Am thinking about getting a Blackbird, and was talking to a guy today who has one for sale.
It's in need of new chain/sprockets, and it's 16,000 mile service (the BIGGIE)

Been told by a local mechanic, if it's the V-Tec version it has to go to a special garage to be done and you're looking about about £600 for the service !!

All I currently know is it's a 99 or 2000 model (the one with Fuel Injection)

Is there an easy way to know if it's the expensive to service (valves wise) v-tec version?

thanks.

CBR Blackbird or VFR Interceptor???

Not a historian but I thought FI was introduced on the XX in '01. And that the VTEC engines were on the new-ish VFRs ('02+).

Your "mechanic" and seller may be full of misinformed beans...

Standing to be corrected.

Find a new mechanic because this one doesn't know his ass from his elbow.

VFRs had the Vtec motors. The 'bird did not. At 16,000 miles it shouldn't need the valves adjusted, but if it makes you feel better have them checked. Here in the states the dealers charge about $300 to check the valves, but I'm not sure if this includes adjustment if necessary.




'99 was the first year for FI. You may sit down now

I've never heard of a VTEC Blackbird...

Either the bike is a late model VFR or the mechanic is smoking crack.

Sorry fot not making it clearer.

It's a Honda CBR1100 Blackbird.

He's a small independant UK mechanic who works on all things from 125's to ZX12R's, Ducati's even. He owns a GSXR 1000 himself and of course does all the work.

Anyway, he told me, he could do a full 16,000 service on a Blackbird, but not if it's a V-Tec model as only special large main dealer workshops would have the special Honda gear for doing this service.

A lot of people use the guy, and he does a good job.
Perhaps he has his facts wrong on this one?

That's why I asking here.
A 16,000 mile service on a CBR1100 blackbird.

Someone else selling on on Ebay (similar milage on the same bike) jsut had the same service at a garage and they have a recipt for over £600 UK pounds (that did include a new rear tyre though)

In general, you blokes take it up the arse for service and parts.


Without going to the manual, you need sparkplugs and oil change. Might consider changing out the coolant as well. I think 16k is the recommended interval for valve clearance checks, and also the mileage at which the chain and front sprocket should be getting a bit knackered. So its conceivable that someone who just handed their bike over to the service department might have a bill that high, especially with a rear tire innit.


Oil change, plugs, ignore the valves, check the coolant, and you should be good to go. Rare indeed is the XX that needs a valve adjustment before 50k, and its not unusual to go 100k without. Your chain and front sprocket should last 15k, and the rear sprocket should last through 2-3 chains. No Blackbird has VTec.

Thanks for that.
As I'm not up to speed on Blackbird tech, I was not aware of the V-Tec issue.

So no CBR1100 had V-Tec, well that answers that then :)
I'd have also (personally) thought that 16,000 was not much to such an engine, but I was only going by what I'd been told.
The guy selling the bike thought the Plugs were a bit of a bitch to change.
He said, he though the official way was to open up the front end, unbolt radiator etc to get to the plugs, and that the unofficial way was past the tank and air filter.
I've no idea, just what he said.

It needs a new chain and sprockets anyway he said, which would fall into line with it's 16K milage.

Just wondering, how much less it's worth, seeing as I'll have to get the sprockets and chain done and a 16K service in the UK.

A plug change takes an hour....add half an hour if you haven't done it before, and aren't in a hurry.

Remove the seat, liberally pad the area over the battery, unbolt the tank, snap loose the dash panels, pull it off the front pillow blocks, flip it upside down, and set it on the padding. Simple access to all things on the top of the engine....including the plugs.

In the colonies, chain and front sprocket will set you back $150, plus the $100 tool to rivet the chain which you then have to use forever.

Unlike your mechanic, the seller made a correct statement.

Here is how it is done: Changing the Blackbird spark plugs

If you are anywhere close to the Thetford, Norfolk Area then see Jaws ( John Smith) for the service. Will save you about 50% and everything done by an Expert Blackbird mechanic.
For the savings in dosh and the peace of mind on who is working on the Bird drive it over to see Jaws.

He is also the Administrator for the UK Blackbird website : www.superblackbird.co.uk and his own site is
www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk


Also what everyone else told you above !

+1 Jaws is the man in the UK

Blackbirds DO NOT use V-TEC, never have. If your mechanic does not know that I would find another mechanic ASAP.