Why choose the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird ? Simple, It's Stable, agile, and beautifully built ! Because bikes like this simply aren’t made any more. Prettier than a Busa and more touring ability than a ZX-12R, it could even be a future investment.
Launched in 1996 the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird instantly made headlines with its 178mph world-beating top speed. Major update in 1999 saw fuel injection replace carbs, a digital dash instead of analogue clocks, and a larger 24-litre fuel tank. Remained on sale until 2008.
Look for a flickering FI light. Corrosion gets into a diagnostic port in the loom which then spreads into the rest of the wiring, causing the warning light to flicker. It can make the engine cut out.
When it comes to making insane speed and acceleration feel remarkably unremarkable, the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird can’t be beat. It’s roomy, even when loaded, spookily stable, reasonably agile and so beautifully built you’ll never tire of looking at it.
You’ll be hard-pushed to find an original 1996 model. But if you just want an amazing sports tourer to blast around on, there are plenty of fuel injected bikes in dealers and for sale privately. Insurance: £301.33 comprehensive (46-yearold male, 3 points, zero NCB, garaged bike. mcncompare.com)
Prices ? £2500 gets you an unmolested 2001 Blackbird with 30,000 miles on the clock. £5000 will buy you one of the last 2007 models with 10,000 miles showing.
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird Specs
Engine : 4-stroke, Transverse four cylinder, DOHC 4 valve per cylinder.
Capacity : 1137 cc
Bore x Stroke : 79 x 58 mm
Cooling System : Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio : 11.0:1
Induction : 4x 42mm Keihin carburators (PGM FI for 1999 above models)
Ignition : Computer-controlled digital transistorized
Spark Plug : NGK, CR9EHVX-9
Starting : Electric Starter
Max Power : 164 HP (112 kW) @ 10.000 RPM
Max Torque : 124 Nm @ 7.250 RPM
Top Speed : 303 km/h
Lubrication : Wet sump
Engine Oil : Synthetic, 10W/40
Oil Capacity : 4.6 Liters / 4.9 quarts
Clutch : Hydraulic wet multi plate
Transmission : 6 Speed
Dimensions :
- Length 2.160 mm
- Width 720 mm
- Height 1.170 mm
Wheelbase : 1.490 mm
Seat Height : 810 mm
Ground Clearance : 130 mm
Dry Weight : 223 kg
Wet Weight : 254 kg
Fuel Capacity : 22 Litres / 4.9 gal
Consumption average : 16.5 km/lit
Frame : Aluminium twin spar
Front Suspension : 43mm H.M.A.S. Cartridge-type fork,
Front Wheel Travel : 120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension : Pro-Link single shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability,
Rear Wheel Travel : 120 mm / 4.7 in
Front Brakes : 2x 310mm discs 3 piston calipers
Rear Brakes : Single 256mm disc 3 piston caliper
Front Tyre : 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre : 180/55 ZR17
Rake : 25°
Trail : 99 mm / 3.8 in