Very nice ride on a fabulous bike. If only I was thirty years younger and not riddled with arthritis. Still, can't really complain, I've been riding for nearly 60 years and have had some good times..
You must have had some incredible experiences in 60 years of riding! Sounds like you are still riding too. We headed out on a chilly January day a couple of weeks ago up the Horseshoe. There was one other bike at the Ponderosa ridden by an 80 year old chap. I asked him how much he got out - he said every day, he wanted to make the most of every day on a bike. What a blessing, I hope I'm still riding then. I fully intend to be! All the best
Had 8 blackbirds and 3 zzr 1400s, 4 hayabusas. Only got one of that 3 bikes now. The blackbird of course. Great video man. Rode that road once on trip down from Scotland.
Got a new 1998 Blackbird after 9 years off and loved it (previously a 400 Superdream!). Another 10 years after selling it in 2011 I got another 1998 Blackbird in 2001. Was ready to get a lighter bike but after hearing the throttle response the memories came back. The sound you captured at the beginning was excellent and got the low end very well, so thanks for that! Enjoyed the commentary very much.
I not ridden in 13 years - just moved to north Wales and just had to get a bike again. I got blue 2002 XX Blackbird six weeks ago, I think I've died ond gone to heaven last 6 weeks spent just have magical times on the roads of the Snowdonia National Park and a huge margin around the out skirts of the Park. Truly the most delicious bike I have ever ridden. Been over the horseshoe pass half a dozen times in the last few weeks as part of one my Snowdonia 150+ mile circuits, it's pure magic.
I've just bought my 5th blackbird this one's for keeps, it's a lovely ride out up the horseshoe pass I live in Wrexham so local to me, if you ever fancy a ride out in the warmer weather get in touch
Hey - definitely, that would be great, many thanks. A couple of Birds launching up the Horseshoe! 🙂 5th Blackbird - wow. I'm keeping mine too - a very special bike. Hope to see you in the Spring
Lovely, nostalgic stuff and thank you mate. I had my XX from new in 2001 until 2008, selling it as I was travelling too much for work (also sold my 964 - aaaggghhh). I really miss those two babies. Now I'm married with kids and in 2018 bought a Ninja 1000 on which both kids and my wife enjoy touring with me (not at the same time, mind). Not quite the same as the big Honda, but still it's wonderful to be out on 2 wheels. Love how you convey the love of riding, which clearly you do! Many thanks and regards from Sydney - Dave
Many thanks Dave. I've barely been out this year because it's been a busy summer but went out yesterday evening for the first time in ages. What a joy - as you say so wonderful to be out on 2 wheels! Ninja 1000 awesome bike too. All the best from a rather damp UK
yep cracking bike, mine is a 2001 and going strong still. No issues, its of a different cut of cloth to the shite made today. Heavy when pushing it round the driveway though.
Agreed - I need to be careful when reversing it out of the garage! I've ridden through some torrential rain this year though with loads of lying water and it's been solid, I was thankful for the weight. As you say - a cracking bike! Many thanks for your comment
My 99vfr and these old Hondas are in a different league build quality wise. My vfr was 21 yrs old and swing arm like new. Had a 21 plate nc750x swingarm already corroded. Made for box steel. Took adjusters off inside the very thin box was total oxidised crud. Progress NOT
Apologies for not replying earlier Alex, as you can tell - I'm not great at this! 2007 BB - beautiful, must have been one of the last made? Agreed - superb bikes. I think manufacturers are responding, at last, to the demand for quick sports tourers again.
Many thanks. Went out for what will probably be the final ride this year on Saturday. Dry roads and mild. Nice run to Bala lake for a coffee and a muffin. What a joy!
@@themightymotorcycle2622 I'd love a H2. They say the chirp from the super charger is when it hits sonic boom it spins that fast. I have ZX-14 and can't use that power on the road never mind a H2 lol. All stunning machines. I'd have loved a bird. Honda quality second to none.
@@absorbtheride ZX-14s are fantastic machines, they look really good. Understood about the power but to me it's nice riding a powerful bike which has the capability.
Hi Rodney, many thanks for your comment. I've not been down the adventure route, so can't help with your decision - apologies. I know Tiger's are highly rated but for me it's the Blackbird! Highly recommended :-)
@@themightymotorcycle2622 I only know because the sign in town says motorbike museum 1 mile so we walked it. Didn't realise Welsh miles were so long. But first time I've seen a river, a canal, a road and a railway, running side by side . Don't think I would of noticed in a car.
@@Fake-moon-landing. Yes - there's lots going on there. Going over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct just down the road from Llangollen in a canal boat is insane. Total trust in 1800s engineering!
I was enjoying the sound of the engine. Then you spoiled the whole video by talking! Next time, just ride the bike and let people hear the sounds that the rider hears.
There’s no ‘K’ sound at the beginning of Llangollen. It’s truly insulting and embarrassing to hear English speakers refusing to even attempt Welsh pronunciation.
Hey G58, many apologies - no disrespect or insult meant. I love Wales and all things Welsh. My middle name is Gwynne so I should do better! Please forgive my extremely poor effort at pronunciation
@@themightymotorcycle2622 Great response bro. You’re forgiven. Have a listen to the ‘Ll’ and ‘Ch’ sounds etc in Welsh, and try practicing them. They are not easy for English people to pronounce. But there was a time when the language of the British Isles was actually based on Welsh. It’s a magical place. Great for riding, and for the most part not too congested, despite the lack of any motorways, except in the far south. The cops can get a little officious at times though. Ride safe.
@@G58 Many thanks, really appreciated. Your comment has been genuinely helpful and has made me think hard about pronouncing Welsh names correctly. I'll be posting a summer compilation soon which will be the test ;-)
@@themightymotorcycle2622 You’re welcome. Good luck. It will take practice bro, but I genuinely appreciate your responses and willingness to crack it. If only all internet exchanges could go so well. I did come out of my corner a bit hard. 🧐😎😜 Peace 🏴🐑Oops!!😍🙈
Very nice ride on a fabulous bike. If only I was thirty years younger and not riddled with arthritis. Still, can't really complain, I've been riding for nearly 60 years and have had some good times..
You must have had some incredible experiences in 60 years of riding! Sounds like you are still riding too. We headed out on a chilly January day a couple of weeks ago up the Horseshoe. There was one other bike at the Ponderosa ridden by an 80 year old chap. I asked him how much he got out - he said every day, he wanted to make the most of every day on a bike. What a blessing, I hope I'm still riding then. I fully intend to be! All the best
Had 8 blackbirds and 3 zzr 1400s, 4 hayabusas. Only got one of that 3 bikes now. The blackbird of course. Great video man. Rode that road once on trip down from Scotland.
Mine's a keeper too John. Incredible machine - truly beautiful too ride
Got a new 1998 Blackbird after 9 years off and loved it (previously a 400 Superdream!). Another 10 years after selling it in 2011 I got another 1998 Blackbird in 2001. Was ready to get a lighter bike but after hearing the throttle response the memories came back. The sound you captured at the beginning was excellent and got the low end very well, so thanks for that! Enjoyed the commentary very much.
Many thanks Steve. I've got stock pipes but they are loud enough and sound good enough without offending people! Thanks again for your comment
I not ridden in 13 years - just moved to north Wales and just had to get a bike again. I got blue 2002 XX Blackbird six weeks ago, I think I've died ond gone to heaven last 6 weeks spent just have magical times on the roads of the Snowdonia National Park and a huge margin around the out skirts of the Park. Truly the most delicious bike I have ever ridden. Been over the horseshoe pass half a dozen times in the last few weeks as part of one my Snowdonia 150+ mile circuits, it's pure magic.
I've just bought my 5th blackbird this one's for keeps, it's a lovely ride out up the horseshoe pass I live in Wrexham so local to me, if you ever fancy a ride out in the warmer weather get in touch
Hey - definitely, that would be great, many thanks. A couple of Birds launching up the Horseshoe! 🙂 5th Blackbird - wow. I'm keeping mine too - a very special bike. Hope to see you in the Spring
Lovely, nostalgic stuff and thank you mate. I had my XX from new in 2001 until 2008, selling it as I was travelling too much for work (also sold my 964 - aaaggghhh). I really miss those two babies. Now I'm married with kids and in 2018 bought a Ninja 1000 on which both kids and my wife enjoy touring with me (not at the same time, mind). Not quite the same as the big Honda, but still it's wonderful to be out on 2 wheels. Love how you convey the love of riding, which clearly you do! Many thanks and regards from Sydney - Dave
Many thanks Dave. I've barely been out this year because it's been a busy summer but went out yesterday evening for the first time in ages. What a joy - as you say so wonderful to be out on 2 wheels! Ninja 1000 awesome bike too. All the best from a rather damp UK
yep cracking bike, mine is a 2001 and going strong still. No issues, its of a different cut of cloth to the shite made today. Heavy when pushing it round the driveway though.
Agreed - I need to be careful when reversing it out of the garage! I've ridden through some torrential rain this year though with loads of lying water and it's been solid, I was thankful for the weight. As you say - a cracking bike! Many thanks for your comment
Shockingly so the first few times 😵💫....but it's incredible how that weight disappears when you get up to speed
My 99vfr and these old Hondas are in a different league build quality wise. My vfr was 21 yrs old and swing arm like new. Had a 21 plate nc750x swingarm already corroded. Made for box steel. Took adjusters off inside the very thin box was total oxidised crud. Progress NOT
Good video. Used to ride that road a lot, as I lived in Chester. 👍
Many thanks. Yes - so good to have it on the door step. Being in the hills feels like being in a different world doesn't it? Total de-stress 🙂
Stunning
Many thanks Togge. The weather has been rubbish since then. Come on summer!
I have a 2007 BB in nail grey. Love it.
Apologies for not replying earlier Alex, as you can tell - I'm not great at this! 2007 BB - beautiful, must have been one of the last made? Agreed - superb bikes. I think manufacturers are responding, at last, to the demand for quick sports tourers again.
love the bike
Many thanks. Went out for what will probably be the final ride this year on Saturday. Dry roads and mild. Nice run to Bala lake for a coffee and a muffin. What a joy!
No at 40 mph average speed cameras. May as well have 50cc scoot
Could you take it through some tightish twisties next time
I think the speed wars went, ZZ-R 1100, Blackbird, ZX-12R (wasn't limited), ZX-12R, ZX-14R - (current king).
The Busa slots in between the Bird and ZX-12. Non-speed limited bikes hitting crazy speeds now aren't they? H2R is totally bonkers!!
@@themightymotorcycle2622 I'd love a H2. They say the chirp from the super charger is when it hits sonic boom it spins that fast. I have ZX-14 and can't use that power on the road never mind a H2 lol. All stunning machines. I'd have loved a bird. Honda quality second to none.
@@absorbtheride ZX-14s are fantastic machines, they look really good. Understood about the power but to me it's nice riding a powerful bike which has the capability.
Nice video man ,I'm torn between a triumph tiger and a black bird , both comfortable any advice?
Hi Rodney, many thanks for your comment. I've not been down the adventure route, so can't help with your decision - apologies. I know Tiger's are highly rated but for me it's the Blackbird! Highly recommended :-)
Now 2023. What did you end up with? Hopefully you're enjoying 2 wheels these days. Cheers from Sydney - Dave
Здравствуйте.подарите мне такой мотоцикл.пожадуйста
You should of popped in the museum 1:38
Good spot! :-)
@@themightymotorcycle2622 I only know because the sign in town says motorbike museum 1 mile so we walked it. Didn't realise Welsh miles were so long. But first time I've seen a river, a canal, a road and a railway, running side by side . Don't think I would of noticed in a car.
@@Fake-moon-landing. Yes - there's lots going on there. Going over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct just down the road from Llangollen in a canal boat is insane. Total trust in 1800s engineering!
Is that the one with no side just a sheer drop, Trevor I think the place is called.
@@Fake-moon-landing. Yes - that's it. Exciting!
I was enjoying the sound of the engine. Then you spoiled the whole video by talking! Next time, just ride the bike and let people hear the sounds that the rider hears.
It's a fair point! I'm getting better at that
There’s no ‘K’ sound at the beginning of Llangollen. It’s truly insulting and embarrassing to hear English speakers refusing to even attempt Welsh pronunciation.
Hey G58, many apologies - no disrespect or insult meant. I love Wales and all things Welsh. My middle name is Gwynne so I should do better! Please forgive my extremely poor effort at pronunciation
@@themightymotorcycle2622 Great response bro. You’re forgiven. Have a listen to the ‘Ll’ and ‘Ch’ sounds etc in Welsh, and try practicing them. They are not easy for English people to pronounce. But there was a time when the language of the British Isles was actually based on Welsh.
It’s a magical place. Great for riding, and for the most part not too congested, despite the lack of any motorways, except in the far south. The cops can get a little officious at times though.
Ride safe.
@@G58 Many thanks, really appreciated. Your comment has been genuinely helpful and has made me think hard about pronouncing Welsh names correctly. I'll be posting a summer compilation soon which will be the test ;-)
@@themightymotorcycle2622 You’re welcome. Good luck. It will take practice bro, but I genuinely appreciate your responses and willingness to crack it. If only all internet exchanges could go so well. I did come out of my corner a bit hard. 🧐😎😜
Peace 🏴🐑Oops!!😍🙈
@@G58 Many thanks! The proof will be in the pudding - stay tuned! All the best 🙂