Terra Linda High Class of 87 here. I grew up on Idylberry Road and have been to Skywalker Ranch twice with an actor friend of mine. I saw TRON, and other movies there and it was an experience I'll never forget. I got a coffee mug from the kitchen (Shhhhhhh)
I've done this road the opposite way. Loved it! Thanks for the memories :) And the nice calming meditative ride. I'll be back often when I need a calm moment to listen to. Cheers!
You have really captured the experience of riding the Honda. This could be me riding my '97 CBR 1100xx out of Sacramento. Makes me want to hit the road!
Really enjoyed the scenery in your video, and the sweet, sweet sound of the Blackbird. I've owned my '02 since the summer of '08, and absolutely love this bike. Nothing else I've ever ridden even comes close. It's too bad I live so far away (deep south Texas) because I'd absolutely jump at the chance to ride my Blackbird along the route in your video if it was within easy driving distance. For now, I'll have to settle for the "Three Sisters" ride in central Texas.
Great road and better bike. I have an 02 Blackbird with 150,500 miles on it and loved the Norcal roads. My favorite road was Skaggs Springs Rd in Stewart Pt, CA.
Hi Calen, wow, 150,500 miles. Just more proof how great the Blackbird is. I've had it since new and I will never sell it. Best bike Honda ever made in my opinion :)
Great vid, great bike, beautiful country, luv the redwood forest. My '97 Cbr1100xx is broke, First time in 5 years, ordered a rec/reg. No others bike for me! Mine came with a micron full exhaust, it's still pretty quiet. Luv the stock bars and windscreen!
Yes, I agree. By far one of the best bikes Honda has ever produced. I bought it brand new in '99 and will never let it go. it has almost 60,000 miles on it and still runs as strong as it did new. And, it still looks as good and is as fast as most new bikes. A perfect motorcycle :)
I have a 1999 I bought new and haven’t ridden in years, only 1100 miles on it and I start it once per week. This made me feel like I was riding my CBR, nice video. Hopefully in another 20 years if I only have 1100 miles on my bike it will be worth something. Great video !
Take your bike for rides as you're not doing it any favors just starting it in your garage once a week. The thing will be choking on crud that will have built up especially the engine and brakes. Just imagine the fork internals with 19 year old oil in them. Perished rubber and everything that can possibly be lubricated dry as a bone. I bought a 10 year old 05 with only 17000ks on it and it cost me a couple of grand to safely get it on the road. In another 20 years only a wrecker will pay you anything for it.
I have an '06 and even in our winter it gets an occaisional blast out of the blocks. they meant to be ridden. I know this reply is 3 years laters, so I hope you have done it justice!
@@karlhansen1412 I understand keeping something nice and it’s his bike but it’s not and wasn’t an every day bike I would have to ride it especially when it and the zx11 were the kings
I just got a 1999 last week. I hope it's a good one. Any tips for me would be appreciated. so far just the cam chain tensioner issue. Glad to see you not riding all crazy like some of the other videos
99 here also, blue. Watch out for the oil feed pipes, they rust very badly, black mark to Honda for that one. You may experience charging problems, I did, but none since, replaced the generator and rec/reg. After 70,000 miles check to see if the the clutch pipe expands when squeezing the lever. Be prepared to replace, preferably with braided ones. If you ever feel a reluctance to free wheel, it may well be the link pipe from rear slave cylinder to proportional velve. They are expensive and cannot be repaired. Just remove the pipe and put a stud in, that will free the wheel. Good luck, have never had so much fun. 7175 miles when I bought it in 2001 and now over 83,000 miles of utter fun !
Daniel Botha mines a 97 rides like new is the second one iv had sold the last one regretted it just kept thinking about it so got another one also have a z1000 but love the bird great for touring Europe ride safe bud 👊
I live in the bay area and I have a 91 zx11. Anyone interested in a "20th century" sport bike/sport touring group ride let me know. I'd like to meet up with others who love the bikes of late 20th century, but anyone welcome.
I wonder why ates are so bad in Canada. $76.00 a yr in California for 300,000 property damage and, 500,000 bodily injury liability only. If I wreck my bike ill take the loss. Comprehensive might be under $300. I have separate health insurance. Im riding a Kawasaki zx11
there are so many american flags waving along the street, its just beautiful to behold! great to see people loving their country! my own country has completly given up being proud. greetings from a german patriot. ps: i love your blackbird! beautiful landscape as well
@@digitalpizza1 - well said. I feel the same way about the UK. I love my country but hate the stupid crap (Royal family / Megan drama, plus our comedy Prime MInister(s) that is all the rest of the world generally sees!!! In other news, Blackbirds are bloody great!
Hi Rob, the bike has the stock exhaust on it. I have had the bike since new and love the stock exhaust. It sounds great along with the tranny whine, and it really wakes up when you open it up :)
digitalpizza Hey there. Iv got a 2004 blackbird with the standard exhaust. I also love the deep tone they make and won't be changing them. Also found on long trips the quieter note is lovely unlike my XR650r with loud FMF can be too much for the ears after a while going at 110kph.
My ride is an '02 Blackbird with stock exhaust, and it has exactly the same sweet sound of the bike in the video. At steady highway cruising speeds, the bike is so quiet that the wind noise completely drowns out the sound of the engine and exhaust, but when you open the throttle, you get that beautiful sound.
digitalpizza mine is all stock I love the sound when it's opened up also I would not change it love my bird would love the weather your ridding in is winter here in uk grey an rains a lot 😱 ride safe love your vid 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Actually, no because I could clearly see that there was no car there which is not evident in the video, and that is a driveway to a gated entrance to George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch property. So there is seldom a car there. The van was actually pulling over to let me pass.
Hi FrancoThey are the stock Honda bars.For me, I love the riding position of the stock bars and they are the best looking.Not too low, and not too high.
I see you're using the stock screen, how to you find it, I am thinking of fitting a stock screen to mine having bought it with a power bronze double bubble which puts wind turbulence on my head straining my neck?
I love the stock screen.This bike was originally designed in a wind tunnel, so I think the stock screen is an element of the bike that works with other design features that makes the bike the most slippery.I wear a Shoei X14 helmet and don't feel any buffering or strain.The bike just slices thru the air.
The whole idea of this video was to show the bike in normal riding conditions and the fact that the bike is capable of all types of riding. I have had the bike since new and have ridden it hard and gently. There are 1000s of videos showing it being ridden hard, this one is about the bike, not how fast it will go. We all know it goes fast. The other thing is that I was riding with my wife who was on her Yamaha that day, I was being respectful of her, not to race ahead of her never to be seen again :)
I have a 1998 bought brand new in 2000. I still have it and it still HAULS THE MAIL!!!
I don't know about you guy's, but for me this a guided meditation!
I was just about to say. Just him riding around no (or little) commentary. Calms my soul to it's core!! Love it!
Terra Linda High Class of 87 here. I grew up on Idylberry Road and have been to Skywalker Ranch twice with an actor friend of mine. I saw TRON, and other movies there and it was an experience I'll never forget. I got a coffee mug from the kitchen (Shhhhhhh)
Best bike I ever had. Insanely fast and yet so civilised. "160 sir? Certainly." It was like having a speed freak butler.
I've done this road the opposite way. Loved it! Thanks for the memories :) And the nice calming meditative ride. I'll be back often when I need a calm moment to listen to. Cheers!
You have really captured the experience of riding the Honda. This could be me riding my '97 CBR 1100xx out of Sacramento. Makes me want to hit the road!
Just got a 98 Bird. Loving it so far too! I haven't been up that road in long time.
Really enjoyed the scenery in your video, and the sweet, sweet sound of the Blackbird. I've owned my '02 since the summer of '08, and absolutely love this bike. Nothing else I've ever ridden even comes close. It's too bad I live so far away (deep south Texas) because I'd absolutely jump at the chance to ride my Blackbird along the route in your video if it was within easy driving distance. For now, I'll have to settle for the "Three Sisters" ride in central Texas.
Blackbird can take you anywhere you want to go your limits are self imposed.
Great road and better bike. I have an 02 Blackbird with 150,500 miles on it and loved the Norcal roads. My favorite road was Skaggs Springs Rd in Stewart Pt, CA.
Hi Calen, wow, 150,500 miles. Just more proof how great the Blackbird is. I've had it since new and I will never sell it. Best bike Honda ever made in my opinion :)
I live in the Santa Rosa area, Skaggs is an awesome road
I love these roads. Thank you.
Great vid, great bike, beautiful country, luv the redwood forest. My '97 Cbr1100xx is broke, First time in 5 years, ordered a rec/reg. No others bike for me! Mine came with a micron full exhaust, it's still pretty quiet. Luv the stock bars and windscreen!
Yes, I agree. By far one of the best bikes Honda has ever produced. I bought it brand new in '99 and will never let it go. it has almost 60,000 miles on it and still runs as strong as it did new. And, it still looks as good and is as fast as most new bikes. A perfect motorcycle :)
Thanks for sharing this. I have two of these bikes ('98 carbed, and '00 FI)... it's an incredible love affair.
LifeguardBellamy hi I have a 97 carbed had an FI as you say love my bike glad I'm not the only one lol 👌🏻
Owned the carburator version of Blackbird from - 98 before i changed to a Hayabusa second generation. They are both really nice bikes. ☺
Yes, I love the long wheel base, heavy yet fast sport bikes. much more comfortable and stable on long trips :)
nice ride beutiful scenery great video 👍 its what motorcyceling is all about
Love the blackbird, not a really retro yet, but almost and will be a classic bike for sure in the coming decades ;-) Thx for sharing & greetings!!
Thanks Kickstart, Yes I love it also. Had it since new and will never sell it :)
I have a 1999 I bought new and haven’t ridden in years, only 1100 miles on it and I start it once per week. This made me feel like I was riding my CBR, nice video. Hopefully in another 20 years if I only have 1100 miles on my bike it will be worth something. Great video !
You have the money to buy it but you don't have the passion to ride it ! What a waist ...
Take your bike for rides as you're not doing it any favors just starting it in your garage once a week. The thing will be choking on crud that will have built up especially the engine and brakes. Just imagine the fork internals with 19 year old oil in them. Perished rubber and everything that can possibly be lubricated dry as a bone.
I bought a 10 year old 05 with only 17000ks on it and it cost me a couple of grand to safely get it on the road.
In another 20 years only a wrecker will pay you anything for it.
I have an '06 and even in our winter it gets an occaisional blast out of the blocks. they meant to be ridden.
I know this reply is 3 years laters, so I hope you have done it justice!
@@karlhansen1412 I understand keeping something nice and it’s his bike but it’s not and wasn’t an every day bike I would have to ride it especially when it and the zx11 were the kings
Love this blackbird video awesome roads and weather not like in the uk 👍👌
This bike is magical tbh...
I just got a 1999 last week. I hope it's a good one. Any tips for me would be appreciated. so far just the cam chain tensioner issue. Glad to see you not riding all crazy like some of the other videos
99 here also, blue. Watch out for the oil feed pipes, they rust very badly, black mark to Honda for that one. You may experience charging problems, I did, but none since, replaced the generator and rec/reg. After 70,000 miles check to see if the the clutch pipe expands when squeezing the lever. Be prepared to replace, preferably with braided ones. If you ever feel a reluctance to free wheel, it may well be the link pipe from rear slave cylinder to proportional velve. They are expensive and cannot be repaired. Just remove the pipe and put a stud in, that will free the wheel. Good luck, have never had so much fun. 7175 miles when I bought it in 2001 and now over 83,000 miles of utter fun !
Nice man...!
I have a 98 blackbird, get yourself a touring screen, then you'll really be in love. The difference is astronomical. Enjoy!Nice video. though.
Daniel Botha mines a 97 rides like new is the second one iv had sold the last one regretted it just kept thinking about it so got another one also have a z1000 but love the bird great for touring Europe ride safe bud 👊
Smoooth
Nice
I live in the bay area and I have a 91 zx11. Anyone interested in a "20th century" sport bike/sport touring group ride let me know. I'd like to meet up with others who love the bikes of late 20th century, but anyone welcome.
I would love to pick up a gently used Blackbird, but the insurance rates in Ontario are astronomical!!!!!
I wonder why ates are so bad in Canada. $76.00 a yr in California for 300,000 property damage and, 500,000 bodily injury liability only. If I wreck my bike ill take the loss. Comprehensive might be under $300. I have separate health insurance. Im riding a Kawasaki zx11
there are so many american flags waving along the street, its just beautiful to behold! great to see people loving their country!
my own country has completly given up being proud.
greetings from a german patriot.
ps: i love your blackbird! beautiful landscape as well
Thank you, I never noticed the flags until you pointed them out. :) Thank you ! We love our country, but the current pres is another matter :(
Well said.
@@digitalpizza1 - well said. I feel the same way about the UK. I love my country but hate the stupid crap (Royal family / Megan drama, plus our comedy Prime MInister(s) that is all the rest of the world generally sees!!! In other news, Blackbirds are bloody great!
Which exhaust are you using, it sounds good without being too loud?
Hi Rob, the bike has the stock exhaust on it. I have had the bike since new and love the stock exhaust. It sounds great along with the tranny whine, and it really wakes up when you open it up :)
digitalpizza Hey there. Iv got a 2004 blackbird with the standard exhaust. I also love the deep tone they make and won't be changing them. Also found on long trips the quieter note is lovely unlike my XR650r with loud FMF can be too much for the ears after a while going at 110kph.
My ride is an '02 Blackbird with stock exhaust, and it has exactly the same sweet sound of the bike in the video. At steady highway cruising speeds, the bike is so quiet that the wind noise completely drowns out the sound of the engine and exhaust, but when you open the throttle, you get that beautiful sound.
digitalpizza mine is all stock I love the sound when it's opened up also I would not change it love my bird would love the weather your ridding in is winter here in uk grey an rains a lot 😱 ride safe love your vid 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
12:57 dangerous moment. If there would have been a car coming from right.
Actually, no because I could clearly see that there was no car there which is not evident in the video, and that is a driveway to a gated entrance to George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch property. So there is seldom a car there. The van was actually pulling over to let me pass.
Hello,which handlebar ??? thx
Hi FrancoThey are the stock Honda bars.For me, I love the riding position of the stock bars and they are the best looking.Not too low, and not too high.
go on norways trollsteigen or the stelvio
thats real bends
I've ridden Trollstigen and it was super tight and full of coaches, cars and RVs. With a smattering of frustrated bikers :) (When I was there)
I see you're using the stock screen, how to you find it, I am thinking of fitting a stock screen to mine having bought it with a power bronze double bubble which puts wind turbulence on my head straining my neck?
I love the stock screen.This bike was originally designed in a wind tunnel, so I think the stock screen is an element of the bike that works with other design features that makes the bike the most slippery.I wear a Shoei X14 helmet and don't feel any buffering or strain.The bike just slices thru the air.
digitalpizza Bought stock screen, tried it. Completely agree it's better. Thanks.
Wight walker 245 I've had my bird 21years and I run stock screen ! If Honda wind tunnelled it 2b this way then who can say they know more than HONDA !
Riding a Blackbird at 55mph is nothing but cruelty to animals!
The whole idea of this video was to show the bike in normal riding conditions and the fact that the bike is capable of all types of riding. I have had the bike since new and have ridden it hard and gently. There are 1000s of videos showing it being ridden hard, this one is about the bike, not how fast it will go. We all know it goes fast. The other thing is that I was riding with my wife who was on her Yamaha that day, I was being respectful of her, not to race ahead of her never to be seen again :)
it is pure enjoyment