Honda Cbr1100xx - Super Blackbird

There is something just so utterly intoxicating about theWhile it's not quite as strong as the 'Bus or Kawasaki's
way Honda's Super Blackbird blends such enormousZX-14 or even ZX-12R, there's still plenty here to keep
raw power with such velvety-smooth refinement.you entertained, and you'll need to watch that right
By rights, 152 claimed horses - which still equates withwrist like a hawk if you want any chance of retaining
over 130bhp at the rear wheel - should make theyour license...
223kg Blackbird a big handful, yet somehow Honda'sStopping is a particularly important issue on a bike like
wizards have managed to break those horses, andthis, and the twin-disc, three-piston Nissins are right on
train them to perform a synchronized ballet that wouldthe money. Honda's Dual Combined Brake System
be the envy of Spain's famed dancing stallions...(DCBS) is employed, which won't please everyone but
Then there's the fact that some 10 years after itswill be appreciated by others. If you're not looking to
introduction, the Blackbird is still on the pace despitebreak lap records at Phillip Island, it shouldn't be an issue
receiving very little in the way of modifications or- and if you are you should really be looking for
upgrades.something lighter anyway, like a Fireblade.
Released late in 1996, the CBR1100XX went fromThe suspension, though relatively low-tech, does a
carburettors to electronic fuel injection in 1999, and thenbeautiful job, but tends towards the plusher end of the
received a catalytic converter and updated headlights,spectrum, at least in terms of sportier hardware.
instruments and screen in 2001 - throw in the oddThe 'Bird's on the money in the comfort stakes too,
change in colour scheme here and there, and thewith a firm but supportive seat, a good screen and
Blackbird has really undergone very little in the way ofslippery bodywork to allow you to scythe through the
tinkering.air. Those on the tall side may find legroom a bit
And really, why would it? Pointing the bike downwanting, but there's still enough there to ensure
Victoria's Great Ocean Road recently, it showed it canmulti-day tours will still be on the agenda, aided further
still hold its head high, with a formula that really hasn'tby the 'Bird's optional factory panniers ($1750). So
dated since its inception.what exactly is the Blackbird's focus? At 223kg (dry)
The Blackbird's turbine-like four-cylinder engineit's too heavy to be a pure sportsbike, yet it's too fast
develops big torque and big power, with crisp fueland has too sporty a ride position to be a true tourer.
injection that places both at your beck and call. ThereReally, it's a power-packed all-rounder and a
are no flat spots to speak of, in fact there's nothing buthyper-tourer on the open road - provided you can find
bulk oomph pretty much throughout its entire revroads on which you can actually explore its potential
range, from just off idle to its indicated 10,750rpm(try Germany).
redline.But even at legal speeds, that engine will always see
On the road this translates to a pure delight, althoughyou coming back for more. Happy birthday Blackbird -
it's perhaps not as involving as other less-powerfulmay your reign in the Honda stable continue for many
machines, as even on a road with quite a variation ofyears more.
turns you can simply pick a gear and stick with it.SPECS: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird
The Blackbird was the world's fastest production bikeEngine: 1137cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC,
when it first hit the streets, a mantle it retained for over16-valve, inline four-cylinder
two years until Suzuki introduced the GSX1300RBore and stroke: 79 x 58mm
Hayabusa in May of 1999.Compression: 11.