Honda Super BlackbirdXX (CBR1100) Opinions?

[bpreynolds]

Yes, my Triumph Thunderbird Sport project is still in pieces in the garage, a carry over Winter project that became a Spring project, that is becoming a Summer project.  Yes, I am probably now accumulating more bikes than I can actually use/drive.  Yes, my wife has bare fists she would likely beat me with if I brought yet another one home before I get the Sport finished.  Even still, I have wanted and do actually kinda "need" - if I'm trying to substantiate it - a sport touring solo mount capable of some big days.  I'm going to Texas in a couple weeks and I've been in communication a bit with this fellow on this one.  Looks outstanding and will likely go at a very nice price relatively speaking to what folks are asking for these now.  I believe this is the last year of carbs.  Jon (blackbuell) has shared a good bit of valuable info on them with me, but anyone else have more opinions?  Good?  Bad?  I strangely like this large, plastic contraption. 
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=281681737986

[LowRyter]

great motorcycle.  sport tourer.  rocket ship.  still has carburetors.

[blackbuell]

Brian,

Mine was a 2004, which, I believe, was the last model year sold in the USA. It was fuel injected, but otherwise was the same bike as this one, minus the aftermarket windscreen. IMO, the airflow is great with the stock screen.

Jon

[Bill Havins]

Abilene may be a bit off of your route, but you're welcome to bunk in here a day or two as you are going/coming.

It would appear that this is a San Antonio bike.   Hmmmm....  I'm not sure how well it will perform in Kentucky.  When we lived in West Virginia (Morgantown and Parkersburg) we couldn't find Tex-Mex anywhere (that we would eat, that is).  This scooter will expect "the best Tex-Mex" at least twice a week.  Could be a big problem, if you know what I mean.  ;D

Good luck!

Bill

[oldbike54]

 What is your intended route Bipper ?

  Dusty

[bpreynolds]

What is your intended route Bipper ?

  Dusty

Well, glad you asked.  I usually like to snake around local traffic and shoot the traffic gaps; usually takes me about 15 minutes tops to get there.  The airport.  But.  My travelling companion this time around is all too quick to give me redirective advice, be it of the life or driving kind, so I suspect we'll be in route a bit longer.  Mom likes to leave super early anyhow so I don't suspect this will be an issue.   ;D

[canuguzzi]

One of the best bikes you'll ever ride. It can out tour almost anything.

[bpreynolds]

 :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

 So he is Mom riding pillion back to Kentucky ? ;D

  Dusty

Don't put it past her.   ;)
People tell me all the time, "Yr mom is the toughest old lady I know."  I concur.  Now 75, still works 40 plus hours a week at a call center doing third party Medicaid filing support, drives over 30 miles to the place and 30 miles to get back home.  Everyday.  Several years back I gave her a brief ride on my then GT1000.  Only part she didn't like was having to climb on and off it.  

[bpreynolds]

Stupid question.  So is the engine on this bike the same as the one in the ST1100 but modified for performance?

[LowRyter]

Stupid question.  So is the engine on this bike the same as the one in the ST1100 but modified for performance?

no, it's an inline 4 cycl chain drive, not a V4 shaft drive like the ST.

IIRC the Blackbird was the first bike with a counterbalancer which added smoothness allowed Honda to really open up the power and keep the weight down but still keep a refined bike.

[Kentktk]

Stupid question.  So is the engine on this bike the same as the one in the ST1100 but modified for performance?

Once again Google is your friend ;D
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/12/20/honda-cbr1100xx-super-blackbird-sportbike-best-used-motorcycles/

[Turin]

What's not to like about a big comfy liter+ in line four 16 valve liquid cooled cruise missile ? I had a hayabusa and it was a little scary, these slightly older hyperbikes hit the sweet spot for me. Do it!

[Nic in Western NYS]

It's all such a matter of personal taste.  But I have not enjoyed the higher frequency vibrations from in-line 4s nearly as much as the boom boom from a v twin.  Very different feel.

[bpreynolds]

It's all such a matter of personal taste.  But I have not enjoyed the higher frequency vibrations from in-line 4s nearly as much as the boom boom from a v twin.  Very different feel.

I too have not enjoyed the buzziness of some 4's I've driven, especially Beemers I've tried (K1200/1300), and I used to be a sworn twin only dude until I got my Striple.  Its triple's smoothness combined with lack of the typical "buzz" like a 4 really made me appreciate what an extra cylinder or two can do on the big roads.  I've been talking about getting a solo sport tourer for the longest time and given my love of the triple, I've also considered newer or older Sprints too.  I love, love, love my Stone but on the big highway in speeds of 85 or more (what I typically travel on 4-6 lane roads) over a long distance gets to be a bit wearing on me.  The 8V engine on my previously owned '11 Stelvio was much more pleasant than my Stone at those speeds but frankly, with my triple I've come to appreciate the ability to very quickly get around and away from big road traffic.  Granted, you don't need a 160mph motorcycle to do those things, but having lots of roll on power in the moment sure does help.