2003 Honda VFR vs 2003 Honda Blackbird

[iMotoPilot]

Currently ride on older gen Connie but I'm in the market for a "Sportier" sport-touring rig.  What do you guys/gals think of the 2003 Honda VFR ABS vs a 2003 Honda CBR1100xx Blackbird?  I'm about 5, 11" in height, 180 lbs in beer muscle.

Thanks

[Sport-Touring]

[Kneescrubber]

knew it  

Go with the Blackbird.

[iMotoPilot]

Love the avatar.  LOL.    Why do you like the Blackbird?

[2RR2NV]

what's not to like about the XX?  too sewing machine smooth. and ..... that's about it...  for me, i'm biased towards the VFR800. i was looking at both when i bought the VFR. XX didn't do anything for me, but that VFR exhaust sound.  OH MY F'in GAWD!!!!!!!!!!  even stock it was instant wood. i put 20k miles on it before selling (couldn't afford 2 bikes at the time)....  and that's in the Black Hills area with never missing a month.

yes, the XX has gobs of power and sooo dang smooth, ya probably could balance a dang quarter on it. between the 2 of em, figure out what's important to you and pick that one.

on a sidenote, when we get our second bike for STin..... VFR800 is gonna be on the list again....   and the XX?..........   meh....  

[Silverbird]

XX of course...

You have to fix the suspension and make several comfort mods though.  I can't think of a bike that responds better to the right mods.  

[motormike]

For me?  Definitely the VFR800, and hopefullly soon.  I test drove one briefly last fall and fell in love.

For you?   I'm guessing the Blackbird since you're used to a larger bike and want a ""Sportier" sport-touring rig".

[Kneescrubber]

Love the avatar.  LOL.    Why do you like the Blackbird?

I don't like the Blackbird. I don't like I4 engines. They have no soul. I only recommended it because of your height.

And because we don't know diddly squat about your riding habits, intentions for use, 1 or 2up, etc.. I had to make a choice on my recommendation. Wanna fill in the blanks?


And btw, welcome iMotoPilot. Maybe you should introduce yourself properly. https://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,1.0.html

[Slartibartfast]

I don't like the Blackbird. I don't like I4 engines. They have no soul.

  The VFR rider who ate a bunch of XX fumes last week probably doesn't care that said fumes were spewed forth by a soulless bitch.  

[gritsngravy]

I love both those bikes, love big I4's & V4's so I'd say get both.    Getting down to it if you do a lot of highway, like Big speed and take a ton of luggage I'd say go XX.

[Rogue]

The VFR800 has a better chassis.  I would go with that instead of the XX.  If you can find a newer VFR800, even better.  The newer the better.  

[Mastros2]

I have a 2003 and love it.  Perfect bike for me; touring and sport riding.

BUT... Stock suspension will need to be worked. Check out http://daughertymotorsports.com/ even if you get a blackbird. Jamie is great. Two  

[veefer800canuck]

I'm gonna stray OT and direct your attention to a 2001 VFR800.

LOOOVE the gear whine from the geardrive cams. Sounds so exotic.

For a tall guy like you, Helibars and some Busy Little Shop footpeg lowering blocks. Maybe a taller windscreen too. Done.

Suspension is classic stock Honda, you'd have to do the same things to it that you would to a stock XX to make it ride/handle better.

Fellow STn'er Steve Farson's VFR here:

[Kneescrubber]

Well if we're gonna go Gen 5 then sure. Mine.

[napper]

I love my Gen 5 VFR.  I was considering BB's when I was looking.  MPG's pushed me away from the Birds.

I haven't regretted my choice at all.  I've put 10k miles on in my first six months with this bike, including 5k overloaded during a two-week trip.  Only wanted for more motor at very high altitudes.

I had to talk myself out of buying this one as a spare:  https://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,72847.msg1690633.html#msg1690633

IMO, if you're trying to decide between a Blackbird and a VFR, you can't really make a wrong a choice.

[Epyon]

I'm gonna stray OT and direct your attention to a 2001 VFR800.

LOOOVE the gear whine from the geardrive cams. Sounds so exotic.

For a tall guy like you, Helibars and some Busy Little Shop footpeg lowering blocks. Maybe a taller windscreen too. Done.

Suspension is classic stock Honda, you'd have to do the same things to it that you would to a stock XX to make it ride/handle better.

Fellow STn'er Steve Farson's VFR here:



Raise from your grave thread!!

Is Steve still floating around?  Or does any know know what he took that Two Bro's pipe off of?

[mellow_gold]

I had the same debate when buying my last bike.  VFR won for me because of a) better looking and b) more interesting engine & exhaust note c) cheaper insurance . Blackbird is definitely faster but it's a bit more boring imo.  The VFR is "fast enough" as long as you're comfortable wringing its neck.

[rajflyboy]

Both Great Bikes

Go with the Blackbird

[birdrunner]

I've owned a Blackbird since 2002.  
It's a bike designed to eat miles in large doses.   The motor is bullet proof, with only the electrical system have the basic Honda glitches.

The only upgrade I'd suggest is to update the suspension.  (ditto for pretty much ANY used bike)

If you're gonna ride nothing but city and twisties,  the VFR might be better,   If you're gonna do a Coast to Coast with some fun inbetween,  the XX is certainly the way to go.

[rajflyboy]

XX is one of my favorite bikes of all time