First buyer

Jaco · 05-13-2007, 5:41 PM

HI there. I would like some genral info on the xxBB.
Since they came onto the S.A. market years ago, i have always had a big crush on it. It is still the only i catcher for me and nothing looks like it. Im not on to date on the specs, and is it the right bike for a first timer.
I know a little about bikes but only the chinese el-cheapo 110 & 200 cc tipes.

I would appreciate some help. There r also many year models available, but they r only
second hand. What should i look out for?

XXRider · 05-13-2007, 11:36 PM

Honestly the XX isn't a good bike to start on, find a smaller bike to learn on first and you will thank me...

It is a great bike and you can't go wrong with the bike but with so much HP it can be a hand full for a newbie. You will learn your ridding skills much easier on a smaller bike.

CanadianBird · 05-13-2007, 11:41 PM

However, that doesn't mean you can't buy a Bird. Get yourself a 500-600 cc starter bike, ride for a year or at least 10-15,000 kms. then ride the Bird.

jcsquare · 05-14-2007, 6:31 AM

A Bird may be a bit heavy and unwieldy for a new rider. However, I would not be too concerned with it being too powerful. While it has a lot of it, the power delivery is linear and predictable. So if you can handle the size and weight, go ahead and get one. "Die Bird byt nie", as long as you treat it with respect.

There are 3 basic models: the carb models (97-98), 1st generation fuel injection models with analogue clocks (99-00) and the 2nd generation fuel injection models with digital clocks (01-). There is technically little difference between the latter two models. All of them are great bikes, including the old carb models. Although the Blackbird is notorious for being able to survive high mileages, the ideal would be one with low mileage (<40,000 km) and fuel injection.

swazijmw · 05-14-2007, 10:57 PM

First of all, I agree fully with XXRider, well said!! Now what you need to do Jaco is to take the rider safety course, which will put you one step closer to owning a BIRD. Da BB is a bike to be respected. So when you do buy it one day, you will appreciate it's power. Not to be underestimated. Veels geluk boet.

Jaco · 05-21-2007, 2:16 PM

Hi guy's. Thanks a mil for the info, it wil come in handy. I think a great place
to start is to get my licence first. Some say it is easyer to take a smaller bike
to do your licence with. Looks like most people tend to think that way. Should one go for some advance training first, or should u just go to like a
driving school.

I did find a place that looks good in JHB. It's called Speed Queen Racing Academy, and they are located at the Kyalami racetrack.
I still have to chek them out.

But i would like some info on the previous questions.

Later
P Head

xxxBird · 05-21-2007, 6:19 PM

I am a new rider 1 year on 6-5-07 and the BB is the only bike I've ever been on, (besides the one @ riding course) yes I would agree on taking the riders course because they do teach on smaller bikes. The BB is heavy I am a smaller built rider but I had the BB in my drive-way when I passed my test.
RIDE-ON & BE SAFE

redxxrdr · 05-21-2007, 6:57 PM

Jaco,
To answer the bike question, mine is fuel injected. It takes a chain every 18K miles, tires every 3-8 k miles, a CCT ( cam chain tensioner) every 20K miles.
I change my synthetic oil every 3-4 k miles. The manual says 8K for oil, but NO ONE goes that far. Your mileages will depend on your right wrist. You can get more, or a lot less.
This is a large, fast bike that is great for long distance riding. It isn't great on a track, but it can be done.
A good one can easily go 100K miles. If you want to ride long distances on a great looking bike, then a bird is hard to beat.

I have been riding for 39 years, and still smile every time I open her up.
She is docile at low RPM's but get it over 5,000 and she can bite.

In the states we can take a MSF ( motorcycle saftey fundamentals) class. It is mandatory in many states before getting a license. Look for a course that is for new owners. Track courses are great and lots of fun, but you need to have the fundamentals first.
We are assuming that you are a new rider. A motorcycle reacts much different than a car. To turn you counter steer, ( turn the bars opposite of the turn). It is not hard, you did it on your bicycle. But in a panic, many people try to steer like a car. Bikes like throttle. The suspension is designed to work best under accelleration or constant speed. When you chop the throttle, the front suspension compresses and bad things can happen. Panic usually makes you chop the throttle. You have to learn not to.
A good training course will explain all of this to you, and give you the riding skills you need to be safe and learn.
That is the great part about a bike, you can learn every day.
Good luck, and post what you decide.
Craig

CanadianBird · 05-22-2007, 11:58 AM

On all the advice. Any MC Safety course will help you "STAY ALIVE". I believe riding is a "life style" rather than a hobby. I guess my "fatherly" advice is to be patiant and do it "right". I still remember and do everything I was taught at the MC Safety course. Safety is always the highest priority when on the road on a motorcycle. I'd wait a bit before I took track lessons. At least that's what I did. Safe riding.

silverbulletxx · 05-22-2007, 10:09 PM

The Blackbird was my first bike. I haven't had any problems with it. You just have to use your head, it is a powerfull bike. It can be riden by a beginner though. I also took the MSF course first.

Jaco · 05-23-2007, 2:13 PM

I want to ask CanadianBird, Why do u say imust wait? Thats on the
bike training.

RodeRash · 05-23-2007, 4:57 PM

I guess the real question is....
Why do you think YOU should buy a big, heavy, fast motorcycle to learn on?

xxxBird · 05-23-2007, 6:14 PM

why would a person want to buy a bike like a little 600cc or even a 750cc just to want to go the next level in 6 mo. to a year, just a waste of money, thats the way i see it ( start with the best stay with the best)

CanadianBird · 05-24-2007, 1:20 PM

I guess it comes down to budget and comfort zone. The advanced rider training course I took, was, in my experience, a waste of time and $. It wasn't on a race course but a very large parking lot. Nothing wrong with a 750 cc bike, it's probly a good starter bike. After many years away from biking, I took a MSC and started with a 1200 Custom Sport from HD. Maybe, it you have good size and strength, and extra throttle control, the Bird might work for you. Ultimately, all advice aside, we do what we feel works for us. I would want to have a few years of riding and 1000's of kms before I rode on the track but I'm much older than you and resonably conservative when it comes to my riding. Don't wait before you take a Motor Cycle Training course, I suggested you wait before you jump into track riding.

Jaco · 05-24-2007, 4:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianBird

I guess it comes down to budget and comfort zone. The advanced rider training course I took, was, in my experience, a waste of time and $. It wasn't on a race course but a very large parking lot. Nothing wrong with a 750 cc bike, it's probly a good starter bike. After many years away from biking, I took a MSC and started with a 1200 Custom Sport from HD. Maybe, it you have good size and strength, and extra throttle control, the Bird might work for you. Ultimately, all advice aside, we do what we feel works for us. I would want to have a few years of riding and 1000's of kms before I rode on the track but I'm much older than you and resonably conservative when it comes to my riding. Don't wait before you take a Motor Cycle Training course, I suggested you wait before you jump into track riding.

Thanks a whole lot guys, i think this info will help a lot. I'll keep u posted.