I was looking for an affordable sport-tourer (emphasis on sport) for most of the past year but nothing really jumped out at me. Sure, there are lots of great choices but nothing quite in my personal sweet spot of sub-600lbs, great performance, comfortable 2-up accommodations and solid reliability. I hadn't thought about getting a Blackbird (I don't see many of them around) but after researching the Dos Equis, it seemed like almost everything I wanted. It lacks only ABS and an integrated luggage system from my wish list. I picked this 2002 CBX1100XX up on Friday, with 2400 miles. About as close to new as a nine year old bike can get. Still has that "new bike smell," if such a thing really exists. I've ridden mostly sportbikes for the past 25 years, but this thing is much more of a GT - big, comfortable, powerful and stoopid fast. Just what I was looking to. I can't wait to put some serious miles on her. She may be a big girl but, if my initial impression holds, she sure can dance. Anybody else want to share some Blackbird love?
Looks just like the one I owned. Great engine, turbine smooth and rock solid reliable. I put 27,000 miles on mine before I sold it. I just needed more legroom and a little shorter reach to the bars. Still a fan of the bike though.
One of the few bikes that I kick myself for selling! It's a good thing that I was not aware of that bike for sale, I'da been all over it
I wanted one so bad I could taste it, but the one I found in my price range has suffered from serious neglect and was ready for the scrap heap. Wouldn't have mattered much, because the riding position was just too aggressive for my aging knees and neck. I bought a VTEC VFR instead. Still, if I had money to burn, I would buy a Blackbird anyway, because there is just something about the XX that I can't get over.
The 'bird was on my list last year when I was in the market. Insurance quotes pretty much nixed that possibility . Ended up going with an FZ1 but these are still on the list for the future when I occupy some different bracket.
I'm completely in love with mine. When I found this 2003 model two years ago, it was as close to new as could be, with slightly less than 5,000 miles. Attached is a photo of the bike just prior to my purchase. I can't believe you found one with fewer miles! Congratulations. Enjoy your "new" bike.
Same here, just too short from the seat to the pegs for me. I had a 5th generation VFR before I bought the XX and then moved on to a K1200S BMW, which sits almost identical to the VFR. That was back in 06, now that I'm I have an FJR.
Not a Blackbird but an X11 ...not imported to USA , and rare elsewhere 90% Blackbird , without fairing , and has 5 speed box , one less balancer shaft . They took a little from the top end..but still FAST , and gave the mid range a broader torque curve. Have put on 30,000+ miles in past two years.. 100% reliable..no issues at all ... only routine maintenance , and TYRES !!! Love it Andrew
I have always loved the look of a Blackbird, it will be my next bike in the stable and soon as the wife gives me the go ahead.
Bought mine new in May 2001. Many bikes have come and gone in the last 10 years but the 'Bird stays. Still love it.
Very nice, and low miles, a score for you. And, the wine red ones... I was shopping for a similar type bike last spring. Something less hardcore than a sportbike, but still sporty enough to dance, and capable of gobbling the miles without trying hard. I would have picked up a Blackbird if a good one had showed up, in fact, I was keeping an eye out for one. But this low mileage 04 Hayabusa appeared, and I just couldn't help myself....
...out of seeing how this thread isn't getting much attention while some other threads on sport-touring motos are more active. If they only knew - motorcycle heaven is right here.
...who needs that, when you can have an SW-Motech and Givi combination? But, I admit, I would like ABS. However, I'm not "sweating" it.
What for you torment me with pic like that after I already told you my knees and neck can't handle 'Bird? :ddog
I don't have one, but sure do have an appreciation for them. I've always lusted after one for a sport-touring ride (at the ridicule of my sportbike friends). Beautiful bikes.
69000 miles. Just put another set of tires and another new chain. Runs and rides like a brand new bike. If it weren't for the scars from 9 years of use, it would look like a new bike as well. When ever I thing I need a newer model, I just go ride the Bird and that thought quickly leaves my mind.