I revisit an old acquaintance and ride the Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird again after 22 years. 🤔

[@garyloudon2417]

I love when I meet hayabusa owners and they insist on telling me it’s a falcon that hunts BLACKBIRDS my answer is always the same but it’s not named after a bird they look at you like a Labrador yeah but it’s still faster I’m like yes but it has a larger engine 🤔 one guy said oh you just can’t give the busa any credit I said that’s not true it still manages to make my bike that went out of production 16 years ago look beautiful coz it’s still as ugly now as it was then .

[@gsd32i]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@markpearce5793]

Yep, no Busa is ever going to win in the beauty stakes 😂🤣

[@Arryhall]

Brought mine in 2006, still have it. Heated grips added, and changed from Oxford wrap arounds to Oxford fitted grips. SW Motech luggage fitted for when I want it without massive girders everywhere (Givi!). Two Brothers racing end cans and I added a 2cm gel insert and better foam to the seat. Last year I changed the shock to a nearly new (3000miles) rear shock as mine was...knackered. The forks had new linear springs and heavier oil in and a 5cm spacer in the top and that sorted to forks for me. Just in the process of resprayng it candy apple red over silver metal flake. It'll either look amazing or bloody awful. I've ridden everything I can get my sticky mitts on and I just get back on that old Bird and it feels like home. It's like the designer got a picture of my arse and drew a bike around it. I've worn the hero blobs down three times, and went around a corner last year leaned over so the pegs were down, but it was still not enough so just kept pushing until the fairing lowers went down, with a small slide on the Pirelli Angel ST's just to tell me off but the bike just didn't seem to care. If I'd been on anything else, it would have been a crash, but that fat, heavy old girl just did what I needed it to to protect me. The only bike I can think of changing it for is the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 but that just seems more of the same, but even bigger. And the speed that the 'Bird gets....I don't need bigger. Under 4000rpm, the thing is a labrador that just wants to play and love you, and after 5000, begins to have a bit of a snarl, and after 7000 becomes a rabid dangerous rottweiller. I love my Blackbird and can't imagine changing it for anything. After 80,000 miles, I had a service and 2 valves needed a tiny bit of a shim, but that was literally it! 80000 miles, and everything was still in spec, and I'm not exactly kind or gentle on her. Incredible machine. I love riding everything, but as an only bike, I can mess around on or go to the south of france, 2 up and complete with full luggage and tank bag (and neither me nor the missus are small people) and just have zero issues and go stupidly fast (until the wife punches me to slow down).

[@LINKchris87]

Love to see you love your bike so much. You described pretty much what I get from my 07 Hayabusa. Just rode her under heavy rain in the city. Just as comfy and planted as in sunny backroads. Never plan on parting with that old girl.

[@savagejabbit5929]

Ahhh the slow down punch 🙆😅

[@iang68]

Currently on my 4th Blackbird. Had lots of new bikes but always seem to come back to these. As an all round package comfort, reliability, build quality and power I have not found anything better. And even today its still a beautiful looking machine. Mileage on mine is nearly 97.000 now. I bought it 5 years ago with 16.000 on the clock. Take it abroad, commute to work, and do weekend trips. Bike has barely had a problem. Only things are the cam chain tensioner, stator and reg/rec which are all easily replaced. Apart from those, the only money I spend is on tyres, pads and servicing. I service it myself which keeps costs to a minimum. They are also very easy to work on which is great. I replaced the rear shock as the standard ones are past there best by 15.000 miles, and resprung the forks. I put a corbin seat on it, peg lowering kit and VFR rises and now its all day comfortable (for me). The headlight bulbs are indeed a pain to access, so to reduce the frequency of bulb changes I put in LED bulbs, which seem to last forever. Mine came with the Honda hard luggage a rack which looked great. No idea what bike I would get to replace this, probably end up with another Blackbird. Its all the bike anyone could possibly need. Hasn't got all the fancy electronics of modern bikes, but if you have plenty of experience riding, then you don't need them, and it's less stuff to go wrong.

[@gsd32i]

👍

[@jordangarrick703]

I just won an auction for a 2003 Blackbird with 14k. I have no idea what to expect - other than plenty of speed....I'm jumping up from a 2000 ZX-9R (great bike). What kind of tires should I put on her? I'm not a real canyon carver - most miles are spent on relatively straight back roads here in New Mexico

[@gsd32i]

@@jordangarrick703 try getting onto a blackbird forum and ask on there ….enjoy 👍

[@jordangarrick703]

@@gsd32i Excellent idea - thank you. Safe travels, J.G.

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@gsd32i Hayabusa is a Japanese Perigrine falcon that hunt blackbirds etc on the wing.. the mk1 with annalog dash are carb'd.. the early MK2 had injection with the early mk2s had all annalog guages for 6months the later mk2s had digital right side temp, clock & trip.. after about 2002/3 the dash had annalog center rev counter & digital guages both sides

[@ogdennash2439]

I bought a red one in 1998. It scared me a lot. I remember taking my mates on the back, and each one would step off it looking several shades of white lighter than when they got on it. What an incredible machine.... happy memories :)

[@mikebreen2890]

Cracking bike even today.

[@KeevaOhara]

dont make them like that anymore ..one of the best bikes every built

[@stevesmith6236]

Bought my first XX , a 1999 US spec model , as a new left-over in 2000. It was stolen that same year. Tried other bikes from Honda and Kawasaki but I always missed my XX. Bought my second brand new one ( again as a left-over) in 2005, it was a 2003 model which was the final year for the XX here in the US. I did a full custom job on it with a new paint job, full chrome, full 4 into 1 exhaust, Corbin "Smuggler" seat, etc. It was quite a looker and won a few awards at bike shows. Had to sell it when money was tight. I now have a 2001 ( red) and a 2002( silver) XX. The silver has only 5800 miles on it and is 99% stock. Only issue that I can think of is an XX will roast your inner thighs when stopped at a traffic light. Still one of the best motorcycles ever made in my opinion!

[@paulbrewis6823]

Bought one ! Not letting it go ❤

[@jimhedley7459]

Also ,I remember ridding with a friend on a pretty straight country road , I was on my blackbird and he was on his hayabusa , we maxed them out side by side along the road , as I reached 174 and he was pulling away from me , I noticed I red sign ahead by the road , i Knew what it was straight away , I hit the anchors full force to see my friend still accelerating , probably in the 185 region , the sign saying max speed 20mph loose gravel ,as the road had just been resurfaced, dust , gravel , flying stones everywhere , eventually caught him up , after riding thru the biggest dust cloud I’d ever seen ,I’d expected to see total carnage ,but he’d stayed on more by luck than anything else , 🏍🏍👍👍

[@gsd32i]

yup gravel on the roads = clenched cheeks 😁

[@gdfggggg]

When I see gravel I shit myself 👀

[@Vanalleswa]

i own a 2000 blackbird and its still my favorite bike to take out. absolute great bike

[@gsd32i]

Yup . Had loads of fun on mine . Enjoy 👍

[@neilhutton1528]

Nice 'classic bike' review. Memory lane indeed. I taught both those blokes in the photo in St Malo to scuba dive many moons ago 😉

[@gsd32i]

😊jumped on the GS and it was luxury .

[@mikedugdale281]

What is it about carbureted bikes? So nice to ride.

[@ross1137]

Yours had carburettors your mates is fuel injected I've had both models they are both awesome.. great video👍

[@gsd32i]

Thanks, mine was in fact fuel injected and I put a 4-1 Akrapovic exhaust on it. It went pretty well from what I remember 😂

[@ross1137]

@@gsd32i maybe in maybe the Australian market it was different because the first fuel injected models came with the first digital speedo models which went from black wheels to grey wheels as well

[@Lonewolf-kw8gg]

@@ross1137 Early fuel injected models for the European market still had analogue clocks before switching to digital the following year.

[@ross1137]

@@Lonewolf-kw8gg 👍

[@GiantmanUK]

Not bad vid,You got a couple of key points wrong,such as when they stopped making them(was in fact 2007),I didn't like the go pro mounted on the bikes screen as it blocked out our vision but the one on your helmet was good,but good Evaluation of The B.B and I like your footage of them for sale showing their amazing value for money! After a 22 year gap of no bikes I bought a 2001 B.B 5months ago from a bike shop for an incredible £1,350! And im chuffed with it!😀

[@gsd32i]

Enjoy the bike . Blame google regarding the last date of manufacture ! Ref the camera there was no other place to mount it but point taken . Ride safe and enjoy your £1350 missile 👍👍

[@chuckb470]

Not exact on the dates, but the XX was offered in Europe for a few years longer than in the States...

[@jimhedley7459]

Yeah had a new one in 2002 , did 30,000 miles on it also had a hornet 600 and a 954 fire blade , but used the bird the most of the time , eventually sold it for a zzr 1400 as the new vfr 1200 was not what blackbird owners were waiting for , the zzr 1400 is the bike Honda should have made , a great bike rock solid piece of kit , recently had a ninja h2 did 22,000 mile on that and never got comfortable on it from the day I bought to the day I sold it , ive great fondness for the blackbird it was pure quality , I can remember topping it out at 178 , and once did 900 miles in a day , at ballistic speed 🏍🏍👍👍

[@gsd32i]

Good effort , I think mine was about 180 with a full 4-1 akrapovic system on it . 👍

[@Errrokay]

My favourite bike by far.

[@GPR111]

I bought a brand new (black) one in 2004 and loved it but found myself going quicker and quicker and sold it after just 2 years ! Like you, I reaquainted myself last year and bought a mint blue one, which I sold only months later. I had forgotten how cramped they actually are - I am over 6ft. Lowered the pegs and raised the bars but still struggled , age doesnt help 🙂 . Long and low and stable. Beautiful build quality - probably one of if not the best made road bikes ever out of Japan and that super smooth powerful motor. Dated now of course but still a fabulous bike. I will probably have another now I have watched your video 😄 Jaws Mcycles Leigh still supply whatever you need 👍 ps the whole top speed thing is nonsense, all these big bikes of the era are seriously quick and its bragging rights only as you sure cannot do it on public roads, or only if you are very foolish

[@gsd32i]

Top speed thing absolutely spot on . All a load of rollocks. When I jumped back on my 1250 Gs it was then that I realised just how smooth the gs motor was with 2 baked bean tins banging side to side , time waits for no man ! Oh and the gs was just so comfy ! Boy I must be getting old 😂

[@GPR111]

Ha ha it must be an age thing I too have the 1250 Gs(a)!!! What a bike! But I am still well in touch with bikes of yesteryear. Theres something about the purity of bikes from 20plus years back and I still enjoy dabbling now and again on a "retro classic". Who would have thought of a bb as a classic 😄

[@JamesJoyce-gk5jf]

In regards to luggage, you can still buy a givi wingrack and hard luggage., Plenty around for sale. Also if the brakes are a bit tired might be worth having a good look at the state of the discs and renewing them along with a goodridge brake hose upgrade, did this on mine and it now stops on a sixpence.

[@gsd32i]

Thanks for the update 👍

[@alondon6950]

I hope Honda bring it back with about 1500cc.

[@Omsracer1]

Nice review Paul and from experience you got the review pretty much spot on. Couple of things to add, namely parts are still available but are getting quite rare. My colleague and myself run an unofficial refurbishment service supplying new fairings in both original colours and more expansive colours. Also the bits that get broken in a fall like mirrors, screens etc. As a project, I rebuilt a very badly weathered 1997 as I wanted to learn about the BB every nut & bolt was removed, derusted painted and put back. Unfortunately the overall cost was more than I am now able to sell the bike for but it was a great experience and reignited my 'love' for these bikes. Im glad your reacquaintance was a nice experience for you. Keep up the great vids. Very much enjoy what and how you present your stuff.

[@gsd32i]

Thanks, if you have the a website I can pop it in the description ?

[@Omsracer1]

@@gsd32i no website sorry Old fashion forum or word of mouth

[@gsd32i]

@@Omsracer1 ok thanks 👍

[@davemonday5381]

I owned both models of the blackbird from new and the hayabusa. It doesn’t eat birds it’s just a Peregrine falcon. I own a Gpz1000rx they were the heavy weight champion of the world in 1986. The world’s fastest bikes never go slower. Infact id prefer them than the girly power mode, wheelie mode, traction mode. ABS mode. I have to stop I’m getting angry. new bikes are so shit. No one buys them. They stopped making any real bikes around 2005. But only people who know. Know that.

[@gsd32i]

😂 Well said. I had the original gpz600r when it first came out , then upgraded to the 900R. I remember being at the Paul Ricard circuit in France when the 1000RX made its world premiere, they rode a couple slowly around the track. Saw one a few days ago outside my local BMW dealer. Thought it looked a bit bulky when I saw it at its launch. I think I stayed with the 900R....until I got an FJ1200......should have kept the 900r ...ride safe and enjoy the rawness of the RX.👍

[@davemonday5381]

@@gsd32i if you’ve got a contract I’ll send you some pictures it a thing of beauty. I always rated the blackbirds. Apart from the long wheelbase for high speed stability. It felt not a million miles off a blade but more sure footed down to its weight. Good bike.

[@Pugwash.]

You're very fortunate that your friend let you ride his bike. My bird is 25 years old soon and the only problem to date was a glitch on the kill switch. A known issue on old bikes and easy to diagnose.

[@nicoswesterop8800]

i've got a givi monokey topcase and supportrack. also the rack for three givi monokey cases. bit hard to find now, but sometimes you can still find them second hand.

[@cloudburststrife]

Line ended in 2007 and the analog was carbs, digital was pgm fuel injection.

[@robcampbell3235]

Allegedly. Did 157 on one. Had a gear left. Turbine. Allegedly.

[@Ziet1]

Had a RED one scared the Sh** out of me, but best bike ever bar none!!! Used to do a lot of 2 up riding the bike was so fast, my wife could have fallen off and I wouldn't have noticed......!!!

[@Insightts]

My blue one from 2000 had 2500km a couple of months ago this year when my old man left it to me, it's a great bike yet, and enough to put a big smile on anyone indeed.

[@NZbird]

Had my '99 model from 2003-2009 and loved it to bits. It was bullet-proof apart from an alternator failing. It had a top of the line Penske rear shock and a "Jaws" front spring kit which made the world of difference. I only sold it because of advancing years and short legs, plus relocating to a part of NZ with extremely twisty roads. A Street Triple was a far better proposition. Thanks for a great video and the memories. Best bike Honda ever made

[@i24uforever]

You know that if you can find someone that does fiberglass work like someone who makes surfboards. They might be able to get a mold off of that bike you have in this video to use on the damaged motorcycle.

[@JE2PO]

That looks like my mate Hingston ? He would ride his blackbird to Southern France have a pizza a ride straight back 😮 nutter. 😂

[@gsd32i]

Yes it was SH . A bit of a fast chap on the BB 🤪

[@JE2PO]

@@gsd32i yep I remember back in the Beantouring track day era. Very funny chap 🤣

[@DevMeloy]

Like everyone else, had a 97 bird and to this day is my fav bike.. I've had a few Different Ducati's which had more character, but never gave me the same feeling.

[@tomnorris1734]

Riding a blackbird in 2023 is a massive breath of fresh air. Its so nice to find something with no silly riding modes, no abs, no traction control nothing to get in the way. It's just really nice somehow.

[@clivepearce9766]

Hi Paul, good review. Only found out about your tubing from Peter this morning when I saw him on his Blackbird. I've gone down in size from my ST1300 & now have a 2022 CB500x which I absolutely love. It's a Ronseal bike.

[@gsd32i]

Hi Clive, yes it keeps me out of trouble. Off in a few weeks to do the Landing beaches on the BMW. Sadly no blue lights on it 😂

[@clivepearce9766]

@@gsd32i Done the landings a few times & always stay & recommend the Ibis Hotel in Port en Bessin in the little fishing port. Bike parking out of sight at the back & striking distance of all attractions. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance.

[@gsd32i]

@@clivepearce9766 Thanks, ibis in Pontorson for us, it was quite difficult to get 3 rooms anywhere. leaves us with 1 hr 30 minute trip to the beaches , which gives the bikes a run.

[@gdfggggg]

Never been on one of these but after a 20yr hiatus a decided to buy myself a ZZR1100 1999. Always liked the look of them. I believe the difference between the two bikes is not much. Having got it up to standard and Dyno jetting the carbs, the acceleration is just silly. Caning it in 2nd and 3rd is mind blowing; I haven’t gone much over that. 90 feels like your just barely getting started. I’m a fair weather Sunday afternoon type of rider but I’m glad it’s in my garage. The Blackbird doesn’t pull on the heart strings for me. Might upgrade to a ZZR1400 at some point. Good vid.

[@gsd32i]

Enjoy the Sunday afternoons, had a GPZ900R back in 1985... a long time ago ,never rode the zzr1100 though .

[@gdfggggg]

@gsd32i I find I want to go fast everywhere. It's one of those. It's a big old heavy bruiser of a bike, but a few simple upgrades can transform the handling. It's fun.

[@marcdieters5605]

I got the same nostalgic feeling you had so I did buy a 2001 blackbird yesterday. I had a '99 one 15 years ago, it's the only bike I regretted having sold. It's exactly as you said, it's super smooth, brakes are great, suspension is great for day-to-day normal rides. Driving home was super relaxed. Comparing this to my '06 fireblade (with is absolutely the fastest thing I've ever been on), this blackbird is actually very easy to control. It's fast but very sensible and predictable. Thanks for the video.

[@a6asics993]

Great vid! I am in the process of purchasing a 2002 Silver XX. I had a 1998 quite a long time ago and loved it! By the way, it is "streaky" not "bacon" according to my from Liverpool workmate :)

[@gsd32i]

👍

[@cloudburststrife]

I have the silver 05, still going strong 💪. Best bike I've ever had.

[@stevecowham1017]

Just brought my BB out of a 9 year retirement. Need at least a new front tyre, chain/sprocket set, the fitment of a new stainless exhaust system, battery..got, possibly new front fork stanchions..(bit pitted/rusty). I wasn't going to leave it so long but moved onto a narrowboat miles away from storage. Anyway, I'll change all the fluids, the clutch fluid has gone alas, so that might entail some more work! I'll drain any petrol from the tank and carbs and give her a go. Might even video it and post the results on whether there's life there. Great video and has bolstered my desire to get back on the Bird. Fond memories of my rides on her. Crackin' bike. Btw, mine's an import in ruby red. If anyone knows the ral code please let me know. I'd be eternally grateful. 👍

[@gsd32i]

Enjoy, my mate won't sell his and I've had about 10 bikes since the BB. Hope it starts 👍

[@pauleast8974]

Hayabusa is Japanese for Peregrine falcons the bird of prey that eats blackbirds 😅😊

[@gsd32i]

Yes it did.....but I do remember being flat out on mine in France with a 4-1 Akrapovic pipe on it...185 indicated...seemed fast enough to me 😂(speeding is not a good thing on the public highway and it was back in the day when I was a lot younger )

[@xjr13john]

Ha ha ha they never did 190mph, no where near, better remove those rose tinted glasses! Great grand tourer though

[@gsd32i]

Removed already 🙄

[@rog5150]

Anythings possible with a Honda Speedo....😂

[@jespersommer6369]

I love this bike, got one maj 23, drove 6000 km i 6 month, smiling all the way. 98 model.

[@HooMeye]

Own one now since beginning of this year. 2001 in black with 10.000mls. The bikes from that era and before looked so much better than what you have nowadays and so does this bike. Exceptions are most of the bikes from Ducati and MV Augusta. The fairing is a 3 piece slippery fairing contrary to what the faired bike now have consisting of numerous parts which make them look plastic. I am not wringing the bike out to it's full potential. I am a bit older and wiser (?) now. It feels heavy compared to the bikes I have owned prior, a Ducati 1098 SF and Yamaha MT-10. But not as heavy as my 2919 Harley Davidson Fat Boy, but that is a cruiser. The bars are a bit low which I got used too but not for my neck, specifically at traffic lights. Thinking of replacing the handlebars for slightly higher ones (VFR800).

[@gsd32i]

👍yes I have heard of people getting higher bars . Enjoy 😊

[@robcampbell3235]

Do the vfr rise. It helps a lot.

[@_blazin_asian]

I’m looking at picking up a clean example of a 99 Blackbird w/30,000 miles. Anyone have an idea on reasonable price USD? I don’t think listing price is awful but I’m not looking to pay over what I need.

[@gsd32i]

Hope you enjoy your BB whenever you get it.

[@_blazin_asian]

@@gsd32i thank ya I’m looking forward to it

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

The headlight bulb is a pain in the arse. Had an S plate bird and loved it. Only sold it due to having nobody to ride with anymore

[@UOO303T]

Great review.....never had a problem with the cam chain did anyone out there have problems

[@I_hunt_lolis]

Nice bike but that tank cover is damn ugly

[@gsd32i]

Yup totally agree 😁

[@gmail9826]

Agree

[@modoudrammeh]

190mph on a analog is about 160mph gps speed I know cause I've tested it lool...the analog clocks stay pretty close to GPs untill you go above 120 then it goes all wired and its well off But I've got the same colour bird it's the best bike ever but has dated looks now so I'm about to sell mine...I does have the full givi monokey kit which is what your mate wants

[@gsd32i]

Don’t ruin my fastest ever top speed !! Ref Givi I will pass it onto my friend . 👍

[@modoudrammeh]

Yeah they're still on eBay used from time to time

[@robcampbell3235]

Gotta go off rev/gearing to calc speed. Esp on hondas. Did 150+ real on one....had a gear left.

[@modoudrammeh]

@@robcampbell3235 Gps only

[@cynthialeffler6649]

I have a Red XX just like that 2002 40k on it and I love it 😢😢😢😢😢🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@gsd32i]

Yup I had the Red one too many many years ago . Was great to get on one again 👍

[@G58]

Dude, the power and torque ratings are two different things, they are not either/or alternatives…!! You had one job. 🙄🙈

[@gsd32i]

Did I talk about torque in the wrong way when I talked about to the torque🙈 I was never good at science . Anyway ride safe and appreciate the comment 👍

[@sunnycloudy1337]

I was expecting you to get into your leather one piece suit for the ride... what, doesn't it fit you anymore? 🤪

[@gsd32i]

HAHAHAHAHA. Sold them when I got rid of my Fireblade ,as I had no intention of doing track days.It would be a squeeze to be sure!

[@geraldineold3641]

Reapeat repeat 😢

[@petethemod1]

I have just bought one, just awaiting delivery. 😎

[@gsd32i]

Have fun!

[@coopula3387]

this is the longest I have ever soon you just ride something and not screwing with it constantly:)

[@gsd32i]

😁

[@Lonewolf-kw8gg]

I just bought an SW Motech luggage system for my "new to me" Blackbird direct from SW Motech a few weeks ago at a bike show in Dortmund.

[@gsd32i]

Could you pass me the details so I can let the owner know 👍thanks

[@gsd32i]

@@Lonewolf-kw8gg Thanks 👍

[@TheZanshen]

Built like a bullet and goes like one. I had 1998 red model but couldn’t gel to the riding position even with bar risers. My forte is the adventure style riding position.