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What you get in exchange is a combination of raw power coupled to huge torque, which comes in handy whether you're riding two-up or on your own, this SR71 namesake will definitely put a smile on the face of any adrenaline junkie. No matter what the engine RPM there is only miniscule vibration, thanks to the dual crankshaft counter-balancers, and helps to keep it super stable at any speed.
Please do your homework if you are not familiar with these old machines, and you will find this inline four engine is bulletproof. This is my second Blackbird. My first one was a 1998, and I sold it with 89K miles on it and it was still running strong. In fact the only reason I sold it was because it was a carbureted bike, and this 2003 fuel injected bike became available.
While my fuel injected engine has never been modified (and remains completely stock and dependable), I did replace the primary drive sprocket. This one has one less tooth. On the plus side I now have considerably quicker launches (which is what I was after). What I give up is my manufacturer claimed 176 mph top speed. That said, I've never been over 155 mph and I did that in 5th gear! While I can't imagine going that fast again, for anyone with more kahunas than me, consider this bike has six gears!
This Bird has been babied all its life, having never being ridden in the rain, or on gravel roads. It is always kept covered in my garage, when I'm not riding it. It gets its services done on time and gets an oil change every Spring regardless of mileage.
A couple of other things that have been done to wring that last bit of horse power, was the former owner added a Power Commander optimizing module to balance the extra power created when he replaced the twin stock 4:2 exhaust pipes with a higher horse power stainless steel 4:1 Yoshimura header.l. Although I can be quiet when I want to (i.e. cruising through a residential neighborhood), once I twist the throttle with purpose, unleashing the beast within, the sound is absolutely awesome!
Here is what has been done to enhance the "touring" aspect of its sport-touring pedigree:
~ Replaced the stock clip-on handle bars with some 2" taller Honda VFR clip-on bars. This make a HUGE difference in my riding position, allowing my hands and shoulders to remain much more upright, without sacrificing any handling, whether in sport mode or distance cruising. Note- If I want to go supersonic I can still lower my chin, and become one with the gas tank 8^)
~ Replaced the low profile windscreen with a slightly taller Zero Gravity windscreen with a slight laminar lip (pushes the airstream over my helmet - instead taking it in the face shield).
~ Replaced the super slippery stock seat, with a very supportive and comfortable Corbin seat, as well as a removeable passenger backrest.
~ Mechanical cruise control (works great).
I also recently replaced the tires. I prefer the Michelin ZR series, and these have about 80% tread left. The brakes are good, and all the fluids were changed two seasons ago. I also just purchased a complete set of red silicone hoses, but have not yet installed them.
It is absolutely true that if you do your services on time and regularly change your oil & filter, these engines will run flawlessly well over 100K miles. In fact there are more than a few in the Blackbird community that have over 150K. So please so don't be intimidated by the 57K miles on mine.
You may be thinking, if it's such a great bike, why am I selling it?
The answer is because I have developed bad knees here in my late 60's, and I can't twist on them they way I used to be able to, and it's become dangerous for me. At 67 years young, I'm gong to call it a day. I have owned and ridden a great many bikes since I started riding 51 years ago. The Super Blackbird remains my favorite.
While I'll give you a test ride if you are a serious buyer, I won't let you ride it yourself until you buy it. $6,500 cash and it's yours. I have clear clean title in my name.
P.S. If you have heard horror stories about what a tremendously fast, powerful, and exhilarating bike the CBR1100XX is (even by todays standards), and how it will blow past virtually any bike that is running in excess of 120 mph, and how it will run away with you if you are not careful... While all true, just remember - it's all about control - Throttle control, and Self-control. It's really quite the gentle puss* cat when you want it to be...
But if you have that need for speed...
Beneath those beautiful candy apple red plastics, lies a ferocious tiger... A tiger that back in the late 1990's held the world speed record for any stock motorcycle, for two consecutive years.
If you want more specifics please respond with an email. Include your first name and contact phone number, and I'll call you.
Thanks for reading this super long email.
Happy hunting.
Douglas
