2003 VFR vs. 2003 CBR1100XX Blackbird? Hmmm...

Trying to decide between these two bikes. Of course there will be VFR loyalty here, but I was hoping for an intelligent comparo between these 2 machines. I like them both. I owned a 1998 VFR and loved it. The bike will be used for fast, long all-day trips, sometimes overnight, in which case it would be two-up riding. Thanks for your help.

 

I would think that the Blackbird would be more of a hard core sport bike which may tire you a bit on long rides. I put 2500km on a 4 day weekend on my 1990 VFR and when we got to Ohio we both said to each other - where do you want to go now? I think few bikes can do that.. and since you have had a VFR..

 

Hell I would take the black bird in a heart beat..........otstir:

 

The VFR is more suited to the all day trips and the two up riding than the Blackbird. It is more sport. Mods can be made to either one but the VFR will always provide a more comfortable trip for one or two while the Blackbird will always give you a bit more of a sporty ride.

Edit - Don't forget the factory side cases and top box options for the VFR which are a godsend when doing long distances and daily commuting. Aftermarket options exist for both I'm sure but the OEM VFR stuff is pretty nice.

 

Great question IMO. I rode a Blackbird once. IMO they are great. VFR's are great too IMO Both are better than Harleys IMO That is my opinions and I'm sticking to it.

 

I wonder if Rollingstones ever purchased a bike, this thread started in June 2006!

 

:hss: That is freaking old...........Thanks for point that out John
The OP probaadly bough a HD seen no one response to his post.

 

The Blackbird felt heavy and sluggish leaning to me compared to the VFR.......but my God the TORQUE they have!!

 

Yeah, but now we have to sort this out anyway.

IMO - Blackbird, hands down. Essentially the same technology with more motor.

Bird is as comfortable as VFR if you install a small riser or vfr bars. Bigger screen.

IMO, the bird turns as well as the VFR. It's a bit longer, so you feel like you have to haul it over a bit more, but it's plenty happy to dive in if you let it. It's not heavier. I think the bird is a few lbs lighter than a vfr.

The bird will stop as good as the vfr, weight is about the same.

Bigger tank and better fuel economy = longer range. My current vfr is at 5000rpm at 75mph. My friends bird is at 4000 at 72.

Bird is faster across the board.

In favor of the vfr, it's got the V magic, and it takes up a few less inches in the garage.

 

I don't think The Rollingstones are allowed on bikes.. Thankee Jesus!

 

I rode a 100,000 mile Black-Turd for a co-worker who wanted my expert opinion. I checked tyre pressure and took it out on a lunch time ride. Bike had wheel bearings and maybe part of a clutch installed, really didnt know much more pet-agree on it. I came back and told him it was faster than my viffer but it vibrated my right hand more than my vee-four did. I told him where I rode the bike and he didnt believe me until he noticed all his petrol was gone.

For a high-mileage unit, it was fairly tight, it did vibrate the right bar as I told him...anyWhoo,,,in the end, you buy what you want, sometimes you fall into good deals as well. Kinda like the first generation of those bikes as they were carbureted...thats just me though...Cheers and happy riding...

 

Was it hard to siphon off the dudes gas into your bike?

 

You make me smile, I would only do that to hapless custamers that would bring their steeds in with a full tank of petrol when the bike needed a full service where the tank had to be removed. I have a rigged up fuel pump with two alligator clips that would be attached to sed custamers battery which would help facilitate sucking (siphoning) duty.

A few gallons would always not find its way back though, kind of like a punishment maybe? I wasnt the "petrol enforcer" mind you, just frustrated :frusty: dont wana wax on about some shit-house psychology though. That was back when petrol wasnt $4+ per gallon too...Anyway ; )

 

I have ridden both bikes. My experience on the blackbird was that it was surprisingly nimble and did not feel heavy like I thought it would. I would describe it as a smooth rocketship. I would take it on a long trip any day. With the stock seat, the VFR is not prize to ride for very long.

 

Florida: An alligator clip joint..