Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

Best Honda Ever – Bought my 2005 model in Feb 2006 brand new. Use it almost every day for work and pleasure. Never had a problem with it mechanically just the usual maintenance issues, brake pads, tyres, chains, sprockets, etc. Now done over 217,000 Kms, still rides like new. Woudn't trade up for anything else. Maybe a newer model Blackbird.  Show details

Love the Birds – I'm on my 4th Blackbird, and love them all to bits. From 02 models through to 05 and in between, they are just awesome. I have been riding in excess of 30 years and many years ago circumnaviated Oz on an old shaft drive Suzuki, have had numerous others in between, however the Birds are keepers for me. Look pretty cool also in the Blue :) From… Read more

2 up touring ( came across from Perth to Bris 2 years previous loaded with wife and luggage and she never missed a beat, to zooming up the Sunshine Coast and beyond for the weekend - its a powerfull ally. Bulletproof engine and even though they are not latest technology they can still match it with other hyper plus ltr bikes.

Every one I had I fitted a manual cooling fan over-ride switch to cut the fan in as soon as you enter the speed restriction zones. Its a cheap mod and engine insurance in my opinion. Once you balance the suspension to suit your weights is set and forget - fitted a fork brace to one of them, however advantage was nil even 2 upwith luggage onboard.

From easy cruising around town to sub sonic speeds outside of the city limits they are smooth, fast and sure footed. Every owner i know who has one is pretty much same opinion . Do yourslef a favour :)

Excellent fun bike – I purchased my 2006 bird a few years ago on the recommendation from 2 workmates because my previous 09 CB400 didn't quite cut it on the highway and I must say what a brilliant machine the bird is, beautifully balanced, awesome acceleration, fantastic brakes, comfortable to ride and sounds great with the staintune pipes I added. It starts first… Read more

time, every time and I have no intentions whatsoever to upgrade to a newer bike, Honda has smashed it out of the ballpark here but it will eat your license in second gear if not careful.

One of the best bikes ever to grace the road – I've been riding for a little over 10 years, and I'm on my second Blackbird. My first was a 2005 model that I bought with 30,000KM's on the clock from Sydney City Motorcycles in Lane Cove. I loved it, and it remains my absolute favorite bike ever. The Blackbird looks amazing. The motor is incredibly smooth (smoother than any other bike I have… Read more

ridden), and it has bucket loads of power. Acceleration and top speed is nothing short of exhilarating, and its sweet spot is high speed sweeping turns; speeds in excess of 200KM/h in a sweeper whilst rolling on the throttle hard is no sweat for this bike. Its length and weight keep it right on line, making it incredibly stable at speed, and the smooth action of the throttle allow you to get on the power at lean without breaking traction.

Tight twisty roads aren't forgotten either. You are always aware that it is a big heavy bike, but it is definitely on the sporting end of the spectrum. Think of it is a big comfy Fireblade. It doesn't have the agility, brakes, or ground clearance of a Fireblade, but you can still throw it through corners. The Blackbird is a very well behaved and well sorted machine.

I also used the bike for everything. I commuted, toured, scratched, and did track days. I even did all those things with a pillion (except for track days), and although acceleration, braking, and overall agility was a little slower with a pillion, it was still an awesome ride. I would normally have my Mrs with me even on twisty rides with my mates, and I was always either at the front of the group, or near the front.

The bike is also a great lane splitter. Its not narrow like a proper sports bike, but its width rarely stops me from splitting or filtering. Its well behaved at low speeds, and the worst thing is that I have to fold the mirrors in so that I can fit through some gaps.

Mechanically, the bike is fantastic. I never had a problem with that bike, except for the rear wheel bearing. Other than that, just regular servicing kept it good.

There are some negatives with the bike, though:

1. It does put out a fair bit of heat, especially when you're at slow speed like a city commute. As long as you're moving, it won't overheat.

2. On a long touring ride, the riding position can become tiring. The riding position is pretty sporty, with high pegs and long reach to the bars.The seat can also become pretty firm after a very long ride.

3. The suspension isn't too bad, but it does need work, with the biggest problem being that the front easily bottoms out over big bumps, and the rear can compress too much with a pillion. I brought the bike to my local suspension tuner, told them that I ride solo and with a pillion, that I commute, scratch, and tour, and that I want it to work well for high speed riding with a pillion. They revalved the front and rear, and changed the fork springs. It came out perfect, and transformed the handling. That is the only modification I made to the bike.

I've read lot's negative reviews about the DCBS (linked braking system) on the Blackbird, and to be honest, I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Some owners have gone to the point of fitting a delinking kit to turn the brakes into a conventional independent setup, and I've also read reviews from people who claim that they would never buy or a even test ride a Blackbird because of the DCBS. Seriously? I've got close to 100,000KM's experience on Blackbirds; everything from fast road rides, commuting, track days, and touring. I live in the country and commute 90KM's to the city over bumpy and very twisty back country roads, as well as good quality urban roads and freeways. I do this riding in all conditions, from dry and hot to absolutely pouring rain and heavy wind. I've had car drivers pull out on me, try merging into me, and even the odd driver try to run me off the road because they don't like it when I filter past them in traffic. I have yet to see the Blackbird put a foot wrong under challenging braking conditions.

I also use the rear brake a lot. I use it mid corner, as well as for stability at slow speeds. To be perfectly honest, the DCBS works a treat. I still use the standard technique of balancing front and rear brakes, but I think the DCBS is awesome. Don't believe the hype. Besides, try getting away from linked brakes now; so many new bikes have them as standard.

Unfortunately, I got t-boned by a large truck that turned directly in my path while I was commuting to my office. I almost slowed the bike down to a stop, but ran out of room and collided with the trailer. The impact knocked me out (I woke up in hospital with absolutely no memory of what happened; I only know what happened from reading the Police report), and the bike was written off by the insurance company.

I've had several other bikes in between, including a 2007 Yamaha R6, a 2004 Suzuki GSX-1400, and a 2003 Suzuki GSX-R1000 track bike. When it was time for another sports tourer, I went down to BikeBiz in Parramatta to test ride an immaculate Ducati ST3. While I was there, I saw a beautiful Honda Blackbird in the customer parking lot. After I took the Ducati for a test ride, I asked the sales rep if he had any used Blackbirds, and he pointed at the one in the parking lot. A customer had just traded it in on a new GSX-R1000. I immediately asked for a test ride, and he said that he had to check because it had just been dropped off by the customer before I had arrived, and it hadn't been through their workshop yet. Permission was granted, and he threw me the keys.

I climbed aboard, and the bike was immediately so familiar. The Ducati I just test rode was good, but the Blackbird was something else entirely. Super smooth, super powerful, and incredibly confidence inspiring. This particular bike is a 2004 model with 50,000KM's on the clock, and other than a Yoshi slip-on, after market grips, and a Ventura rack, it was completely stock.

I bought it. I named her Mary-Jane.

This bike is now at 87,000KM's, and it is still going strong. It did have a problem with the regulator rectifier, which I had to get replaced. Other than that, its been good since I bought it.

I will get the suspension redone on this bike like my first Blackbird, and I am also considering some higher bars.

This bike is just too good. I routinely test ride other bikes, and have ridden bikes like the Triumph Explorer 1200, Triumph Trophy, BMW K1300S, BMW S1000RR, Ducati Monster 1100S, and even a big Suzuki Boulevard M109R. I'm sure there's others that I don't remember as well. All of these bikes are awesome, and some of them are bikes that I would love to buy. However, I can only have one bike, and they are simply not good enough to make me give up my 'Bird.

She's here to stay.

2nd Blackbird,the perfect bike – Wrote my first 2006 Blackbird in black off. Bought the second 2006 bird in black again two years later, this one with genuine Honda panniers. No other new bike interest's me, but would love Honda to make a 1400cc bird. These bikes are a pleasure to ride. Also fitted a taller screen and a throttle lock, the rest is original.

An engineering classic – I have a '97 Blackbird and can't praise it enough. My previous bike was a brand new fuel injected Bandit 1250 and although the BB was over a decade older, it's a much better bike. The BB has an astounding range. Around town it operates calmly responding well at low revs and is a pleasant commute. Out on the highway, however, it soars, with awesome… Read more

top end power and speed with as smooth a ride as you could hope for. A true sports tourer that looks classy with a design and build that has few to match it for performance and reliability. If you find one even with 90,000 kms on board, don't hesitate, just buy it because they don't make them anymore. The BB is one of the best production motorcycles ever conceived for the public just ask anyone who rides one.

My first superbike what a thrill! – Bought new in 2004 when on special for 15990 and never happier for the purchase.The last of the all blue blackbirds before Honda tried the two tone paint scheme.Now nudging 90000 km without a single issue .Would suggest the use of Pirelli angel dual compound tyres which are a harder compound and wear more evenly.Have contemplated selling/changing… Read more

brands but the return to the bike after the demo ride proves how good the Blackbird really is.As sedate or as fast as you want but always comfortable and with excellent road manners.

The new agressive price reduction of the VFR1200F has me interested though.

Wow – I picked up a 99 1100xx with 100k miles. FLAWLESS and insane. I've since put another 15k on it. By far the most amazing bike I've touched. Rides like new. Smmoootthh, powerful, and addictive. Only only only only negative is the motor gets hot in traffic. These bikes want to stay moving

I love my Blackbird – Best bike I have owned, a 2006 Blackbird in black. I wrote my first one off then bought another. It is comfortable with risers. My wife loves going on the back. I commute every day and I still love riding it on weekends. Summer and winter. Some say it is heavy but I've never noticed that. I also like the linked brakes but be aware brake pad… Read more

changes are expensive because they have to bleed the whole system. For a great touring machine nothing else compares. very fast, reliable, beautiful, smooth can get hot when idling a lot in summer (but the fan kicks in to cool it down)

Speed, Comfort, Looks - and did I mention Speed? – Awesome bike in every way. Comfortable, very quick and not too bad to look at either. Have owned mine for about 6 years now and still love it! Not made new any more but if you can get a good/honest second hand one then go for it. For a looks 'upgrade' try changing the front indicators to clear lens units and the rear tail light to an LED one. Acceleration, comfort, speed. Non-adjustable front suspension.

The Crow, what a great surprise – I bought an 01 Redbird to replace a Daytona 955 as medical issues dictated a bit more room. 1000k plus days, mucking around with mates on sportbikes it did it all. Reasonably comfortable for a big bloke. When I wrote it off ( my fault) I didn't hesitate to buy another one. Smooth, fast comfortable, easy to live with, reliable. Placement of some… Read more

things is a bit fiddly for the home mechanic. Can find yourself at "go directly to jail" ph if you don't keep and eye on it!

freakin fantastic bike – Best sports tourer of all time, reliable, and goes as hard as you want, or can cruise effortlessly too, very smooth power delivery, great fuel economy, heaps of after market bits on the net if you want to customise, plus really good support forum in cbrxx.com, cant' praise it enough... love my XX it's just a great bike!! you'll know what I mean when you get one...

Best bike I've owned – I bought a 2000 model Blackbird 3 years ago from its original owner - he was very reluctant to sell it but was forced to do so due to arthritis and the insistence of his wife! I had wanted one of these bikes since they came out and I have not been disappointed, it is a fantastic machine. The engine is tremendous, the suspension is a perfect… Read more

balance of sportiness and cruising comfort, the riding position is relaxed enough for my tall frame to ride it all day, but sporty enough to be able to shuffle through the windy stuff without a problem,

it can commute around town with no issues, or cover long distances in a very short time (police permitting...). I've owned other bikes of similar size (GSXR-1100, FJR-1200, ZX-11) but they don't even come near this in terms of refinement, build quality, and sheer excitement. And despite its age, don't be fooled - these bikes demand respect and go like the absolute clappers.

I've lost track of how many times fellow riders have commented on my bike, reminiscing about their former Blackbird and how they never should have sold it, or just asking if it is as good as everyone says. I can honestly say it is the best bike I have ever owned (and I've owned quite a few), and I hope I never have to sell this one, I would be just as sad to see it go as the poor bloke I bought it from! Performance, comfort, reliability, build quality, price. It can overheat when idling for a long time or crawling in heavy traffic

A Perfect Partnership – Blackbird, oh beautiful blackbird, where to start, this bike looks the business and certainly is, if you' ve got the experience and the bike can trust you, you can trust this bike to the max, its a big, heavy, very powerful bike that will see you breaking the national speed limit in 1st gear in about 4 seconds. The weight of the bike is really… Read more

only noticeable at 25 mph and below and through some quick direction changes, apart from that once you get dialed in, this bike inspires confidence and always holds true. Fantastic, one of the best allrounders ever made. Its a Honda, best Japanese build quality, a lot of bike for your buck, silky smooth power delivery, everything.

Good – This is a sports bike. No ifs or butts. Not like a CBR or R1, but like the louge at the winter Olympics. Once you start you can't stop. To ride a CBR1100XX is an intense experience; brutal yet refined. If you want to ride around town and pose, this bike is not for you. If you want to churn out the kilometres at an unprecedented rate with… Read more

reliability and maintain the look whilst chortling around town. This is the bike for you. I absolutely love my Blackbird. It's fast, it's brutal. But it's also swooshy, easy to get along with and pinpoint accurate on the highway at speed +++. I ride mine to and from work everyday. It's abit cumbersome <10km/h but so forgiving at speed. It's quiet, smooth, ultra reliable and travels over 300km to a tank (more on the highway). The riding position is sporty and requires muscle tone to ride for hours. Great online owners forum in Australia. You'll add ten point to your sexometer instantly. It's really hot around my calfs/feet. Muscle tone neded to ride for hours straight, months of riding or gym workout required. Licence shredded and bike crushed in second gear. Go to gaol, go directly to gaol, in third gear. But there's still three gears to go. Won't keep up with Hyabusa. Pillion will either pound your kidneys into submission or love you forever. Radar detector required to keep you licence.

I love my Blackbird – Great long distance bike, it handles really well. The gear change is light and positive and you don't need the clutch if you're in too deep, lol.Sometimes its hard to turn back towards home once you're out there! I reckon the fuel economy is pretty good unless you get a bit psycho, but who can resist the feeling once you synch with the bike. Its definately not for the inexperienced or faint hearted!!!! Reliable

Excellent – I bought the Blackbird for touring. I chose the Honda after spending time on a Hayabusa and a ZX-12. I found the Blackbird more comfortable, and was influenced by my previous positive experience with Hondas (5) and by the unbelievable value for money offered by the Blackbird. Comfort is complemented by v.good weather protection from the fairing.… Read more

For touring, loading up to recommended max load seems to make no difference to handling, acceleration or braking. The BB has amazing fuel economy for its capacity (~300km per tank). I've covered 37,000km over the past 2 years and this bike has not missed a beat. Unsurpassed build quality. Stunning performance. Confidence-inspiring handling for such a big bike. AND that engine!-more like a gas turbine than a piston engine! Dealer service charges and quality - find yourself (as I have) an experienced, reliable non-Honda m/c mechanic and you'll be blessed.

Excellent – This '06 Blackbird is my first Road bike,I have been riding Dirt bikes for about 30 years. A wonderful world to be experienced on two wheels,the more I ride it the more I want to ride it! Will be heading to Phillip Island with about 8 mates on Friday the 15th of October,can't wait. Comfortable,fast,looks great. A well proportioned all… Read more

rounder,Honda reliability 2nd to none. A little heavy at low speeds but saying that once bike is moving it is quite nimble for it's size.

Excellent – Buy one ,,, you'd be mad not to! There is nothing else that does so much, these are the best value bikes on the market. Over the years I've owned many different motorcycles including BMW's & Ducati's however I always seem to come back to owning a Blackbird. I'm just about to buy my 4th Bird as I cannot seem to find any other bike that does… Read more

everything so well, for anywhere near the same money. 2-up touring, luggage, weekend warrior, this bike is forgiving and inspires confidence in any rider, in any road condition. In summary she's comfortable, fast and stable, I've done many long journeys on them and always felt like I didn't want to get off at the end of the ride, no matter how long in the saddle. It's a minor point overall but the plain looks do bother me if I'm honest, this is the main reason why I end up buying exotic marques, for the attention and street cred. Overall though as I've said above, the positives well out-weigh this minor set-back and this bikes built for riding not for looking at outside a coffee shop ! Wolf in sheeps clothing is not a bad thing anyway if you prefer stealth rather than attracting heat.

Excellent – Best value for money bike on the market.The build quality is just A1 and the comfort factor is high.It seems to have it all. Supurb performance and great looks with touring ability unsurpassed.The engine is just a knock out. The seat needs a bigger bum stop bump