| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Acceleration marks | 10 / 10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Handling marks | 9 / 10 |
| Braking marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
8.8 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 6100 miles |
| Most recent distance | 21500 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Yamaha YZF600R |
Summary:
One of the best bikes ever made
Faults:
Nothing has gone wrong, superb reliability.
General Comments:
Simply the best all round sports tourer.
Stunning performance, comfortable and thrilling to ride.
Nothing to touch it for speed on the road or in town.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th April, 2006
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Acceleration marks | 10 / 10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Handling marks | 8 / 10 |
| Braking marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
9.1 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 3000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 25000 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Yamaha YZF 1000 |
Summary:
The best all round superfast bike you can buy!
Faults:
Cam chain tensioner wore out at 15000 miles, but was quite cheap and very easy to replace.
Tyre pressures have to be maintained for perfect handling.
General Comments:
The best bike I have owned in 32 years biking. I also own a VTX1800 and an XR250.
The Blackbird is utterly fantastic and great for long distance fun, as well as a good thrash about.
The performance is awesome!
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th March, 2005
I totally agree, a faultless, reliable, powerful cruiser, race bike (if you're getting on a bit!). I've taken mine 7000 miles around France in a week, been to snowy Norway, driven up & down length of UK to bike rallies & shows. And never once has it let me down!
I service it regular & the only "problem" was my own fault as I left the heated grips on while parked in Norway & flattened the battery (I tried to recharge too quickly & wrecked the battery- £90 Norwegian price).
Other than that, I agree keep tire pressures good for even tire wear & a good chain oiler.
An excellent bike. I have looked for alternatives now she is 5 years old, but nothing comes close for all round usage.