Newbie to the XX World with questions

googus

Hello, I have a couple of questions about everyone beloved CBR XX. I just got rid of my 00 VFR 800 and I am in the market for a new bike. I have had 4 VFRs and pasted three generation of them in the past 10years. I am thinking of a differnet model bike this time around. The riding I do is 50% Communiting, 30% Touring and the rest just fun. I have very limit knowledge of the XX and before I spend hours searching this forum I would post question first. So please bare with me. Any input would be great. Thanks Greg


1) What can I get for 6,000 or less. There is a 98 stock w/10,000 on the clock for 5050, and a 98 with corbin gunfight,heli bars, givi screen, givi trunck, vista cruise, 16,000 for 5600.

2) How is handling compared to the like of a VFR?

3) Any know problems with the XX like Reg, rec?

4) How is the carberation on the 98? ( I think the 98 still had carbs not sure)

5) Can you lower a XX like a VFR by moving rear shock-dogbone plates around?

6) Would I be happy on the XX if I loved a VFR?


Again thanks for any input.
Newbie Greg

Jason-1999-XX

I'm not the expert here, but some will soon post. I have a '98 XX and love it. I've been through 7 bikes in the last 3 yrs looking for the best all-rounder. I found it in the XX. It can hold it's own in the twisties, although a bit heavy, you'd be hard pressed to find a better mount for distance /sport touring. The acceleration is incomparable to anything I've ever rode. Superb bike and excellent choice for your money. The Blackbird has a loyal following for good reason. Jason

CanadianBird

Why not visit all three Bird sites, Brit, two in the US, perhaps the Oz one and do a search for the answeres. 16,000 miles is not a lot of miles, I believe and the add-ons do cost $. You may not need the Heli-bars, what's your height and reach? I have the Gunfighter and Heli bars and they suit me fine. Perhaps the fewer miles and lower cost is the way to start. You may not need all the additionals on the more expensive bike. I have never owned a Vfr but I rode one and knew it wasn't for me. Keep looking maybe you can still do better. Good luck.

sandyraz

i had a97vfr and loved it .except for lack of top end speed ,i just picked up a bird 2mos ago and love it .way smoother than vfr and way quicker mine had been lowered i bought with a pro arm link and was on lowest setting not good to stiff dragged ripped up under plastics i am redoing some stuff on mine now and replacing plastics underneath raised it up. and much more but i have owned a ton of bikes and love the bird .great choice and if you look i bet 4k to 7k would get a very nice long haul gentelmens rocket good luck and welcome

rodantking

I am not sure how you would lower the rear with out $$$. I am 6'3", so needless to say I have never looked into it. I raised mine for handling. Nice bike, but I not sure how great of a commuter it is if you have a lot of stop and go traffic, she will cook you, but the VFR has the same problem just a small motor. I have a '99 so it is fuel injected, but I never heard of anyone complaining about them.

Partsguy

1-there is always a deal if you look long and hard enough
2-never ridden a vfr,i guess just a little heavier feel,XX handle quite well
3-all minor and they are few
4-yes 98 had carbs,if they aren't perfect they can be adjusted
5-can be lowered but need shorter linkage arm
6-ecstatic!

Venus97

Newbie Greg,
Welcome. To answer your questions-I feel the 1998 with Corbin, etc would be a better deal because those extras are pricey. You may even be able ot negotiate lower? 16k miles is not much. 1997 and 1998 are carb'd. I had 2 1998 VFRs over a course of 6 yrs (I had a total of 10 bikes in 6 yrs). The VFR was the best handling bike I had, but not the fastest.

I've had my 1997 Blackbird for about 15 mos now and have no intention of selling it. It is little heavy compared to the VFR, but very smooth and fast. The Blackbirds do have some history of Reg/Rectifiers, but so do VFRs. I do not know about the lowering links-I've never checked into it. I do not think you would be disappointed, it is a gentleman's sportbike.

Toynut

You can probably find an 2000-2002 (possibly an '03) injected model in the $6,000 neighborhood. I would keep looking to try to find an FI model. Not to dismiss the carbed models, but, the later models did have some improvements made in regards to their LBS brake calibration as well as a higher output charging system. They are also easier to reprogram with a PCIII should you start adding performance upgrades later. It might be worth the trouble to keep looking.
BTW, the northern states tend to have lower mileage models/ per year of ownership, available. Happy shopping!

__________________
Al
________________________________________
Momma always said "the best things in life are free"! OK,sure.............
Then again, Momma never rode a motorcycle, either!

flblackbird

If you can get a Bird w\a Corbin already on it...jump on it. Love my 02, but the rear gets a little sore on the 300 mile weekend rides.

__________________
Mike
02 Silver Bird
I'm a Yamaha tech., that's why I ride a Honda

OMG

Love my Bird 99
Have also a BMW1100RS different, smoother ride, but the bird is --- well--- OMG!!!!
I bought mine with corbin seat, beetle bags, chrome covers rear sprocket, Stainless wheels, braided lines, bars, tank bag, steering damper, mmmm riding gear other stuff $6K
Adding HID Pro-oiler PC111
Keep looking

shovelstrokeed

I just ordered the parts to bring my '00 VFR back from the wounded status to #2 bike status. #1 is my '01 Blackbird.

If you liked the VFR, your gonna love the 'bird but do get a later one. The regulator/rectifier issue was cured in the later ones. Many have chosen to change to an R1 regulator and it is a pretty simple swap.

The bird is only a few lbs heavier than your VFR was and has a longer wheelbase so it will feel a little cumbersome in the twisties in a back to back comparison. It makes up for its less than dainty weight with sheer power. Seating position is about the same with a bit longer reach to the bars. Not lower, just further forward.

I commute on mine daily and one of the reasons I want the VFR back is that the 'bird gets abysmal fuel milage around town. Mine doesn't overheat, even in Florida summers I don't see coolant temperature over 220 but, that is plenty hot and the warm air coming up under the fairing at a light with the fan on can be uncomfortable. The VFR, with its side mounted radiators, doesn't seem to cook you as bad.

Did I mention the power? Oh, boy. Seamless and smooth and will take you into speed regions well beyond that of the VFR and get you there much quicker.

PJNXX

Welcome, Greg. I am a former VFR owner. I had a '96 and racked up 36,000 miles in three years. I sold it and now have a '99 Blackbird. The seating position on the CBR is a little more extreme than the VFR. This will become apparent immediately as there is about 1" less legroom and a slightly longer and lower reach to the bars. When you hit highway speeds the wind will prop you up a little bit so the weight on the wrists will not be that bad. Also, your legs are spread further apart on the CBR because the gas tank is wider and it is an in-line 4 cylinder. The VFR is narrower between the knees. Additionally, the Blackbird is about 25 lbs. heavier. Handling wise, my VFR would absolutely carve corners. The Blackbird requires a little more respect in corners because of the extra weight and also power. Apply too much power too soon in a corner and the rear end could step out. As far as power is concerned there is no comparison. With 40 extra HP on tap, the Blackbird just rocks! Great for highway entry, passing, and cleaning out the adrenal glands! The engine on the CBR is glass-smooth; no vibration anywhere.
My riding breakdown is 90% commuting and 10% sport. I am enamored with my Blackbird. I think you will be too. Happy 'bird hunting.

__________________
-Paul

CanadianBird

When I bought my '02 it was the same price as the VFR and it seemed to me to be "twice the bike for the same price". No regrets, won't sell it, put $7,000 extra into it. No regrets. Mods are too numerous to recite. No bling, just comfort, performance, safety.