What to look for when buying...
 

Hi all,

My first post on the Blackbird forum, though I've been on the 1000F Hurricane forum for a while now. I own a 1990 model but she's beginning to look like she'll need replacing soon.

I'll therefore be in the (UK) market for a Blackbird, once I've sold my car, and was wondering what I could expect to get for about £2,500, and what problems I should look out for.

For example, any known issues with any particular model year? Any model year better than the rest?

Thanks.

It's hard to go wrong with the CBR1100,but I'd take f.i. over carbs.Biggest reason being carbs will require more work and cost a lot more for parts,where as f.i. well I'ved owned mine for 11 years and fuel stabiliser is all it needs.
They are known for short (but not always) cam chain tensioner life and the occasional regulator (like most CBR's).I put a manual tensioner on both my 600 and 1100 and never had to replace a reg or stator on either.
'99 and'00 had a f.i. light issue caused by corrosion on the diagnostic connector,mines been flashing erratically for 10 years,maybe I'll fix it one day.
The f.i.'s having ram air also have more top end the carb guys will never admit to,but I've raced both and its true.It's also been proven the ram air works well on the XX,about 5% power increase.
Really great bike all around.

Hmm,
I've got an 03 model I've had since new. The only drama I've had with it is a CCT which I replaced about 10000km ago. Other than that I haven't experienced any other major issues. If your going to buy a used one look for all the usuals in fork seals, wheel bearings, swing arm bearings etc. Check the oil to. I always do. They really are a well built, quality motorcycle that if looked after and maintained will last a very very long time. There's a guy on the CBR XX forum that has 200,000km on his. Mine only has 40000km on it and its 9 years old. I use Castrol GPS Power 1 oil but there are many and varied opinions as to what engine oil to use. Honda recommend Castrol so I go with that. I have a K and N air filter and Yoshi slip ons on mine. I also use genuine or HiFlo oil filters. Cheers.

Thanks for the info guys.
What is it with Honda and camchain tensioners?