Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum and I am looking to add a bike to my garage. I currently have a 2003 VFR800A with 6000 miles. Only mods are 2 Brothers exhaust, corbin saddle, and fender eliminator.

I can pick up a new '08 1000rr for 10k plus tax or a super clean 2003 1100xx for 6k with full Micron exhaust. power commander, and K&N filter, only 4500 miles.

I love the look of the Blackbird but the urge for the newer tech appeal is pulling hard, I don't really plan on long trips, 2-3 hour rides are typical on backroads or occasional highway.

Thoughts? Opinions?



Thanks,

Parrotboy

 

Based on information you provided, buy a literbike, GSX-R1000 or CBR100RR. There is smackdown currently on internet between GSX-R, CBR, R1, and ZX10. GSX-R took FIRST on Track, Second on Street. CBR1000RR took Second on Track and First on Street. Three riders said they would buy the CBR due to overall performance/handling/sophistication of engineering. Two riders said they would by GSX-R due to power/dominance at track/handling.
If you have the itch for new technology and don't ride long miles go with a literbike, although be prepared for radical riding position and many stops for shoulders and neck. A 100 mile ride on one of these will be all you can handle. A longer trip, and you will be super miserable.

I have had 5 CBR 1100XX, currently have 4: 98 carburated; 00 turbocharged; 01 show; 02 custom. Also have 02 Hayabusa Limited and 04 Hayabusa. These are all sport touring bikes, fun around town, but can make long day rides with proper set up for rider. Longest days in saddle on some of these have been 870 miles and 850 miles in less than 9 hours riding time including gas & food breaks. Had a Goldwing, but have had much more fun touring on one of these, although must be properly set up for rider (mag tank bag with cushions for chest, Corbin seat, cruise control, etc. These bikes are longer, taller, heavier, and designed for sustained high speeds without heating, or any other problems.

My 23 year old daughter rides with me and her favorite bike was the 98 & 01 Blackbird, until I bought her 2004 GSX-R 1000. Light, lower riding position, huge power. She just cruises the stretch between Hollywood and San Diego with bike stops along the way. She likes Blackbirds for longer rides of 100 - 200 mile or longer rides.

 

Jon,

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like you are a real biker family. Since you have 4 birds, I have a few more questions:
1. The bird I am looking at is $6000 and as close to new as a 2003 used bike can be. Does that seem reasonable to you?
2. Some guys critcize the suspension on the bird-any comment on that?
3. I feel like if I buy the bird and ride it for a year, and decide I still want a liter bike, the worst I can do is have some fun and drop $1000 in resale. If I buy the new bike and decide it is way cool but too cramped, I take a big depreciation hit.

I feel either bike will be much stronger than the vfr and the bird may be really smooth...something must be making you keep 4 around...

Thanks,

Jett

 

my brother had a bird and revalved the forks and put a penske on the rear.He stayed right with me in the turns on my 954.It was a awesome bike and very reliable he put on 60k and the bike still looked,sounded and ran like brand new bike.The 08 has been having a few issues but its still a honda....And i would still get one .

That is a hard decision you have there as awsome as the bird is the 08 is just as badass in its own way.I myself would get the 08 but it fits my style of riding.You cant go wrong either way

good luck

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I gave it alot of thought and went with the blackbird...and I am totally psyched!
I liked my VFR alot, but the bird does everything from low speed in traffic to dropping into a corner and highway stability better!

And when you twist the throttle for a little more and she goes past 7000...woo hoo!!!

I'll post some pics soon,

Parrotboy

 

congrats the blackbird is an awesome bike