Thank you son for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride the Blackbird that day and go really fast in a straight line with no traffic on the highway. It was AWESOME! Still don't know why you've not let me ride the Hayabusa! 🤔. Dad

I have 2007 model with Iron nail paint, straight bar conversion kit, gel saddle, Akrapovic double exhaust and power commander 5. Bike is fine tuned by pro and I absolutely love it! Could not ask better combination with price/features/handling/power/looks etc. It’s a true keeper❤️

Hello there! I've bought mine in 2016 a 1997 model, 47k kilometers then. First bike, but I live in rural France, so It was easy to accommodate. 110.000 kms now, still got the original headlight bulbs. I did the Alps, Autobahn in Germany, even got to Transylvania. Oil, filters, normal maintenance. This thing is bulletproof.

Also liked those comments from ANOTHER 78 year old ( like me ) your dad ! Lucky you having him for a father . I currently have and LOVE my TWO Blackbirds . I’ve actually owned FOUR of them over the years including a brand new 1999 . Great reliable fast bikes all of them . I tell others that I’m only 78 years old . Maybe when I get older I might get a Harley ( joking ! ) . Still have the “need for speed “ like Pops Prestidge !! 😀

I just found a 2007 , with 15k miles in St. Louis area. Imagine my surprise when I researched the super blackbird. You popped up right away! I’m thinking about buying it. Thanks Jon, great review! As always!

Great review on the XX although I disagree on the lower RPM power issue discussed . I think both of my 97 Blackbirds have awesome power from right off the bottom . Great confidence building comfortable mature sport bikes even suitable for two up riding ( especially so ) and extremely reliable . By the way one of the major magazines ran a 10.2 Quarter when the Blackbird was first released making it the new Fastest Production Bike available at the time . Even the 1300 cc Busa only ran a10.3 when new . Jaws Motorcycles , a London XX service specialist claims to have customers with over a million and a half miles ontheir never opened up Blackbirds usedforcourier duty there . That’s reliable ! Great bikes !!!!

Proud owner of a 97 Bird, purchased 3 months ago. Yes I was disappointed at the low end torque because I came from a Cbr600F3, But man once I get in after 6,000 rpm, I feel like I’m phasing into another dimension…your review is spot on. Keep up the great content.

I have a 2003 with 6k miles on it, new to me since 2022, she's a beauty, I've had many bikes over the years but this one is special, I love it, it's incredibly smooth, you just don't realise how fast you're going until you check the speedometer, my son rides an MT10, and a few weeks ago he rode the BB for the first time, I had a hard time getting it back off him😂

I have had my 2000 model Blackbird for over 20 years now. It has never been my only bike but it might be the last one I let go. I've done some tasteful mods for performance and comfort, including an ECU, , pipes, clip-ons with a risers and adjustable angles, a double bubble windscreen and a Sergeant seat. Also cleaned up the tail section and replaced a bunch of plastic parts like chain guard, rear fender etc. with carbon fiber parts. I've ridden her from the Canadian border in Maine to the Florida Keys, with extensive time in the mountains of New England, the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mtns. and of course the Dragon. Well over 40,000 miles now without an issue. Smoot, fast, comfortable, reliable. Comfortable on the highway and fun in the mountains. The bike is now my sport tourer and reserved for longer rides as I prefer a lighter bike for every day in my old age. BTW, the other bikes in my stable are an Aprilia RSV Mille and a Ducati Monster 1100EVO.

Thanks Jon, I've been enjoying the blast from the past series keep up the good work. 2200 subs! 👍👍

Turbo Time! My Bird is just over 400 lbs wet. Modified dropeed the duall exhaust. Sprocket change solved the low end torque issue and the weight drop makes her feel like a 600 absolutely amazing the difference dropping 140 lbs off the bike has made. Also did engine rebuild at 103k and it was still running just fine compression was still good. upgraded w titanium values. The older i get the more i appreciate this bike. I can ride all day get off no back pain not so woth the other bikes. Its like riding a beach cruiser as far as body position.

The Honda Blackbird was a great bike. Honda should make a modern Blackbird.

Thank you soooooh much for including your height and fit in this review. IT REALLY HELPS get a more objective picture. All in all GREAT review and pointers !!!!!!

i am a lucky owner of the very last year,a 2007,and after som minor upgrades to it,the weakspot at 3700 rpm is completley gone,and it makes 169 hp on the wheel,the powergain over the entire range is just over 20 hp from 2000 rpm,and up to 30 hp at 10.000 and about 40 nm thru the entire range - now it behaves like it was intended, whitout ram-air system,this is a keeper

Great review, thank you 😁👍

Thanks Jon, I enjoy hearing you speak of the different bikes, even if they're not of my type! Thanks man. Marcel right now in Beaufort, S.C.

Hey Jon, enjoying these videos! Had a used 98 for 80k+ miles from 99 to 07. Very fast smooth bike. I don't remember a lack of power below 6k rpm. There was a boost there that would power wheelie in first gear. I far too frequently took it near top speed 180 indicated. Too easy. Drop 2 gears at 70 mph and boom you're flying. With a jet kit and ignition advancer I took mine from 135 to 150 HP. dynoed. 99 and newer did go to ram air with the change to FI. Some suspension and gauge changes during the model run. At 6'4" I can't see how you can get comfortable on a lot of bikes, especially sport bikes. My problem was my neck one spring, couldn't take the bend even with VFR bars on. Traded away, but what a ride it was!

Really interesting review. Thanks.

I had a 98 and loved it. It was the smoothest bike I have ever ridden. Wish I had kept it. Great video. I didn’t notice any lack of low end power but I haven’t ridden a lot of crotch rockets and I had to hold on to keep on the seat😂😂

The power not coming on until 6k rpm isn’t a BB thing, it’s a Honda thing. You can ride easy and short shift, or you can cruise at 6k rpm (give or take depending on the model) and be ready to ramble. And perhaps no Honda i4 pulls the split personality 6k rpm trick better that the BB. Legend.

really good review, everyone else keeps talking about loads of the low end torque on them, and I just laugh... they should try cbr 900RR or anything you mentioned

Thanks for posting Jon.

I have a 97 and 98 Bird very nice bike no problem what so ever I love my bike’s

Still a stunning bike at 20 years old

Happy Memorial day to all riders especially to my DOUBLE X BROTHERS!. I also have recently purchased a 97 BB after previously owning a 01 and 03. I'm about to hand it over to a restoration company and let bring the carbs back into order. Even though it currently falls on its face sputtering around 135 mph , I can laugh very very hard under control without feathering the clutch much. I'm 6 foot at 140lbs. In any condition other than dead, it's a thorobred with skilled jockey, Amen. 😅

agree on oomph ! Luv my 98 plate and taking her for a tour in France in September 23..cant wait for her to eat those miles ..its a special vacation - our first together ...Awwwww ! some 😂 she always puts a grin on my face whenever she takes me out ! Enjoy your special moments together

I have an '01 PGM FI BB and it has a functional ram air system. have to plug the intakes for winter storage so mice don't nest in the airbox

Absolutely love my -99 Blackbird. Especially the fact, that the power comes at 6000rpm. Smooth in the city, fast when I want.

Great review, covering solid points. Did you happen to do a review of your RF900? Thank you!!

Loved the voice over and description on this vid that I've just seen for the first time(October 2023),I bought my first Blackbird last December a 2001 injection model for very low £££ below £1,500 as not standard paintwork.Like the chap on this video said He is 6foot 4 and the riding position is cramped I fully agree as im 6ft 6,not the comfiest ride plus the front forks are mega stiff which give me a hard ride below 60 mph although the forks can be cured with longer springs.I had the Zx10 and then ZZR1100 in late 90,s and there's very little difference between those two with power or speed but the ZZR better design and handling I thought.Only gripe about this vid is the re-playing of the same photos over and over.Otherwise Great vid.

No complaints about your riding impression here. I had sat on a Blackbird in a showroom around 2002. I’m six feet with a 33'' inseam and found it awkward feeling. Then around 2007 I started looking for a big touring bike but still considering a Blackbird at the top of my list. A friend of mine suggested looking for a used ZZR1200 to keep on brand with Kawasaki since I had a ZRX1200 sitting in the shed. Nah, I said, I really didn’t like the looks of the ZZR1200, plus it had the same engine as my ZRX. I wanted something different. So my friend gave me some magazines with all the ZZR1200 tests in them. I took them and read. WOW, the ZZR was seriously fast. Long story short. I found a sweet deal on a low mile ZZR located at a motorcycle shop in Pennsylvania near Ohio. I fueled up the pickup truck and off I went. It was silver and beautiful and a beast. You could ride triple digits with ease. I saw 165 on the speedo often. Which is why, after running afoul with the law and deciding I wanted to live longer, I traded it in on a 650 Versys. The mechanic at the shop said "You’re trading THAT for a 650 Versys?" I said "yeah". But anyways, after seeing your video, maybe I’m glad I didn’t buy a Blackbird. The ZZR was powerful everywhere. More so above 6k but plenty below.

Hi Jon,i just watched your review of the Kawasaki GTR1400,Great vid,and i commented if you had done a review of the Blackbird (lol)then just realised id watched it in October 23! Lol 😂I had lots of bikes including a GTR 1000 Then from 2001 had a 21 year rest from bikes,to then in December 2022 getting the Blackbird but as you say the GTR1400 is amazing value for money and ive read the early ones 2008/2009 were the full speed models,possibly upto 186 mph,with the later ones detuned to 151 mph but in the Uk you could get away with crazy speeds like that in the 90,s but not now for three reasons(Too much traffic,Too many Speed Camera,s and Too many potholes in the UK roads!

I love my bird. It is awesome. Vfr bars help a lot.

I listened to this review for affirmation that the forks were terrible, and you delivered. I had an 01' and the fork was so weird. Taking the bike off the stand, they would compress what seemed like 2 inches, which gave the impression they'd be soft. But in reality they were harsh and didn't seem to move at all. It drove me nuts to the point that I had Hyperpro straight-rate springs and Race Tech gold valves put in...which didn't seem to help at all. There were some things I loved about the bike...great build quality, smooth controls, and I actually liked the LBS...but in the end it didn't seem any more powerful and was less exciting than my 97' ZX11 (my all-time favorite big bike) and the hammering through the fork grew tiresome.

Another great review of a classic. I'm curious Jon. What are your leathers? They seem quite beefy.

With the addition of comfort mods. Corbin seat, vfr bars, etc. The Cb-rex is the gt car... Of motorcycles.

I have a a 2001 model and agree with you on the riding position but of course that is subjective - people describe them as comfortable but I found it a long way from that (VFR bars and peg lowering has helped). But I am surprised by your views on power delivery; I also have a 2000 R1 which is close on performance but the Blackbird is deceptive because it is so calm and linear with the way it goes about it. I know what you mean about 'leaning more' - I found adding a shim under the rear shock mount (easy mod) made a significant improvement without any negative effect on stability.

My 2004 Blackbird is fuel injected and has more bottom end than the 2017 Fireblade I have. The change over from carbs to fuel injection my have made all the difference

I'd a 2003 new back in the day and it's still owned by a friend. A 2005 in mint condition with 20k miles just came up for sale and I'm back in the game😂

Now I have a 2002 Blackbird with a Ohlins shock Corbin seat and all new plastic Perilli tires And a KN filter and 4 into one pipe and EFI kit too! But I need to reinstall the linked brakes on it first because the front wheel will lock up when I apply the brakes 😢😢😢😢😢😢😮😮😮Wow! No problem I will fix it because I love the Blackbird 💋

I also went from a ZX-9R to the CBR BB. Both are great bikes and underrated. The 9 is for hooligan riding and the XX is for civilized mischief. The 9 definitely sounds better, but the XX is much smoother.

I always thought the Blackbird would be the Holy Grail for me. But, then i rode one and was not really liking the ergonomics. Thats ok, cuz i still have a Honda at home i can ride, and am glad i had the opportunity to ride an XX legend !

I got 1 3 months after doing my test , had it about a yr now nd it holds its own with any bikes iv been out with which isn't bad for an old girl

I have a silver 02 CBR1100XX with a little over 202K and running strong.

Thank you for your info I have few motor bikes till I got me the Blackbird 2007 the speed man you are flying I enjoy the bike man it can go toe to toe with these new bees

I got a 97 super black bird. Still getting used to it very smooth ride

Thank you for your good and honest review of the CBR1100XX. My wife has fallen in love with this CBR, but I have to drive it. Is it a machine that can be used for Sunday trips, on the small roads. I hear you talking about, it must have a lot of RPM And that it has to go far down the bend. I haven't ridden a motorcycle in years, but felt comfortable riding the Suzuki GSX1100f. In the meantime, I have become an old man of 54 years. I have also seen your test of the TL1000, which I have just test driven, it is a fantastic machine for me, but my wife does not sit very well on it. Greetings Esben from Denmark

I have the 1997 super blackbird I noticed the same thing at a certain RPM then a kickstand. Is very smooth ride. But you have to have your RP m's up for it to really perform.

Back in the day I had a chance to ride the blackbird a couple of times. Only thing I didn’t like was the long reach to the bars. I’m 5’10”and the Kawasaki ZX 11 fits me better. The ZX11 sold way better than the Blackbird too. The Honda is one good looking bike though.

As for bottom end, it’s no V twin but my ‘98 pulls hard in 6th from 3000. Now this is the only bird I’ve ridden and I did tweak the carbs a bit and changed out the cam chain (which resets the cam timing to factory new) but otherwise it’s completely stock. In fact I never have to spool it more than 6000 to smoke anything on the road. Track would be different but I don’t go there so non issue.

Please do a review of your RF 900

It's on my bucket list. But only because of the last part of your statement. It being so overbuilt, I'm certainly not a knee dragger, but I do love things mechanical that are known for being reliable/bulletproof. Also, you bringing out the ZX10R to my attention is another bike. I like the way you adjust the chain. If you could only choose one the ZX10R or ZX9R? ENJOYED THE VIDEO AND RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

Hi Guys, kindly tell me if this Blackbird is worth purchasing for touring? Also is it advisable for a first time rider.Been absent from riding for 14 years...las rode a zzr400.All the advice and guidance will be appreciated. Thanks

you cant even enjoy the bike without a yosh pipe and dyno -jet kit then you get 320 kph easy . and the torque is rear wheel breaking free power and drove me nutts with certain tires.. I loved the BB feel and smoothness it was phenomenal.. Im small 5'8" it is a reach to the bars and I have 1 " risers i like leaning it and grinding the footpegs . I liked the linked breaking but its gone this year with the new front end..

An honest review. I had a 2002 EFI version & it had good low down toque. But the bike was hard to corner & heavy, and the reach to the bars was too much for a sport tourer.

My Blackbird earned me the top spot for being busted at 2.5X times the speed limit. I suppose it should really be 2.5XX... Also it is hard to work out which is faster at top speed, the fuel gauge dropping of the odometer rising ::)

I currently have a 2002 CBRXX Blackbird ❤❤❤❤❤

Hondas have always been the smooth operators of superbikes. Kaw & Yamahas were shoulder dislocators and Suzies were somewhere in-between. Nice lookin' bike though, but yeah, like you said, probably because it grew closer to a Ninja in aesthetics.

Ever rode the EFI version? That bottom end power issue is non-existant. It just pulls, all the way through. But it really sits up on that rear tire when you're pinned on the throttle.

I own the redbird, that lack of power at low regions, I had let it fixed at the garage where I bought it.... NO lack of power in low regions anymore.... at low regions it wants to go ballistic....and for throwing this bike into the corners.... if you are a lightweight.....no....but if you spend a lot of years in the gym like me...and you weigh a 230 pounds....its great to handle.

Iv owned many of the bike's you have GPZ900 RF900 CBR1000 but the blackbird 07 i owned had it all i don't believe they were slow down low no different than the FJ1200 they are a magnificent motorcycle it wasn't about the speed for myself i really wanted a touring shaft driven bike'so i did a straight swap for an FJR 1200 which I still have today both are brilliant bulletproof bike's stay safe and upright my friend cheers from Australia 🦘🌏

The low rev easiness is engineered - what people perceive as a power lag up to 4000 revs is actually a beautifully engineered aspect of this sports-tourer. Below 4000 revs its a very comfortable and easy touring ride, above that and it becomes the open throated sports bike

I had 2 blackbirds a 1998 carb model and a 2004 model. The carb model always felt quicker but it was a bit of stretch but legs were fine I am 5ft 8. My 1998 fireblade feels much more punchy than the blackbird low down I loved the blackbird But do prefer the fireblade

I had a 2006 Bird from new, I totally agree with your comments so nothing else to say except 270k or 168 mph is the fastest I got it up to and the reason I could could see the speed was due to the digital speedo then the road ran out !

I am about to purchase a 1997. Any advice?

137hp? 164hp officially. Fireblades at the time had about 130hp and did certainly no 175mph. Also; I'd point the Bird's strongest selling point to value for money. There are faster bikes, much faster, such as the ZX-14 and Busa. But even the ZX-14R is like 3x the price, likely lower quality, and a highly anonymous look. The Bird is a Lambo of bikes at $3000. Blackbird is also highly underrated, like ZX.

The '99 efi bikes onwards did have ram air. My stock '99 has a stunningly flat torque curve and pulls hard from down low so I am not sure where the lack of low end torque comes from . I still own that bike and will never part with it. It is greater than the sum of its parts.

Early pgm fi models (99 and 2000) are considerably plenty of torque, even at 3000 rpm without any peack, or..Valley, and with the same amount of power. Definitely a better street motorcycle compared to the carbs version, for that reason.

I don't know if as anyone else picked up on this, but his production dates are wrong started production in 1996 not 97. How do I know this you ask? Because I OWN a 96'.!

great review - very useful too, not least because I own two zx9rs which I have put 100k miles on, and have loved riding. A bird seemed tempting - they are very cheap in the UK, for one thing. However in the end I plumped for something almost the opposite - an 1150GS. I ride a lot of single track shit - the nines did it without complaint. But in all seriousness, a bike with longer legs is better suited to my local roads.

I owned a 1997 CBRXX and I love it 😻 🎉❤😊my buddy had a zx9. He wanted to race me all the time until I let ride my Blackbird after that he didn’t want to race me anymore 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😂😂😂😂😅😅😅😅🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Hey Jon, really enjoyed the review. I had, (still have but no longer riding), the FI model. And found the power delivery very linear. I think your comment about the large carbs was spot on, the speed of the air flow at low rpms was too slow to make low down power, and this is typical of engines designed to chase top speed. Honda didn't talk up the ram air system, but on the FI models the air intakes faced forward and we're ducted back to the air box and so must have increased the air intake pressure, no? Great that you included your height. Even at only 5'-7" I found the pegs a bit high, and a huge stretch to the bars, but I guess, along with the stacked headlights it was all about reducing that frontal area to reduce drag. I eventually learned to like the combined brakes, I like the honda character of the power delivery and love the super smooth engine. I don't like the ergonomics, it's the only bike I've ridden that can feel cramped and too big, both at the same time.👍

The Blackbird replaced my ZZR1100, lighter, more comfortable, a bit faster, I've had it for 10 years and can't find anything to replace it. I don't feel like a 70 year old when I get on it. 😂🏍🤣

6 speed ?

Dad is nuts

great bike, BUT uncomfortable on a long ride ,.... The best bike I ever owned till I gave up when I got to 74 years old was a Pan European ST 1100 .. PS its not zee its ZED ,,got it ,,get it GOOD UK

I owned a beautiful CBXX Blackbird 1997❤❤❤❤❤❤

It’s red instead of Black this time 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

I had a 2003 and it had ram air

I honestly don't think you are correct at all with the no power up to 6k rpm, I have a 96 and its an absolute beast from idle up to 10k rpm, infact the blackbird is always praised for the low rpm grunt that makes it just that easier to ride slowly. I just dont get how you got to that conclusion.

Power commander on my 03 lit up the low end response, quick shifter gets things going in a hurry. A bit of a reach to the bars and the low clip-on's do it no favours, engine throws off alot of heat I like the linked brakes and the handling is predictable, fork oil change transforms the front end as will a YSS shock.

Your dad is a good old boy.

It did have ram air sir. Look it up.

Own a black 2001 EFI with catalytic converter. I think Honda did incorporate RAM AIR at that time. I also own a Harley Davidson 2019 Fat Boy. I don't think there is anything wrong with the torque from 3000 rpm of the BB. Prior to owning these bikes I have owned a Yamaha MT-10 and a Ducati 1098 Streetfighter. World of difference in the weight and handling department. But I am not that young anymore so I have adapted my riding style for cruising (love that) and for a bit sporty and faster riding (no extremes). But I find myself taking out the BB more often over the FB.

the 1999/2001 are the best 164/166 hp fuel injected so no air flow problem and better breaks and suspension more tech and many improves the 2002 get downgraded for emisions

I think is a fair review, it did not fit your body, the Kaw was a better fit.

The bike won. And if it doesn't, it's because he was half throttle. There are so many arguments, but no one knows how to prove anything. A bone stock cbr1100xx has 122kw(164hp) at 557 lbs wet. A gtr weighs anywhere from ≈3200-3600 lbs. In hp, giving the gtr it's 3200 lbs low end weight, the gtr would need to be generating ≈750 hp just to have a glimmer of hope. Even if the gtr had a miraculous 500 lbs weight reduction it would still need to generate ≈800 hp to even have a chance to beat, again, a bone stock cbr1100xx. For every 1 hp the bike has the gtr needs 4hp - 5.25hp. This doesn't even take into account cross-sectional area or gear ratio. With a power to weight ratio pushing .225 hp/lb and ONLY A TOP SPEED OF 188, if any real modifications were made to the cbr to increase power, this gtr would need to be generating somewhere around 1000-1100 hp to put up a fight

164bhp on carb model

i never had a desire to ride sportbikes.would consider my riding skills average to slightly above.& knew these 2 wheel missles would be like me buying a gun with a U shaped barrel, & my chances of survival would most likely be slim to none.the best bikes in the world are useless when your a paraplegic.just my oppinion.since im still alive & walking, i feel i made the correct choice.but to each, their own.im only responsable for my own well being.

I have a 99 and it will eat the other bikes u mentioned ,mabey your carbs was off I don't know but mine tries to pull u off of it at anything over 2000 to 11.it does like to lean in but it still feels planted for me I'm a big guy as well 6'4" 280 . I love mine I had a 954 prior to the bird and I wouldn't take 2 954 for it

With fuel injection too bro 😉😉🤩💋