Should I buy this Blackbird???

rikniknoknik · 03-30-2007, 1:17 PM

First off I am new to the Blackbird community so Hello. Second, I am about to buy a reconditioned 1997 Blackbird that has got 22k miles for 3000 dollars from a guy I met on a for sale site. I like the guy hes real nice and doesnt seem to have anything to hide. I went and checked the bike out and it looks mint! Nothing missing, except he went from dual exhaust to single. But other than that the bike looks like it was just out of the showroom. I just dont know much about the Blackbird. Is it worth the money? Well hope you get back to me on this.-Andrew from Glendale, Arizona.

PJNXX · 03-30-2007, 1:30 PM

Andrew. What do you mean by "reconditioned"? Has it been in an accident and the guy replaced all the bodywork? If it has been down you should steer clear. If it hasn't, you should check the condition of commonly worn items like the tires, chain and sprockets, and brake pads. This way you'll get an idea of how much money will go into it after you buy it.
Also look in the sight glass windows of both the front brake and clutch master cylinders to see the color of the fluid. That might have to be replaced as well. Good luck.

flitemdic · 03-30-2007, 3:04 PM

Welcome, Andrew. I'm with Paul, I'd sure like to know what "reconditioned" meant before I could even guess if that's a good deal or not.

sandyraz · 03-30-2007, 8:35 PM

i bought a reconditioned 00xx it had scratches on both sides ,6k on clock and i looked her over as the other people stated and told the guy i wanted to take it out on a long test drive to get on the highway and see if it pulled or wobbel or anything else and he hadno problem and she drove awesome took her up to145 cornered smooth no problems so i bought her and love it so much that im repainting it.as long as you dont want to resell its a gamble but its honda so 100k is not hard to pull if you do maintinance do what youre gut tells you.

XX-XR · 03-30-2007, 10:10 PM

I guess Reconditioned would be a Salvage Title, if you can find history on it that would help. Otherwise you don't know how bad it was crashed, things like was it running wide open laying on it's side with oil pouring out the stator cover, was the frame bent, how was it reassembled. A quick check thou doesn't tell too much, put it on level ground on the center stand and stand back and see if all the bodywork looks alighned and strait, mirrors level, windscreen centered, rear fender centered with the rear wheel. Spin the wheels do they run true, if you ride it is the top triple clamp centered when going strait? Any engine noise rattles or knocks, mine is silent with 35k on it but some have some clutch rattle but should go away if you hold the clutch in, has it gone thru emmisions here? If your set on buying it you can see if the owner will bring it to a local Honda shop and have it checked out, sometimes it's money well spent if you don't know what to look for yourself, good luck.

rikniknoknik · 03-30-2007, 10:22 PM

Yeah, Reconditioned the way I say it does mean previously salvage. The thing is though , I took it around the block and it rode real nice. Im not too worried though its 3k you know. Its not like its puttin me back too far. Plus here in Glendale Az there is a shop I go to . The guys fortay is Honda Sporties so he'll make it okay. Boy this 1100 dont mess around though. I got on her and "Accidentally" popped up the front wheel. Lots of power. I am pretty set on the sale just a little on edge till I get it. My bank is so stupid. I called them on Sunday and got approved for the loan, I told them to send the contract overnight and Id sign it. By wednesday I called back and asked where it was and they said , oops. So then they sent it again. I just called them tonight and they said, someone by the name of Hohokus signed for it. My name aint Hohokus! YAY. So now Im dealin with that mess. On the up side I bought a full leather 2 piece racing suit on ebay for 3 bills. YEEEHA. That means Im gonna be invincible on that bird now! hahh Just kidding I know thats not true. Hey , thanks for the advices. Anyone own a bird that lives in Phoenix want to go for a ride next weekend? Thanks for all your advices.

XX-XR · 03-31-2007, 12:37 AM

I'm just around the corner in Sun City, I usually take a ride to Pavillions about 7pm on saturday nights in Scottsdale at the 101 and Indian Bend on the west side (the big strip mall) lots of bikes and cars hangout. Shoot me a PM when you get the bike.

seXXes · 03-31-2007, 8:46 AM

My XX has a rebuilt title and I've had it for 3 or 4 summers now without a problem. I've had her topped out in 6th too and still straight and smooth. Rebuilt can be just a matter of replacing fairings or it can be much much worse.

If you are at all concerned about the frame........run her up to about 100kmph or so and (carefully) take your hands off the bars. I haven't seen a bent frame yet that'll run straight at 100kmph.

Congrats on the find. I think you'll find the XX is the best of both worlds......comfy tourer and CRAZY HyperSport.

rikniknoknik · 03-31-2007, 12:53 PM

Thank you very much sexxes I will take your advice.

Aurora · 04-01-2007, 6:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XX-XR

I'm just around the corner in Sun City, I usually take a ride to Pavillions about 7pm on saturday nights in Scottsdale at the 101 and Indian Bend on the west side (the big strip mall) lots of bikes and cars hangout. Shoot me a PM when you get the bike.

Maybe I will head over there April 7th.