Faults:

Nothing whatsoever, even though it is 20 year old machine.

General Comments:

The general finish of the motorcycle is excellent and even the original exhaust system looks like new. All switches still work and feel solid. All locks work as good as new.

As for the engine, I just am blown away at hard it pulls from low down the rev range. I can be in 6th gear at 1000 RPM (30mph) and a slight twist of the throttle, I am easily doing motorway speeds. The engine performs effortlessly. Try to open it up in first, I have to back off and it just wants to launch for the horizon.

I decided to remove the cylinder head and decoke the combustion chambers and re-lap the valves for piece of mind. When doing so, I took the opportunity to inspect the cylinder bores and I could still see the honing marks. This means the engine has not had any wear at all and is like it was when left the factory, even after 46500 miles.

The hydraulic clutch is light to the touch and the gearbox is precise. The braking is responsive and the suspension works well.

The riding position is comfortable, but would be more comfortable for taller riders as I am 5'8". The fuel tank holds 22 litres on the carburettor version. My only complaint with equipment is you don't get the four tie hooks and little compartment (ideal for fitting a 12 volt socket) that is found on the Kawasaki ZZR models.

Fuel economy is OK as I managed 50 MPG on a run, and that was with several blasts of the throttle, as the acceleration of this beast is so addictive. For short around the town trips, the Blackbird can be juicy and get about 30 MPG, but then this is a machine that is meant for long distance touring. This is why I use my CG125 for local trips and the Blackbird for blasts further afield.

Faults:

I have had only one thing go wrong with this cycle; I had one wire on a pigtail break. I assumed it was a regulator and purchased it ($200). I properly fitted the 6 inches of wire for 19 cents and was back on the road.

Saved the regulator, so if Honda quits making them, I'll have one.

General Comments:

This bike makes big power, but you can hardly tell without look at the speedo.

I have had this bike 4 yrs now and do not notice the linked-brakes.

My longest trips have been around 150 miles each way; the comfort is excellent for me @ 5'10 and 200lb.

Faults:

Replaced the regulator/rectifier around 50K miles.

Replaced the front wheel bearings around 60K.

Replaced the battery around 50K.

Ummmmm, lets see... the rubber band around the tool kit broke in under 20K miles.

That's about it - dead reliable.

General Comments:

This is a great motorcycle. It tours, blasts, and commutes with equal aplomb.

I've ridden it across the country on a 6,000 mile, 12 day tour and loved almost every minute of it. The 11th & 12th days, my butt was getting a bit tired.

The fairing offers decent weather protection for my 6' frame.

It handles two-up riding as if there was still only one person on board.

My only complaint really is that it's a bit on the heavy side, but it's not designed to be a super-sport track burner, so I can live with the trade-off for high speed comfort and stability.

It's really not bad on tires if you're not a WFO-type of rider. I usually get 10-15K out of my sport-tourer type tires. Sure you can ride hard and have to change them every 5K if you want, but that's not for me.

It's not exactly a fuel miser - I get about 38MPG, but for 130 or so rear wheel HP, that's not too bad :-)

Faults:

Nothing wrong with this amazing machine.

General Comments:

At 150 km the bike begins to feel as if it were floating above the road and one reaches pure utopia at 175. Pure bliss. Like no other machine ever made. My frequent runs above 220 eventually landed me a few weeks in jail -- but the years of enjoyment were well worth it.

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.

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!