Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird Review & Buying Guide (1996-2007)

Launched in 1996 and named after the Cold War’s fastest spy plane (the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Honda even photographed the bike next to the plane in its brochures), the Blackbird was a bold move by Honda from an era when speed was something to shout about.

The Blackbird was a bike whose purpose was to transport a rider (and pillion if required) across vast distances in comfort while doing stratospheric speeds. Something it accomplished, in typical Honda fashion, with an incredible amount of style and sophistication. To prove the point, the Blackbird had its world press launch at Paul Ricard, famous for its then Mistral Straight, the longest in bike sport. Honda’s new hyperbike duly dethroned Kawasaki’s ZZ-R1100 as the king of speed, a title it retained until Suzuki’s Hayabusa came along in 1999, after which the Japanese marques had a gentlemen’s agreement, restricting speed to 300kph (186.4mph).

However, the Blackbird was also much more than just the king of speed. Can you really build a bike with a genuine 170mph+ top speed that doesn’t feel like a total hooligan? Honda managed it. The Blackbird is also comfortable, classy, durable and hugely reliable – so much so, in fact, that, after an update in 1999, which brought fuel injection, a larger fuel tank and built-in immobiliser, then a final tweak in 2001 which added a catalytic converter, updated dash and slightly taller screen, Honda actually gave up plans to update the bike entirely. The belated VFR1200F in 2010 was never as well regarded and proved short-lived, being deleted, unloved, in 2015. The Blackbird, however, is respected, rated and still relevant to this day with good used examples still in demand.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Price

If you're in the market for a used Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, you might be surprised to find that even models over fifteen years old still command prices around £2500. This reflects the strong demand and robust market for the Blackbird. Generally, these bikes hold their value exceptionally well.

Low mileage, later models can fetch nearly £4000. Regardless of the model, any Blackbird with an MOT will typically sell for at least £2500, regardless of mileage. This means you can purchase one, enjoy it for several years, and realistically expect to recoup your investment. It's a testament to the enduring appeal and reliability of the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. You can’t say fairer than that.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Power and Torque

In its day, the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird delivered a quantum leap in hyperbike performance and speed. Kawasaki’s 147bhp ZZ-R1100 had been the reigning speed king for six years from 1990 until the Blackbird's debut. Honda exploited this period ruthlessly, introducing the Blackbird with a whopping 164bhp. This new rival wasn’t just more powerful than the ZZ-R; it blew it away with almost 20 more horsepower. Combined with its ground-breaking aerodynamics, the Honda was significantly faster overall.

Equally impressive is the Blackbird's power delivery. It boasts a vast spread of torque, making single or two-up touring a very relaxed affair. The bike is also very smooth and civilized. There’s an acceptable, tractable degree of low-down power that progresses smoothly into a muscular midrange before hitting a top-end rush that propels you towards the horizon in an astonishing blur. The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird truly is that brilliant.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Engine, Gearbox and Exhaust

The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird features a robust 1137cc inline-four engine derived from the Fireblade. This engine delivers exceptional performance and is renowned for its reliability. The dual balancer shafts ensure smooth operation, allowing the engine to be rigidly mounted, which contributes to the Blackbird's lightweight yet stiff construction. The bike is also known for its refinement.

In 1999, fuel injection replaced the carburettors, and in 2002, a catalyser was added to the 4:2 exhaust system. Despite these updates, the engine remained largely unchanged, maintaining its bulletproof reliability. High-mileage examples of the Blackbird are generally dependable, with few concerns. While cam-chain tensioners and regulator/rectifiers can fail, as with most Hondas of this era, proper maintenance ensures long-term reliability.

www.superblackbird.co.uk - Is a UK-based forum dedicated to Blackbirds.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Economy

Although the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird excels as a long-distance sports tourer, it is primarily a high-powered, performance-oriented hyperbike. As such, fuel economy is not its strongest suit. Typically, the Blackbird achieves mid to high 30s mpg, depending on usage. However, thanks to its large 22-litre fuel tank, riders can expect a reasonable range of around 180 miles between fill-ups.

For those willing to spend a bit more, the updated 1999 fuel-injected model offers a larger 24-litre fuel tank. However, it is not as fuel-efficient as the carburetted version, leading many owners to prefer the older model for its better fuel economy.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Handling, suspension, chassis and weight

Although the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is a large hyperbike, weighing a substantial 223 kg, it's worth noting that it is 10 kg lighter than the ZZ-R1100 it dethroned and 15 kg lighter than Kawasaki’s more recent ZZ-R1400. The Blackbird's chassis is impressively rigid, and its suspension is taut yet provides a reasonably plush and comfortable ride. The bike is neutral and stable, with sporty handling that remains controlled and manageable.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Brakes

The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird features Honda’s D-CBS linked braking system, which uses three-piston calipers on large discs at both the front and rear. When the front brake lever is applied, two of the three front pistons are activated along with one of the rear caliper pistons, and vice-versa when the rear brake lever is used. This system provides ample braking power and adds reassurance in slippery conditions, despite the Blackbird being a large, heavy bike when fully loaded.

However, some owners are sceptical of the D-CBS system. Purists often prefer conventional braking systems, and the complexity of the D-CBS can make overhauls expensive.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Comfort over distance and touring

Despite being built for speed, the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is a very comfortable sports tourer, far more so than the bike that dethroned it as the fastest production machine. While Suzuki’s Hayabusa could reach 190 mph (before being electronically limited to 186 mph), it achieved this by sacrificing comfort for performance. On the other hand, you can hop on a Blackbird and cover 600 miles with ease, whereas attempting a similar journey on a Hayabusa would leave your wrists aching by the time you’ve emptied your first tank of fuel.

That said, some Blackbird owners, who often tend to be more mature riders, enhance comfort further by adding bar risers and/or double-bubble screens.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Rider aids and extra equipment / accessories

Although the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird was a top-of-the-line machine in its day, boasting a comprehensive dash with a fuel gauge and clock, luggage points, and a mainstand, it hails from the pre-digital age. Consequently, it lacks electronic rider aids, and its dash is mostly analogue (though updated in 2002) and does not include ABS. The later models from 2002 onwards are arguably the best, while the 1999 update introduced fuel injection, although some owners prefer the original carburetted versions.

Official accessories are limited, but popular owner add-ons include fitted hard luggage, heated grips, higher screens, and performance exhausts.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Verdict

The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird represents a golden era in motorcycling. While it may seem like a relic from a time when speeding wasn't heavily penalised, reminiscent of the days when big-engined monsters like the ZZ-R1100 dominated the roads, it also underscores the shortcomings of modern motorcycles. Although its top speed grabbed headlines, there's much more to the Blackbird than just its ability to go fast.

Owners of the Blackbird often praise its exceptional build quality and finish, which is why so many of these bikes are still on the road today. Despite its reputation for speed, this is only a small part of the Blackbird's extensive capabilities. It is a brilliant, classy, and almost timeless sports-tourer that is durable, uncomplicated, and refined. In short, the Blackbird remains a fine motorcycle to ride and enjoy.

Three things we love about the Blackbird…

• Phenomenal real world performance

• Classic sports-tourer versatility

• Reliablity and all-round class

Three things that we don’t…

• Now seems very ‘analogue’ – although many owners like this

• Becoming harder to find low mileage ones

• Linked brakes not to everyone’s taste

OWNER REVIEW

James from Chelmsford

Owned it for: 4 years (2007 model)

Riding for: 23 years

Any modifications? None

Annual mileage: 8,000 miles

Saw this Blackbird up for sale at my local dealers and fell in love with it. It had always been my dream bike from at a younger age. I was not disappointed, from the initial test ride to the four years down the line of owning it. It’s been incredibly reliable, super smooth and such a joy to ride. Throughout the summer to the wintery poor weather, it’s never stopped making me smile. It’s always been so comfy from the odd short journey to an all-day ride out, it’s just a perfect all-rounder.

I've always found the combined braking to be brilliant and the suspension, despite being non-adjustable at the front, has always been really stable and smooth with fantastic feedback throughout. Without going bananas, it can give me consistently 200 miles a tank of fuel, so not bad for fuel consumption either. She is a little bit of a heavy bike, but you only notice it if pushing about to wash it or move it, otherwise you’d never know she was. But it does help to give her the incredible stability and smooth ride over bumps.

Best bike I’ve ever owned and highly recommend one to anyone. I do the servicing myself. For the top-notch Castrol power 1 racing oil, oil filter etc, it’s around £50 so isn’t expensive there. Plugs are a little expensive but are long life ones as standard so aren’t too bad, makes servicing costs very reasonable. Honda didn’t make this as a touring bike initially on paper, so lacked a range of luggage which is probably the only gripe I’d say, but that would be me being picky, as I’ve already got a nice range of Kriega products that do fit her. As for the tyres, I’ve always stuck with Bridgestone Battlax S21 & S22 hypersport as wear really well and grip superbly.

Just goes to show that dreams do come true as I couldn’t have wished for a better bike and people always stop to stare and comment on its beauty as it's not a very common sight these ‘birds.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) Technical Specification

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