If you like your touring to take place at higher-than-average speeds, then Honda’s Super Blackbird is the perfect choice. Originally launched as a 175mph hypersports bike in 1996, this large, comfortable sports tourer uses a design based on the CBR900RR FireBlade. The Blackbird’s engine is a conventional inline-four design, with the large capacity and straightforward layout giving its massive power. The original machine used carburettors, but Honda soon switched to fuel injection in order to rectify an annoying dip in midrange power. The chassis was also fairly conventional, with a twin-spar aluminium frame and a sporty, yet plush, suspension setup. The Blackbird also used a version of Honda’s CBS (Combined Braking System) linked brakes, where both front and rear systems are linked by a series of valves and slave cylinders to give balanced stopping.
The Blackbird’s most obvious design feature is its aerodynamic bodywork. The super-slippery shape is aimed at giving the CBR1100 effortless high cruising speed, and the Honda easily inherited the "world’s fastest motorcycle" crown from the elderly Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 at its launch.
Today, the Super Blackbird is nearing the end of its development, making it a sound budget choice as a fast, civilised, capable sports tourer.
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