What do you know about a CBR Blackbird?

I may have a chance to swap my Interceptor and $$ for a Blackbird. I've research a little about the bike and know it's got more than enough power for my needs. It's supposed to handle good and have a great ride. I've always wanted a long distance Sport Touring bike to hit the west coast area with.

I've read it's very smooth riding, reliable (bullet proof), and handles very good. But I've never heard from the guys that ever owned one and am looking for their input on how the bike really is. Like wind protection, stability loaded down (kind of) at high speeds, heat of/from engine in hot weather, handling in the rain and cross winds etc.

So can anybody offer any info? TIA

 

Try a search here. <eta: that's a link- I don't know why it doesn't look look one.

 

There was as a thread recently about this very subjec5t...

 

Whoa !! Them BBs feel like they weigh about 800 pounds !!! Probably not the best bike for an old-timer.

I just can't think of your beloved VFs put out to pasture.

 

Thanks guys for the links they really helped.

Hey Squirrelman don't you fret nun, the BB weights the same as my Interceptor with twice the go juice. I think I can wheel that tank around. Besides it's time I settled down with an old mans bike.

Well I talked to the owner of the BB tonight. Here's what it is: 2001 FI, Carbon fiber mufflers, Givi side cases and top case w/lights, 28k, and it's the darker Red that Honda uses.This is the bike:



Plus other goodies and stock parts. I think I'm like-n-it.

 

My vote says "GET IT". I have always loved the looks of the Blackbird's and as far as it goes in Canada, they seem to be quite rare and highly sought after. Very Nice looking bike Grey

 

Very nice :thumbsup:
If the price is right go GET IT

 

I've wanted a BB for years. After I collect a VFR for each day of the week, I'm going to start collecting BlackBirds~

 

A VFR would be a much better all around bike. The Blackbird has lots of power and is much better for 2 up riding but it isn't very comfortable in its stock form. It will feel heavier and less maneuverable than a VFR and it will also have a longer reach distance to the handlebars. They are still great bikes but if you are looking for long distance comfort the Blackbird isn't the best choice.


Rollin

 

Rode a couple of them bad boys. Shoulda bought one. Fit and finish by Honda.. Power everywhere and mucho smooth. Not much choice of color though Thought I'd toss that in the hat before somebody else did..

 

A friend and fellow VFR member bought one a couple years ago. It certainly has the power. I rode it for a bit this past summer. But I don't think I could have made the long trips I did on that beast. HIs even had handlebar extensions on it. Don't remember what he paid for it but I do know he is very pleased with it.

 

I just rode one 4600km from Perth to Canberra.
The good points:
Perfect bike. Better than 50 imperial mpg for the trip average. 350+km from a tank.
Comfortable, smooth, well mannered, and cornered to almost knee down in the hairpins of the Grampian mountains.
The downside:
Known to have problems with the transwarp drive switch, sometimes it will engage when it shouldn't and not disengage when it should.

 

Love the BB, they look good and go woosh. :biggrin:

Can see why you'd be tempted. When I went from the VTec in '05 to the Gen 5 I really really wanted the Blackbird as Honda were offering great deals at the time and I've always loved their looks, reason I went with the VFR again was despite back to back test rides couldn't overcome then feeling I just felt and fit the VFR better. The reach to the BBs bars is both a lttle longer and lower and the legs a little more cramped, the VFR's V4 music always makes me smile even when riding in a slow city commute and as thx1138 mentioned thought the BBs turbine smooth Transwarp drive was just too accessable on the open road.

 

I know there's a significant price difference, but a VFR1200 would pretty much be the best of both worlds. Pretty sure that engine smokes the BB in both peak HP and torque, and from what everyone says I imagine it's more comfortable and has solid handling for an s/t.

 

I agree that a VFR might be a little better handling wise but doesn't have the liter style power that I want. Being an old man now I don't push it that far any more kind of. The VFR1200 doesn't have the range with it's small fuel tank that I want. Plus the BB is a lot better looking. I've heard a few mentions about leg room. That may be something I'll have to deal with. There are higher bars on it from stock so that should work for me. I dropped my bars a 1/2" because of the fairing I put on the Interceptor and it actually felt better for me this year, I was surprised.

I hope this guy and I can work a deal. This is the type of bike I've wanted for a long time. One liter class power, hard bags, wind protection, handling, range, looks and the kitchen sink, a GT sport machine. Think "Aston Martin Vantage". I also wanted a Honda and they really didn't make one. I never really looked in to a BB before because it was't a V4. After reading about them then this deal pops up, I'm really stoked. I want to go across country and want some comfort I think this bike would do that with some fun and excitement at the same time.

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to break it to the wifey.?