L'oiseau noir
Moderators: slparry, Gromit, Paul
Naaaa...PBBoxer wrote: just too fast lol
Every so often I get a strong urge to chop the Blackbird in for something else. I don't ride it particularly quickly (I'd be way quicker on something like an 1150GS or 11/12S) but it's just such a lovely bike to ride. There are those who say it lacks character - I didn't really gel with it for several months after buying it, but like with a BMW something 'clicked' all of a sudden and I've loved it ever since. Get the motor spinning up above 7000 rpm and it sounds fantastic.
It could be more comfy, and on bumpy/nadgery roads it's a bit of a handful so best to just take it fairly easy. On smooth open roads it's just magic though and that engine (which just seems to get better and better) is unburstable. And ye gods does it go, but unlike some other bikes you always feel like the BB's on your side. Still miss having 3-button indicators though.
Which I think is very good reason why Blackbird values are actually starting to go up as Honda never replaced it with anything viable.PBBoxer wrote: One of the best built, quickest and brilliant road bikes ever
John Smith (JAWS Blackbirds) maintains he knows of several Blackbirds with well in excess of 300k miles and still on their original engines. Mine's just about nicely run in now in that case.
Have wondered about getting a later injected 'Bird but can't really see the point as mine's in nice condition (with a few updates including stainless downpipes, Nitron shock, upgraded fork springs) and I know it really well now.
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Steve1200S
- Member
- Posts: 736
- Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2011 7:48 am
- Location: Sheffield
Still looking good, especially for the mileage its done!
I always like the look of them, but shunned the inline four in any bike (I believed them boring and 'normal', and preferred twins), but now I've had the K I can see I was wrong, and the blackbird is a stunning bike for what you can pick themup for.
id say between a 2nd hand K1200S (without any flashy factory extras) and a good nick, late Blackbird, there's not much in it apart from 4k!
I always like the look of them, but shunned the inline four in any bike (I believed them boring and 'normal', and preferred twins), but now I've had the K I can see I was wrong, and the blackbird is a stunning bike for what you can pick themup for.
id say between a 2nd hand K1200S (without any flashy factory extras) and a good nick, late Blackbird, there's not much in it apart from 4k!
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Steve.
1980 R100S
2003 VFR 800
A Silly Van.
Steve.
1980 R100S
2003 VFR 800
A Silly Van.
I was the same - mine's on 75000 miles now and it's only on its second set of C&S. First set lasted 43000 miles, this one will need doing in in perhaps 5000 or so. Scottoilers really work, and because the oil isn't sticky (as spray lube is) doesn't attract muck.conkerman wrote: such a grunty engine, big bike and chain drive puts me off somewhat, don't know why as it makes no sense.
As for maintenance, the only time the chain gets touched is when the rear tyre is changed (4-5000 miles) and perhaps once between then for a small adjustment.
