Author Topic: ex-CBR1100XX Blackbird (pics added 12 Dec 08) (Read 8961 times)

paxtonpony · « **on:** October 18, 2007, 06:07:22 pm »

Decisions, decisions...
Anyone had any experiences with the CBR1100XX? Yes I know it's not the world's fastest bike anymore. I can live with the shame of that I guess.

I found one here locally for $2500. Seems like a hell of a deal for a hell of a bike. Nothing wrong with it either. It's a little bit of a drive so I'm not sure how bad I really want it. If I buy it, I'm going to need to sell off my VFR. Yes, the GSX-R is on the way out too. The CB is a little harder, I think I'll pick up interest in it once I get the jinx-r out of the way.
Quite frankly I'd be buying the blackbird as a daily driver and occasional weekend canyon assault vehicle. Same thing the VFR is used for now. Think I should stick with my current stable or ditch the VFR and buy the big scary monster?

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #1 on:** October 18, 2007, 06:25:05 pm »

Look at this, might make you make up your mind

www.cbrzone.com

Sam.

canyon750 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 18, 2007, 06:36:58 pm »

Keep the VFR and dump the Gixr! The VFR is an all weather, all purpose bike. I'm biased, I know... (see signature) Plus nothing sounds like a gear driven cam VFR!

Once the Gixr is gone there'll be room for the CBR Blackbird! An all Honda garage!

paxtonpony · « **Reply #3 on:** October 18, 2007, 06:41:36 pm »

Oh yeah, the jinxr is on the way out no matter what. Been fun but not really into it. Mostly bought it to make some cash. Laying down some cobalt blue metal flake on it next weekend then it's up for sale.
I think my biggest dilema is would I be happier with the 1100 than the VFR? Not going to lose any money here. I only paid 2k for the VFR and I know I can sell it for more than that.

ekim98 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2007, 08:42:55 pm »

Nothing wrong with the VFR, but to me a CBR1100XX "Blackbird" just sounds sexy. I'm sure either one is plenty fast enough for most STREET RIDING

at least for me.

paxtonpony · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2007, 09:27:38 pm »

Quote from: ekim98 on October 18, 2007, 08:42:55 pm

Nothing wrong with the VFR, but to me a CBR1100XX "Blackbird" just sounds sexy. I'm sure either one is plenty fast enough for most STREET RIDING at least for me.

Pretty sexy looking too!

If not a little on the sinister side.

And yeah, they're both more than fast enough for me too.

bill440cars · « **Reply #6 on:** October 18, 2007, 09:35:34 pm »

COOL LIKENESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ekim98 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 18, 2007, 09:40:26 pm »

I'll bet either one of those Blackbird's would make you want to really hold on tight too. Talk about a rush

bill440cars · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2007, 04:30:28 am »

Quote from: ekim98 on October 18, 2007, 09:40:26 pm

I'll bet either one of those Blackbird's would make you want to really hold on tight too. Talk about a rush

My thoughts too!!!!

Later on, Bill

DarkRider · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2007, 06:50:56 am »

I echo the others thoughts...dump the gixer and replace it with the Blackbird..but keep the VFR...the Blackbird is a full on street bike while the VFR is an all rounder...i know of many a VFR owner who have a Blackbird sharing space with the viffer.

andy750 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 19, 2007, 06:57:24 am »

I think you should get the CBR1100 and SELL me the VFR

Cheers
Andy

HITMAN · « **Reply #11 on:** October 19, 2007, 08:08:05 am »

The XX can sometimes be a PIA in town for commuting, it has a long wheel base and is heavy (ok, I have short legs). The Viffer is better as a commuter with handling and weight, but alas, but I still bought an XX and will deal with the consiquences of my decision.

In really it's an 'unreal' experience to ride and I wouldn't ever give it up, unless your getting it from someone you know the price would make me nervous. But I have never passed up on a deal anyway.

If you can get throught all the BS, www.cbr1100xx.org can have a lot of info.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 19, 2007, 09:08:57 am »

A buddy of mine had one of those and loved it.
He was also 6foot 5 and was a bigger boy so it suited him well.
I never rode it, but it seemed to big for me..

paxtonpony · « **Reply #13 on:** October 19, 2007, 10:43:13 pm »

Man, got an itch and I definitely need to scratch it. There's a couple of them for sale within an hour or so driving distance. There's a nice 98 with 24k miles, heli-bars, double bubble windshield and some other goodies for $3500 obo about 45 minutes away. I may go look if it's here in a couple of weeks.
I should have the gixxer painted and ready to sale next weekend. With any luck, I'll make a few bucks. You can ride year-round here so it shouldn't be too hard to sell.

Then the hunt begins.

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2007, 02:05:07 pm »

I had a similar itch last spring.

I was thinking about trading my VFR800 for a Blackbird so I test rode a brand new one at my local dealer.
It had 2 miles on the clock when I picked it up!
I'm afraid it was frighteningly fast (don't take it over 5k revs they said. OK I said. 5k revs = 105mph!)
But it was dull, dull, DULL!

I did sell the VFR though.

Bought a bright red Triumph

paxtonpony · « **Reply #15 on:** October 25, 2007, 07:42:15 pm »

Steve, nice lookin beastie of a bike! Love those Triumphs, just can't beat the sound a triple makes.

Looks like I have to cool my jets for awhile. We're buying a house here in Cali. Ack! I'm going to be broke for the rest of my life. If nothing else, I don't need to pay double for insurance compared to the VFR. She's a good bike and I'm positive she'll serve well commuting everyday. I do that anyway but my commute is going to go from 3 miles to about 20 miles. Maybe when I make a couple more ranks I'll go back on the hunt for a Blackbird again.

ekim98 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 25, 2007, 08:44:48 pm »

Quote from: SteveD CB500F on October 25, 2007, 02:05:07 pm

I had a similar itch last spring.

It's not a Honda,but that's not a bad trade off. I'm sure I could get into that real easy.

But the name "Blackbird" does bring some fast thought's to mind.

GoatBaSS · « **Reply #17 on:** October 25, 2007, 08:45:15 pm »

Well a prudent move. My experience with a friends BLKBird was sad. The dealer covered up the problems ( or previous owner) and it took about four days before they surfaced. Look out for thrashed bike! Caution! He had to get out from under that money sucker.

DarkRider · « **Reply #18 on:** October 26, 2007, 06:14:15 am »

wondering something...with this new house does it come with larger garage for your collection there man?

paxtonpony · « **Reply #19 on:** October 26, 2007, 07:11:44 pm »

Quote from: OutlawZ24 on October 26, 2007, 06:14:15 am

wondering something...with this new house does it come with larger garage for your collection there man?

Oh yes! Plenty of room for the bikes and my beloved Mustang. There's also a nice long driveway to park the wife's car in.

ekim98 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 26, 2007, 08:30:32 pm »

Quote from: paxtonpony on October 26, 2007, 07:11:44 pm

Quote from: OutlawZ24 on October 26, 2007, 06:14:15 am
wondering something...with this new house does it come with larger garage for your collection there man?

Oh yes! Plenty of room for the bikes and my beloved Mustang. There's also a nice long driveway to park the wife's car in.

What - they wont let her park in the street!!

That long driveway could be used to practice hole shots and bike parking for your buddies.

DarkRider · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2007, 05:46:14 am »

I forsee the paxton collection growing....

Superbiker_uk · « **Reply #22 on:** October 27, 2007, 10:09:14 am »

Quote

Anyone had any experiences with the CBR1100XX?

My neighbour had one and he very kindly let me ride it a few times

It was lent to me on only one condition "If I bin It, I buy it"

BLOODY FAST and surprisingly easy to go fast on. Did not like the feel of the linked brakes though. From my brief 'flirtations' with the bike I could only say that it must be a great bike to ride all the time. A real mile eater

The pics show it with my Dunstall in one of my bikes very early incarnations.

HITMAN · « **Reply #23 on:** October 27, 2007, 09:24:34 pm »

Driving mine all the time, it's an absolute beast of a bike. But if your just out for a casual ride (right!!!), you always notice just how 'effortless' it rides. When I get home and go out on one of my other bikes you quickly realize you need more throttle to go over a hill or pass a cage, but running around town it can be a bit of a pig.

There is an incomparable sensation with riding a bike that has the same HP as most cars, less 1800lb+ of dead weight (passengers and all).

I like my older bikes, but I couldn't imagine not having it or at least knowing what it's like riding it.

paxtonpony · « **Reply #24 on:** April 21, 2008, 11:09:08 pm »

Well worth the wait. Some times the stars all line up. Got my VFR sold and bought the Blackbird within a few days. Didn't so much need the money, mostly just the space. As great as the VFR was, it's hard to miss after riding the bird. Riding it is beyond description. Crazy fast when you want it to be but very, very easy to ride. Got a great deal on a 1999 for $4500. More than I wanted to pay but it only had 7300 miles and came with lots of goodies. 2Brothers carbon pipes, stock pipes, powercommander, Corbin smuggler seat and stock seat. AND new tires, completely new Avon Azarros with all the nubbins on them still.

One thing I do miss about the VFR are the Corbin bags. Looking for something for the bird now.

Raul CB750K1 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 22, 2008, 04:17:51 am »

I'll give you my completely uninformed opinion simply based in what I know from others.

Gixxers seem to be pretty good sports bikes, but I have another Suzuki and I woved to myself it will be the last due to the poor aftersales service.

VFR's are probably the most all-round bikes ever, good for fast sport-touring, commuting or travelling.

I have ridden pillion in a 1100XX and, as you know, they are fast. A great sport-tourer -no sport bike at all-, but it eats tyres for breakfast. I once met a guy with a Blackbird at the tire service and he told me the tires lasted him 5000 km (about 3000 miles) in average.

Leave the gixxer for stunt riders and keep the VFR. That single side swingarm is sexy too. I would love to have one of the early models, early 90's but I'm very biased towards the inline, transverse four.... -and 5 bikes in the stable are enough already-

DarkRider · « **Reply #26 on:** April 22, 2008, 07:01:28 am »

Ok after looking at the pics of the 1100 that Paxton got im getting the itch....I mentioned wanting to buy a Blackbird to some of my friends and they think its a bad idea without having ridden a 600 supersport before it...The way i look at it is this..thats just an attempt to put some more fear into me towards the larger machine..theres already a bit there i dont need them trying to scare me away from it as well...I suspect once i owned a Blackbird i would simply have to adjust to the extra Hp of the machine. (its about the same weight as my VF750F so the weight isnt the issue with me)

azuredesign · « **Reply #27 on:** April 22, 2008, 12:50:57 pm »

Quote from: DarkRider on April 22, 2008, 07:01:28 am

OK after looking at the pics of the 1100 that Paxton got im getting the itch....I mentioned wanting to buy a Blackbird to some of my friends and they think its a bad idea without having ridden a 600 supersport before it...The way i look at it is this..thats just an attempt to put some more fear into me towards the larger machine..theres already a bit there i dont need them trying to scare me away from it as well...I suspect once i owned a Blackbird i would simply have to adjust to the extra Hp of the machine. (its about the same weight as my VF750F so the weight isnt the issue with me)

You should see if you can take a ride on one. I have a feeling what you'll find is that the power is fairly easy to modulate, you don't have to go fast except when you want to. Good luck!

paxtonpony · « **Reply #28 on:** April 22, 2008, 05:20:15 pm »

Exactly. It has plenty of torque so you can ride it all day long from 2000rpm up to 5000rpm without breaking a sweat. Now you start moving up the rpm band and the pace gets quick very fast. But it's all so smooth and managable, nothing peaky like most sport bikes. And it is a big bike but if you're used to riding a CB750 you won't have any problems. It's easy to ride even at slow speeds.

paxtonpony · « **Reply #29 on:** April 22, 2008, 05:27:14 pm »

And now for a few tantilizing pics of my new toy (the paint is flawless but the black reflects everything):

Hard to resist:

inline4 · « **Reply #30 on:** April 22, 2008, 05:34:59 pm »

I had a Kawasaki ZX11 for a while.
Frighteneing FAST, but I've always lusted for a Blackbird.

Congratulations on the great score! I'm envious.
Beautiful CBR.

DarkRider · « **Reply #31 on:** April 22, 2008, 05:35:56 pm »

Great looking bike man!

Not used to a CB750 due to my never getting a chance to ride the one i had..however as said before the VF750 i have is a heavy bike as well as you can more then likely remember from having your VFR paxton. So now i think im in the hunt for both a newer VFR and a Blackbird...

paxtonpony · « **Reply #32 on:** April 22, 2008, 06:50:14 pm »

Lots of bird riders stepped up from the VFR. Really fits right in the same mold of sport-touring (leaning towards sport). The one thing that really stands out is how incredibly smooth the motor is. The thing doesn't vibrate at any rpm. As much as I loved my 95 VFR, this thing has all but made me forget about it. Not a bit of regret selling it after I started riding the bird. Trust me, when I first sold it I had a really sick feeling in my stomach but it all changed the next day when I bought the bird.

Hard choice on what to take to work. The bird always wins though. It's funner and way better on gas.

DarkRider · « **Reply #33 on:** April 22, 2008, 08:43:02 pm »

Figured the Bird was a logical progression from the VF/VFR bikes...allows me to have the speed of the supersports along with the long distance capability of a sport tourer..

paxtonpony · « **Reply #34 on:** December 12, 2008, 02:44:29 pm »

So Steve, you might find this funny. I now own a 2000 Triumph Legend. Great motor! At any rate, I was missing my old Honda and started looking for another. I found my Legend for $2500 in almost mint condition. Too good a deal to pass up. I threw on some drag bars, now she looks right. Being tired of having multiple bikes in the garage, I sold off the Blackbird. Probably a bike I'm always going to regret selling but I may a few bucks off it so I'm happy. When I feel bad about selling it, I just go fire up my triple (with off road mufflers). What a great sound!!! Anyway, she's a real fun ride and reminds alot of my CB. It actually stops, handles better, has more torque, more HP and looks hella better... but for some reason it reminds me of the CB. Maybe because I have fun riding it at any speed and people always have a story about their old bike.

At any rate, just an update.

paxtonpony · « **Reply #35 on:** December 12, 2008, 02:55:12 pm »

Forgot to add the pics:
OK, here's what I sold. Man, now I'm beginning to miss it again... I need to go ride my bike.

Here's the only picture I can find right now. This is the night I bought it. Still had the dorky bars and windscreen.

DarkRider · « **Reply #36 on:** December 12, 2008, 06:13:35 pm »

Why didnt you sell the Gixxer 750 instead of the Bird?

MJL · « **Reply #37 on:** December 12, 2008, 07:27:46 pm »

Quote from: andy750 on October 19, 2007, 06:57:24 am

I think you should get the CBR1100 and SELL me the VFR

Cheers
Andy

I was going to say that.

paxtonpony · « **Reply #38 on:** December 12, 2008, 11:20:39 pm »

Oh yeah, I sold the gixxer about the same time I bought the bird. Believe it or not my beloved stang is about to go for sale. Had it for 11 years (and $12k in mods) but I think it's time to let it go too. Gas is cheap now so I should be able to get rid of it.

The funny thing about the bird is the what I miss the most. All the storage I had. I could fit a full size helmet in each of those bags. And I could put a huge amount of groceries in those plus my other tail bag. Oh well, I needed a bike with more soul. The Triumph has what I was looking for. I'm still in search of another project though, preferably a SOHC CB but something smaller this time. Either 400, 500 or 550. I think the 400 is my main target but the 500 and 550's are still affordable. 400's seem to be climbing out of the price range I want to pay for an old jap bike. I really want to build something with a full Avon fairing, plexi nose cone and everything.

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Author Topic: ex-CBR1100XX Blackbird (pics added 12 Dec 08) (Read 8961 times)

Superbiker_uk