Recommend VFR800 vtec bars gives it a more upright position. I’ve gone for vfr bars, double bubble screen, wing rack with givi panniers and v46 top box, grip puppies, phone holder for using gps and not for the bike but for the rider cardo pack talk for music and gps instruction 👍
I find the standard bars perfectly positioned for me, but know many prefer the more upright position, but I'm not a fan of it on a bike the the Blackbird. I've got the quadlock for my phone. Also have Interphone Tour intercoms so I can talk to my OH on their bike. Thanks for watching!
Nice video, what I've learnt is adding a higher windscreen has pros and negatives, looks amazing, blocks wind on chest! Negatives if you don't like the forward lean/uncomfortable position on sports bike it accually makes it even worse on your posture having the higher windscreen as the wind pushes you back keeping pressure of your wrists with the lower stock screens. But the look is amazing:)
I'll add that the JAWS handlebar conversion and peg lowering kit was a game changer to adding comfort for me. And, it gives me more leverage to really push on the bars in hard cornering or parking lot speeds.
It's been a long time since I camped with a tent on the bike but I used to lob soft panniers over the rear seat and strap a tent across the top. I used to be the only person to remember a can opener too!
Someone has to take essentials! Bottle opener was normally the thing people were scrounging from me! I just got my OH a set of soft luggage to sling on their bike when we go away too. Thanks for watching!
I had a US-spec '97, and found it be the most comfie bike FOR ME than any I've owned. Stock, straight out' the box. I did my first Saddlesore 1000 on the stock seat, stock bars, stock screen. Never felt the need to swap either, although I did buy a nice Corbin. Rarely used it, as I didn't want to mess up the leather (go figure.) I liked the nice, quiet stock pipes as well. Otherwise ours were similarly outfitted with the Givi Wingrack and ScottOiler - I got 25K miles on one chain. I did add a ThrottleMeister, as over here we do have some LONG highways, and I could run tank to tank. One day I'll have another Blackbird, currently riding the ST1300 (Pan European to you.) The good news is, the XXs are becoming more affordable as they age, and high mileage doesn't deter me if I can find one well cared for. Yours is beautiful, by the way. Enjoy!
Thanks! Aside from the seat I find them super comfortable in stock form - I'm planning on doing a SS1000 as soon as the weather improves here. Thanks for watching and ride safe!
What a fine bike you have. Yes, I totally agree with you on the double bubble screen as it was a big improvement to riding mine. I did not get around to fitted grips to mine. I ride a CBF 1000 now but I miss my Blackbird . If I get another one, as well as a double bubble screen, I would fit heated grips this time and maybe, bar risers for a little less lean over the tank. It was fine without risers though to be honest but I am 6' 1'' tall. Great video. Thanks.
I've got the Givi rack on mine too. It is great for carrying the massive Givi boxes and panniers so a great choice for big trips. It is prone to rust though and rots fairly quickly after a couple of winters. I'm taking mine off shortly to sand blast and repaint the metalwork.
Yeah, I have a 48 litre top box and 35 litre panniers. Give me enough space for long trips. I repainted all the steel work on mine not so long ago, but yes they do get rusty pretty quickly. Thanks for watching!
I find the side racks brilliant. The top box mount adapter is plastic so gives a bit of bounce to the top box- I wouldn't like to put a lot of weight in there. I had the wing rack, which is a cracking bit of kit, but I don't tour that often so wanted a cleaner look to the bike.
Great list, would love to tour on a Blackbird... but I wouldn't want to look _too_ cool now, would I 😉 My list would be a tad different, but always good to see another person's insight!
Just came across your channel. Have always loved the Blackbird. Just never pulled the trigger on one for some reason. Probably because my wife would never ride with me. :) I like the mods you have done.
Glad it was helpful! They are good, take a bit of messing about with to get set up just right, but once done you can forget about them, except filling up with oil. Well worth it if touring!
Great mods for sure. Would suggest a double USB charger with voltmeter to charge GPS and other stuff during rides. Perhaps a headphone in the helmet to. I really appreciate both. Thanks for great content.
@@MotoSera I just tried installing a quad lock but because of the nut on the forks it will not lock down. The difference in the inner diameters? Did you get a specific mount for your BB?
I really love the idea of the luggage rack for both a top case and pannier. My next dream bike would require both since the under the seat storage is pretty bad compared to what I have.
Thanks for your video, that’s a beautiful example of a SuperBlackBird you have. Trying to source one here in Thailand but pretty rare & not easy to come by. Ride safe
You folks over there are really into molding your bikes. Hi I'm John '97 Cbr1100xx rider here in horrid St Louis, Missouri. We're no. 1 in murders, mostly unsolved. We're also known for floods ( confluence of Missouri and Mississippi rivers ). I haven't had a license or new tags for years, cops aren't worried about small stuff ...They're always responding to multiple daily shootings, and trying not to get shot themselves. I recommend that you DON'T visit, unless you're part of a well armed combat platoon. But the Blackbird is a great bike! I luv mine.
There are a lot of stock blackbirds over here, but yes in general we like modding bikes. Some bikes are more regularly minded than others. It doesn't sound much fun over there, but here we get pulled if our numberplate is the wrong size... I'd rather have the latter problem though. Thanks for watching and stay safe!
I've got a Five Stars luggage rack, which is not that bulky, Gilles variobars (adjustable handlebars), 6 mm rear spacer which makes riding with passanger a lot better and a new seat cover with more grip (I believe it is from BMW RT).
Good information video,well documented.i wonder if you still have the Blackbird Sara?I've just got my first.Got the aftermarket seat and double bubble screen,plus a gear indicator but the chain oiler is a good idea.cheers
Sera!! Please do a video on how to fit the wingrack 2 on my blackbird. I’ve finally got one and I don’t want to scratch the bike trying to fit it the wrong way. TIA
A carbed bird on a y plate eh? Nice bike. Mine is a stock 2000 fi apart from delinked brakes that were done by previous owner. I have a screen like yours but find the stock one supports me and the blast isn't too wearing. I've decided to get an fjr1300 for touring and keep the bird as is. Ps as a blackbird enthusiast I appreciate your vids thanks.
Thanks! Yeah its a late registered carbie, assume it sat in a small dealers for a couple of years. Got all the original paperwork for it too! I had a standard screen and the wind would always catch me just under the chin, which I found wearing. It's a very personal preference though. What works for me certainly won't work for everyone! E.g. I have standard bars and pegs, they are perfectly suited for me. But many fit different ones. Thanks for watching and I'm pleased you find the vids interesting!
Thank you! I bought it from the insurance auctions, so paid very little for it. Spent £200 on the secondhand Givi kit and similar on the seat. Those were the most expensive bits. Probably spent £500 on mods. Thanks for watching!
They are 2 brothers racing carbon black series cans. The luggage is a givi wing rack, they don't make them for the Blackbird any more, but they are often for sake used. Thanks for watching
Hey i just recently got a red XX. Great Bike, i feel more in love with it than i thought i would 😅 but she has the problem of getting very hot. especially in the city. Do you have experience with that issue? The mechanics say everything is alright 🤷🏻♂️
Good choice! Is it an EFI bike (post 1999?)? If so it's normal that they run hot, don't worry about it, it's how they were designed to be, just keep a check on the coolant and change it out regularly. Thanks for watching and stay safe!
Odd. I do know they can be prone to issues with the chargind system, failed alternators and reg/recs which might have caused the cables to melt. The fan should kick in at around 100-103 degrees Celsius, temps up to around 118-120 Celsius sat in traffic are not that unusual. Neither of those temps are hot enough to melt the insulation on the cables, it does point to more of an electrical fault which caused that in my opinion.
It's Gi vi not Giv i...... gel insert are for newbies who don't ride enough as for heated grips... they are for winter use,,, Dosn't look like this bike as ever seen a winter .... Other than that ....... Great Vid keep up the Good Work .... ps nice to see girlies on bikes
TomAto/Tomahto, whatever. People I know say either/or. I just rode over 1,000 miles in 22hrs on my other bike, which doesn't have a gel seat. IBA certified. I definitely ride more than most and the 'bird certainly benefits from a gel seat, the standard one is rubbish. As for winter riding I ride all year, regardless of weather, but heated grips can be nice even if its not that cold. Used them the other day when it was raining and I was wearing the wrong gloves, late at night and it was chilly. The Blackbird has certainly seen a few winters and is very far from immaculate.
@@MotoSera That's more miles than John O'Groats to Lands End.... Well done ..... PS your talking to a person who worked as a bike courier for 5 plus years and as been riding bike for well over 40 years....So i know when you have a few miles under your belt ... It dosn't matter what seat you have .... everything is good
i was looking at else site but there is no email address to contact. an i was wondering about his prices for seats. he doesnt list any. i like the razorback seat a lot.
Chain lubrication systems are pointless on modern chains...chain lube is only used on modern chains to prevent rust not to actually lubricate..where the scott Oilers are placed will always be metal to metal contact anyway
I do agree to a certain extent, there is roller to pin lubrication which isn't permanent, even in an x or o ring chain. My experience is an increase in chain life with a Scottoiler and I cover 10-15k per year. YMMV
Just one side, you can get the 'dual injector' things for them, but I've never found a need to be honest. I've had them on all my more touring oriented bikes over the years.
@@MotoSera ty for clearing it up, I always wondered if they did just one side or both. I guess as they are lubed when in use it spreads to both sides anyway.
@@Pooley650 yeah how us mere paupers live, prefer belts myself. Thankfully my Buell chop has just that.... Though I must say, the maintenance free Vmax shaft drive was nice....
I would never recommend a gel seat. If your bike sits outside in the hot sun for an hour I guarantee you won't be able to sit on it for more than 5 minutes before your butt catches fire. Gel retains heat for quite a while.
Mine sits in the blazing sun regularly in the summer on ride outs. Never had an issue. Big difference between professionally made gel seats and bodged DIY jobs. Thanks for watching
Recommend VFR800 vtec bars gives it a more upright position. I’ve gone for vfr bars, double bubble screen, wing rack with givi panniers and v46 top box, grip puppies, phone holder for using gps and not for the bike but for the rider cardo pack talk for music and gps instruction 👍
I find the standard bars perfectly positioned for me, but know many prefer the more upright position, but I'm not a fan of it on a bike the the Blackbird.
I've got the quadlock for my phone. Also have Interphone Tour intercoms so I can talk to my OH on their bike.
Thanks for watching!
I've heard only VFR years 2001-2004 fit. Is that true?
Nice video, what I've learnt is adding a higher windscreen has pros and negatives, looks amazing, blocks wind on chest! Negatives if you don't like the forward lean/uncomfortable position on sports bike it accually makes it even worse on your posture having the higher windscreen as the wind pushes you back keeping pressure of your wrists with the lower stock screens. But the look is amazing:)
Very true!
I'll add that the JAWS handlebar conversion and peg lowering kit was a game changer to adding comfort for me. And, it gives me more leverage to really push on the bars in hard cornering or parking lot speeds.
It's been a long time since I camped with a tent on the bike but I used to lob soft panniers over the rear seat and strap a tent across the top. I used to be the only person to remember a can opener too!
Someone has to take essentials! Bottle opener was normally the thing people were scrounging from me!
I just got my OH a set of soft luggage to sling on their bike when we go away too.
Thanks for watching!
Fine modification, simply imposed as a necessity. VFR Vtec elevated steering wheel is what I will put on my BB 2001 FI
Good luck with your modifications! Thanks for watching!
First time to the channel and love the bike. I am like you and seems like the modifications never end. Ride safe
Thank you and thanks for watching!
I had a US-spec '97, and found it be the most comfie bike FOR ME than any I've owned. Stock, straight out' the box. I did my first Saddlesore 1000 on the stock seat, stock bars, stock screen. Never felt the need to swap either, although I did buy a nice Corbin. Rarely used it, as I didn't want to mess up the leather (go figure.) I liked the nice, quiet stock pipes as well.
Otherwise ours were similarly outfitted with the Givi Wingrack and ScottOiler - I got 25K miles on one chain.
I did add a ThrottleMeister, as over here we do have some LONG highways, and I could run tank to tank.
One day I'll have another Blackbird, currently riding the ST1300 (Pan European to you.)
The good news is, the XXs are becoming more affordable as they age, and high mileage doesn't deter me if I can find one well cared for.
Yours is beautiful, by the way. Enjoy!
Thanks! Aside from the seat I find them super comfortable in stock form - I'm planning on doing a SS1000 as soon as the weather improves here.
Thanks for watching and ride safe!
What a fine bike you have. Yes, I totally agree with you on the double bubble screen as it was a big improvement to riding mine. I did not get around to fitted grips to mine. I ride a CBF 1000 now but I miss my Blackbird . If I get another one, as well as a double bubble screen, I would fit heated grips this time and maybe, bar risers for a little less lean over the tank. It was fine without risers though to be honest but I am 6' 1'' tall. Great video. Thanks.
I've got the Givi rack on mine too. It is great for carrying the massive Givi boxes and panniers so a great choice for big trips. It is prone to rust though and rots fairly quickly after a couple of winters. I'm taking mine off shortly to sand blast and repaint the metalwork.
Yeah, I have a 48 litre top box and 35 litre panniers. Give me enough space for long trips. I repainted all the steel work on mine not so long ago, but yes they do get rusty pretty quickly.
Thanks for watching!
Got double bubble screen, gel seat and SW Motech pannier rack on my Blackbird.
How do you find the SW Motech rack?
Thanks for watching!
I find the side racks brilliant. The top box mount adapter is plastic so gives a bit of bounce to the top box- I wouldn't like to put a lot of weight in there. I had the wing rack, which is a cracking bit of kit, but I don't tour that often so wanted a cleaner look to the bike.
@@LordBilious are you selling the wingrack ?
@@veniamincatalin7789 I don't have a wingrack anymore, I sold it years ago. The SW Motech rack is not for sale.
Great list, would love to tour on a Blackbird... but I wouldn't want to look _too_ cool now, would I 😉
My list would be a tad different, but always good to see another person's insight!
Hah! Will be good to see your list! We all have our own preferences for touring comforts!
Thanks for watching!
Just came across your channel. Have always loved the Blackbird. Just never pulled the trigger on one for some reason. Probably because my wife would never ride with me. :) I like the mods you have done.
Thanks! If you ever get chance to ride one, do it 😁
Thanks for watching!
Great vid Sera, Not heard of the chain oiler before, what great idea! Might have to look into one for the Sprint ST!
Glad it was helpful! They are good, take a bit of messing about with to get set up just right, but once done you can forget about them, except filling up with oil. Well worth it if touring!
Great mods for sure. Would suggest a double USB charger with voltmeter to charge GPS and other stuff during rides. Perhaps a headphone in the helmet to. I really appreciate both. Thanks for great content.
All good suggestions! I have a USB Charger on my Quadlock and also have Bluetooth intercoms.
Thanks for watching!
@@MotoSera I just tried installing a quad lock but because of the nut on the forks it will not lock down. The difference in the inner diameters? Did you get a specific mount for your BB?
I really love the idea of the luggage rack for both a top case and pannier. My next dream bike would require both since the under the seat storage is pretty bad compared to what I have.
It's invaluable to have the options! Thanks for watching!
@@MotoSera I’ve started to look at what’s available on the Givi site with regards to my bike and brand. There are some encouraging possibilities.
@@ScooterwolfsMotovlog awesome!
Thanks for your video, that’s a beautiful example of a SuperBlackBird you have. Trying to source one here in Thailand but pretty rare & not easy to come by. Ride safe
Thank you! Good luck on your hunt for a Blackbird in Thailand!
You folks over there are really into molding your bikes. Hi I'm John '97 Cbr1100xx rider here in horrid St Louis, Missouri. We're no. 1 in murders, mostly unsolved. We're also known for floods ( confluence of Missouri and Mississippi rivers ). I haven't had a license or new tags for years, cops aren't worried about small stuff ...They're always responding to multiple daily shootings, and trying not to get shot themselves. I recommend that you DON'T visit, unless you're part of a well armed combat platoon. But the Blackbird is a great bike! I luv mine.
There are a lot of stock blackbirds over here, but yes in general we like modding bikes. Some bikes are more regularly minded than others.
It doesn't sound much fun over there, but here we get pulled if our numberplate is the wrong size... I'd rather have the latter problem though.
Thanks for watching and stay safe!
I’ve fitted jaws bar risers,MRA screen and givi 46l top box.
I’m thinking of a scottoiler.
Awesome! Thanks for watching
I've got a Five Stars luggage rack, which is not that bulky, Gilles variobars (adjustable handlebars), 6 mm rear spacer which makes riding with passanger a lot better and a new seat cover with more grip (I believe it is from BMW RT).
Excellent mods, thanks for sharing!
Nice pace, good explanations. Thx!
Good information video,well documented.i wonder if you still have the Blackbird Sara?I've just got my first.Got the aftermarket seat and double bubble screen,plus a gear indicator but the chain oiler is a good idea.cheers
Sera!! Please do a video on how to fit the wingrack 2 on my blackbird. I’ve finally got one and I don’t want to scratch the bike trying to fit it the wrong way. TIA
A carbed bird on a y plate eh? Nice bike. Mine is a stock 2000 fi apart from delinked brakes that were done by previous owner. I have a screen like yours but find the stock one supports me and the blast isn't too wearing. I've decided to get an fjr1300 for touring and keep the bird as is. Ps as a blackbird enthusiast I appreciate your vids thanks.
Thanks! Yeah its a late registered carbie, assume it sat in a small dealers for a couple of years. Got all the original paperwork for it too!
I had a standard screen and the wind would always catch me just under the chin, which I found wearing. It's a very personal preference though. What works for me certainly won't work for everyone! E.g. I have standard bars and pegs, they are perfectly suited for me. But many fit different ones.
Thanks for watching and I'm pleased you find the vids interesting!
Hi, new subscriber plus blackbird owner. Great channel!
What seat have you got please ? Thank you Chris
Thanks for the sub! My seat is a custom one by Else Made!
Hey Blue Bike & Doyle sent me over. Nice bike. I gave you a sub
Awesome, thanks for the sub! I'll head over and check out your channel. I appreciate it! Thanks for watching! 😎
Beautiful motorcycle, Sera. How much did it cost to purchase it and get it completely sorted for touring?
Thank you! I bought it from the insurance auctions, so paid very little for it. Spent £200 on the secondhand Givi kit and similar on the seat. Those were the most expensive bits. Probably spent £500 on mods.
Thanks for watching!
Very nice windscreen.Where did you bought it?
It's an Airblade and they are available on ebay
Hi 😊 i have an xx also....what model windscreen is that please?
Hi, it's an airblade. Thanks for watching!
Oh! Mine is completely stock, with only 19 K miles...I just putt-putt around on it.
I've got just over 50k on mine now. 👍
Very nice!
Thank you!
Ty
Do you have item # for the luggage & luggage hardware? & what kind of pipes are those... beautiful
They are 2 brothers racing carbon black series cans. The luggage is a givi wing rack, they don't make them for the Blackbird any more, but they are often for sake used. Thanks for watching
Hey i just recently got a red XX. Great Bike, i feel more in love with it than i thought i would 😅 but she has the problem of getting very hot. especially in the city. Do you have experience with that issue? The mechanics say everything is alright 🤷🏻♂️
Good choice! Is it an EFI bike (post 1999?)? If so it's normal that they run hot, don't worry about it, it's how they were designed to be, just keep a check on the coolant and change it out regularly.
Thanks for watching and stay safe!
@@MotoSera its an 99 model and I'm worried because i had to change the alternator cause the hot frame melted the cables 🤦🏻♂️
Odd. I do know they can be prone to issues with the chargind system, failed alternators and reg/recs which might have caused the cables to melt.
The fan should kick in at around 100-103 degrees Celsius, temps up to around 118-120 Celsius sat in traffic are not that unusual. Neither of those temps are hot enough to melt the insulation on the cables, it does point to more of an electrical fault which caused that in my opinion.
@@MotoSera Thanks for your quick answers 👍
what make are you end cans?
Two Brothers Racing Carbon Black Series
@@MotoSera cool thanks for the info.
How much in Indian rupees this bike?
It's Gi vi not Giv i...... gel insert are for newbies who don't ride enough as for heated grips... they are for winter use,,, Dosn't look like this bike as ever seen a winter ....
Other than that ....... Great Vid keep up the Good Work .... ps nice to see girlies on bikes
TomAto/Tomahto, whatever. People I know say either/or.
I just rode over 1,000 miles in 22hrs on my other bike, which doesn't have a gel seat. IBA certified. I definitely ride more than most and the 'bird certainly benefits from a gel seat, the standard one is rubbish.
As for winter riding I ride all year, regardless of weather, but heated grips can be nice even if its not that cold. Used them the other day when it was raining and I was wearing the wrong gloves, late at night and it was chilly.
The Blackbird has certainly seen a few winters and is very far from immaculate.
@@MotoSera That's more miles than John O'Groats to Lands End.... Well done ..... PS your talking to a person who worked as a bike courier for 5 plus years and as been riding bike for well over 40 years....So i know when you have a few miles under your belt ... It dosn't matter what seat you have .... everything is good
i was looking at else site but there is no email address to contact. an i was wondering about his prices for seats. he doesnt list any. i like the razorback seat a lot.
Facebook is the best way to get in touch with them :) tell them I sent you :) facebook.com/elsemadeupholstery/
Chain lubrication systems are pointless on modern chains...chain lube is only used on modern chains to prevent rust not to actually lubricate..where the scott Oilers are placed will always be metal to metal contact anyway
I do agree to a certain extent, there is roller to pin lubrication which isn't permanent, even in an x or o ring chain. My experience is an increase in chain life with a Scottoiler and I cover 10-15k per year. YMMV
Does the chain oiler have a nozzle both sides of the sprocket or just one?
Just one side, you can get the 'dual injector' things for them, but I've never found a need to be honest. I've had them on all my more touring oriented bikes over the years.
@@MotoSera ty for clearing it up, I always wondered if they did just one side or both. I guess as they are lubed when in use it spreads to both sides anyway.
@@HippoDrones yeah, the lube works its way through, helped by the chain being warm in riding too
@@MotoSera psshhhhh, imagine having to lubricate a chain 🙃
But I have used scotoilers on a number of bikes and they do in fact work great 👍
@@Pooley650 yeah how us mere paupers live, prefer belts myself. Thankfully my Buell chop has just that....
Though I must say, the maintenance free Vmax shaft drive was nice....
Ciao. Volevo gentilmente sapere, quanto è costata la sella della moto? Inoltre indirizzo mail x contattare il negozio. Grazie
You can find Else Made here: elsemade.com/ The price varies based on the options you choose.
Thanks for watching!
I would never recommend a gel seat. If your bike sits outside in the hot sun for an hour I guarantee you won't be able to sit on it for more than 5 minutes before your butt catches fire. Gel retains heat for quite a while.
Mine sits in the blazing sun regularly in the summer on ride outs. Never had an issue.
Big difference between professionally made gel seats and bodged DIY jobs.
Thanks for watching