Thinking of changing bike looking for ideas...

mickstew · Derestricted Danger Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Karma :

Ok guys thinking of changing bike.

Im currently on a 98 CBR 600.

I love the look of the CBR 1100xx blackbird(photo attached) ,thing is im a big guy so would love a bigger bike but im not really bothered on a bigger engine size .

To be honest im not really that fast of a rider motorway speed usually 90/100

Any ideas doesnt have to be honda

Mick

NickD · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Karma :

Don't do it.... it'll ruin ya! Laughing

I've been stuck with mine for years, but while I'd love a change I always back out of hacking the Blackbird in at the last minute. Every bike I've considered and taken out has been worse than the Bird in more ways than better.... if that makes any sense. Some have been quicker, some have been better handling, some have been comfier... but as a package, for the kind of riding I do it's ideal. As a result, years down the line I'm still stuck with it.

I hardly ever give it a second thought. I don't like the way it looks, I never clean it (but being a Honda it doesn't matter), I hardly have to spend anything on it, and minor dings and scratches never get fixed..... but when I'm on it there's nothing else I'd rather be riding.

A mate called over the weekend and offered me a lovely TL1000S... a bike that I'd always fancied, but I'd have to get rid of the Bird afterwards due to lack of garage space. I did give it some serious thought, but riding back from Devon on Monday, quick and comfy with full luggage (lots of it), and adequately protected from the wind and rain, knowing that I'd get home fine with almost zero chance of a breakdown, etc, I decided to turn it down.
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I was only doing what it said on my licence officer....
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mickstew · Derestricted Danger Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Karma :

Thats all i wanted to know, now i have toget some money together..I was looking and you seem to be able to get a good bike with luggage for around £3000...Will wait till i have the money then start looking proper..Thanks for your reply.

I think the look lovely especially with the colour coded luggage

Mick

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

If you buy a blackbird you'll end up owning hondas forever, and you'll have a very bland riding career.

Personally, knowing how 'everyman' a CBR600 is, I'd be tempted to go with something left field as my next bike.

Case in point, I've just gotten rid of my Speed Four, and I'm now probably going to buy another Buell.

I'd reccomend something not Japanese. That should restrict you enough to help you to make a decision, and anything you choose (beyond a 4 cylinder Triumph which kind of classes as Japanese because it is pretty much a CBR clone) will be left field enough to keep you interested. I'm not giving you advice, more a suggestion, but really there isn't a lot of point swapping one four cylinder honda for another unless you plan to use the extra power.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

T0MMY · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Karma :

Bored of your '98 CBR?

I'm selling a '96 CBR if you fancy a change?
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

mickstew · Derestricted Danger Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Karma :

Went looking today just to see what was on offer.I was told be to different guys that the blackbird and a bike that size is a waste if im using it for everyday use.

They said it will cost me a forture on tyres and chains,and that im better staying around the 600cc make if i use my bike all the time...

Currently i have used my bike everyday (apart from two snowed in) £15 does me almost two week..How much different would the blackbird be??????????

Mick