I am looking to buy a motorcycle in the near future, I dont consider myself an expert rider, but I have rode smaller bikes and they leave me wanting more performance. I am 6'6 225lbs, and don't want to ride with my knees touching my chin. I really like both of these bikes, more so the blackbird but the cheaper price of a ZX-11 evens it out. I would like some pros and cons of both bikes if possible. Thanks.
2007-09-17 16:23:56 · 7 answers · asked by josh b 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
because of your height, comfort will be your primary concern.
most crotch rockets aren't made with 6'6" guys in mind.
I own the blackbird and it is an awesome bike, lots of power and very reliable. ( I got 30000km on mine)
however, I am 6'0" and I find the blackbird very uncomfortable for anything more than a half hour ride.
the pegs are to high, the seat sux (I did get an aftermarket one, it helped a little but not much). and the reach to the bars puts lots of strain on the wrists.
So I would compare the 2 bikes in that regard.
check availability of aftermarket components for each, because you will definetly eventually want to make some upgrades to either bike.
also the blackbird has a goofy linked brake system. both the pedal and hand brake operate both brakes.
it atcually works pretty good 99% of the time, but it can be troublesome in specific situations. there is a kit to de-link the brakes, but it is expensive.
if you have any more blackbird specific questions email me I can help you out.
idk as much about the zx-11, but it has been around a long time, and is also a very good bike.
2007-09-17 17:42:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm going to be bias here. I ride a Blackbird and will go and get a new one today if I had the funds.
I'm 185cm about 6'2" and 120kg about 264lbs, I have no trouble with my knees hitting the bars, I have no trouble with my wrists and I have gone for rides in excess of 400kl about 640m. Both by myself and two up. I find this bike to be the most comfortable I have ever been on. I have 60000klm about 96000mls on the clock and it is still going strong.
But other than that, this is the last year that Honda is bringing out the Blackbird in the 1100cc and from what I have been told they don't have a replacement yet, That is from the Honda shop I bought my Blackbird from in 2001. They tried to put a 1300cc engine in the bike but kept twisting frames.
So this is maybe the last year for the Blackbird, but you can still go get a ZX11 as they are newer to the market.
2007-09-18 08:59:23 · answer #2 · answered by Swagman 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To that chap above, EH!! why if you want a inline 4 would you want a Harley?? their great in a straight line going under 100 but if you want to...... perhaps...... turn a corner, go for the Blackbird every time!
The kawai is a good bike but you dont get the durability that Honda are renowned for, Kawa can be prone to engine issues (especially worn cams and followers).
You cant beat Honda for reliablilty, but thats just my point of view
2007-09-18 04:53:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the Asian bikes, I've always been partial to Kawasaki as being a motorcycle specialist (not cars and a bunch of other stuff) and have always seemed to use better materials. Not to slam the others, but myself I'd go with the Kawasaki.
2007-09-18 05:00:47 · answer #4 · answered by Baron_von_Party 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try American for a change a better bike Victory!! or harley like Fat-boy or the new FB dyna model check theme out!
AMERICAN BIKE RULE!!!
2007-09-18 02:26:33 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
blackbird no question
2007-09-18 16:29:47 · answer #6 · answered by 51 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
SCREW THEM GET A GSXR 1300 HIYABUSA STARD THE GO BUT 2OO MPH I SHOUD KNOW
2007-09-18 06:40:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋