Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

OVERALL VERDICT:
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is a useable, comfortable, tidy handling sports tourer but also a ballistic power-house that used to hold the record as the fastest production motorcycle. The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is sensible and utterly insane in one nicely presented Honda package. One of the best all-round motorcycles out there. Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird rivals are plentiful but none match this proven motorcycle.

Engine:
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird's in-line four is a conventional layout but it works well producing acceptable low down power, muscular midrange and a top end rush that gobbles up any straight in seconds. Twin balance shafts mean it’s so smooth it can be rigid mounted making the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird lighter and stiffer overall. Problems with the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird are almost non-existent even at huge mileages.

Ride and Handling:
Neutral and stable – but there’s no getting away from the fact the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird weighs 223kg. The latest sports bikes come in under 170kg so on tight roads the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird may get left behind a little. Front and rear brakes are linked – it’s an effective system that works well in the wet but experts may dislike it and overhauls are costly.

Equipment:
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird was a range topper in its day, meaning it’s reasonably well spec’d up. Comfort’s pretty good although the bars have to be quite low due to the high top speed. Some Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird owners boost low speed comfort with bar risers, lifting them about an inch. Many Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird owners add a double bubble screen too for increased wind protection.

Quality and Reliability:
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird's build quality is better than pretty much anything out there on two wheels. Some Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbirds get pressed into service as long distance, year round commuters and show few signs except tatty fork leg lowers. The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird's reliability is superb too. Cam chain tensioners and regulator rectifiers can fail – like almost every Honda four.

Value:
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbirds hold their value extremely well – whether that’s good or bad depends how old a model you’re thinking of buying. More glamorous rivals like the Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki zx-12r fetch little more – the Kawasaki ZZR1200 is cheaper year for year.Older models can still be priced very high and newer ones represent better value.

Insurance:
Insurance group: 16

Model History:
1997: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird launched.1998: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird gets modified cooling system.1999: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird gets major re-vamp, including fuel injection, bigger fuel tank, HISS and more.2001: Catalytic converted added to Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, new instrument panel, taller screen.
Other Versions
1997-99: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird had carbs, not fuel injection

Specifications:
Top speed: 176mph
1/4-mile acceleration :10.3 secs
Power:164bhp
Torque:88ftlb
Weight:223kg
Seat height:810mm
Fuel capacity:23 litres
Average fuel consumption:36mpg
Tank range :180 miles
Insurance group:16
Engine size:1137cc
Engine specification:16v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame:Aluminium beam
Front suspension adjustment:None
Rear suspension adjustment:Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes:Twin 310mm discs
Rear brake:256mm disc
Front tyre size:120/60 x 17
Rear tyre size:180/55 x 17

HONDA CB125ss(1970's-1980's)

CB 125 ss: One of the kings of its time,The JAPAN made CB125 ss is one the most precious and collectible bike in all over asia and surely has its own demand in european countries. The bike has Old school looks with 2 circular analog clocks for (tacho,speedo) and a single round headlamp,and has a single cylinder 124cc ,2 valves,OHC engine and it has torque power delivery with wide ratio gearbox having 5 speeds, its 14hp, torquey engine is still capable to compete with some modern 125cc motorcycles. monthly maintenece is required for optimal performance and can easily be modified by using other honda motorcycle parts to ...it is similar to 1976 Cg125 but with some little differences.

HANDLING AND RELIABILITY:it handles well and can even be sports ridden by just replacing stock tyres with some wide sticky after market rubber.although it handles well, corners well and even runs well,on this bike ring wear happens ocassionly ,oil change is must after every 700 miles ,monthly tuning was required for TIMING CHAIN and the bike is just DAMN good in every angle ,a "simple commuter " for everyday use..build quality was Good and still is good if u still have HONDA GENUINE PARTS on it and braking is a bit helped by single DISC rather than drum and although its not very good but performs well when in straight braking.although the CB 125 s was the best bikes in its class.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 124.00 ccm (7.57 cubic inches)
Engine type: Single cylinder
Stroke: 4
Power: 14.00 HP (10.2 kW)) @ 10000 RPM
Compression: 9.4:1
Bore x stroke: 56.5 x 49.5 mm (2.2 x 1.9 inches)
Valves per cylinder: 2
Fuel control: OHC
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type
final drive: Chain
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc: 105.0 kg (231.5 pounds
Front tyre dimensions: 2.75-18
Rear tyre dimensions: 3.00-17
Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Top speed: 116.0 km/h (72.1 mph)
Max speed: 140 km/h on straight roads after some little mods
Fuel capacity: 9.50 litres (2.51 gallons)

HONDA CBR FireBlade 954 (2002-2003)

OVERALL:
The last Honda CBR900RR FireBlade by Tadao Baba is the most exciting to ride and lighter than its successors. Later Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades were faster but heavier and less involving. Like any Honda CBR900RR FireBlade this one is incredibly fast, surprisingly reliable, amazingly comfortable and well built too. A stunning motorcycle that looks extra tasty in white.

ENGINE:
In-line four is the class standard and the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade's 954cc version was a little smaller than the competition. Yamaha’s YZF-R1 and Suzuki’s GSXR1000 from the same year beat the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade on midrange and top end partly thanks to extra capacity. But if you find the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade wanting you should be a pro-racer. Fuel injection slightly snatchy but that’s nit-picking.

RIDE AND HANDLING:
The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade's small size and quality chassis makes this a motorcycle you can get on and ride hard from day one. Once you get used to it you can explore its outstanding abilities. The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade is fast to turn and will shake its handlebars when accelerating, especially if the front hits bumps. It’s just a warning and makes the ride really involving.

EQUIPMENT:
The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade is pretty comfy for the rider – acceptable for the pillion if a grab rail’s added – that’s impressive for a pure sports motorcycle. Mirrors are pretty good, underseat storage is accessible and handy, HISS imobiliser’s a boon and upgradable. The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade's clocks are comprehensive, including a fuel consumption read out.

QUALITY AND RELIABILITY:
The odd Honda CBR900RR FireBlade used for racing suffered problems with the engine but motorcycles used on the road are pretty much trouble free. Some engine noise is normal. The original steering head bearings should have been replaced with a recall but not every owner of the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade bothered – if the handling’s bad that might be the problem, especially if the motorcycle is an import.

VALUE:
Like so many Hondas the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade holds its value pretty well on the used market. It’s quite a sought after motorcycle – the previous motorcycle was less nimble, the successor less exciting so clean 02/03 Honda CBR900RR FireBlades always make good money. That said the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K3 and 02/03 Yamaha YZF-R1s mean the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade's price is never too high.

SPECIFICATION:
Top speed 170mph
1/4-mile acceleration 10.7 secs
Power 149bhp
Torque 78ftlb
Weight 168kg
Seat height 815mm
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Average fuel consumption 39mpg
Tank range 150 miles
Insurance group 17
Engine size 954cc
Engine specification 16v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame Alloy twin spar
Front suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes Twin 330mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/50 x 17

HONDA CB1000R (2009)

REVIEW

Forget the dinosaur CB1000 of the early nineties, or the now defunct 900 Hornet, the CB1000R is a whole new bag for Honda, designed with Europe, using a retuned version of the 2007 FireBlade engine and with 2008 FireBlade forks and brakes, a beautiful single-sided swingarm and fabbo styling. In fact the only thing the CB1000R lacks is a bit of soul and the noise you get from a Brutale or Speed Triple. But for ninety-nine per cent of the time it’s a better bike in every respect.

Engine

The Honda CB1000R uses a 2007 FireBlade unit that has been retuned for maximum torque and midrange. It’s similar to the CBF1000 engine but gives stronger performance. As such, 130bhp is plenty but it’s more about the torque and the way the power is delivered that impresses. It comes on clean and fat to the point where sixth gear will pull 30mph with no shakes just clean drive. That said it doesn’t howl or really get you excited. It has the looks of something really aggressive but it never really wants to kick off. In comparison to the Speed Triple it’s not quite as raw, but that makes it easier to ride than all its rivals.

Ride and Handling

The Honda CB1000R’s suspension is softer than, say, the Triumph Speed Triple’s, but, for many give the perfect blend of feel and comfort. Most don’t want a bike that’s rock hard, just one that lets you know what the wheels are doing and one that doesn’t pitch around under power or braking. The Honda gets it bang on. It may lag behind rivals on track, but in the real world, where cops are hiding in trailers with speed guns, the roads get ever busier and the surface isn’t racetrack smooth the Honda CB1000R is a brilliant unfaired bike.

Equipment

The Honda CB1000R is a top quality bit of kit in every respect. The forks are taken from the 2008 FireBlade but feature different internals. Brakes are taken from the 2008 Blade, too, but use smaller 310mm discs, different master cylinder and brake lines. Flashy LCD clocks are, Honda claim, the most sophistated and expensive to produce they’re ever made and then there’s that stylish and clever single-side Pro-Arm rear end…

Quality and Reliability

Like with the equipment, the Honda CB1000R’s quality, like most Honda’s truth be told, is right up there with the best. Paint is thick and creamy, metal finishes excellent and the only slight doubt regards reliability, simply because the bike’s so new and proven.

Value

At £6950 (£7450 with ABS) the Honda CB1000R is impressive value, especially considering its spec and the Honda badge, in the naked litre-bike category, undercutting the more basic Speed Triple and Tuono comfortably.

Insurance

Insurance group: 15

Model History

2008: Honda CB1000R launched.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed 150mph
1/4-mile acceleration secs
Power 130bhp
Torque 100ftlb
Weight 217kg
Seat height 825mm
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Average fuel consumption ---mpg
Tank range --miles
Insurance group 15
Engine size 998cc
Engine specification Liquid-cooled DOHC 16 valve inline four cylinder. Fuel injection. Six gears.
Frame Aluminium spine
Front suspension adjustment 43mm upside down front forks, fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment Single rear shock, fully adjustable
Front brakes Twin 310mm front discs with four-piston calipers
Rear brake Single 256mm rear disc with dual-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE(2009)

Overall

The big news for the 2009 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade isn’t its new, oval-shaped indicators, but its revolutionary electronically-controlled Combined ABS system. This makes the Honda Fireblade the world’s first ever ABS-equipped superbike. This system takes none of the enjoyment out of riding this incredible superbike and it feels just the same to ride as a normal Blade, even on the track. The system stays in the background until the moment you get into a difficult braking situation, then the ‘brake-by-wire’ kicks in. This is a landmark motorcycle and surely the shape of things to come. Why would you ever want a bike without it?

Engine

It might not make the ultimate power of its 1000cc rivals, but the magic of the Honda Fireblade is its grunt and searing acceleration. The Honda’s gem-like 163bhp in-line-four-cylinder 999.8cc motor is capable of powering the Blade to the naughty side of 180mph, but more impressively it can do 150mph in a quarter of a mile. The power is easy to use, all the way through the rev-range and the throttle response perfect. This is one of the all-time great engines.

Ride and Handling

On track, the nimble, but stable Blade handles a lot like the RC212V MotoGP machine it’s styled to look like. The suspension is plush and soaks up bumps on the road nicely, while giving lots of support and control on the circuit. On the standard model the brakes have lots of feel and power, but the C-ABS model takes the braking to a whole new level. The ABS system stops the wheels locking in an emergency, but unlike more crude mechanical systems, there’s no pulsing at the lever, just smooth constant braking pressure. In normal conditions, if you only use the front brake, the system will apply a small amount of rear brake to keep the machine flatter, which increases stability on the way into a corner.

Equipment

The Blade comes with every bell and whistle you need for fast riding. As well as the amazing C-ABS system; it has fully-adjustable suspension, radial brakes, a slipper clutch and an exhaust valve. The only thing missing from its armoury is traction control like you’ll find on the Ducati Streetfighter, Ducati 1198S and 1098R.

Quality and Reliability

Honda invented the words ‘quality’ and ‘reliable’. The Honda Fireblade is the machine against which the competition is judged when it comes to build-quality. The paint is swimming pool-deep and all the controls are solid and operate with an oily perfection.

Value

Spending just over £9000 isn’t a lot to pay for a class-leading machine. The Blade has cost around nine grand since time began but that hasn’t stopped it getting better and better over the years. Shelling out £1000 for the C-ABS is a lot, but it’s a superb system that doesn’t detract from the riding pleasure and might one day save your skin.
Insurance
Insurance group: 17

Model History

2004 – CBR1000RR Fireblade launched
2006 – CBR1000RR Fireblade, minor updates including increased compression ratio, tweaked bodywork and larger front brake discs.
2008 – Second generation CBR1000RR Fireblade launched, a new model from ground-up.
2009 – CBR1000RR Fireblade gets new oval-shaped rear indicators and Combined ABS option.

Other Versions

Standard and Combined ABS versions available.

Specifications

Top speed 180mph
1/4-mile acceleration 10.32 secs
Power 162bhp
Torque 78ftlb
Weight 199kg
Seat height 820mm
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Average fuel consumption 32mpg
Tank range 125 miles
Insurance group 17
Engine size 999cc
Engine specification 16-valve, in-line-four
Frame Aluminium twin-spar
Front suspension adjustment Fully-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment Fully-adjustable
Front brakes 2 x 320mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 17 in
Rear tyre size 190/50 17 in