Ratfink

Hey guys. New here from Tempe AZ.

I have wanted to buy a XX for some time now.
But, I will have questions like everything else.
I am a mechanic by trade, so I am good with my hands, and I am pretty good when it comes to diagnosis. But, different systems have different querks.

Some things I want to figure out are.

What year to get?
I like the idea of fuel injection, and the ease of operator use. I don't mind working on a motorcycle. It's a hobby of mine. That is the biggest reason why I own a 1980 CB750F. But, for once I want to own something that I can just take off one without thinking about jetting, float settings, float bowls overflowing etc. Just do simple maintanance and go. Something I am not used to. But, I think I can handle it.

What are the weak points on these bikes? (Ignition? Charging? Cooling?)

Most common upgrades?

And what is a good price for said year range with low miles, in stock form? In good condition.

Thanks a bunch guys, I look forward to answers to any of my questions, and hopefully owning a Blackbird soon.

CanadianBird

Welcome. I encourage you to do a "search" of all the queries you have. Personally, I think fuel inject is more "trouble free" than carbs especially when dealing with altitude and manybe temp and humidity. Just pump in the topics into the search engine and you will be rewarded with a great deal of reading. Don't even dare do oil and tires. Good luck.

Ratfink

Oil and tires..

Yeah, that seems to be the same on any automotive forum and motorcycle forum.

No worries, I won't go there.
I have been searching around.
I am sure I want to go with FI now. But there are several years within that range too. I could just go with the newest. But, not sure I want to.
Is there a year that is more rare in the FI years? Last year?

scottsxx

Last year in the USA would be 2003. Metallic Black, FI and digital dash. I have a 99 FI, analog dash. Pretty much the same mechanically.
Some isues with the stator, Regulator/Rectifier, but not a epidemic. I have 61,000 on my original OEM charging system.
My preference would be a FI bike, but wouldn't pass on a 97-98 if nice and a good buy. Biggest problem with carbs is that they don't get ridden enough.
The bike is solid, fast, reliable.................it's a Honda.
Good buys available............just be patient, have ready cash and keep on top of the market.

Ratfink

I love Honda motorcycles. Build quality can't be beat by what I have dealt with. My experience doe not include Euro bikes, but I still think Honda comes out on top.

My current bike has made it for close to 30 years now, with no major problems. Rotor went out on the charging system, but that's all.
Can't complain there. 10 min fix, good to go.

So, in the FI range, 99-03 FI generally go for what prices, lower miles, good shape? Does not need to be perfect, I have no problem working on my stuff.
I think I personally prefer the analog gauges. So, I guess 99-02.

I am thinking around $5,000. Am I close? $6,000 for one in primo condition?

FrankGarvin

Ratfink -

I'm nearby and picking up a 2001 this weekend.

If you wanna check out a 2001 up close let me know.

Ratfink

Checked them out up close a few times. But nothing major. I have not ridden one yet, and would like to do that. But, I don't expect a person that does not know me to let me ride one. haha

Thanks for the offer, but I have looked at them quite a bit. Not enough to notice all of the subtle differences, but enough to know that it was a bike that I was very interested in . I spend a lot of time at the Scottsdale Pavilions, which has an ongoing car and bike show every Saturday night.

lois

Hey Ratfink, welcome aboard....however,, you are a newb, not a noobie, as a newb is a new guy, while a noobie is a new guy that thinks he know it all ( while everyone is laughing at him behind their hand) and you don't strike me that way......................yet

__________________
Call me "Captain Mudbucket".

Ratfink

That was my first test for you guys. The fact is, that I know everything, including the cures for cancer, herpes, and stupid.


Nah, I don't know everything. I don't know much at all, but that's the first step to obtaining knowledge. Excepting the fact that you have something to learn in the first place.

This forum seems pretty cool.

I am going to stick around and hopefully get a XX soon. Can't wait.

So. I know that on another forum, cb1100f.net, there are a few members that own CBR1100XX's. Are any of you guys here?

CanadianBird

You might want to join the "other" Bird site and the Brit site as well. For me, an '02 with 111,000 kms. 2nd stator, original RR, a few batteries, my fault, 7 sets of tires, Avon Storms at themoment, Motul Semi, & many comfort and performance mods. All this being said, Honda is falling behind with motorcycle technology and those of us who love the Bird, can't understand why Honda is waiting so long for a new one. Look at the new Concours and notice the technology. I suggest you go for a FI model. A well maintained Bird tends to be "bullet proof" so if you encounter one with 20-30k+ miles as long as it's well maintained, ie. fluids, I think you'll be fine. BB owners tend to be "older" and maintain their rides to a high level. Good Luck

MotoRacerGabe

i guess i'm "older"..... haha


i got my '97 for a good price. you just gotta find the one. just wait for the one you really want. you'll know it when you see it. good luck, you'll find the one for you.

ride safe.

lois

Naw...don't listen to that stupid Canadian.

__________________
Call me "Captain Mudbucket".

Madcow

Ratfink, PM sent.

Aurora

There are some wiring harness grounding issue with the 99 and 00 model year.

Ratfink

Got the PM. Exactly what I am looking for and the location couldn't be better.

I don't have the cash right now, and that's the bummer.

Good luck on your sale, and hopefully another comes along soon when I have the funds.