Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird - Discuss Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in General CBR XX Discussion. (General Discussion of the Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird that does not fit into the other specific forums.)

rivabill · 11-23-2007, 2:15 AM

Hi All
Just read this in motorcycle news.
Head lines

Bye Bye Blackbird

In the rush of new bike launches over the few weeks it's been very easy to get carried away, but as firm introduce new machines, they also drop old one's from the line up.
Honda's legendary Blackbird is one of this year's casualties.
With no replacement ready (yet), the firm is dropping the machine-launched in 1996 as the worlds fastest bike -from it's 2008 line-up.
But fan's shouldn't despair, as I've heard solid news that there is a new Blackbird undergoing a very painful and protected development period at the moment.
Honda has already prepared- and ditched one protential replacement, and is now working on another.
Detail's are sketchy, but don't be surprised if the engine configuration changes.
Whether it keeps the Blackbird name,We'll have to wait and see !

motorcycle news 21 November 2007 (page 5 )

Banshee · 11-23-2007, 3:38 AM

Well, we already knew they had ceased production as of 2007. At least they may have something coming, (eventually), to replace it...

Helvet · 11-23-2007, 6:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banshee

Well, we already knew they had ceased production as of 2007. At least they may have something coming, (eventually), to replace it...

In Australia they are no longer sold, but in Europe they still are. Honda has been producing the bike most of this year, but it is possible they have stopped now.
Just remember that MCN has brought us more incorrect news about the Blackbird than any other magazine I know of......

Hasse · 11-24-2007, 3:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banshee

Well, we already knew they had ceased production as of 2007. At least they may have something coming, (eventually), to replace it...

Yes, in Europe they are still sold. But fact is that the ones that´s sold as '07 in reality are nothing but leftovers from 2006. I have got a -06 and a "6" as the tenth digit in my framenumber. Those who bought themselves a brand new -07 have also got a "6" as the tenth digit. So I guess they ceased production last year and that they´re now just emptying the warehouse....

Helvet · 11-24-2007, 3:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hasse

Yes, in Europe they are still sold. But fact is that the ones that´s sold as '07 in reality are nothing but leftovers from 2006. I have got a -06 and a "6" as the tenth digit in my framenumber. Those who bought themselves a brand new -07 have also got a "6" as the tenth digit. So I guess they ceased production last year and that they´re now just emptying the warehouse....

We have (at least) 1 '07 here......

Hasse · 11-24-2007, 11:12 AM

So I guess they shipped the "leftovers" further up north...

Banshee · 11-26-2007, 12:07 AM

Not all of them, mine is an " '07 ". But there are no more being sent out from Japan any more. I got one of the last imported to Aus. A few shops have some left, but not many now.

Lumpy · 11-26-2007, 8:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rivabill

Hi All
Just read this in motorcycle news.
Head lines

Bye Bye Blackbird

In the rush of new bike launches over the few weeks it's been very easy to get carried away, but as firm introduce new machines, they also drop old one's from the line up.

Honda's legendary Blackbird is one of this year's casualties.
With no replacement ready (yet), the firm is dropping the machine-launched in 1996 as the worlds fastest bike -from it's 2008 line-up.
But fan's shouldn't despair, as I've heard solid news that there is a new Blackbird undergoing a very painful and protected development period at the moment.
Honda has already prepared- and ditched one protential replacement, and is now working on another.
Detail's are sketchy, but don't be surprised if the engine configuration changes.
Whether it keeps the Blackbird name,We'll have to wait and see !

motorcycle news 21 November 2007 (page 5 )

oh dear. Please don't believe it if it's in MCN. More lies than a politician in there.

Gosport eh? Sounds like a bit of a dump. What colour bike?

rivabill · 11-26-2007, 12:59 PM

You should know mate .....you are about 2 miles away.....and it is just like yours......hasler sea wall by any chance !!!
off to the bike show at the NEC on friday what you up to
Bill

Warchild · 11-27-2007, 10:22 AM

Lumpy has nailed it.

England's MCN has been spreading this kind of sensational horsecock for years. They are the "National Enquirer" of moto e-zines.

sandyraz · 11-27-2007, 9:16 PM

lets hope they do a better job on redesigning than they did on the vfr and st.

arcticflipper · 11-28-2007, 3:42 AM

Yip this rumour has even hit South African XX forums....

X1rider · 11-28-2007, 6:00 AM

VFX1200 V5? Have you seen the patent application drawings for the "frameless" bike? Subframes that bolt on to the motor ala Britten. MCN has been known for all sorts of BS, but they weren't wrong on the '08 CBR1000 that they showed patent drawings for and the V4/5 drawings I saw were issued patents in 2005. Maybe a protracted development indeed, but I am sure we can say goodbye to the inline 4 we all know.
Big H has a propensity for making complicated things run like watches, so maybe an exotic road bike with loads of HP and gobs of torque will be forthcoming in the next 12 months. I just hope they make it as graceful as the Double X and a little lighter weight wouldn't hurt either.

ALUN.CBR1100 · 11-30-2007, 10:03 AM

just been to the N.E.C Bike show,according to the Honda "expert" on their stand ,he,s heard not a word on when a newie is due but heard rumours there will be one ( prob reads MCN). We live in hope .
Shows ok but to much china built crap on show

uncatchablTrent · 11-30-2007, 12:24 PM

If they do design and build a new one, that's good news to me. Even if they don't initially release it in the U.S., they might after a year or so. And since there hasn't been a new BlackBird here since 2003 ...

Romus · 12-01-2007, 1:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banshee

Not all of them, mine is an " '07 ". But there are no more being sent out from Japan any more. I got one of the last imported to Aus. A few shops have some left, but not many now.

...And I got me one of the 'not many' ones the other day

Helvet · 12-01-2007, 4:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romus

...And I got me one of the 'not many' ones the other day

Congrats, but please get it out of the acid rain......

rivabill · 12-01-2007, 4:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALUN.CBR1100

just been to the N.E.C Bike show,according to the Honda "expert" on their stand ,he,s heard not a word on when a newie is due but heard rumours there will be one ( prob reads MCN). We live in hope .
Shows ok but to much china built crap on show

Yep, i went there friday and Got the same answer as you.

gc33 · 12-01-2007, 5:30 AM

if Mr honda doesnt do something soon it will be goodbye mr honda and hello mr suzuki Hayabusa.

X1rider · 12-01-2007, 6:22 AM

If you get a 'Busa, get the extended warranty. You would not believe how they cut corners on things.

ALUN.CBR1100 · 12-16-2007, 7:31 AM

contacted Honda Uk and their answer was " A replacement Blackbird is almost a certainty,however, configuration unknown , date unknown, CBR prefix unknown , which means they havent got a clue and Japan aint saying , come on MCN tell Honda UK whats gonna happen

now listen Honda to the wisdom of MCN

TESLACOIL · 08-30-2008, 9:31 PM

Honda - if you are reading this drop the gayarse linked brakes and gives ABS on the front and traction control on the rear.

dont even think about VTEC - oh and go for simple rubber mounted engine and drop the balancer shafts

lose some weight and give us some cubic capacity - go on got to 1500cc and bags of torque

all those in favour VOTE AYE

oh and lose 2 inches off the seat height so we can tuck in - and paddle round the car park

gc33 · 08-30-2008, 11:17 PM

By now everyone has heard about the new VFR1000. V5 config NO VTEC but lots of other techbits. I am not a "V" fan so it wont be for me but im sure the VFR owners will be delighted.
This will be the BB replacement......

Adrenaline · 08-30-2008, 11:23 PM

WHY would they stop producing such a great bike.. I can't seem to understand this

Beondwacko · 09-01-2008, 9:49 AM

Because the XX's were too expensive, not advertised, and poorly marketed. Those are the main reasons when it did't fare well here in the US. Also, many US customers want just the latest/greatest/and fastest. Nothing else matters to them. Why do you think so many Busa's were sold?

I have little faith that Honda Motor Co. will pull their heads out of their backsides myself. They have been playing the game with a shrewd attitude now for a number of years. They'll keep on building the cruisers, the dirt bikes along with the 600/1000 cbr series. Why ? Because it's profitable.

The hypertouring market (GSXR1300/ZX-14) I guess hasn't pulled off enough market share for Honda to take it seriously enough to get back into it.

I myself would love to see a merged VFR/XX bike. A single sided swingarm bike with optional ABS about the same size as the XX ( maybe a bit smaller ) 30-40 lbs lighter than an XX with Direct Fuel Injection on a V configured engine of 1200cc+.

A distant dream...............

gc33 · 09-01-2008, 9:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

WHY would they stop producing such a great bike.. I can't seem to understand this

Because now it is over 10 years old and relatively unchanged excepting colours and bits and pieces.
If we take a look at the Blade where it is very old "cbr" line but has been revamped and reworked with every model produced. The blade obviously is more profitable due to it being raced pretty much everywhere around the world.
When I was on the IoM for the TT this year I spoke to the Honda rep there about a bird replacement. He said there is one although he didnt know all the details. Said to keep an eye out at the Milan bike show as if there was gonna be anything it would be there. It is spose to be the merging of the vfr800, st1300 and XX so Im guessing that the New VFR1000 will fit that bill.
Im a traditionalist and dont like V 4 or 5 engines. Vee engines should either be v twin or v8...nothing else.
And how successful is honda with their racing at present...NOT VERY!! So nI dont hold much faith in them bringing anything good out in the near future. Lawnmowers, generators etc is about it. Think my next bike will be the Busa.
Already have the M109R haya-cruiser.......

Adrenaline · 09-01-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gc33

Because now it is over 10 years old and relatively unchanged excepting colours and bits and pieces.
If we take a look at the Blade where it is very old "cbr" line but has been revamped and reworked with every model produced. The blade obviously is more profitable due to it being raced pretty much everywhere around the world.
When I was on the IoM for the TT this year I spoke to the Honda rep there about a bird replacement. He said there is one although he didnt know all the details. Said to keep an eye out at the Milan bike show as if there was gonna be anything it would be there. It is spose to be the merging of the vfr800, st1300 and XX so Im guessing that the New VFR1000 will fit that bill.
Im a traditionalist and dont like V 4 or 5 engines. Vee engines should either be v twin or v8...nothing else.
And how successful is honda with their racing at present...NOT VERY!! So nI dont hold much faith in them bringing anything good out in the near future. Lawnmowers, generators etc is about it. Think my next bike will be the Busa.
Already have the M109R haya-cruiser.......

My next bike will deffinately be a busa, unless i can find a like-new blackbird (which is very unlikely). but of course this wont be for a WHILE.. For now, this is the first and best bike i've ever had or ridden.

TESLACOIL · 11-07-2008, 8:45 AM

i heard that Honda have dropped the Blackbird as a Concept

I have a feeling the chinks have got the japs worried

I think this under pins the new V Max price/quality

the japs will make a few TOP END market leaders to emphasise quality vs the chinks and hope this will translate into sale further down the range

peeps will still buy s/h jap bikes for a while yet - they are known have buiotl repution in the real world... but honda etc dont make money form s/h they may money fron new sales/parts 4 them

as the chinks to to the japs what the japs did the the rest of the world in the 1970s ref bike sales/development the japs are going to run out of places to go in the market

i can see a lot of euro/us companies being hit hard by exotic jap loss leaders

i think euro/us companies will have to go for a smaller and smaller range & then evaporate one by one over time

Truimph will also suffer over time as their modular design will be copied by the chinks as the chinks seek higher quality lower costs to squeeze the japs out

the chink bikes are sooo cheap now and look like a lot of shiny metal for your buck - this will impress new riders on the scene and tempt them to open their wallets -

after all we know ( riders with miles/age under belt ) know the chink stuff is cheap n chearfull but we can afford not to buy them - due to our extra dosh and our buying knowledge letting us pick the best of non chink crop new & old

nuff said

im sure ive hit a lot of nails on the head - the credit crunch and crowded cites most of the world faces will speed up events

I know too much - lol im out for a ride to shake the nerd out of me - lol

BobZ · 11-07-2008, 9:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

My next bike will deffinately be a busa, unless i can find a like-new blackbird (which is very unlikely). but of course this wont be for a WHILE.. For now, this is the first and best bike i've ever had or ridden.

What about the ZX-14? Seems like a better choice than a Busa.

But for me, the '02 Bird is just the ticket (but not a "traffic" ticket hopefully).

gc33 · 11-08-2008, 9:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobZ

What about the ZX-14? Seems like a better choice than a Busa.

But for me, the '02 Bird is just the ticket (but not a "traffic" ticket hopefully).

what about the ZX14?? how bout this for a reason... COS ITS A BLOODY KAWASAKI!!....THATS WHY!!! Its almost blasphemy. For as long as my arse points south i will NEVER own another kawasaki. Suzuki, yamaha, honda, ducati i will happily own....even a harley before I resort to a kawasaki.A mechanic once told me never buy anything that starts with a "K"....and so far has been true to his word.
An early bird is still way better than a new kawasaki.....

11-23-2007, 3:38 AM	#2
Banshee Join Date: Jun 21 2007 Location: Springwood, West of Hell (Sydney), Australia Age: 43 Posts: 1,082	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird Well, we already knew they had ceased production as of 2007. At least they may have something coming, (eventually), to replace it...

11-24-2007, 11:12 AM	#6
Hasse Join Date: Oct 29 2006 Location: Motala, Sweden Age: 44 Posts: 4	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird So I guess they shipped the "leftovers" further up north... __________________ www.superblackbird.se

11-26-2007, 12:07 AM	#7
Banshee Join Date: Jun 21 2007 Location: Springwood, West of Hell (Sydney), Australia Age: 43 Posts: 1,082	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird Not all of them, mine is an " '07 ". But there are no more being sent out from Japan any more. I got one of the last imported to Aus. A few shops have some left, but not many now.

11-26-2007, 12:59 PM	#9
rivabill Join Date: Oct 30 2007 Location: Gosport, England Age: 46 Posts: 61	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird You should know mate .....you are about 2 miles away.....and it is just like yours......hasler sea wall by any chance !!! off to the bike show at the NEC on friday what you up to Bill __________________ live today as your last...you may not be here tomorrow !

11-27-2007, 10:22 AM	#10
Warchild Rapin' Asphalt! Join Date: Sep 29 2006 Location: West Richland, Washington Age: 51 Posts: 877	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird Lumpy has nailed it. England's MCN has been spreading this kind of sensational horsecock for years. They are the "National Enquirer" of moto e-zines. __________________ - Warchild http://www.superblackbird.com/

11-27-2007, 9:16 PM	#11
sandyraz Join Date: Dec 26 2006 Location: dallas tx Posts: 104	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird lets hope they do a better job on redesigning than they did on the vfr and st.

11-28-2007, 3:42 AM	#12
arcticflipper Join Date: Nov 14 2006 Location: South Africa - Gauteng Posts: 54	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird Yip this rumour has even hit South African XX forums....

11-28-2007, 6:00 AM	#13
X1rider Carbon spewing infidel Join Date: Nov 24 2006 Location: Metro Atlanta GA. Age: 52 Posts: 1,901	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird VFX1200 V5? Have you seen the patent application drawings for the "frameless" bike? Subframes that bolt on to the motor ala Britten. MCN has been known for all sorts of BS, but they weren't wrong on the '08 CBR1000 that they showed patent drawings for and the V4/5 drawings I saw were issued patents in 2005. Maybe a protracted development indeed, but I am sure we can say goodbye to the inline 4 we all know. Big H has a propensity for making complicated things run like watches, so maybe an exotic road bike with loads of HP and gobs of torque will be forthcoming in the next 12 months. I just hope they make it as graceful as the Double X and a little lighter weight wouldn't hurt either.

11-30-2007, 10:03 AM	#14
ALUN.CBR1100 Little willy - big black bike Join Date: Dec 15 2006 Location: Bushey England UK Age: 54 Posts: 847	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird just been to the N.E.C Bike show,according to the Honda "expert" on their stand ,he,s heard not a word on when a newie is due but heard rumours there will be one ( prob reads MCN). We live in hope . Shows ok but to much china built crap on show __________________ BB not the fastest but it sure is the best. But if it's Black you have the Edge

11-30-2007, 12:24 PM	#15
uncatchablTrent Join Date: Mar 10 2007 Location: Chicago Burbs Posts: 30	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird If they do design and build a new one, that's good news to me. Even if they don't initially release it in the U.S., they might after a year or so. And since there hasn't been a new BlackBird here since 2003 ...

12-01-2007, 6:22 AM	#20
X1rider Carbon spewing infidel Join Date: Nov 24 2006 Location: Metro Atlanta GA. Age: 52 Posts: 1,901	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird If you get a 'Busa, get the extended warranty. You would not believe how they cut corners on things.

12-16-2007, 7:31 AM	#21
ALUN.CBR1100 Little willy - big black bike Join Date: Dec 15 2006 Location: Bushey England UK Age: 54 Posts: 847	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird contacted Honda Uk and their answer was " A replacement Blackbird is almost a certainty,however, configuration unknown , date unknown, CBR prefix unknown , which means they havent got a clue and Japan aint saying , come on MCN tell Honda UK whats gonna happen now listen Honda to the wisdom of MCN __________________ BB not the fastest but it sure is the best. But if it's Black you have the Edge

08-30-2008, 9:31 PM	#22
TESLACOIL Join Date: Aug 11 2008 Location: UK Posts: 997	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird Honda - if you are reading this drop the gayarse linked brakes and gives ABS on the front and traction control on the rear. dont even think about VTEC - oh and go for simple rubber mounted engine and drop the balancer shafts lose some weight and give us some cubic capacity - go on got to 1500cc and bags of torque all those in favour VOTE AYE oh and lose 2 inches off the seat height so we can tuck in - and paddle round the car park

08-30-2008, 11:17 PM	#23
gc33 Join Date: Nov 18 2006 Location: joondalup,perth Age: 42 Posts: 96	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird By now everyone has heard about the new VFR1000. V5 config NO VTEC but lots of other techbits. I am not a "V" fan so it wont be for me but im sure the VFR owners will be delighted. This will be the BB replacement......

08-30-2008, 11:23 PM	#24
Adrenaline Join Date: Jun 07 2008 Location: AZ Posts: 65	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird WHY would they stop producing such a great bike.. I can't seem to understand this

09-01-2008, 9:49 AM	#25
Beondwacko Join Date: Nov 03 2006 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 161	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird Because the XX's were too expensive, not advertised, and poorly marketed. Those are the main reasons when it did't fare well here in the US. Also, many US customers want just the latest/greatest/and fastest. Nothing else matters to them. Why do you think so many Busa's were sold? I have little faith that Honda Motor Co. will pull their heads out of their backsides myself. They have been playing the game with a shrewd attitude now for a number of years. They'll keep on building the cruisers, the dirt bikes along with the 600/1000 cbr series. Why ? Because it's profitable. The hypertouring market (GSXR1300/ZX-14) I guess hasn't pulled off enough market share for Honda to take it seriously enough to get back into it. I myself would love to see a merged VFR/XX bike. A single sided swingarm bike with optional ABS about the same size as the XX ( maybe a bit smaller ) 30-40 lbs lighter than an XX with Direct Fuel Injection on a V configured engine of 1200cc+. A distant dream...............

11-07-2008, 8:45 AM	#28
TESLACOIL Join Date: Aug 11 2008 Location: UK Posts: 997	Re: Just read this in MCN- bye bye blackbird i heard that Honda have dropped the Blackbird as a Concept I have a feeling the chinks have got the japs worried I think this under pins the new V Max price/quality the japs will make a few TOP END market leaders to emphasise quality vs the chinks and hope this will translate into sale further down the range peeps will still buy s/h jap bikes for a while yet - they are known have buiotl repution in the real world... but honda etc dont make money form s/h they may money fron new sales/parts 4 them as the chinks to to the japs what the japs did the the rest of the world in the 1970s ref bike sales/development the japs are going to run out of places to go in the market i can see a lot of euro/us companies being hit hard by exotic jap loss leaders i think euro/us companies will have to go for a smaller and smaller range & then evaporate one by one over time Truimph will also suffer over time as their modular design will be copied by the chinks as the chinks seek higher quality lower costs to squeeze the japs out the chink bikes are sooo cheap now and look like a lot of shiny metal for your buck - this will impress new riders on the scene and tempt them to open their wallets - after all we know ( riders with miles/age under belt ) know the chink stuff is cheap n chearfull but we can afford not to buy them - due to our extra dosh and our buying knowledge letting us pick the best of non chink crop new & old nuff said im sure ive hit a lot of nails on the head - the credit crunch and crowded cites most of the world faces will speed up events I know too much - lol im out for a ride to shake the nerd out of me - lol