| I had a Blackbird for a little while and loved it. I bought a used one in 2001 and did a 3000 mile france trip on it and also used it instead of the R1 I had at the time on Sunday rideouts etc. Got a good summers use out of it and lost £100 on it when I had to sell. I know they are not a fashionable bike these days but they are a great thing to do any distance on. I did only really buy mine to do the France trip on but as I say I ended up using it more than the R1 that summer. Funnily enough I ended up doing the same trip the following year on a 996. Used to ride in company of Busas and R1s etc and it was rare they ever really got away from the Bird, the Busa was just a little quicker in a straight line and the sportsbikes a bit more nimble in the twisties. I think it helps with the Blackbird if you are a little larger/heavier than average as it makes it much easier to throw it around. Used to touch down both sides on Alpine passes, I think the centrestand was first to touch down then the exhausts. Could still be leant over a fair way though.
The engine was very smooth especially the later injected models. I had bridgestone 020 tyres fitted and they seem to suit the bike and gave excellent grip/mileage. A lot of people used to moan about the linked brakes but I never found them to be any bother at all. It would outbrake a busa by a massive margin. Not much adjustability with the standard suspension but to be honest I never needed to even try an adjust it.
I would say to try and get a good long test ride on one before you buy. Depending what you are riding at the moment it will probably feel like a great big wallowy bus at first but once you get used to it they are pretty damn good. Whenever I see one parked up I usually find myself having a good look over it, many have absolutely massive mileages on them and still look almost new. There is no such thing as a perfect bike for touring as each has its shortfalls as well as plus points but in my opinion the Blackbird is right up ther eas it allows you to do the big mileage with ease and is still fun enough in the twisties. I have been tempted with another when I've been thinking of a continetal jaunt. Later this year I am hoping to do France on the 996r which will be fun!
Also used values seem very good still. I bought mine in 2001 for £4600 (blue 99 T reg 9000 miles) and sold it 6 months later with about 14000 miles on for £4500. Thats 5 years ago and some people are still asking that kind of money for 99 fuel injected Blackbirds.
Good Luck!  |