Honda Blackbird CBR1100XX Full Long Term Owner Review and Ride Out 

I love the CBRXX. I have a 2002 with over 183K miles and running strong.

Honda blackbird must be THE BEST VALUE BIKE ON THE PLANET!

I have a 2003 fuel injection model. It's very difficult for 99% of even great riders to tap the capabilities of this well-calibrated machine. Power, handling and build are exceptional. Honda would do well to resurrect this model.

Just got my second blackbird yesterday my 1st was a 1997 carbie....such a great bike and I regretted selling it so I got myself another one haha snagged a 1999 fuel injected one this time around and I absolutely love it! Best bike I've ever owned

I love my Blackbird. The engine is awesome, it's like a turbine the way it pulls effortlessly.

I also love riding my 1998 Blackbird - almost 97,500kms - still going like a dream. Perfect size for me at 197cm (6'5") and no issues. Had bike around 12-years, since ±51k kms. Wonderful bike to ride.

Greetings from Bulgaria ! I also have a CBR 1100XX 2000! I have ridden many motorcycles, but this is the easiest and most pleasant motorcycle so far! I watch your videos with interest! I wish you all to be healthy and let the wind be always for you! Take care and be safe !

I bought a 2003 Blackbird and rode it until two years ago (2021). I put 90,000 miles on it, touring all over the east coast of the US. The friend I sold it to has brought it to 95,000 miles and it's still running strong. It's one of the few vehicles I've owned which I appreciated and loved more every year. Wonderfully fast, yet perfectly mannered at all speeds - a true Gentleman's Express.

Watched a few of your vids recently and just picked up a 96 model a few days ago! Loving it so far. Really great all round bike. Was very surprised how well it handles! I have subbed thanks for the vid!

Very good review! I own an 08' model (the last CBR1100XX-06 purchased in Western Australia). I added Givi panniers and top-box and rode it from Perth to Tasmania (and around the island for many weeks). It's not just one of the best bikes ever made, it's one the best products i've ever purchased. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it, in 12 years of ownership (I've ridden it from +45 deg C down to -7 deg C...rain or shine...perfect). I even shipped it to the UK where it now happily lives in Cornwall. I have owned other bikes along side it (including a low mileage ZX-12R), but the Honda simply cannot be matched...it's all-round ability, functionality, performance and engineering integrity really do represent the pinnacle of Honda design. I have met one owner that had 187,000 miles on the original engine...and another who claimed to have done 5,000 standing-quarter mile runs on one engine. Try one...they really are cut from a different cloth.

Good to see some sensible riding online for once, great roads around the fens with open clear visibility around the corners

Brilliant review. I've owned one for about 16 years. And can't imagine ever getting rid of it.

Probably the best review I've seen, thank you. Hopefully 2022 could be the year I get one.

I’m on my first Bird a 2004 stealth model which I picked up 2 years ago.I’ve had all of the sports flagships from Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki over the last 30 years and I have to say the Bird is head and shoulders above all of them.

One great presentation - a description of this extraordinary motorcycle, perhaps the most impressive production motorcycle from the late 90's to the late 2000's. I own a 2001 FI model and I would not replace it with a new motorcycle of today's production.

Really good review! Appreciate all the information you provided.

Thanks what a wonderful little talk through.

Getting a 2001 in just over 3 weeks. This review just makes it so much harder to wait. Great review

Great no mess review there. I loved both my previous Blackbirds. Absolutely awesome bikes. I now ride a late model FJR and in many some ways reminds of a Blackbird and VFR combined. Take care!

Thanks for the review - really enjoyable. Just bought a 1998 Blackbird after owning a new one 1998-2012. All the memories of effortless power came back and what sold me on buying another one was the responsiveness of twisting the grip. Soon as I did that I knew it was a sweet motor - with 35k on the clock! 'Numb bum' seats is an issue - as my 15yo daughter noted on her/our first ride out. And me too. I'll sort that. The bike's envelope is still beyond my skills - respect it and enjoy the power :-)

Awesome review of the BlackBird

My friend just found a 2003 with 19,000 miles. It's so nice. He's hooked he loves it. Great video hi from Huntsville Alabama the rocket city

Hi from New Zealand ...I've had two Hayabusas and have just purchased 2007 Blackbird cant wait to pick it up next week...cheers for the review 👍

Your video and understanding of this bike is great. Had a 2000 one and a 2002 one now just sold my Goldwing 1800 and purchsed 1100xx 2002 with corbin seat and paniers.

This is by far, the best down to earth bike review I've ever seen on YT. I'm also amazed that you took the time to respond to every single comment below and I highly respect you for your courteous response to a couple of jackass comments below. Thank you for your awesome evaluation, as I just inherited a 1997 Blackbird and was wondering if I should keep it or sell it. Based upon your review, I'm gonna keep it! (RememberTom from south Florida after you become famous. David Attenborough's got nothin' on you, lol ). Subscribed.

Have a 97 I basically built ground up, it’s my baby and absolutely amazing.

Well, me and my V Max have parted company and so the natural progression is a Blackbird. Great review, note taken reference rectifier and CCT and also the stock seat. Thank you...

Great review , I will be looking out for a cheeky test ride . Nice to see a very familiar route as well

I got a 06 CBR1100XX(fuel injected) about 5 months ago and I absolutely love it. My hero bike. They are something else power wise. You are never wanting for power. They sound amazing too. Mine has 90k km and it doesn’t feel like it.

this is still one of my favorites to watch.

love my 2000 blackbird. such a smooth ride!

Great appraisal of a legendary machine... I might buy one in time.. been riding an A2 for 4 years now, a 2004 BMW f650gs, and the Bird does have triple the power of that bike....but it comes on smooth, so, I think I could manage it.. just keep away from the higher end and let my ability gradually take over....having watched this video, definitely makes me want one.. I'm 45 now, so, no time like the present.

Hello, greatings from Poland. Great Review, great work on this Chanel. Bike is amazing, after Riding 4 Years i agree with all things you've mentioned. Best regards stay safe.

MotoSera, cheers for the brilliant video and pointers on tensioner etc..very helpful as buying my first Blackbird shortly :)

Great video, excited for my blackbird

Nice review, really enjoyed it, on one of my favorite bikes. Currently I have a first gen Hayabusa but I remembered the days I had a 5th Gen vfr 800 fi. My best regards from Greece, subscribed! 👍✌️🇬🇷

Great review, thanks for explaining how the linked brakes work !

just got a 2002 with 22k miles on it . well taken care of . havnt even gotten to ride it yet cause of my legs giving me problems. so i have had time to study up on the bike .enjoyed your video very much.. i was gonna buy a vfr 2007 model been looking at bikes for over 2 years. but at the last moment i found the black bird an said thats the one.

Good job bro . I really love you review and how you take your time . I love it . I hoping to be an owner of a blackbird soon . thanks

I really like how much You know about your blackbird. Plus the camera set up you have is amazing. I would love to ride in the UK someday even if it would be weird driving on the left side of the road. Stay safe and much love from the USA.

I’ve had 2 blackbirds 98 maroon candy 06 Black 🤓♥️ I owned a zx14 Ninja too😮 Always wanted a blackbird again however the Kawasaki is king of the road. Overall complete package the Honda wins . Respect the power ♥️🙏🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍👍

I bought a 97 blackbird 4 months ago. It was my literal first ever bike. Like my first ever bike I got onto and I did my first mile on that had an engine attached to it. I rode for about 2 miles in a parking lot than around 400 miles on back country roads than took my safety course, i was on a waiting list. Passed with flying colors and my instructor asked how long I been riding.....i told him and showed him my bike and he laughed at me and said I should of taken the advanced class. I started on my blackbird and respect the bike, maybe that’s why I do so well on it. Great video and keep it up. #blackbirdnation

Hello from the Essex / Suffolk border. I have a year 2000 red 'bird. I'm ashamed to say it's been tucked away in my garage for 18 months. However, I've got the itch back, and I'm happy to report that, following a new battery, it started first time. A bit of a brake clean, an oil change and some general tlc means I'll be back on the road next week. 😁

Excellent video with very useful content. I have a 2017 Blackbird being delivered this afternoon so will let you know my thoughts once I have had a chance to ride it.

Hi from Argentina. I really liked your review, felt like ASMR. I have a 400CC bike and am looking for something bigger. The Blackbird seems to be exactly what I am looking for. It's about USD 11-12K here for an FI 2000 model. Another option would be to pay 7K more and get a 2007 ZX10R but I prefer the touring comfort position of the BB. Congrats on the content, will be watching all your videos this week to know this bike better. Drive safe!

Watching from Melbourne Australia I’m looking at buying Honda blackbird great 👍 video thanks

Had a blackbird years ago. Sadly sold it. Picking up a clean 98 version in black on Monday though 👍🏻🙂💖 Cant wait.

Awesome Bikes these BBs.Great Review!!

Nice and interresting video. Thank you. I'm not the most expirienced driver, 3 years 125 cc, and i'm looking to buy a blackbird. I'm a calm driver with my brains still in my head so i think i go for my dreambike.

Great review, Blackbirds are boss, nothing compares to the Blackbird for the money, yes faster lighter bikes but for the money you won't get a better bike, im on my 3rd one, love them.

Always nice to meet another female blogger! Great review of the BB!

On my 2nd 05 Blackbird, previous one I had a hiside on black ice 😢 use the bike all year round for work, observing and trips back to uk to visit family

My Dad test rode one years ago. He had a VFR800 at the time. He liked it, but thought it was too sporty a riding position for him, but he wasn't the tallest bloke, although not short (about 5'7" I think). I'd like a ride on one one day, see what they're like. Sports bikes aren't really my thing, (there are a few exceptions) but I think the Blackbird is a nice compromise. Keep bringing the vids, you're doing a great job. :)

Got one a month ago, pretty awsome bike and I love it..Ride Safe

I started watching and pretty much guessed you were near me. Those massive flat horizons. Hello from The Wash area.

Put VFR bars on and bar risers, delinked the back brake from operating the front, just use the front brake that also brings on the back, lovely bike,

This was the first bike I saw a review on tv it was on top gear so long ago and they all said how easy it is to ride despite of the huge power

I can completely understand. I had 2 birds thru the yrs also the first when i was just 16. (But ok 2x national dirt champ with honda on my teen yrs) smoothest bike ever. Sold it and got me another one like new condition on 27. Sold it the stupid i am .now at the age of 32 and with a kawa zx10r daily commute and a cbr for track i cant stop thinking about a third bird again. As we get older i believe blackbird makes more and more sense.. and i regret selling especially the last one . Awesome review .. Also mine with -1 ration a full arata and commander was spanking anything it was moving midrange

Nice video- my in-law lives in Newmarket and we have been to Ely a few times. The Blackbird looks slightly narrower across the frame compared with the ZZR100 which i felt was quite wide . If i was ever to buy a Blackbird i think i would have standard exhausts. Ride safely.

Always liked those bikes,blue bike and doyle sent me over.

Weigh is not a problem dude, mine is around 215kg with the rear mufflers changed and Lithium baterry. I have a track SACS, rear suspension YSS and front suspension revalvuled for track, michelin power rs and i can beat modern bikes... The most important is the driver, not the bike. Nice video!!

In possession of my third XX. This one is a 2001 US spec model. Formerly I owned a new 1999 and a 2003 . This 2001 is on it's way to being a full custom ( if I ever get it finished!). Full custom painted body, wheels and frame. PLENTY of show chromed parts, aftermarket shield, grips, chain, chain guard, tank pad, Corbin solo seat ("Smuggler") and more. Currently own a 2020 Kawasaki ZH2 supercharged naked. It's now up for sale. Can't wait to climb aboard an XX again!

Doyle sent me! Subscribed!

saving money to buy this bike :) looks awesome! been wanting it now for 2 years

Thing is the blackbird still looks fresh today as nice a bike as you’ll see on the road it’s a tall bike I’m 5ft 8 got a new seat lowered it’s a heavyweight too that’s true but it feels solid fast unlimited power stops on a dime link brakes and great it just settles down under braking when you look in your car mirror at a bike coming up it’s hard to tell what it is but you always know a xx1100 once you’ve seen one not the best bike ever made but in the top ten ps I can be in 6 gear at 30 mph and accelerate and there’s not lag at all but going from 70 to 170 is so quick a second or two and she’s 14 years old

Nice video lady ,alike your riding style great job😁

Good review, I ride one.

Nice bike!

I have a 954 but XX won't leave my mind I went to see two....but they weren't the way I wanted And the 954 was also a dream and I ended up buying it at a good deal but i still have one of these

Enjoy. You certainly bought the right bike.

97 blackbird is my ride and it’s more enjoyable than my Ducati 1200 was..smoother and more comfortable...I think it’s awesome and it’s great to forgo all the computer razzmatazz.simple ,fast enough and Honda reliability and parts costs.hard to beat on any level .it is a hoot at 55 to 60 and can actually do 55 comfortably different than any other cbr for sure.25 years old and I wouldn’t trade it for a new super bike.

New Subscriber! Just found your channel!

Hi I just got a BLACKBIRD RR Repsol Rep Have you seen any others?,,,iv not yet but I love mine thanks for all the tips and tricks cheers

I got a cbr600f..as I don’t won’t a full on sports bike..I’ve been looking for a bigger bike but couldn’t find anything in honda’s range that’s a sports tourer..until I looked at the blackbird..so I’ve now mind my mind up..a blackbird it is..

Honda fan myself got 3 vfrs fancy a blackbird for my collection honda build quality is perfect my early vfrs are still a cracking bikes the 3rd is the new 800 model 2015 one buy any honda it will last a long time fancy a blackbird in deep red colour.

Hello, I love your videos, and more in regards to the Honda Blackbird, I am going to buy a unit from 2001 and I would like if you could give me some tips to look at on that motorcycle, thanks and greetings.

Awesome bike. I bought mine last year. 2006, 27.000km. Nothing compare to it these days. From the days when Honda developed bikes with endless money compromise.

I been wanting a blackbird most my life lol

The only drawback with the later injected blackbirds is they run extremely hot in warm weather. Stuck in Brighton on a 30ºC day with the fans blowing baking hot air at you in not pleasant at all.

The Blackbird seems like a cool bike with a lot of history. I’m curious how many “Titles” Honda has - a long time ago I rode a CBX which I think was also the fastest production bike of its time (Late 70’s,). You mentioned this was your 3rd - is there a story to the previous 2? Thanks for sharing.

Just subbed! Great review, ive got a part fused throttle hand so i cant do clip ons, ive been looking at the straight bar kit, im 48 but always wanted a bird, im in a position to get either a good low miles bird or a gen 2 busa, id have to have the straight bars on either one, i need comfort so not sue if the bird would be more comfortable of the 2, im not a fast rider i live in north wales just want to do a bit of touring, im going to really enjoy yr vids and try and make a decision! Great channel hun ! Be safe!

I’ve owned 2 and has you say they may not be the fastest anymore but they haven’t gone any slower either. If at any point you’d opened the throttle fully you’d find out there fast enough to make you think why would you need any more speed than this. and to ride , they aren’t that far away from a blade. But it all depends how you ride them. I also think the extra weight keeps them planted while under breaking and accelerating. My only criticism is was a bit plasticky. But I did like the gloss black paintwork.a fantastic bike.

A very nice bike & informative video .. i currently have an 03 fjr1300 & i’m wondering about the Blackbird, any thoughts ?

Like the sound of your exhaust.. What type of cans is that? Great vid.

Glad you like it. It would be no fun to buy a bike and then dislike it.

I’ve been gifted one by family. I used to own a Hornet CB600, rode bikes of different size and power for about 5 years then haven’t really rode for the last 15 years. I noticed you said that you had one quite early on. I am aware of the power just wondered what your thoughts on it are. I know Honda’s are so easy to ride generally. Any advice would be appreciated.

Looking at buying a 2007 model 21000km on it.. Is that the last year of production? Also, was the rectifier and cam chain tensioner issue a problem throughout the entire production do you know? Really good review thanks, convincing me to get one as a trade up from my 87 FJ1200 yammy.

Mine does 185 mph, around Cadwell,,, my old GPZ 91 plate 176 mph

Great review, great ride,it's about time to buy another blackbird but I am thinking of a zzr1200 also,any thought's?

Big heavy monster. I find it shallow in 1st n 2nd and then that long 3rd. Cant do on Blackbird what you can on a r1 gixxer s1000rr blade. Just a straight line weapon. But if like me who has had a broken back it is less punishing to ride. If i am going any distance its the Blackbird. Sunday afternoon driver!

I am thinking about buying a BMW K1200S, but looking at your review, it has made me think about the Honda Blackbird. What is your thought about the difference ie which do you think is best for the money, purchase and maintenance?

What the blackbird like with a pillion? It is a gorgeous looking machine.... I have a baby version. The cbr600f3 and am upgrading this year but am in two minds as to which sport tourer to go for

It's the torque that makes the Bird pull from down low, about 94ft lbs quoted, and then given the quoted 164hp it makes a very versatile engine, but the torque is what gets you moving, and the torque is more than a Tuono V4 Factory.

I usually find it very misleading if someone refers to the dry weight of a bike... It's a hefty bastard as it's 255kg's wet. And depending on the conditions... The top speed was 178,5miles per or 180 :D But i'm just splitting hairs here. Good vid none the less

Can you remember what screen that is? I ask because I have an MRA with the spoiler at the top and it's a bit "flappy".

Which year would you say is the best model to buy? Ive read from 99 on they implemented fuel injection and that it notably increases fuel consumption. Also that some major improvements were made in 00 or 01 which boosted aerodynamic efficiency and comfort. Any thought on that?

Love the video, I’m thinking about getting a blackbird as I think they are a pure iconic bike , my last bike was a rsv1 Millie, at 5foot six I found the riding position just too stretched and found the bike too uncomfortable, I’m quite thick set and reasonably fit do you think I would have any problem with the bird ? Regards heath ps i May also take my wife on it from time to time ?

I'm looking at buying one but I see the carb version and the Fi one. Which is best. It will be my first blackbird. All roughly between 28 and 40.000 miles on clock

Would you guys say its good for beginners? i fell in love with this bike years ago and doing my license right now...but im struggling if its isnt to much to start with

WELL IV ONLY HAD 2 BLACKBIRDS &there's no way i would have any other had my year 2.000 mod from new its now done 130,042 miles & my other new 2008 my now touring bike with 53.000 miles on it & still got both brill , so to sum up ! it does what it says on the tin very well to