[@GhostHunterWV]

Truly amazing!

[@j.v.2103]

Nice!

[@cnealmartin]

A lot better looking than the hybusa bubble turd thing

[@MHLivestreams]

Hyabusa is designed for aerodynamics more than looks.

[@kevinkille]

Honda should remake the blackbird !!!!! reinvent it like the vfr1200. competetif with the busa and the zzr-1400. Ill have one then XD

[@DolleHengst]

Yeah that would be great. Just like a new straight-six CBX to dethrone the BMW K1600 GT

[@kevinkille]

exectly !!

[@rdsii64]

The Busa and the zzr-1400 are nice bikes for sure, but I'll take a vfr1200 over them both any day.

[@rdsii64]

The mere fact that Honda is outselling all others combined should tell you that Honda got it right.

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

+rdsii64 a VFR1200 over a ZZR1400?! Are u insane, man? :D

[@serberious]

I love mine , the only problem is the weight , 257Kg. and as I`m only 5ft. 7ins. the saddle height is a bit hight and if she tilts then by the time I get my foot flat on the ground she gone past the critical lean angle and I can`t hold her , but overall I love the bike , smooth , fast and handles like a dream .

[@Charon58]

I got to spend a couple of days on a Blackbird years ago. It was like a VFR with buttkicking power. Even the switch gear seemed like butter.

[@Wileylikethehawk]

I’m looking around for one of these as the logical upgrade to my VFR…

[@stevieg1036]

I had a candy red one for a year and still miss it. I only got rid of it for one reason.....it was a pig in turns.....it really felt like a lead sled....so heavy, not much front wheel feeling either.....but it was a perfect tourer. I wanted something sporty like my 600 but not heavy and with more horsepower. ....so my happy medium was I bought a 2008 cbr 1000rr.....it was perfect. but still...to this day I miss her.

[@alexmilne2842]

yup i agree .. i have a 2004 bird just now . i also have a 1991 gsxr 750 . on my fave corner the gsxr has better feel than the bird and is a good 10-15 mph faster .

[@Big1_]

@@alexmilne2842 1991 gsx 750 HAHAHAH learn how to drive dude, you have nothing to do againts me with your toy, in curves or straight line... 115hp and 100hp on the wheel..l LMAO

[@Ryzen_56X]

I think BMW is very expensive for maintenance and have a history of electronic failures,. after doing some research I finally bought a Honda Blackbird PGM-F1 fuel injection unit, did a suspension upgrade front and rear and the bike is a high flying mean machine with a precise handling and firm grip and fitted Akrapovic carbon slip-on cans, love it to bits, I saved a lot of money by choosing the big XX all this for less than 4k euros, used market is full of them, and is a bike that experienced riders have owned so you will find them in pretty good condition.

[@GhostHunterWV]

Your right!

[@csmjamr]

HONDA is HONDA

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Did they fix the linked brakes?

[@paulsmith4701]

Didn't they also remove the balance shafts & fit a power Commander to them??

[@thorn3686]

Jeff, I tried to find those LSL rearsets as you showed on your bike. Not to be found. Are they discontinued. Or, do you know where I can find them? thanks ...

[@GhostHunterWV]

Good question!

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I watch this whole thing and then he says there will only ever be 50 of them?!?! I'd love to have one in the collection.

[@MrAlphadeltabravo]

Clint the Audio Guy Still want one. I have an 1800 mile example.

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@MrAlphadeltabravo You still got your BB?

[@willemvanmierlo8590]

It's even worse, only 25 were ever made.

[@matthewpaulfigg5363]

Wrong only 25 was sold

[@georgeclarke1183]

Any links to V&N about costs for these improvements

[@j.e.d.8065]

Buying every thing to make your blackbird handle and brake better plus engine parts is expensive but very worth it if you love you bike.

[@GhostHunterWV]

Good stuff!

[@NonStoppie]

If only the X11 was popular enough for Honda to build a X12.

[@franckauger9490]

Just think to the zx12R kawa (ninja 1200) powerfull (190 hp), not too heavy 250kg and easy to ride every day : good torque, easy for curves and to turn. I find one for 4000 euros, 2002 42 000 km, which is not a lot of money for such a charismatic bike.good surprise !!!

[@mickmouse3513]

Looks great.

[@inanutshell6159]

Which is faster this bird, or a 1200 Vmax? Please answer. Thank you

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

+The Whole Truth Google it.

[@inanutshell6159]

Yeah I thought Vmax would smoke it. Thanks

[@GhostHunterWV]

V!

[@UvidCo]

BBird easily.

[@DommoPA]

VMax is a drag pig

[@martinwhiteley3299]

I want one

[@franckauger9490]

What about the ZX12R kawa (got one...) ?

[@j.v.2103]

This one is just different but kawa is amazing

[@georgeclarke1183]

we're abouts b&m who did this 1200 50 anniversary model

[@markdunbar8219]

Love my bird 😍🏍XX ride safe 👹

[@jwlandon]

Where can I buy one of these modified Blackbirds? I am looking for a zero mile unit.

[@MrSlowpoke1960]

James Landon Hey James, did ever get any more info. on this anniversary edition ?

[@jwlandon]

Sure didn't!! Love the bike though!!

[@GhostHunterWV]

Good luck! lol

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

I wonder where you could buy one these today. Would love to own one.

[@EEEBA1]

+Christian Andersson Me too my friend, I was looking on Cycle Trader but there is none...Even the regular bird is hard to find these days.

[@manos3790]

I've a couple of spare ones kicking about (free to a good home)lol Only kidding and man I regret selling my totally mint '02 Bird......Doh!

[@raymondpinder3692]

only 25 were built

[@gerardrost4679]

+manos3790; You had my heart racing a few secs there...

[@GhostHunterWV]

good question!

[@Antara755]

I m thinking of buying a 2004 bird, with 15000 miles, asking price 4000€, what do you think?

[@rdsii64]

if its in good condition thats a good price.

[@GhostHunterWV]

Jump on it!

[@pabloperez4063]

very cheap

[@artem8600777]

Интересно в каком количестве было выпущена данная модель

[@raymondpinder3692]

50 were going to be produced however only 26 were made.

[@adnxm53]

Tenho uma 2001

[@harrylime7938]

I thought the xx was a 1100 machine

[@jimbell643]

+Harry Lime It is 1140 ish this is a special edition 1200

[@harrylime7938]

Thanks Jim, I didn't know

[@GhostHunterWV]

It is!

[@danw5157]

I have a 97 BB 52,000 miles, still runs like new. I do think the Anniversary bike color scheme is awful though.

[@flatlineoptimism2600]

I just think it's kinda off having the white on the back. If it was black it would look better and make more sense hence the name, Blackbird.

[@j.v.2103]

99' 13k miles on it...

[@handsfree1000]

Why was it called the blackbird?

[@luizdesousamarques3513]

O motor desta maquina, quando mantido uma boa lubrificação, com óleo de boa qualidade, ele tem uma vida(life), de quantos km????, (escuse me, I don´t speak Ingles. ) BRAZIL

[@fernandomarques6530]

Luiz, em Italia existe uma Blackbird com 750 mil km!!! Mas sendo bem cuidados penso que todos esses motores fazem acima de 250 mil km sem problemas.

[@tbonemc2118]

The gaping hole in technology built into the bird is zero adjustment in the forks. This crowd stuffed around with a steering damper but forgot the forks too. Makes me wonder whether they've ever ridden one.

[@kingdickesq]

Who needs and extra 20 mph? Rear shock sounds cool

[@DonziGT230]

It's 40 HP, and I'd take it! I did a similar Penske on one of my birds, whole new bike. Cruising comfort and stability cranking turns are both vastly improved.

[@nickmyatt]

I woulda loved to have that extra HP. I've owned 2 blackbirds and I've maxed my second one put at its top speed. it was a 2001 cali model and I was doing a indicated 186 mph. I'm also 6'4" and 250 lbs. woulda been awesome to push past that.

[@DonziGT230]

+Bug xx My current Bird is also a '01, haven't maxed it. I maxed a '99 to indicated 193. Being smaller than you probably helped, (6' 175) the other thing I found during my run was that stretching my butt back rather than being curled tight into the bike added speed. It seemed to be tapped out around 185 when I slid back and the speed started climbing again. It may have had a couple MPH left in it but I was out of road. Being that you're bigger you may have already been further back by necessity. That bike's owner was close to your size and couldn't get past 185 on the same day and road that I did 193, his first try was 175 with a back pack. There are bolt-on turbo kits or you could give it some nitrous. These motors are well known to handle 250 HP stock which should break 200MPH or 220+ indicated as the speedo is generally known to be about 12% generous. Something I learned the hard way, after going 190+ 170 felt kinda slow and made me think it was safe to sit up a bit, damn near ripped my head off. At that point I was starting to get on the brakes hard which probably helped keep me on the bike and the extra wind drag helped get my speed down, I was coming up on a hard turn in a hurry. If you like talking XX and other stuff visit cbr1100xx.org. The .com site is much bigger, the .org is more like a bunch of buddies hanging out and talking shit. Pretty much anything goes there unlike most uptight forums and there's no ads or sponsors.

[@nickmyatt]

+DonziGT230 I've been a member on both sites for many years. I've been away for awhile since I no longer have a xx and ride a ST. (got married and grounded lol) never wanted to bolt on a turbo or nos because I loved the reliability of the xx and didn't want to jinx it. the XX was literally the first bike I ever owned, and was actually the bike I learned to ride on and it never let me down or stranded. well other than a dead battery here and there but nothing a quick push start didn't fix. I really miss the XX and wouldn't think twice about getting abother. I'm nm767 on the forums

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

+DonziGT230 So a normal Bird has around 150-160 hp, and the 50th AE has what, +40 hp? Sounds ALOT. Like my old ZZR 1400 for example.

[@malandvulamachawe6323]

I have seen 4 door sedan with an engine smaller than that of the Blackbird.

[@georgeclarke1183]

very expensive upgrade on the basic blackbird model

[@chriswilliams2305]

Look. This is s nice bike and all but Honda needs to get on with the business of coming out with a new Blackbird. Best Bike EVER. I NEED that bike. Serious midlife crisis going on here. Please, no more VFR crap shoved down our throats. Y Who do I call or contact to get the damn ball rolling over there?

[@EEEBA1]

Chris Williams I wish Honda would reproduce this bike.

[@MHLivestreams]

The passing of time has given you the hyabusa!

[@manwithnoname718]

It’s not 1200…it’s 1137…I have a 1999

[@user-jk3dz2st7u]

That is not a standard blackbird it is a special edition it is bored out and has a shit ton of extras . It has 40more horse power than the normal blackbird. Insanely rare special edition below 100 units and only in Uk i believe.

[@MrRonnie28]

if anyone out there has one . please let me buy it ive looked for one for 10 years plus

[@FABRIZIOZPH]

I have a 2002 bird..didn't even know they made this anniversary model.

[@DonziGT230]

I bought two in under 2 months, a '97 and '01; you're not trying.

[@DonziGT230]

If you really want one throw an offer.

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

+DonziGT230 UK? Here in Sweden they dont seem to exist.

[@joer5057]

+DonziGT230 not 1200cc anniversary bikes you didn't, lol

[@georgeclarke1183]

So this isn't a honda produced motorcycle

[@raymondpinder3692]

V&M were tuners commissioned by Honda to celebrate the 50th Anniversary

[@lorenzoiaccarino4799]

🤔 La moto è bellissima. Il Sound, non molto. La mia 1100 normale, il Sound è migliore 100%,. A parte tutto è Bellissima. Ciao

[@limpanskok]

xx rules

[@raulvalentim26]

Why didn't go to the fastest bikes in the World?

[@MultiAntoine11]

y'a pas un français qui parle bien anglais pour me traduire se qu'il dit car je comprends rien =)

[@GhostHunterWV]

lol

[@youtoober808]

Too bad its carbs. FI would be better.

[@billh5781]

Shenanigans.

[@TheNathan51503]

grrr. i hate it when people pronounce akrapovic that way ah-crop-ah-vich is how its pronounced. sweet bike though. too bad they were so limited on how many they produced

[@porschetech72901]

one of em got a bad camshaft "ting"

[@nigelbews3335]

Hens teeth now

[@dylanh9435]

1100 Blackbird............

[@coronabird192]

Jhewcati, lol!

[@PHILIPWATSON82]

THERES NO WAY ID PAY £15.000 for that that's too overpriced

[@stevekirk6399]

you would have to pay £20,000 for one now