So, I finally got my hands on a Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. I’ve been hunting for one of these for ages, and it was a real adventure from start to finish. Let me tell you, this is not just some regular bike; it’s a legend.
First off, finding one was a pain. I started by looking everywhere online. You know, all those usual places where people sell stuff. It was tough because most of the listings were either too far away or the bikes were in rough shape. But I wasn’t giving up.
Then, I thought, why not check out some dealerships that specialize in older bikes? I mean, who knows, right? I visited a few, and while they had some interesting stuff, no Blackbirds. It felt like a wild goose chase, but I’m not one to back down easily.
Next, I figured I’d tap into the biker community. I joined a bunch of online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to motorcycles. I posted about my quest for the Blackbird, and surprisingly, people were really helpful. Got a few leads, but nothing solid. One guy told me about a bike that was “mint condition,” but when I checked it out, it was anything but that.
After that, I went old school and started looking at local classifieds in newspapers and those free ad papers. Sounds crazy in this day and age, but hey, you never know. This one was a long shot, and it didn’t pan out. But it was worth a try, right?
Then, out of the blue, I got a message from a guy in one of the online groups. He said he had a friend who was thinking of selling his Blackbird. I was skeptical at first, but I contacted the friend, and we arranged to meet. When I saw the bike, I knew it was the one. It was in great shape, well-maintained, and the price was fair.
Getting it ready
Once I had the bike, I was like a kid in a candy store. This thing is a beast, with its 1137cc engine. It’s mostly normal stuff under the hood, but man, does it perform. It’s not just fast; it’s super reliable too. I heard from a lot of folks that these engines are built to last. One guy told me his has over 180,000 km on it, and it’s still going strong. That’s insane!
I took it to my buddy’s garage, and we gave it a good once-over. Changed the oil, checked the brakes, and made sure everything was tight. I wanted to make sure it was in top shape before I really pushed it. It’s important to take care of these machines, you know?
Taking it to the road
Now, for the fun part. Riding this thing is an experience. It’s from back when speed was something to brag about. It’s like riding a piece of history. The power is incredible, and it handles like a dream. I took it out on some open roads, and it was just amazing. It’s not every day you get to ride something this special. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it turns heads. What more could you ask for?
- The Search: Online marketplaces, specialized dealerships, enthusiast groups, local classifieds.
- The Engine: 1137cc, powerful and reliable.
- Maintenance: Oil change, brake check, and a thorough inspection.
- The Ride: An unforgettable experience, blending speed, and history.
I’m planning to take it on some longer trips. I want to see what it can really do. Plus, I want to meet up with other Blackbird owners. There’s a whole community out there, and I want to be a part of it. It’s not just about the bike; it’s about the people who love them too.
So, that’s my story. It was a journey to find this bike, and it’s been an adventure getting it ready and riding it. I’m just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where this road takes me. This Blackbird isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a part of me now.
