I REBUILT THIS HONDA BLACKBIRD WITH ZERO MECHANICAL SKILLS

[@ethanchambers4455]

I've got a 97 Blackbird, one of the best mods I can recommend is to swap the stock blackbird bars with a VFR 800 Vtec generation handlebar, It'll bring the bars up and rolled out more, and gives you a much more ergonomic riding position. Excellent work restoring and rebuilding this bike, another bird lives on.

[@BikesofRye]

I'll check it out!

[@hedning003]

a common mod,there are also risers that you can buy to get the same result - i bought the set that allows adjusting the pretention on the springs - and absolute perfect buy,sinse i ride whit my girl on the back and luggage,so stiffening up the front made the bike way more drivable -also another simple and very effective mod is the 6mm spacer for the rear shock

[@eMotion_Video_UK]

Don’t give it away. Learn to ride it , riding it smooth with clutchless gear changing is so rewarding. Good job, I need to get mine restored now. 😊

[@davidlutton4560]

There is nothing that gives a bigger buzz, than doing the work on a bike yourself. The knowledge you gain and the skills you acquire, are priceless. I'm very impressed with what you've achieved and on such an iconic machine and the matt colour scheme suits the bike's performance credentials. Excellent stuff!

[@robomoto5550]

I been with u since the beginning of this build. You've done a great job bro. Wot u did isnt easy, even for experienced guys. U should be proud bro. Ride Safe 🙂

[@BikesofRye]

Thank you so much 👍

[@geoffh4578]

I have owned a BB for 23 years and it is still going strong, supurb machine, well done

[@malcolmabram2957]

Hats off to you. Again , hats off to you. It is people with a proactive mentality and commitment like yours that keep this country going.

[@MyRandomLife247]

You've done a great job mate. You really took the Blackbird Moniker quite literally with that paint job. Love it mate keep it up!

[@BikesofRye]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jonathandavies6862]

Congrats Ryan you have levelled yourself up here!

[@leifmorris5114]

Best bike I have ever owned , I hope to keep mine forever..nothing like the bird...great video and great job mate!

[@markconlon814]

sounds sweet with that exhaust!

[@VtecTurboMiniGuy]

Well done on the build. I also have a 99 red blackbird which I use as my daily to and from work, and also to hoon about on on the weekends. I bought it at 38k and it’s now on 76k miles and never has gone wrong. It’s been the best bike I’ve ever had. It will do anything - commuter, motorway mile muncher, B road blaster and cross continent cruise!It’s funny, it also has the snatchy clutch as yours! I thought mine had a problem but I can see it’s maybe a BB thing. I cleaned and greased the clutch slave cylinder push rod and that helped somewhat but you still have to launch the bike in a certain way. Good work sir

[@georgecollins2347]

I've just bought a 2001 model (efi) for 1k and it has few months MOT and no issues. Had electrical fire which only damaged the rear seat cowl plastic which I think is why last owner struggled to sell it. New seat cowl for 40 quid and it's a minter! I actually put it up for sale for a quick flip, but silly me has done a good 500 miles on it and god damn, power wheelies 1st easy, 2nd gear seat standing wheelies clutch ups no problem. Insane power, and the Mrs has reported its her favourite bike to ride as pillion. The advert may be taken down, and replaced with a purchase for a full exhaust system 😳🤣 Really nice job mate! Making me want to do the same to mine!!

[@michaelmcdermott1877]

Good on you mate for taking on a big job on the old blackbird. I'm a motorcycle mechanic with 20+ years experience, and to be honest you'll learn more from actually working on machines than any other way. You'll make mistakes, but you'll learn from them. I've also owned a blackbird, they're are great bikes, and very reliable too.

[@gdfggggg]

I’m a trained (ex) HGV mechanic, did 3yrs at college. I agree, getting on the spanners was far more educational than in the classroom.

[@michaelmcdermott1877]

@@gdfggggg same here mate, I only really got my qualifications in college. All my learning was done by buying bikes that were none runners and stripping them down and repairing them. I learned everything that way. 20 years on and I'm still discovering new things as technology on motorcycles and cars are changing rapidly. Its bloody hard to keep up now I'm a old git🤣

[@gdfggggg]

@@michaelmcdermott1877 the reality is, with all this new stuff, that not even the dealer mechanics know what they’re doing when it comes to the nitty gritty. If they can’t fix the problem, they’ll just replace the engine. There are self trained mechanics on here that buck the trend eg Tavarish or Matt Armstrong.

[@thomascharnock]

Superb mate. Followed this series form the start - awesome that you got it finished. Happy riding!

[@jaffamaddin]

You've done a great job by the looks of it...I think the colour looks good. How you going to give that away after all that hard work 😮

[@BikesofRye]

it will pain me to see it go but at the same time fill me with joy giving it to someone that supports me... plus it just gives me space for the next project!

[@matthiashauptmann9423]

As natural as the current stance looks I guess bringing the suspension back up would be an improvement for you and the ride. The riding images suggest you should sort out the suspension settings rather sooner than later, as the bike seems to wallow around more than it should. I would also follow the recommendation for the VFR800 bars. But all in all: great job! I´ve rebuilt crashed bikes that came horizontal on a palette and know what all this involves!

[@BikesofRye]

The compression is far too soft and was part of the health check actually. A few clicks should hopefully sort that out. But I don't doubt that returning it to its original ride height would improve its handling

[@okiepinoyislander]

From one Blackbird owner to another, congratulations on the rebuild job, well done!

[@BikesofRye]

Yes! Thank you!

[@rafaellastracom6411]

A veritable right of passage of your motorcycling journey. Congratulations, she looks fantastic.

[@markrogers6912]

You have done amazing work without any experience I do miss my blackbird

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Lovely paint finish in the end, that might of been the best result that mistake.

[@BikesofRye]

I think so too!

[@jmillzthepimp27]

It's so rewarding I've done this to about 8 bikes over the past few years and Everytime I finish a bike I feel so happy and grateful to have brought the machine back to life one of my favorites and most challenging was a 99 cbr600f4 I completely rebuild that bike subframe down to the engine being replaced it was wrecked and definitely went end over end lol

[@alexwoods1094]

You’ve inspired me to take on my own winter Blackbird project. At 600quid it must be one of the cheapest hyperbikes in the country, not to mention the highest mileage at 104k!🤣

[@Pat14922]

Well done mate. Pleased for you.

[@BikesofRye]

Thank you mate

[@regharris1]

Good job well done. The exhaust mounting straps are fitted on the outside of the pillion peg hangers. If you fit on the inside the exhausts don't stick out so much.

[@BikesofRye]

I will check this out!

[@marcdieters5605]

Cool 😅 really made me smile that when you opened it up. To be honest, I like older bikes better then the new ones. The lack of electronic aids gives you that crazy feeling of speed.

[@tigsdudley6694]

Just want to say we'll done I watch all ur videos and a patron top top bloke

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks mate yes I see that 👍🏼 ❤

[@tigsdudley6694]

@BikesofRye keep the good work up mate love the videos

[@zook600]

Been watching the progress from the start, great effort and really nice job dude 👍

[@kharri2476]

That’s a nice bike. This one is one of my favorites. 😊

[@andrewmoylan6295]

Congrats on a nice restoration job on one of the world's most amazing motorcycles .... The Blackbird... miss my 2004 model terribly

[@Shane55able]

Hats off to you, matey. Bravo! 😎👍😎🤟👏👏👏

[@l8ton803]

The best thing about these bikes is that there are no nanny modes holding your hand it's just you & the bike you F up it'll soon tell you 😂 I've got a a1h zx12r absolutely love the brute power of the bike

[@tonyhunt3465]

Well done mate. Looks very tidy. Maybe some decals just a little honda on the tank and the xxsuperblackbird one for the front fairing. I'm thinking in a brushed stainless kind of look would finish it off very nicely 👌

[@MrBricey25]

Very proud of you MR Rye and you should be too. Well done mate

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks mate 👍🏼

[@jimhedley7459]

We’ll done rye , the blackbirds are awesome , personally I’d raise the rear suspension with a spacer and put the front forks back to the proper place , the spacer on the rear will speed up the steering , the bike can handle the power , it’s built for speed , I gad a new one in 2002 and only sold it for a zzr 1400 as Honda failed to deliver a rumoured 1300 because the engineers couldn’t make it any better 🏍🏍👍👍

[@BikesofRye]

In all honesty I lowered the bike more for appearance over any handling benefits. Have to say though the bike didn't exactly want to wheelie when I launched it hard so that might be a pro to its ride height

[@alp3781]

I had one, years ago. One of Honda's best sport Touring bike ever. Incredible machine to own. These blocks will run forever. Just change the oil on time and cam chain tensioner and that's it. Sadly, Honda let them go. I hope they will wake up again with the new XX, same engine, shift assist, and 6 -7 speeds, maybe DCT as an option. Don't forget TFT like Ducati's.

[@JopelB]

Looks fantastic! The colour black is a nobrainer for the Blackbird 🤝

[@motorbikesandhacks]

Congratulations! I disagree with no skills though; no experience, but plenty of natural talent, tenacity, and learning skills 🎉

[@BikesofRye]

Yes 🙌🏼

[@colinnicols5387]

Nice job! I totally rebuilt a ‘98 2 years ago. Such a fun project. Such a fun bike.

[@adamstratford6740]

Well done Rye stella job 🖤🖤 when our boy says our boy does 💪🏻

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks Adam for being a supporter for so long always appreciate your words

[@adamstratford6740]

@@BikesofRye no problem Rye its my pleasure

[@BBGBITW]

Great job indeed! You should have kept in the original Candy Apple red. Also, mounted a 4-1 exhaust system, sports air filter and remapped it.

[@PNH63]

This is amazing, well done. All the people with negativity about this are idiots who are jealous and unable to attempt this if their precious little lives were dependent on it.

[@kmacs9905]

These are an absolute dream to ride. Amazing they are still around.

[@alexwoods1094]

Top stuff! Love a Blackbird and she looks mean as hell in satin black stealth. Great effort on the rebuild and the video series.💪😎

[@sweet-triple-UK]

Bike looks and sounds incredible mate, well done no mean feat! Would love to do something like this.

[@FilipeDiogo49]

I'm so happy for you!! I knew you'd eventually succeed. Great job man. Bring on the thunderace

[@ChrisinVietnam]

Beautiful bike. I don't remember exactly but maybe this is what influenced my idea of what a cool bike should look like as a kid growing up in the 90s/2000s.

[@andypicken7848]

Hats off to you mister. The bird is a credit to your good work

[@tonymason3638]

Beautiful man,, black bird looks really nice. I have very little mechanic skills. But I would like to build myself a black bird too❤

[@seanbarry72]

Well done!! Fair play !! Enjoy

[@Midlife.Moto1979]

Fair play mate, I've been along with the build and didnt expect it to turn out so well. congratulations, now I need to go look for a snotter to have a go with!

[@BikesofRye]

Go for it!

[@Mcfc247]

Great job on your rebuild and a heads up for a understanding partner , not many girlfriends will help lump engines about . Looking forward to the thunderace. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Radioactive_Slime]

Satin Black all day! The slight sheen sets it off (chef’s kiss)

[@itstherealjammin]

i gotta say man this is fantastic 🤩 the bike looks ace, personally id stick a blackbird sticker on the top of the side fairings and honda stickers at the bottom BOOM LOVE IT

[@batfastard0177]

Amazing effort mate! Don't stop buddy! Keep going! 😊 Love your content

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks, will do!

[@alfred7350]

SUUUUUCK ON ITTTTT 😂 well done mate 👍🏻

[@lokibrux]

I can't deny, you should be pretty damn happy with the result. Looks and sounds beautiful.

[@Captain-Donut]

Love the true excitement I. Your proud voice. ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ❤

[@nitrousninja882]

You did a very good job on the rebuild Mr. Rye. You should take it to the Isle of Man next year for the TT races, as a spectator of course!

[@andrewonmyway8184]

Great job and a fantastic classic bike! I did not doubt you.

[@timjkiely]

Hats off to you sir well done . Blackbird are a brilliant bike . Safe riding to u

[@montypythonish]

I'm going out tomorrow to buy a hat to take it off to you. Top marks for having the balls to attempt such a project. I wish I was brave enough to try something similar. 👌🏼👍🏼

[@montypythonish]

Should get some SR-71 Decals

[@Warrior6504]

I had one years ago and loved it

[@dundeedeek]

The satin black is the right choice, stealth mode engaged.......

[@wilswood8137]

A credit to you , you should be proud mate, would be fantastic job, she looks incredible 😁👍🏼

[@insanestalker94]

Beautifull demon of a machine. Keep in mind that mat black scratches extremely easily. Love your content, looking forward tomore content on the crf. Cheers

[@sparkycasegbr]

Very well done on the rebuild and what a machine.

[@jackwednesday]

Loved this rebuild! ❤

[@MrH250]

YOU HAVE THE CANS MOUNTED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PILLION PEGS! Fit them on the inside as it drastically reduces ground clearance and will ground out. Please do not ignore this advice.

[@jayflash2035]

I thought they didn’t look right

[@matthewjackson3034]

Just bought myself a 1999 blackbird. Collect tomorrow, needs some work, but had mot till June next year.

[@MrMichaelConstantine]

Big up, wicked rebuild

[@jackparry7145]

great work building the bike ,sound and looks awsome :) i have a 2001 bird maby i should get the exaust or end cans for mine,,cheers form denmark

[@davidstiglitz4341]

Many congrats'. Great job and looks fabulous.

[@mmariorr9949]

Super job mate 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@peterferguson7679]

Well done top effort what a great bike front brake caliper pus the pistons back in fully give a good clean run some thin lube into the seals you can get bar raises from Jasws motorcycles thank you

[@The5118]

Great work mate, totally worth the effort...

[@hedning003]

lets se if i recall correctly here-- the stock exhaust was 13 kilos per muffler and just over 4 kilo in headers and cat,so about 30 kilos in total - i bought a 4-1 yoshimura stainless system for my bird,and the weight of the entire system whit muffler was 11.5 kilos ,18,5 kilos in dead weight removed,and as most know-mass in motion requires power ,oh about the difficulty of restoring it - they are very basic and easy to work on..if you know that a squared block dosnt fir in a round hole,you can do a restauration like this-even the engine itself is very straight forward..have you ever stripped down any motorbike-engine,you will be quite at home in this one aswell

[@YorkshirePork]

Looks great mate well done 👍🏻 when I was a kid this was the bike to have

[@sinorman231]

you must be chuffed,, it does look like a bit of a handful , if your not paying attention the way it goes you could soon run out of road,, or rake up points on your licence probably a good job your doing give away, but well done it has turned out very nice and saved decent bike from the breakers,,

[@johnhart868]

Great build you must be quite close to me I am in Hitchen tell me if you go down the silver ball so I can have a nose great video.

[@NWSTRX850]

I have to say I’m really impressed. Well done! Enjoying your channel. Still not sure about those wavy discs though 😁

[@thomaspeacock8990]

Good work mate enjoyed the sound on the fly by. Do I remember you saying something about a dyno run in a previous video?

[@BikesofRye]

Yes I am considering taking it to the dyno

[@user-yl4nf9fp4p]

这是一场奇妙的旅行，我也是1100xx 的粉丝，感谢你喜欢它，！！！

[@djbennyc3382]

Been waiting for this 👌

[@MuscleBandit]

Like yourself I have zero mechanical knowledge, in practice at least, so I'd never take that on. Fair play, it looks great, a nice blank canvas ready for a few subtle tasteful decals to make the blackbird pop in black. Pls do some more vids riding it before it goes to it's next home. Cheers, MB.

[@lowriderrjw]

Congratulations! Well done!

[@Fret-knot]

Nice! If it puts a smile on your face, the jobs a goodun'!

[@TriumphLover]

I wanna "win" the Blackbird and the Campisi Lambo Panigale wohooo! 😂😂 Excellent job my friend! It being lowered, you know how that works with MotoGP and their starts. No wheelies off the line. Congrats on a job well done!

[@BikesofRye]

Think I need a bit of practice with launching this beast though as you can tell 🤣

[@GARdotETH]

Love it! Looks super-stealth.

[@clinthighton5969]

Well done rye spot on mate 😉 you will never forget the first bike that you built your self.. love it looks mean 😪 would love it in my collection of bikes 😉.. happy Dazs keep the spanner’s turning bro 😜

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks 👍

[@messenger8279]

Success well done

[@garyhutson6361]

Looks mint buddy, I'd put gloss black honda sticker and blackbird 👍🏼 well done you.

[@RaymondMills-fe6pl]

I have 1100 black bird 1997 and I'm in love again this is number 2 don't want nothing else

[@adamlannerd1408]

I did the same thing with my 1980 Yamaha XS1100.

[@MrSimonfoz]

Looks brilliant well done .

[@jayhancock2473]

When are the SR71 stickers arriving.😊

[@TheJmebe]

Great bike. Great result. Why didn't you record more of the rebuild - would have been great to watch it!

[@Gazza653]

Superb job! She looks stunning and you sound as proud as punch of what You've achieved. And, so you bloody well should be! As a serial 'Tinkerer' I'm loving this change in content mate. So, thanks 😁👌👌

[@BikesofRye]

Thank you so much!

[@rudebwoy8]

Congrats Rye, sweet effort son!

[@Donkeys_Adventure]

8:15 Am I seeing things or are those exhausts on the wonk?

[@MrAdambinnie]

Nice job dude.