Hello - A question - Discuss Hello - A question on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Introductions. (New here? Introduce yourself!)

egul · 08-23-2007, 6:29 AM

Hello. I am very interested in buying a CBR 1100xx, most probably a second hand. I am not very experienced in motorcyles - I have had experiences by riding my friends bikes, or renting one. I never had a motorcycle myself. So, would it be too dangerous, wrong, etc to start with 1100xx ?

dunedain · 08-23-2007, 9:45 AM

The answer to that question lies within you:

Can you override the urge to twist the throttle beyond your ability to control the bike?

Can you determine where that point of control/no control is? Can you move that point on your own?

Can you dedicate yourself to learning the most you can about riding high performance motorcycles over making them even faster and louder?

Can you get the concept that you may never fully understand how to ride a high performance bike and that you will continually learn as you read, ride, and take notes? (I'm still learning.....)

Can you adapt to the idea that owning the XX is a partneship that will require you to learn this bike inside and out and it will take at least two years to get a good grasp of it?

I would generally tell the average schmo "First bike?", "No way!" but I think there are those who arer drawn to the XX that have a 6th sense or whatever it takes to appreciate it for what it is. Or digs the plain fact that every bike out there wants to spit you off and chew you up equally as fast as any other.

1100xxben · 08-23-2007, 10:12 AM

on dunedain's comments.

I think the XX is an ok starter bike as long as you can control your urges. My buddy started with an XX for his first bike. He had ridden my 600cc F2 about 20 miles and wanted to get a bike. He found an awesome deal on an XX and bought it. Thankfully he never had any accidents and he still rides it over a year later. I've had my XX for over 5 months now and absolutely love the thing. Again, it all comes down to being able to control your urges and not push the bike beyond your limits. I've been riding bikes for just over a year and a half now and I am definitely still learning new things every time I take my bike out. If you do take the plunge and buy an XX, good luck to you and always be safe. The Blackbird really is an absolutely amazing bike that puts a smile on my face every time.

CanadianBird · 08-23-2007, 11:18 AM

Mostly a Plus 1 on the above. I ask you, have you taken a M.C. Safely Course? I highly recommend it. I've had my Bird for 5 years, 115,000 kms and it is my second bike after returning to riding from a long absence. It's taken me all of those 5 years to get to know my XX and with the help of the three sites devoted to the XX I've learned a great deal. This is one excellent motorcycle and I highly recommend owning one but as stated above, it can buck you off and hurt you bigtime if you don't develope wrist restraint and respect for this litre bike. Only you can determine if it's the correct first bike. The Bird wouldn't have been a good first bike for me but it is the perfect second bike. Good luck. Don't fall for faster, etc. The Bird is very user friendly and it's not for nothing that Honda marketed it as the "Gentleman's Express". Cheers

FrankGarvin · 08-23-2007, 12:47 PM

+1 on the above

Here's my 12 cents.

If you are an absolutely new rider, no matter what bike you put underneath you. Take a M/C safety course, an advanced riders course, and eventually a track course if want to explore the finer potentials of your bike.
Each will teach you different dynamics of riding.

Seat time is king. Period.
Nothing will expose you to more hazards, situations, traffic, etc than putting the miles in to gain the experience needed to respond correctly and quickly when things get hairy, slippery, or skip to downright "oh shit".

I started on an old suzuki, then an FJ600, went to a 95' CBR 600 F3, and then a month ago found my 01' Blackbird. Yes, I'm extremely happy to have the bike under me, although I have a great respect for its potential. I expect it to take a year before I know this bike inside and out. The various online forums have taught me volumes, thanks guys.

While there are widely different schools of thought on this topic, the BB is just simply NOT a beginners bike.

Yes, it is refined, smooth, and stable, but it requires, like Dunedain said, restraint in your throttle hand. That choice is yours to make every time you sit on two wheels, no matter what bike. Experience and training allow you to make those choices more safely.

I honestly think you would enjoy a BB a lot more if you have the experience and knowledge to handle its potential. Perhaps put some seat time in on a 600cc bike before jumping up to an 1100.

Keep your stick on the ice,

Chase

MotoRacerGabe · 08-23-2007, 3:09 PM

to all the above

i personally dont think the Blackbird is a begginer bike, but i've known people to start riding on 1000cc supersports, i wouldnt do that and i won't recomend it to anyone... but that's just me.

Toynut · 08-23-2007, 7:43 PM

I noticed that you are from Turkey, so a US based MSF class is out of the question. If there are simular opportunities to safely learn to increase your motorcycle riding skill set, please consider them.
Since you already own a cb1000f, the weight of the Blackbird won't be too excessive. However, if you are riding in tight confined city streets (middle east and parts of Europe), where people are constantly darting in and out in front of you from allyways etc., heavy traffic congestion is the norm, and you are stuck riding on cobblestone streets (particularly if wet), then this type of bike is not the right choice. You really need to have some nice open highways and quality roads to get the maximum benefit of this bike.
You definitely give up a fair amount of your periphial vision in a forward lean based sport bike relative to a more upright standard, just another thing to consider.

What are your intended riding routes like over there?

egul · 08-24-2007, 3:21 AM

First of all, I do not already own a cb1000f. B.Bird will be my first bike (if I get one). I have some riding experiences from my firends' bikes and from rentals. I know that B.Bird is one of the last bikes to own as a starter since it is very powerful. The reason I "insist" on getting a Bird as a starter's bike is simply because I "loved" it (when I read about it and saw it) and because I like huge bikes (I'm tall). I know that at the beginning I will not be able to use even half of the potantial of this bike, but I believe I will improve my skills in time. However, the point Toynut makes is a very good one since the traffic in Europe especially in Turkey is not like it is in America. People are constantly darting in and out in front of you from "everywhere" etc even in highways. But here in Istanbul where I live, I do not get into traffic much and I get to travel long distances in highway. I will not be using it in traffic since I am thinking of buying BB for rare "pleasure" not for transportation needs. And I believe I will be able to control my "urge". At the end of the day, it is not a supersports bike, but a sport "touring".

R1000 · 08-24-2007, 5:26 AM

You could definitely go for the BB as a first bike if you know you are a balanced and sensible person and has a defensive diving style. Even though, you will sooner or later come into situations that requires skills far above what you have learned when getting the license. Visit a few trackdays and train in the beginners group, it cost some money but not much and you will gain skills that would take many year to achieve on roads.

I started with a new GSX R1000. One week after I’ve got the license I took a RR license and began to practice on tracks once a week. It was a must since I knew I was going to drive fast, which was also the reason I bought the bike. Today I wouldn’t dream on going full pace on roads as I did the first two years. There is far to many situations that can happen out of ones control and the quick blast shell be left to well known and open roads only. Read the last sentence once more and don’t forget it

CanadianBird · 08-24-2007, 10:08 AM

It appears to me that your mind is made up in which case I suggest you get a scooter for your daily commute and city riding experience. The Bird for the open road. There are, for what it's worth, books and cd's on riding. I know nothing about the roads in your country only that I fear people drive like "maniacs", and the road rules may be a bit "slack". Please correct me if I'm wrong. Do you take your holidays in Europe? Good luck and you might want to also join the www.superblackbird.co.uk site. Cheers

Nutter67 · 09-01-2007, 10:03 PM

Back in the early 80's I had a Suzki DR250 (R/T) as my first bike while I was on my learners permit and probationary licence. 3 months before the engine restrictions were lifted on my prob licence I bought and started riding GS1000S modified to single seat cafe racer. Dont know if I would do it that way again, but it taught me a lot very quickly. I made a lot of mistakes, some serious, but none fatal (for me, but not the bike). I have had numerous other bikes in the past some big, some small. I'm over 6ft and it was just too uncomfortable to ride the RZ350FN anywhere close to its potential.

As has been written in other posts, please do a motorcycle safety course and other courses (like roadcraft, advanced riding, etc) if you can, they are well worth it.

08-23-2007, 9:45 AM	#2
dunedain Join Date: Jan 04 2007 Location: Tulsa, OK Age: 46 Posts: 759	Re: Hello - A question The answer to that question lies within you: Can you override the urge to twist the throttle beyond your ability to control the bike? Can you determine where that point of control/no control is? Can you move that point on your own? Can you dedicate yourself to learning the most you can about riding high performance motorcycles over making them even faster and louder? Can you get the concept that you may never fully understand how to ride a high performance bike and that you will continually learn as you read, ride, and take notes? (I'm still learning.....) Can you adapt to the idea that owning the XX is a partneship that will require you to learn this bike inside and out and it will take at least two years to get a good grasp of it? I would generally tell the average schmo "First bike?", "No way!" but I think there are those who arer drawn to the XX that have a 6th sense or whatever it takes to appreciate it for what it is. Or digs the plain fact that every bike out there wants to spit you off and chew you up equally as fast as any other. __________________ Sua Sponte!

08-23-2007, 10:12 AM	#3
1100xxben Join Date: Mar 27 2007 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Age: 28 Posts: 333	Re: Hello - A question on dunedain's comments. I think the XX is an ok starter bike as long as you can control your urges. My buddy started with an XX for his first bike. He had ridden my 600cc F2 about 20 miles and wanted to get a bike. He found an awesome deal on an XX and bought it. Thankfully he never had any accidents and he still rides it over a year later. I've had my XX for over 5 months now and absolutely love the thing. Again, it all comes down to being able to control your urges and not push the bike beyond your limits. I've been riding bikes for just over a year and a half now and I am definitely still learning new things every time I take my bike out. If you do take the plunge and buy an XX, good luck to you and always be safe. The Blackbird really is an absolutely amazing bike that puts a smile on my face every time. __________________ 16 valves, 4 pistons, 2 tires, and one twist of the wrist... I'm doing my part to keep the insect population down... are you?

08-23-2007, 11:18 AM	#4
CanadianBird Join Date: Nov 25 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 4,933	Re: Hello - A question Mostly a Plus 1 on the above. I ask you, have you taken a M.C. Safely Course? I highly recommend it. I've had my Bird for 5 years, 115,000 kms and it is my second bike after returning to riding from a long absence. It's taken me all of those 5 years to get to know my XX and with the help of the three sites devoted to the XX I've learned a great deal. This is one excellent motorcycle and I highly recommend owning one but as stated above, it can buck you off and hurt you bigtime if you don't develope wrist restraint and respect for this litre bike. Only you can determine if it's the correct first bike. The Bird wouldn't have been a good first bike for me but it is the perfect second bike. Good luck. Don't fall for faster, etc. The Bird is very user friendly and it's not for nothing that Honda marketed it as the "Gentleman's Express". Cheers

08-23-2007, 12:47 PM	#5
FrankGarvin Join Date: Aug 02 2007 Location: Phoenix Posts: 74	Re: Hello - A question +1 on the above Here's my 12 cents. If you are an absolutely new rider, no matter what bike you put underneath you. Take a M/C safety course, an advanced riders course, and eventually a track course if want to explore the finer potentials of your bike. Each will teach you different dynamics of riding. Seat time is king. Period. Nothing will expose you to more hazards, situations, traffic, etc than putting the miles in to gain the experience needed to respond correctly and quickly when things get hairy, slippery, or skip to downright "oh shit". I started on an old suzuki, then an FJ600, went to a 95' CBR 600 F3, and then a month ago found my 01' Blackbird. Yes, I'm extremely happy to have the bike under me, although I have a great respect for its potential. I expect it to take a year before I know this bike inside and out. The various online forums have taught me volumes, thanks guys. While there are widely different schools of thought on this topic, the BB is just simply NOT a beginners bike. Yes, it is refined, smooth, and stable, but it requires, like Dunedain said, restraint in your throttle hand. That choice is yours to make every time you sit on two wheels, no matter what bike. Experience and training allow you to make those choices more safely. I honestly think you would enjoy a BB a lot more if you have the experience and knowledge to handle its potential. Perhaps put some seat time in on a 600cc bike before jumping up to an 1100. Keep your stick on the ice, Chase

08-23-2007, 3:09 PM	#6
MotoRacerGabe Join Date: Apr 29 2007 Location: El Paso, Tx Age: 23 Posts: 490	Re: Hello - A question to all the above i personally dont think the Blackbird is a begginer bike, but i've known people to start riding on 1000cc supersports, i wouldnt do that and i won't recomend it to anyone... but that's just me.

08-23-2007, 7:43 PM	#7
Toynut Join Date: Oct 23 2006 Location: West Bloomfield, Michigan Age: 52 Posts: 574	Re: Hello - A question I noticed that you are from Turkey, so a US based MSF class is out of the question. If there are simular opportunities to safely learn to increase your motorcycle riding skill set, please consider them. Since you already own a cb1000f, the weight of the Blackbird won't be too excessive. However, if you are riding in tight confined city streets (middle east and parts of Europe), where people are constantly darting in and out in front of you from allyways etc., heavy traffic congestion is the norm, and you are stuck riding on cobblestone streets (particularly if wet), then this type of bike is not the right choice. You really need to have some nice open highways and quality roads to get the maximum benefit of this bike. You definitely give up a fair amount of your periphial vision in a forward lean based sport bike relative to a more upright standard, just another thing to consider. What are your intended riding routes like over there? __________________ Al ________________________________________ Momma always said "the best things in life are free"! OK,sure............. Then again, Momma never rode a motorcycle, either!

08-24-2007, 3:21 AM	#8
egul Join Date: Aug 17 2007 Location: Turkey Posts: 4	Re: Hello - A question First of all, I do not already own a cb1000f. B.Bird will be my first bike (if I get one). I have some riding experiences from my firends' bikes and from rentals. I know that B.Bird is one of the last bikes to own as a starter since it is very powerful. The reason I "insist" on getting a Bird as a starter's bike is simply because I "loved" it (when I read about it and saw it) and because I like huge bikes (I'm tall). I know that at the beginning I will not be able to use even half of the potantial of this bike, but I believe I will improve my skills in time. However, the point Toynut makes is a very good one since the traffic in Europe especially in Turkey is not like it is in America. People are constantly darting in and out in front of you from "everywhere" etc even in highways. But here in Istanbul where I live, I do not get into traffic much and I get to travel long distances in highway. I will not be using it in traffic since I am thinking of buying BB for rare "pleasure" not for transportation needs. And I believe I will be able to control my "urge". At the end of the day, it is not a supersports bike, but a sport "touring".

08-24-2007, 5:26 AM	#9
R1000 Join Date: Nov 29 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 188	Re: Hello - A question You could definitely go for the BB as a first bike if you know you are a balanced and sensible person and has a defensive diving style. Even though, you will sooner or later come into situations that requires skills far above what you have learned when getting the license. Visit a few trackdays and train in the beginners group, it cost some money but not much and you will gain skills that would take many year to achieve on roads. I started with a new GSX R1000. One week after I’ve got the license I took a RR license and began to practice on tracks once a week. It was a must since I knew I was going to drive fast, which was also the reason I bought the bike. Today I wouldn’t dream on going full pace on roads as I did the first two years. There is far to many situations that can happen out of ones control and the quick blast shell be left to well known and open roads only. Read the last sentence once more and don’t forget it

08-24-2007, 10:08 AM	#10
CanadianBird Join Date: Nov 25 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 4,933	Re: Hello - A question It appears to me that your mind is made up in which case I suggest you get a scooter for your daily commute and city riding experience. The Bird for the open road. There are, for what it's worth, books and cd's on riding. I know nothing about the roads in your country only that I fear people drive like "maniacs", and the road rules may be a bit "slack". Please correct me if I'm wrong. Do you take your holidays in Europe? Good luck and you might want to also join the www.superblackbird.co.uk site. Cheers

09-01-2007, 10:03 PM	#11
Nutter67 Administrator Join Date: Aug 31 2007 Location: Cranbourne, Victoria, Australia Age: 43 Posts: 5,955	Re: Hello - A question Back in the early 80's I had a Suzki DR250 (R/T) as my first bike while I was on my learners permit and probationary licence. 3 months before the engine restrictions were lifted on my prob licence I bought and started riding GS1000S modified to single seat cafe racer. Dont know if I would do it that way again, but it taught me a lot very quickly. I made a lot of mistakes, some serious, but none fatal (for me, but not the bike). I have had numerous other bikes in the past some big, some small. I'm over 6ft and it was just too uncomfortable to ride the RZ350FN anywhere close to its potential. As has been written in other posts, please do a motorcycle safety course and other courses (like roadcraft, advanced riding, etc) if you can, they are well worth it.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tire Question	smoothmotion	Suspension / Tires / Wheels / Brakes	10	08-21-2007 8:05 PM
Hello and a question	Acquarello	Introductions	6	08-16-2007 12:51 PM
Jetting / Exhaust Question	Falcon23	Engine / Airbox / Exhaust / Fuel Delivery	8	07-25-2007 7:17 PM
stearing head bearing question	tgo63	Suspension / Tires / Wheels / Brakes	5	03-28-2007 1:39 AM
New Blackbird owner, got some observations and a single question.	Kiriath	Engine / Airbox / Exhaust / Fuel Delivery	12	01-05-2007 10:33 PM