This has got to be one of my favourite ever uploads - it genuinely gives me goosebumps sharing this. Thank you all so much for your support, wise words and motivation, and sorry again it has been so long since the last Blackbird upload. We learn, we move on and we grow. Let's all look forward to future project bike content!! Appreciate you all so much ❤
Well the rebuild is done and it looks awesome , And doing it all in black even better , I myself have a 1998 Blackbird , I'm the 3rd owner , It was very well taken care of by the two previous owners , always kept in the garage , I love mine , I was such a well designed and well made bike from Honda , Remember it's a Sport Touring bike , at least that's how it's labeled here in the states , I love it , when regular maintenance and upkeep on it is done , the motor is bullet proof , when I got mine it had 51 thousand miles on it , The first owner was a U.S marshall , very busy guy and never got to really enjoy it, second owner was into Harleys , so miles are originally , my top run on it was 175 MPH at a little over 10 Thousand RPM , and it was like it was on a rail straight as ever , BLACKBIRD 25yrs old and it's a keeper , loved your video
@@MrBricey25thanks bro!! Also haven't forgotten about the meet up I think you asked me somewhere?... its challenging trying to figure out what would best suit be it static or a rideout
You took the fairing to a guy who subcontracted it to someone else, who then did nothing for eight weeks! Then after you’ve allowed this, and tell them you don’t want the guy to paint it. So instead of honouring your wishes, he goes ahead - contrary to the verbal contract, and does a rush paint job on the fairing. Terrible business decisions from literally everyone involved. I could never trust anything you had your hands on or had anything to do with. I will be very surprised if this thing passes the MoT, runs without issues, and or doesn’t end up being the cause of a serious accident.
Never commented before on anyone's channel, but seeing you sat on the finished Blackbird with a big fat grin on your face made my day, good work fella.
When bleeding brakes, front and rear, let the fluid come to the end of the line. Once dripping out the end of the line attach to your caliper/s. This should take all the air out of the line/s. Now open the bleed nipple on the caliper/s and wait until it drips from here, now close the bleed nipple. Once thats done, pump the brake lever, hold the brake lever and crack the bleed nipple, shut bleed nipple, pump the lever again, rinse and repeat. Mind keep an eye on fluid level in the reservoir that it doesn't get low enough to re introduce air into the line. This is the quickest way for me to bleed lines and has never failed me. Thanks for the content Rye 🙏
I’ve been all over Europe back in the late 90’s early 2000’s on my 1998 super Blackbird, they are/were incredible bikes capable of covering ludicrous miles very quickly, it’s one of those bikes I wished I’d never sold, great job, well done.
Looks awesome in Matt black and sounds cool with the new system even whilst idling. If it were mine I’d be fitting some clear indicator lenses too to bring it bang up to date. 👍
Given your lack of experience etc, you`ve done a knock out job, well done. Regarding the paintwork waiting time, I feel your frustration there, I`ve waited months in the past for paintwork to be completed. Keep up the good work
Good job on the restore, it is a great achievement to do this/ I owned one 11 yrs, a 97, very tricked out. Installed a Gen 2 2012 USD entire front end from a Busa, LSL bars, Yosh full system, and alot more, sold it at 115km. Since then got an H2 SX SE and ZX14 & ZX9R, sold the H2 a month ago and been enjoying my 96ZX11 that required a 2 yr restore which I finished last season. Very similar to BB but has a little more grunt imho, however they are very similar. Glad you are loving the fruits of your labour:)
Fella, firstly do not NOT apologise for how long this has taken, there is no time limit on this sort of thing, and I think that all things considered you've done a brilliant job, 10/10, but get some decals on the tank and good luck keeping matt black clean!! lol. Fantastic.
Test drove one of these in 1999 owned a vfr800 at time. I red lined it in 3rd. So blindingly fast I wenr straight back to dealer and gave keys back. Frightened crap out me. A beast to haul in bends so kept 800. What an engine in these though. When Hondas were built like tanks pure quality
Well, well, well you’ve done it Rye👏 I’m so very proud of what you’ve accomplished with this build, by going into it blind but with the bravery of a soldier being asked to crest an unknown hill, and to your dogged drive in developing and growing your channel. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your 146 videos since becoming a sub, with your eclectic mix of motorcycle genre. Even including your moped holidays lol. But seriously great ride so far, can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeves next for us. Take care and keep up the good work👏
Awesome to see this project back on the road, I was starting to wonder about it's progress. I have a '02 XX that was kind of a project myself recently, and it was an awesome feeling to get it roadworthy. The Blackbird is an amazing platform for sure!
Removing the center stand makes complete sense if you have a paddock stand. Weight is this bike's Achilles heel, although happy with mine on the road, it won't hurt. She's a beaut!
Yes I would do something differently, I would put a tinted wind shield on it, and get black levers on it too. And for finishing touch, the bolts on the panels, have those black tipped as well to finish it off. And before you say you are worried it is too much black, the silver stands out wayyy too much that makes it unappealing. But if you do think it's too much black, get the XX stickers for it, but don't get the rest, just those, or the red accent line for the side fairing panels that the new style has. But as it goes, what a beauty!! Awesome bit of history!
I just caught up with you on this.. I can't believe how good she looks 😍 you did an amazing job with the resto.. paint shop did nice work as well & looks like it was worth the 8 weeks.. 👍 be safe, enjoy it!
this has been a trip worth waiting on, its been great watching from the very start of this build, to encounter all the probs you had and you overcame them, credit to you bud, great job, cant wait for next one, oh and the bike looks fantastic, anything with a blackbird name has to be stealth black, well done.
Well done sir, matt black really suits the bike and is a nod to the aircraft of the same name, I do think it needs some subtle graphics to break it up, just the honda logo on the tank and the 1100 xx logo on the sides but maybe in gunmetal grey or even gloss black, just my opinion of course. I've been doing bikes up for years and love buying something cosmetically rough and making it look good, next time have a go at painting it yourself, I taught myself and get a great finish now, its just practice mate and a few cans from halfords is way cheaper than a pro job plus no waiting around for 8 weeks (well done on that one, id of spat my dummy out in 8 days!) Look forward to the thunderace, had one years ago and loved it.
Looks mint. I'd have put the factory decals on, or maybe had some "ghost" decals made (think ghost flames) to keep it stealth'd out. I can't imagine taking on a project that big with no tools etc to start with, kudos for stepping out of your comfort zone, ride safe
It's turned out really well, nice work man. Red decals and honda badges, and maybe one wheel red. That's all I'd of done differently and that's obviously pretty damn subjective. Great effort, as someone with zero mechanical skills, I can appreciate what that all must of involved.
Superb job. Have enjoyed watching your videos and your struggles and what an end result. Would have had a dark screen and defo the bird decals. Enjoy having fun with her. Steve.
Great to see it finished, think you started this around the time mine threw me off, so your rebuild has been fueling mine. Looks very stealth, I did prefer the original colour though tbh.
Great to see another episode of this project. Honestly I checked your channel every day to see any news on the Bird. The paint is matt? I love that choice. It reminds me of my matt version with the gold colored wheels (2004 aniversary edition). Can't wait to see the next video about this project, keep ot going.
The Matt black is actually better looking than any colour I've seen them in. Wierd, but true. And zero graphics, to keep people guessing, oh my days the fun in that. Great job, really great video. I just subscribed.
I thought you were crazy to have no tools or experience and decided to swap engines and rebuild the bike, congrats on seeing it through, can't wait for the first ride report.
That bike turned out amazing, congratulations on all the hard work and the best of luck with the mot and I hope you have many a good spin on it for many years , can't wait for the next video on the blackbird and the yamaha.
Bike looks great buddy. Congratulations on a successful job. If it was me i would spend some time getting the exhausts sat dead even. Bolt them to the inside of the pillion footrests. I spent about 45 mins of fiddling swearing and minor adjustments to my cans but they now sit pefectly. To many blackbirds out there with wonky cans and my ocd cant cope!!! 🤣🤣🤣 well done again
Honestly after doing lots of these rebuilds I think you did a really great job! Not sold on the wavy discs but the exhaust looks sweet. Paint job is a personal thing
This has got to be one of my favourite ever uploads - it genuinely gives me goosebumps sharing this. Thank you all so much for your support, wise words and motivation, and sorry again it has been so long since the last Blackbird upload. We learn, we move on and we grow. Let's all look forward to future project bike content!! Appreciate you all so much ❤
Looks good Mr Rye,well done for a first strip down and rebuild 👌🏼
Well the rebuild is done and it looks awesome , And doing it all in black even better , I myself have a 1998 Blackbird , I'm the 3rd owner , It was very well taken care of by the two previous owners , always kept in the garage , I love mine , I was such a well designed and well made bike from Honda , Remember it's a Sport Touring bike , at least that's how it's labeled here in the states , I love it , when regular maintenance and upkeep on it is done , the motor is bullet proof , when I got mine it had 51 thousand miles on it , The first owner was a U.S marshall , very busy guy and never got to really enjoy it, second owner was into Harleys , so miles are originally , my top run on it was 175 MPH at a little over 10 Thousand RPM , and it was like it was on a rail straight as ever , BLACKBIRD 25yrs old and it's a keeper , loved your video
@@MrBricey25thanks bro!! Also haven't forgotten about the meet up I think you asked me somewhere?... its challenging trying to figure out what would best suit be it static or a rideout
You took the fairing to a guy who subcontracted it to someone else, who then did nothing for eight weeks! Then after you’ve allowed this, and tell them you don’t want the guy to paint it. So instead of honouring your wishes, he goes ahead - contrary to the verbal contract, and does a rush paint job on the fairing. Terrible business decisions from literally everyone involved.
I could never trust anything you had your hands on or had anything to do with. I will be very surprised if this thing passes the MoT, runs without issues, and or doesn’t end up being the cause of a serious accident.
@@G58 there has always got to be one bellend in the comments ain’t there.
Never commented before on anyone's channel, but seeing you sat on the finished Blackbird with a big fat grin on your face made my day, good work fella.
For someone who doesn't comment... when you do comment those comments properly land. Appreciate you
The Blackbird design is timeless, epic ! Looks better than 90% of today’s sport bikes.
When bleeding brakes, front and rear, let the fluid come to the end of the line. Once dripping out the end of the line attach to your caliper/s. This should take all the air out of the line/s. Now open the bleed nipple on the caliper/s and wait until it drips from here, now close the bleed nipple. Once thats done, pump the brake lever, hold the brake lever and crack the bleed nipple, shut bleed nipple, pump the lever again, rinse and repeat. Mind keep an eye on fluid level in the reservoir that it doesn't get low enough to re introduce air into the line. This is the quickest way for me to bleed lines and has never failed me. Thanks for the content Rye 🙏
10 out of 10 the black bird looks sick 🔥🔥
I can't believe I haven't seen your video sooner! This is sooooo epic!!!
Very well done I appreciate the ball ache that was
I’ve been all over Europe back in the late 90’s early 2000’s on my 1998 super Blackbird, they are/were incredible bikes capable of covering ludicrous miles very quickly, it’s one of those bikes I wished I’d never sold, great job, well done.
Apart from the stock seat, I agree 😂
Come out very nice indeed,love the stealth matt.Good effort👍
That looks lush now, well done for chasing the painter❤
Thank you! 😊
Had the same wait on my tank getting sprayed. Sat on a shelf for nearly 6 weeks untouched!! Was what I needed to finish mine off.
Don’t reuse brake fluid once you have bleed it through the system, good habit to only use fresh fluid out of fresh bottle.
So cool to see you gave this legend of a bike so much love. I drive mine weekly and i'm still in love with it, everytime i take it out. cheers!!
Looks awesome in Matt black and sounds cool with the new system even whilst idling. If it were mine I’d be fitting some clear indicator lenses too to bring it bang up to date. 👍
I've always admired the Blackbird but never owned one.... that said, your video's has made me want to do the same as you have done, WOW and well done.
It's so rewarding I highly recommend it!
Beautiful bike, beautifully repaired. 😊
Thank you very much!
Given your lack of experience etc, you`ve done a knock out job, well done. Regarding the paintwork waiting time, I feel your frustration there, I`ve waited months in the past for paintwork to be completed. Keep up the good work
Good job on the restore, it is a great achievement to do this/ I owned one 11 yrs, a 97, very tricked out. Installed a Gen 2 2012 USD entire front end from a Busa, LSL bars, Yosh full system, and alot more, sold it at 115km. Since then got an H2 SX SE and ZX14 & ZX9R, sold the H2 a month ago and been enjoying my 96ZX11 that required a 2 yr restore which I finished last season. Very similar to BB but has a little more grunt imho, however they are very similar. Glad you are loving the fruits of your labour:)
The bike looks great! I really liked the build. This is becoming one of my favorite motorcycle channels. Keep it up!
This sort of feedback hits me in the feels
Well done mate, you got it done in the end and it looks and sounds amazing.
Fella, firstly do not NOT apologise for how long this has taken, there is no time limit on this sort of thing, and I think that all things considered you've done a brilliant job, 10/10, but get some decals on the tank and good luck keeping matt black clean!! lol. Fantastic.
Test drove one of these in 1999 owned a vfr800 at time. I red lined it in 3rd. So blindingly fast I wenr straight back to dealer and gave keys back. Frightened crap out me. A beast to haul in bends so kept 800. What an engine in these though. When Hondas were built like tanks pure quality
Well, well, well you’ve done it Rye👏 I’m so very proud of what you’ve accomplished with this build, by going into it blind but with the bravery of a soldier being asked to crest an unknown hill, and to your dogged drive in developing and growing your channel. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your 146 videos since becoming a sub, with your eclectic mix of motorcycle genre. Even including your moped holidays lol. But seriously great ride so far, can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeves next for us. Take care and keep up the good work👏
Thanks Dukie your comments and support really do help motivate me. I am lucky to have you as a subscriber and such a loyal and positive one too ❤
Well done mate, great job. You’ve come a long way over the last year, keep going!
Thanks, will do!
Awesome to see this project back on the road, I was starting to wonder about it's progress. I have a '02 XX that was kind of a project myself recently, and it was an awesome feeling to get it roadworthy. The Blackbird is an amazing platform for sure!
Happy to see this up and running. I rate the centre stand removal did the same with mine :)
Good to hear!
Worth the wait Brother she's beautiful.
Wasn't expecting that!
Looking good.
Well done.
Removing the center stand makes complete sense if you have a paddock stand. Weight is this bike's Achilles heel, although happy with mine on the road, it won't hurt.
She's a beaut!
Well done that man..took a long time to get there but you got there..I think the bike looks awesome can’t wait to see you ride it..👏👏👏
Yes I would do something differently, I would put a tinted wind shield on it, and get black levers on it too. And for finishing touch, the bolts on the panels, have those black tipped as well to finish it off. And before you say you are worried it is too much black, the silver stands out wayyy too much that makes it unappealing. But if you do think it's too much black, get the XX stickers for it, but don't get the rest, just those, or the red accent line for the side fairing panels that the new style has. But as it goes, what a beauty!! Awesome bit of history!
The bird has been reborn, nice work. She looks incredible.
Thank you so much 😀
Absolutely fantastic end result !!!
Love how it turned out.
It will never run again........😂
Oh, hang on a minute !!!!
Well done, looks lovely.👍
😎 haha yes
congratulations mate it looks amazing!
definately silenced a few critics!
big up yourself mate, if you replace the silver screws with black ones the fairings would look even more clean!
What an awesome job. Looks amazing. Love your videos.
Brilliant stuff mate you are going to keep that bike,,as you have done all the work,, that makes a big difference,,,🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 from northern Ireland 😁
Blackbird in proper black! The SR-71. Fantastic job!🎉
You get it!! Thanks my friend ❤
I just caught up with you on this.. I can't believe how good she looks 😍 you did an amazing job with the resto.. paint shop did nice work as well & looks like it was worth the 8 weeks.. 👍 be safe, enjoy it!
Blackbird is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 awesome job
Yes ✌🏼 😎
Mate that looks awesome, loving it & hats off to all your hard work 😎👍
Thank you so much 😀
Nice one mate... You got it done in the end, looks great and sounds just as good
Stunning mate had one for over 8 years best bike I’ve ever had should never of sold it . Well don great job
I also am rebuilding a 98 blackbird. cheers 🍻 from the United States! Great videos
Wow, she looks a beauty! Well done.
Awesome job! Really enjoying the content on your channel... keep up the good work! 👍
She Looks Beautiful. I think you are doing a cracking job
The best part is your toy tool kit, good effort!
this has been a trip worth waiting on, its been great watching from the very start of this build, to encounter all the probs you had and you overcame them, credit to you bud, great job, cant wait for next one, oh and the bike looks fantastic, anything with a blackbird name has to be stealth black, well done.
Nothing wrong with that bike,looks great👍🏼
Thanks 👍
Well done sir, matt black really suits the bike and is a nod to the aircraft of the same name, I do think it needs some subtle graphics to break it up, just the honda logo on the tank and the 1100 xx logo on the sides but maybe in gunmetal grey or even gloss black, just my opinion of course. I've been doing bikes up for years and love buying something cosmetically rough and making it look good, next time have a go at painting it yourself, I taught myself and get a great finish now, its just practice mate and a few cans from halfords is way cheaper than a pro job plus no waiting around for 8 weeks (well done on that one, id of spat my dummy out in 8 days!)
Look forward to the thunderace, had one years ago and loved it.
Well done mate, congratulations. Been following this project since the start, fantastic
Much appreciated!
Looks mint. I'd have put the factory decals on, or maybe had some "ghost" decals made (think ghost flames) to keep it stealth'd out. I can't imagine taking on a project that big with no tools etc to start with, kudos for stepping out of your comfort zone, ride safe
looks very very nice, that flat black suits it good choice..
It's turned out really well, nice work man.
Red decals and honda badges, and maybe one wheel red. That's all I'd of done differently and that's obviously pretty damn subjective.
Great effort, as someone with zero mechanical skills, I can appreciate what that all must of involved.
Well done!!! Can't wait for the test ride video
Superb job. Have enjoyed watching your videos and your struggles and what an end result. Would have had a dark screen and defo the bird decals. Enjoy having fun with her. Steve.
Love it, just needs a couple of black chrome Honda wings on there somewhere.
Great to watch again, inspiring😊
Looks excellent well done .
Many thanks!
WOW!!!
That looks amazing.
Top job. 👍
Bike looks boss glad you stayed with it put some decals on it 👍👍👍😊
Decals coming
Looks very nice man, awesome!
Glad you like it!
Fantastic result for this iconic bike, looks amazing mate 👌, well done 👏
Thanks a lot!
I’ve been watching your progress and I just wanted to chime in and say well done Ryan - it looks fantastic and I’m so pleased for you.
Thank you!!
Great to see it finished, think you started this around the time mine threw me off, so your rebuild has been fueling mine.
Looks very stealth, I did prefer the original colour though tbh.
I'm glad it is finally finished. I was wondering what had happened
Congratulations mate.. looks awesome
Will look forward to some on board footage 🙏👌
Fowshizle that is a good result dude well done man 👍💯
Looks great buddy 👍🏼
Thank you! Cheers!
Great to see another episode of this project. Honestly I checked your channel every day to see any news on the Bird. The paint is matt? I love that choice. It reminds me of my matt version with the gold colored wheels (2004 aniversary edition). Can't wait to see the next video about this project, keep ot going.
The Matt black is actually better looking than any colour I've seen them in. Wierd, but true. And zero graphics, to keep people guessing, oh my days the fun in that.
Great job, really great video.
I just subscribed.
Wow! Hope she rides as good as she looks.
That is stunning mate love it
Glad you like it!
Ooh, I say! Terrifically well done, sir!! I’d be keen to hear the thing at full chat, sometime - I bet those pipes sound like the gates of hell!
I thought you were crazy to have no tools or experience and decided to swap engines and rebuild the bike, congrats on seeing it through, can't wait for the first ride report.
Thanks 👍
That bike turned out amazing, congratulations on all the hard work and the best of luck with the mot and I hope you have many a good spin on it for many years , can't wait for the next video on the blackbird and the yamaha.
good job my friend... keeep going!!
Thank you, I will
Looks Stunning.
The matt black looks sick
And its not smoking, i thought the engine was toasted on the first start
Amazing rebuild and attention only to what’s important!
Bike looks awesome well done look forward to a fist ride video
Coming soon!
Wow....looks amazing and sounds good too.
That satin looks so fing sick man 😍😍
As I’ve said before, I really enjoy your videos. I find you likeable and relatable, keep up the great work dude 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Mate that is jaw dropping. What a bike and what a journey. Amazing stuff - congratulations I was waiting for this moment! 👏👏👏
You and me both!
Looks fantastic! I learned so much doing my first couple of Restos. Great job mate, and satisfying bringing her back to life!
Really suits that bike. Well done buddy you should be extremely proud of yourself.
Fantastic reveal! Been looking forward to this day. Well done on a magnificent effort.
wow what a transformation looks awesome looks stealth
Bike looks great buddy. Congratulations on a successful job. If it was me i would spend some time getting the exhausts sat dead even. Bolt them to the inside of the pillion footrests. I spent about 45 mins of fiddling swearing and minor adjustments to my cans but they now sit pefectly. To many blackbirds out there with wonky cans and my ocd cant cope!!! 🤣🤣🤣 well done again
Honestly after doing lots of these rebuilds I think you did a really great job!
Not sold on the wavy discs but the exhaust looks sweet.
Paint job is a personal thing
Unbelievable transformation, great content as always 👏
Great job! What a task to set yourself. Congratulations. Can't wait to see it out on the road. Enjoy.
All good things come to those who wait!
Cracking job for a first attempt 👏
Congratulations, looks really good
Fair play, that does look awesome!
I would add some nice Blackbird stickers...maybe red, yellow or GOLD!!!
Great job 👌🏻👍🏻