Just dropped some $$$ in to mine, new chain and sprockets, bigger screen, corbin seat, bar risers, new tires, guess I'll be keeping it for a while longer.
Nice looking bike. I've had two of these..and one with 115k miles.. another with 18k miles. One FI, the other carb. Both almost exactly the same smooth and powerful. The only difference is the FI feels slightly smoother below 2500rpm.
I own two XXs currently. Both US spec bikes. One red 2001 and a silver 2002.The '01 has just over 13K miles, the '02 has a mere 5140 miles. I owned two before these, a '99 ( black metallic)and an '03 that I did a full custom job on. I previously owned a 2002 Kawasaki ZX12R, a 2017 Kaw. ZX14R, and a 2020 Kaw ZH2 supercharged naked. Now the proud owner of two classic Hondas with no regrets about selling the Kawasakis.
I rode it for about 100 miles on Sunday and it really made me appreciate it again. But then I just bought my GSXR 1000 back so I guess I'll be riding that for the next few weeks.
.Sold it last week, alternator when out which was a quick and easy fix but despite additional risers, lower footpegs and a corbin sea, it just didn't fit me well. Nice bike, good power, great handling but I wasn't comfortable.
The linked braking system acts more like a "passive" ABS for the rear brake. What that pivot on the front right hand caliper does is acts as a proportioning valve and controls the braking pressure to ONE piston of the rear caliper. The more torque the front disc puts on that pivot, the more braking force is applied to ths rear. The rear brake activates one piston on the front caliper. It's actually rather ingenius because in a hard braking situation when you're taught to use BOTH brakes, you can only use the front and the rear is only given enough pressure to do its job and is automatically reduces as speed slows to as not lock the rear.
Hey your in possession of one of the best bikes ever made I had one for over a decade mine is way better on fuel than that always remember it’s age it’s an old bike now
Mine isn't quite so bad on fuel 42-44mpg. It's an '07 injection one, mint. Looks like the fairings on yours aren't Honda ones. The front mudguard isn't. Agree that the riding position is quite sports orientated and stretched out because of the longer wheelbase. As you say when you twist the throttle and open it up it is so smooth. I was toying with getting the new Hayabusa lovely bike, but haven't. Got a Speed Triple RS instead which I love. The Blackbird is like an anachronism from a passed era but gotta love it as it has such great manners, refined. Maybe I replace it with a KTM 1290 SA which by comparison is a brute.
No idea where you're coming from mate, all bodywork is OEM. Replacing your Blackbird with a KTM 1290 seems rather diverse, I wouldn't have thought of that one. And yes, before you ask, I have ridden a 1290 and am very familiar with them.
Here's my vid of the 2012 zx-14 I owned for a short period. The Blackbird doesn't even come close' to the performance (and brakes) of the 14R. studio.ua-cam.com/users/videoa1PtauKI8dk/edit
I did end up putting higher risers on it and an other screen (can;t remember the make) at the end of last year, not ridden it at all since, hopefully that will change in the next month or so.
The rack is SW motech, it replaces the pillion grab handles, pretty much the only type you can get unless you go full Givi. I bolted a Givi box mounting plate to it. You can still get the rack but you won't get much change from $200
Fastest production bike until Suzuki brought out the Hayabusa. The Hayabusa is a Japanese bird of prey that eats blackbirds. Suzuki execs must still be smirking about that.
Really? Comparing a 2016 Ninja to a 2002 Honda?? 14 years age difference? It's not fair!! Rather, compare the Nija with a 2016 Fireblade! Remember : The Blackbird was the world's fastest production motorcycle when it was launched! Give me a brake man!!
Just making a point man, there are some people who would have you believe that the Blackbird was and still is the greatest bike ever. Like I said, I the Ninja dates the 'bird and makes it feel old like it is. I'm not saying it's a shit bike. Ended up selling it anyways as I didn't like the riding position despite raising the bars further, lowering the footpegs, putting a Corbin seat on it and changing out the screen. Liked the handling and power.
I blow hot and cold on this bike, I ride it one day and love it, I ride it another and and it's meh. But I will revalve the front end and fit new springs and we'll see where that takes me.
I love these machines, I currently have one, 2000 model blue, 24,000 on the clock , I am keeping this Blackbird for life 😘
Just dropped some $$$ in to mine, new chain and sprockets, bigger screen, corbin seat, bar risers, new tires, guess I'll be keeping it for a while longer.
I have a 2003 55k miles smooth as can be and very reliable. Sport bike variant of a Goldwing is the best way to describe it.
Nice looking bike. I've had two of these..and one with 115k miles.. another with 18k miles. One FI, the other carb. Both almost exactly the same smooth and powerful. The only difference is the FI feels slightly smoother below 2500rpm.
I loved my blackbird. It was such a fantastic all around bike.
I own two XXs currently. Both US spec bikes. One red 2001 and a silver 2002.The '01 has just over 13K miles, the '02 has a mere 5140 miles. I owned two before these, a '99 ( black metallic)and an '03 that I did a full custom job on. I previously owned a 2002 Kawasaki ZX12R, a 2017 Kaw. ZX14R, and a 2020 Kaw ZH2 supercharged naked. Now the proud owner of two classic Hondas with no regrets about selling the Kawasakis.
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i love my blackbird. mine is from 2000 and just made 100000 km on it. awesome bike!
I rode it for about 100 miles on Sunday and it really made me appreciate it again. But then I just bought my GSXR 1000 back so I guess I'll be riding that for the next few weeks.
Best thing about the Blackbird is that it runs like new forever if you take care of it
.Sold it last week, alternator when out which was a quick and easy fix but despite additional risers, lower footpegs and a corbin sea, it just didn't fit me well. Nice bike, good power, great handling but I wasn't comfortable.
The linked braking system acts more like a "passive" ABS for the rear brake. What that pivot on the front right hand caliper does is acts as a proportioning valve and controls the braking pressure to ONE piston of the rear caliper. The more torque the front disc puts on that pivot, the more braking force is applied to ths rear.
The rear brake activates one piston on the front caliper.
It's actually rather ingenius because in a hard braking situation when you're taught to use BOTH brakes, you can only use the front and the rear is only given enough pressure to do its job and is automatically reduces as speed slows to as not lock the rear.
18 inch wheels back and front????? NOT! 17" back and front.
It has always been a goood looking bike.. And it actualy ages good.
Hi mate, how did you end up over the pond with a big house, driveway, loads of bikes and cars and lovely sunshine 😂
Hey your in possession of one of the best bikes ever made I had one for over a decade mine is way better on fuel than that always remember it’s age it’s an old bike now
Well remember these are US gallons, but it's still not where I would expect it, ridden similarly my GSXR1000 is 4 to 5 mpg better.
I think you need to read the spec sheet 18 inch wheels???
It has way more bottom end torque with stock exhaust btw.
Mine isn't quite so bad on fuel 42-44mpg. It's an '07 injection one, mint.
Looks like the fairings on yours aren't Honda ones. The front mudguard isn't.
Agree that the riding position is quite sports orientated and stretched out because of the longer wheelbase. As you say when you twist the throttle and open it up it is so smooth. I was toying with getting the new Hayabusa lovely bike, but haven't. Got a Speed Triple RS instead which I love. The Blackbird is like an anachronism from a passed era but gotta love it as it has such great manners, refined. Maybe I replace it with a KTM 1290 SA which by comparison is a brute.
No idea where you're coming from mate, all bodywork is OEM. Replacing your Blackbird with a KTM 1290 seems rather diverse, I wouldn't have thought of that one. And yes, before you ask, I have ridden a 1290 and am very familiar with them.
Have you ridden the first gen zx-14 ? How would this compare? I have the 14 but always wanted one of these
Here's my vid of the 2012 zx-14 I owned for a short period.
The Blackbird doesn't even come close' to the performance (and brakes) of the 14R.
studio.ua-cam.com/users/videoa1PtauKI8dk/edit
@@lr882027 the experience you had is the same as mine… You feel like you are doing 45 and you are actually going 90
Hi" handle bars of a vfr800 are quite high bolt straight on think it's 04-06 fit , then you can get a touring screen.
I did end up putting higher risers on it and an other screen (can;t remember the make) at the end of last year, not ridden it at all since, hopefully that will change in the next month or so.
The FI bikes are thirstier, I have an '01 and 35 Mpg is the best I can manage
Hello, where can I get that rack for the Top Case? Thanks.
The rack is SW motech, it replaces the pillion grab handles, pretty much the only type you can get unless you go full Givi. I bolted a Givi box mounting plate to it. You can still get the rack but you won't get much change from $200
Fastest production bike until Suzuki brought out the Hayabusa. The Hayabusa is a Japanese bird of prey that eats blackbirds. Suzuki execs must still be smirking about that.
They are very torquey low down, at least mine is, maybe the slip ons have spoilt yours.
Witnessed this bike being completely uncivilized in the mountains of southwestern Colorado last summer!
Dirty Bird!!!!
I,m also disappointed by fuel consumption, my busa has a bigger engine and is less thirsty.
At least take if for a ride for a video like this.
your mileage seems poor. I have an 01 and get 48-50 mpg imperial.
So that would be about right, 50 imperial would be about 40 US. I'm sure part of it is the way I ride it.
Really? Comparing a 2016 Ninja to a 2002 Honda?? 14 years age difference? It's not fair!! Rather, compare the Nija with a 2016 Fireblade! Remember : The Blackbird was the world's fastest production motorcycle when it was launched! Give me a brake man!!
Just making a point man, there are some people who would have you believe that the Blackbird was and still is the greatest bike ever. Like I said, I the Ninja dates the 'bird and makes it feel old like it is. I'm not saying it's a shit bike. Ended up selling it anyways as I didn't like the riding position despite raising the bars further, lowering the footpegs, putting a Corbin seat on it and changing out the screen. Liked the handling and power.
Discoloration probably because it's a aftermarket dics
Metal is not the highest quality
OEM rotors methinks
What a rubbish review! You know!!! You know!!!
I blow hot and cold on this bike, I ride it one day and love it, I ride it another and and it's meh. But I will revalve the front end and fit new springs and we'll see where that takes me.
That big top box kills the looks but I get the convenience factor