Just a few updates, new computer, new bike, just babbling on about anything . . Filmed on a Go-pro Hero 4 silver @ 1080p 30 fps Edited on Wondershare Filmora
Hi.. Iv watched many vlogs on the birds but this one just seems to capture the smooth, rocket like response us owners only know about. Mines a first generation carb version and like yours it's in immaculate condition. Honda really shot themselves in the foot when they built the bird because even today there is nothing that comes close to it.. C
Hi Chris, many thanks for the comment, I just love the turbine smooth power plant in the bird, it is (as you know) so effortless! A real mile muncher with perfect fuelling!
Bought my blackbird Honda 1100 XX 07 the last of the models I was warned by the dealership to take it easy as they were the fastest sports tourers at the time OMFG it was exceptionally quick my only reason I traded it in was because I was mounting up bloody speeding tickets with it's digital speedometer I ended up getting the Yamaha FJR 06 gen 2 I still have the FJR it's now got 164800 KMs on the clock without any issues I'll be 65 in August so if my ageing body can still handle it's Weight I'll be keeping the FJR forever I just absolutely love the touring Sports tourers there all practically bulletproof and barely rev even at the speed limit there just ticking over at around 3 thousand RPMs doing 100 or 110 kms an hour 😅
Yes I am lucky I do have some nice roads right on my doorstep, every time I swing a leg over the Bird I think to myself about it's qualities, it will do everything with such ease, thank you for the comment.
Enjoyed this video a lot. No crap music and nice relaxed commentry. Looks like a nice locality too. As someone past the first flush of youth i often love how clean older ones are on Ebay. Suspect this will be different to a ZZR1100 i rode which was quite wide ( this looks sligtly narrower). Keep smiling now/ ride safe.
I've had quite a few ZZR1100's in the past, not a lot to choose between them, the Honda has a flatter power delivery and better brakes and handling, the Kawasaki has that addictive induction roar! I think the Honda is slightly lighter and narrower, I'll make a comeback video in the spring as I haven't rode for a while!!! Thanks for the comments, Merry Christmas 🎅
@@Hinckley_Biker - many thanks for the reply. Glad you feel the Blackbird is narrower as i used to find the ZZR 1100 a bit wide across the beam. As i am not as young as i used to be, would be torn between a lighter bike these days, but still think about ZZR1400, ZZR1100 or the Blackbird. Mind you, at the rate the Country is going this could be a while away yet. Have the best Christmas possible under the circumstances and ride safely.
I bought one new Jan 3, 2000 and unfortunately put it down in November of that year. I had a Two Bros carbon fiber single with header. I’ve owned several bikes before and after and there is no question that the XX is my favorite bike of all time. I’m small and it fit like a glove. And that motor is glorious. And the bike has such long legs. Good on ‘ya bro.
Yeah my fave too, this is my 2nd XX over a good few years, I love the modern bikes but I just can't bear to part with the Bird, a real mile muncher with impeccable manners, ride safe buddy and thanx for the comment 👍
Most of the bike's IV owned over the years Harley Davidson Honda Yamaha FJR all the gear's have made a clunk they've never been an issue with my bike's just make sure you warm them up when cold and because of the weight of these bikes always run the correct tyre pressures mine were way down on the FJR around 28 front and something similar on the rear because the bike handled terribly dangerous going in a straight line once I put air in both front and back it really felt like a brand new bike straight as an arrow steering around a corner or round about I was even steering the bike 1 handed around a corner piece of cake
Many thanks for the upload. The Bird sounds lovely BTW and is in great condition; typical Honda. I’ve just restored a 2001 X11. I’ve had two new ones before, the last one was in 2001; and I always regretted selling that particular bike. PS: You do sound like Frank Skinner 😉
Yeah TBH the more miles I put on her the more I enjoy the ride, the quality is excellent she still rides like new! Frank Skinner Lol, I'll change my channel from Blaby biker to Lightning Seed 😁 cheers for the comment 👍
£136 for an oil and filter change! Like you I have Michelin Road 4s on my mine too. Good tyres although waiting for them to wear out to fit the new Michelin Road 5s which are supposed to be even better. Love the sound of mine, silky smooth, effortless power. Mine's an 07 bike only done 11k and it is very fast. It's a pity Honda stopped making them as with a bit of modern electrickery they would be an even more awesome bike. Nicer looking than the Hayabusa that took the Blackbird's crown when it came out and has also just been discontinued I guess because it can't be made Euro 4 compliant without costing a fortune. Thanks for making and posting.
Wow 11k yours is hardly run in! Nice to have one with rice low miles, yeah I am so impressed with the Michelin pilot road 4s, I have heard that the 5s do wear out faster as they are a stickier compound? I am really loving the Bird such a do it all with no fuss bike, I actually think it is the best handling bike I have ridden and I have been riding 40 odd years! Thank for your comments Alex 👍
@@Hinckley_Biker Yep mine feels like new. They are big heavy bikes though compared to most modern bikes and definitely nakeds such as your Suzuki GSX 1000 which you sold or something like a BMW S1000R, but this is like comparing apples with oranges. The Blackbirds manners are still impeccable. It is so easy to be doing license losing speeds as it is with many bikes but more so with the BB. I think it has about 165bhp and a shed load of torque. It was the fastest production bike until the Hayabusa came on the scene. If you are interested head over to cbrxx.com where you can see a pic of mine. www.cbrxx.com/introductions/31306-hi-heres-my-bb.html#post423442
@@alexmorgan3435yeah I love the power and the way it is delivered, a really nice torque curve and what's extra nice compared to modern stuff is PERFECT fuelling, non of that horrible snatchy stuttering on small throttle inputs or coming of a closed throttle, thanks for the link I will have a look 👍
@@Hinckley_Biker It will pull smoothly and like a train from about 40mph in 6th right up to the red line. You can pretty much keep it in 3rd or 4th the whole time and not bother about 5th and 6th, ok on motorways you probably want to be in 5th/6th but it has so much torque. I think 1st gear is good for 81mph, not that I have ever tried. But compared to really recent bikes such as a new Suzuki GSXR 1000R or Panigale V4S bike it shows it's age but gracefully. I think Honda did a very good job with the balancer shafts to make the engine so tractable and smooth. I intend to keep mine but never say never. They can do huge mileages. Just keep up with the servicing and oil changes. Thanks for posting and replying so quickly. Btw you don't sound like a grandad to me. There's a fabulous YT video of a 72 year old guy going around the Nurburgring in 7:30 I think on his son's Panigale V4S.
@@alexmorgan3435 Totally agree on the gearing, the Bird is just so relaxed, an absolute mile muncher on long runs, the last few bikes I have owned were so buzzy on the motorway, the Bird is just so laid back and low revving, it makes the journeys so much less tiring!!
@@Hinckley_Biker thanks so much, I don't want to boast about my deal, but it was amazing, and I'm so thrilled to be the new pilot! Thank you! Ride safe!
Great video mate. I too have a red one. Currently SORN'D, but will be back on the road next week following a full overhaul after 18 months off the road. Can't wait!
Recommended: MRA Vario screen :-) +1 on the Michelins - been using them through the various incarnations since 2006, brilliant rubber Apparently, the equivalent Metzler recently released is at least as good (press reviews).. Might try that next time around, just for a change
Great vid. I also have an "old bird", probably the best bike I've ever had, bought as a winter commute but it's far better than that. For oil it's got to be Castrol Power 1 4T 10W/30. Tyres you have it right, get the road 5's next change even better.
@@Hinckley_Biker I changed out the 4's which were on it for 5's in late September ran the bike daily through winter until now approx 3K miles and they are not even half worn fantastic tyres. It's a pity they are shutting the plant that made them in Dundee. I wish Honda would bring out a modern day equivalent. They haven't yet, I hope they do.
To each his own ,I kinda fast forward on your video ( time crunch) sorry . I used to live in the UK in America now . I was on the East Coast in the UK . I had a 99/ 2000 model Bird ,Black bike, frame black ,carbon pipes with chrome tips , I did put a gear indicator on mine amongst other stuff. My friends liked Suzuki / Busa ,Gsxr 1000s K6 but in my opinion that Blackbird is a world apart from any Suzuki.Its fast enough to still keep with much.newer models , super smooth , better screwed together ect. I was ABSOLUTELY pissed when I had to sell it for nowhere near what it was worth but with emissions, headlight / lights I had to let it go. I have a HD Streetglide now and a Honda CTX 700 which I love. But if I could have kept the Bird I would have done. I.left everything standing on that bike , even the old.bill. When you got going it looked like the speedo needle was broken it moved so fast. A very seriously Underrated motorcycle . Not only the fastest Honda made but one of the best bikes even made. I did have a problem when it lost power once for all you Bird owners out there. Honda knew about it but never said . It was the fuel rail not supplying the correct amount of fuel to the injectors. Other then that super reliable super smooth super f en fast super Honda CBR 1100.XX❤️
I've had 2 05's and I've still got the 2nd one. My brother has an 07 and I've ridden with many others but I've never heard of this fuel rail issue you're telling the world about. Off the top of my head you need to be fussier with where you buy your fuel from. They are fussy and I will go somewhere else even at high volume fuel stops with tankers filling the underground tanks. I do get tired of people rubbishing the bike mechanically especially when my mechanic was regularly servicing one with 450,000ks on it.
@@tbonemc2118 I am NOT having a go at the bike🤔I loved my bike and it was top notch service wise. Just because YOU haven't heard of the problem doesn't mean it doesn't exist 😂 It MIGHT happen / hopefully for you and others it won't. Go ask Mr Honda when I took my bike to the DEALER and they had it sounding like a Moto GP garage reving it's tits off trying to clear it like it was blocked or something. I had to have a loner to get me 50 miles home ,not after I looked in the workshop and they had the tank off and more wires hooked up like it was having heart surgery FACT. When I went back to pick it up THEY told me it had a fuel metering problem where the fuel rail wasn't supplying the correct amount of fuel to the injectors. There WAS an issue but maybe I was the unlucky bastard that got it! I had carbon this and that , pipes rear seat cowl ECT ECT and when I had to sell it 😪 moving abroad it didn't last 3 days at the dealer I sold it to. Compared to loads of others that were still in the showroom.As my mate used to say this bird really was the tits.
I use my knees to grip my bird takes it of your wrists or get a tank bag and lean on that if your doing a long one Iim on my second bird toured Europe on my first one with full luggage and my girlfriend on back also have a z1000 was nice watching you ride nice bird have a fantastic time with your grandkids ride safe
Sorry Mark I have only just seen your comment, not sure how I missed it! Yeah I'm really loving the Bird, I did a tour of Devon in Oct she was superb, Seasons greetings to you, thanks for comment 👍
I've got a 2000 blackbird and I agree with the gearbox but must let you know the zzr1400 on a 2017 model is the same very c!in my , put it in 1at and it jumps forward lol but I must admit the blackbird is a lovely bike just stripped mind down to fully refurb it happy days
Greetings from South Australia. Really Mate I am pleased I came across your channel. What you did for your Grand Kids is outstanding, thumbs up to you Mate. Before I die I would love to own a GSX 1000 S I just love them. I ride a Honda Hornet 919 and love it but when I can afford it I will get a GSX 1000 S myself. The Blackbird is a great bike and the bike looks very good. Just gave you a sub.
Hello Mr TPR and greetings from the UK, many thanks for the kind comments, I think anyone would do the same for their kids/grand kids they grow up so fast it is too easy to miss out on things, have you had a test ride on a Suzuki GSX S1000? I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed, though the Hornet 919 is an awesome machine, I have just had a look at one of your video's, I could learn from you and keep mine shorter!! Thanks for the sub, Stay safe buddy.
Hey Mate thank you. I have not ridden a GSX S1000 yet as I am frightened that I will like it too much and that's dangerous when you don't have the money. Thank you for the sub Mate appreciate it.
Nice bike. May I ask how much you paid for it as I am hoping to buy one. I followed your tip and sent off my GSX750F details to Superbike Factory tonight. I loved the long video as it gave lots of info on the CBR. I have subscriber. Cheers!
Hi and thanks for the comment, I paid £3000 for the Blackbird from a dealer, if you put in the leg-work you will find there are plenty of decent ones around, don't be put off by high mileage as long as there is a decent service history 👍 PS. Thanks for the sub!
@@LINKchris87 deffo go for the injected model if you can, carb versions do have flat spots, don't let high miles put you off as long as service history is intact! I know of Birds with 100k plus and still sweet!
Something to watch with the pilot road 4's and probably all dual compound tyres is the centres take longer than you think to get any heat into them. A braking issue.
Nice video, love the sound of the bike, was a nice chilled out ride, but then you went full nanny on a biker in shorts - how about you just give them a nod and let them enjoy their ride how they want to enjoy it? You wouldn't ride without full gear, I wouldn't either, others don't want to be so cocooned, which entirely their prerogative. Then right after you call a van driver a tit-head for clearing the traffic calm when he would have been at the go/no-go when the car infront of you was turning right. Eurgh, just ride your own ride.
I had conventional 10-40 motorcycle oil in my zx11 and I had trouble with gear changes. I thought i was doing something wrong and had poor skills. I put semi synthetic in and gear changes are now superb. I used Lucas oil which is from California where I live. I will probably try a different brand of semi syntyhetic or even full synthetic again out of curiosity, but yeah so far the Lucas product has been great.
I had a new ZZR1100 (ZX11) 19 year's ago and I found with synthetic oil the gear change got really notchy after 3k miles, a switch to mineral made a huge difference but having said that we don't have the temperatures here in the UK like you do in sunny Cal! I also found the emissions seemed cleaner on mineral oil with less smell from exhaust fumes? Thanks for the comment buddy ride safe 👍
@@adriandarby9518 Yes I still have my Blackbird, I haven't ridden much in the past year as I have gone through a divorce and moved house so I have been very busy, then in Aug I smashed myself up in a quad bike accident on holiday 🙄 I'm still off work! Hope to be back next week and back on the Bird next spring for a comeback video! Cheers for the comment 👍
Best place for information on the Bird is CBR1100XX.com This site is full of blackbird riders and have been helping people for nearly 15yrs or so. ask any question and you will get help from a friendly bunch of blackbird lovers, Also check out Jaws.co.uk for endless Blackbird parts and Goodies, They sell everything from tyres, bar risers, shocks, oil cooling hoses, radiators, brake discs, indepentent brake system kits, chains and anything else you need for the blackbird :) they sell a rear shock peg that slides into the shock spring and it improve cornering :)
Hi stranger, so you sold it, I will be selling my gsx s1000 soon as I get all the paperwork sorted for the new arrival & things swapped over, but no exotic holidays for Me, lol. I suppose the Blackbird will have to do then :-) don't leave it so long till the next 1 & try not to make the video to long.
Lol yes I do rattle on a bit!! like you say I must try to make more videos and keep them shorter! I watched your latest video and was so jealous of that short shifting acceleration! Any hints on the new arrival? good to hear from you :O)
Yep I'll ride my own ride that's why I have opinions, I have seen bikers skinned to the bone because they didn't want to be "cocooned" I bet they didn't enjoy the weeks spent cocooned in bandages! As for tit-head van drivers, well I very nearly lost my life to one and spent two weeks in intensive care, so I think my comments are justified while I ride my own ride!!!! Thanks for your comment 👍
Hi people! I am planning to buy one 1997 model with 80000km owned by one owner. Haven’t test ride it yet but looks good. Just wonder is it worth it to buy with so many km on it and is there something I need to inspect before purchasing. Thanks to all in advance!
Pavel these engines are pretty bullet proof even with high miles and 80,000km isn't too high, service history is important but with one owner from new I would imagine it has been well looked after, good luck buddy 👍
@@Hinckley_Biker Yes they are available but I find tryres are a bit like oil, everyone has their own iseas. I love them, I have done the north coast 500 from Manchester in terrible weather, waterfalls coming over the road at glencoe and still felt secure.
I really do not understand the UK standards of road parameters (width, runoff specs, dimensions, right-of-way,etc). It seems as if UK planners are intentionally trying to make roadways as dangerous as possible, note at 2:50 , in the countryside, a curb ...would be a source to collect & pool water, would serve to deflect vehicle tires in a random direction...the locating of signposts far far too close (1 meter?), shrubbery overgrown, making for constant blind-turns. The powers that be really want to kill you, don't they?
When you say your first bike do you mean your first big bike? The Bird is a pretty heavy thing to muscle about although the weight pretty much disappears once moving, there is also a huge amount of power that could easily be too much for an inexperienced rider! I would go to a middle weight first and get some experience first, I hope this helps.
@@Hinckley_Biker Yeah, very first bike. I am going through a motorcycle training course though, which is mandatory before i get my license. The double X was recommended to me by a friend who owned one before he got too sick to ride. I really like the looks and the fact its a sport tourer. I havent decided yet, but im fully aware of the power and weight of the thing. Gotta respect it and take it slow at first, if i decide to go for it. I might get a smaller bike first though.
@Makedeth A blackbird for your first bike - don't even think of going there. Best off with a 400-650. Far too much power to learn your craft on this beast - the power just creeps up on you, and then you'll be in trouble. It's pretty heavy too. z400, cbr500, sv650 - something like that, plenty fast. In fact, come to think of it, I doubt anyone would insure you anyway, or it would cost as much as the bike ;-) (Blackbird owner).
I was enjoying this review until you decided to criticise a rider for his choice in apparel How dare you comment without stopping and telling him directly that's the worst kind of cowardice
I'm entitled to my opinions, especially after 48yrs of road riding experience, I've seen the results of 'wrong apparel'. Just my opinion, no need to get ya knickers in a twist!! 🙄
@Hinckley_Biker no your not entitled to criticise another person on a international forum unless that person has done something to you witch he clearly didn't your small minded bigotry is not welcome within the motorcycling community which is renowned for its acceptance of all riders , if after 48 years of riding you can't understand that perhaps you should just keep your opinions to your own little select groupe of supplicants
@@timmytackle9181 It seems to me you are the one being small minded if you think I can't have an opinion, as a biker that cares for other bikers I would rather see someone more appropriately dressed for riding on the road, as they say 'dress for the slide, not the ride'!
So just who are you? 'timmytackle' or 'superstraight' I guess you're not a biker nor do you have a RU-vid channel, go away and hide under rock from where you came. 🤬
No offense but I can’t watch the British bike reviews...you guys are too civilized. The Americans just rip it like madmen it’s much more entertaining to watch lol
