Best year to buy

beestoys

I have just joined this Forum and have this question.
I presently ride a 85 V65 Sabre and have been looking at the Blackbird as a possible replacement. Mind you it will be hard to replace my girl but I figure this bike would be a worthy candidate. She has been a very good ride plenty of power very smooth and for being 22 years old she can still hold her own.

Here is the question I have seen posted that 99 is a very sought after year for the Blackbird. So I pose the question to the board figuring you all would be the best source as you ride this bike. Your inputs and supporting arguments are greatly appreciated in helping me make my decision

V/R Brian

Anzac

Brian

There seeems to be answers all over the place. I have ridden a 97 and it was sweet. Lot's of people like the F1 birds but they tend to run a little hotter.

I would go for the 99 so long as it's been taken care of. Check the bike over good and look for weeping fork seals, loose steering bearings, bad chain/sprockets and electrical issues. Engines are very tough and seem to hold up pretty good

PinoyXX

I ride 97 Blackbird and logged in close to 52000 miles and still doing great. Aside from the chain that needs to be replaced soon as well as the CCT, the bike is in good form. I guess that that engine is really designed to last longer than the usual engines from other makers. Anyway, its just me.

OZDave

"2007 model". What other answer is there?

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Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me!

Nutter67

but be careful, certain nationalities are not happy cause they 2007-less.

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Paul

Never let a motorcycle take you somewhere your brain didn't get to three seconds earlier

Sweetruss

OK, I'm STILL not talking to Nutter, but I've had a 2000 and now a 2002 model. I think any year blackbird is great as long as it's being taken care of. But I wouldn't mind the 2007, I don't want to hear it Nutter

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R. Matthews

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"

CanadianBird

The last year imported into the USA. A ten year old bike is still ten years old. When in doubt re BB's, go for the latest model. 118,000 kms on an '02

flblackbird

+1 Russ, 2002.

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

YO-XX

The 1999 models are sensitive where wiring is concerned so if I were you I would not buy a 1999.

sv61

I think that we can all agree, that the Titanium Metallic on the US model 2000s, are indeed the fastest, and therefore the most sought after!



There. That ought to start up the conversation!

Anzac

You know, that's a very rare one indeed. I have never seen a 2000 up close but I really like that color. On the other hand - why not have a Black - Blackbird

My wife has just given the green light for the BB - a stablemate/bird for my Nighthawk . I just need to sell my ZRX

BTW, my wife loves riding on my 700s Nighthawk. It has a low seat that puts her right behind me and she has a little back rest/handle that gives her more confidence. How are the BB's for passengers? Anymore care to fill us in on how they like the pillion position.

sv61

Blackbirds are really not all that bad for passengers. I do know that on occasion, I have to remind my passenger to back her head away from my helmet. That can cause minor wind buffeting.

And, yes, you are correct. Why NOT have a BLACK Blackbird? As a matter of fact, my first Blackbird was Black.

The Ti color really is cool, though.



Back to two up riding, Corbin makes some nice seats to help with this as well, although the stock seat is not all that bad. The pegs are a little high, but it is a sporty motorcycle, after all!

Anzac

There is a local seller here that has a 98 BB with 10K on her. The bike has corbin beetle bags, corbin seat with backrest, Heli risers and a few other things.

Sounds like a pretty solid bike. Must sell ZRX first - perhaps he will trade

Glad to hear that the BB's take riders pretty well. Might not be as good as my Nighthawk but I don't want to get into something like a Wing or Venture.

CanadianBird

Corbin Gunfighter Lady, Givi top bag with back rest. My wife if very comfy and an excellent pillon. So is my youngest daughter. Bird rides two up excellently.

Nutter67

2002 - the latest model - how about a 2007 model that had 3.2km on the clock when I picked her up..... And she is two tone silver - more interesteing than boring old black

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Paul

Never let a motorcycle take you somewhere your brain didn't get to three seconds earlier

nsxowner

I agree with sv61, the Titanium Metallic color makes the bike faster by cheating the wind and it’s invisible to cops during dusk and dawn Any year is good long as it’s been properly maintained. Just my two cents.

beestoys

Agree on the rider ability freind of mine in San Diego has one with the beetle bags and he says they love it. That's also the reason I am looking for a different ride so the wife can go along with me. Thanks for the inputs I think I'll look for an early 2K version they don't seem to be to badly priced and I have seen some with the bags and rest.
Again it's going to be had to part with the Sabre

XXMAN

I came to the bird from a 85 sabre also all years are good just pick one and ride. The advatage to 99 or newer is a larger gas tank and fuel injection but they all run like raped apes you will be happy no matter what you choose.

beestoys

Cool thanks for the input and then you can see the dilema

ZAKKXX

Any year XX will be an severe upgrade from your Sabre. Seems like the most rare in the states are '01's. (red). Id stick with a 99 or newer

hayseed20

amen brother, i love my 00 bird fun and good lookin. you can wash it go for a 300 mile ride and it still shines even in the rain

uncatchablTrent

When I had to decide on which Blackbird to get, my main consideration was that it be a fuel-injected model. So that's what I bought. This means '99 or newer.

mikedevine

Actually, if you search the forums you will find that the '01 in candy glory red is the fastest BB due to the molecular structure of the pigment. I guess it is slicker, therefore more wind resistant.

rockpaperscisso

There is a 99 BB on Craigslist Seattle. looks like it is in great shape with low miles

joesscamaro

98 for sure oh and did i mention i have one for sale