Mighty Wings: 1997 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird for Sale

1997 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird for Sale
Miles: 28,692
Third Owner
Clean Wisconsin Title
Bid at post: $2,550
Auction ends: March 14th, 2024
Reserve Not Met

Introduced in 1997, the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird was briefly the “world’s fastest motorcycle,” clocking in at 178.5 mph. It stole the throne from Kawasaki’s perennial top dog ZX-11 due more to lighter weight and better aerodynamics than outright power, and the CBR was itself dethroned after just two years with the introduction of the Suzuki Hayabusa. Under the skin, the bike was far from revolutionary: the big 1137cc inline four was liquid-cooled and featured sixteen valves and twin cams. Honda claimed 164hp at the crank, and the bike made 133hp 78 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel. The standout feature of the engine was a pair of balance shafts that gave incredible smoothness and refinement, an important characteristic for what was ultimately intended to be a sport-tourer. Early versions were fueled by Keihin flat slide CV carbs, although later bikes used EFI and added ram air to the mix. Compression was a relatively low 11:1 and as a result the bike could even use regular unleaded fuel. That powerplant was backed by a six-speed transmission and rigidly mounted in a twin spar aluminum frame for an all-in weight of 526lb dry. Rear suspension was adjustable but the front was not, a nod to both cost-savings and the bike’s sport-touring mission. Honda’s Dual-CBS linked braking system added improved safety, along with a bit of controversy: the handlebar lever activated four of the six front pistons, along with two of the three rear. The brake pedal activated the other two up front and one at the rear, helping prevent lockup during panic stops or in wet conditions. High-speed handling was excellent as you’d expect, but the bike had excellent cornering for such a heavy bike and was surprisingly easy to handle at low-speeds as well.

As you can see, the bike is in really good shape runs Flawlessly and has never had any mechanical issues. I have owned the motorcycle for the last four years. I purchased it locally I believe I am the third owner. Everything works as it should all the lights gauges, etc.. The bike itself is stock, except for the seat, the windshield, and the exhaust. All the stock items are in good shape as seen in the picture. And come with the bike. Spring of 2020 brake calipers, and master cylinders were rebuilt. Spring of 2022 carburetors were cleaned and synchronized as part of general maintenance along with the valves, being inspected and shimmed to tolerance. Rubber intake boots were replaced at this time due to hardening of the originals. Oil and fluids were replaced as required. Brand new Perelli, angel GT Tires were installed summer of 2023. There is a small crack in the plastic at the bolt hole for tail piece (see close up pic) that was repaired with fiberglass on the backside. I did purchase an OEM tail section plastic as seen in the picture in case the Repair did not hold up, but it has been like that the entire time I owned it. The bike is incredibly fast and was the fastest bike on the road pre-Hayabusa. The 1137 cc motor is set the top out at 170+ with a 0 to 60 time of 2.6 seconds. The bike has been in heated storage for off-season. It has never been ridden in the rain. There is no rust period. Any questions feel free. Buyers responsible for shipping or pick up I will not crate.

This example of Honda’s mile-crushing GT has higher miles than others that have been featured on this site, but appears to have been very well maintained and looks to be in excellent condition, aside from a few specified cosmetic blemishes. Which isn’t surprising: this was a premium product from a manufacturer famed for their engineering prowess, and many owners seem to have taken excellent care of them. These may seem relatively tame in this day and age, with our 200hp, 200mph superbikes, but the CBR1100XX represents effortless speed, and more real world performance than anyone will ever need, along with a surprising amount of comfort. I’d love to throw a set of soft luggage on one and use it as a super touring bike.

-tad