Model History:
Released in 1996 and named after the sinister black SR-71 Cold War spy plane that pioneered stealth technology, the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird was also designed to be very fast. The bike’s top speed of 178.5mph stole the top-speed crown from the Kawasaki ZX11, and it held the title of “Fastest Production Motorcycle” until the introduction of the Suzuki Hayabusa in 1999.
There was nothing particularly exotic about the CBR1100XX, just a honking big inline four displacing 1137cc in an aluminum frame, with sleek, aerodynamic bodywork. The result, at 526lbs dry, was also a pretty honking big bike. Claimed power was 164hp with 88ft-lbs of torque and although the claimed power doesn’t look all that impressive, the torque means smooth, effortless speed. Aside from a significant switch from carburetors to PGM fuel injection in 1999 and an updated dash with a digital speedometer in 2001, the bike remained largely unchanged throughout its production run until it was discontinued in 2007.
With its road-going focus, they chose to fit a linked braking system to the bike. LBS II was developed from Honda’s Dual CBS and sought to automatically balance braking forces between the front and rear by using the hand lever to operate both the outer pairs of the six pistons on the front calipers and the inner piston of the rear caliper. The reverse is true at the back: the pedal operates the outer pistons of the rear caliper along with the inner pistons of the front calipers, with proportioning valves to prevent lockup.
The CBR1100XX is certainly not the fastest bike now, but it’s an incredibly capable one, with the high build quality you’d expect from a top-of-the-range Honda hyperbike and excellent reliability. Given that it was obviously never intended for any sort of competition, the road-bike focus also means the Super Blackbird has inherent versatility. This is a bike for riders who love all sorts of riding, but can only afford, or have space for one bike: commuting or sport-touring, all with ballistic speed. I’m sure you could even do the occasional track day on one, although it wouldn’t be your first choice… The only downside is the extra weight you often find with do-it-all bikes, but that just means stability, wind protection, and room for a passenger or luggage.
Technical Specification
Make Model Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird
Year 2003
Engine Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Capacity 1137 cc / 69.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 79 x 58 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 11.0:1
Lubrication Wet sump
Engine Oil Synthetic, 10W/40
Oil Capacity 4.6 Liters / 4.9 quarts
Exhaust System Layout 4-1-2 into 2 (all models)
Induction Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection 42 mm Throttle Body
Ignition Computer-controlled digital transistorized
Spark Plug NGK, CR9EHVX-9
Starting Electric
Max Power 164 hp / 112 kW @ 10000 rpm
Max Power Rear Tyre 141.4 hp @ 10100 rpm
Max Torque 124 Nm / 12.6 kg-fm 91.5 ft.lb @ 7250 rpm
Engine Redline 11800 rpm
Clutch Hydraulic wet multi plate
Transmission 6 Speed
Final Drive ‘O’ or ‘X’ ring Chain
Primary Drive Gear Teeth Ratio 56/ 88 (1.571:1)
Final Drive Sprocket Teeth Ratio 17/ 45 (2.647:1)
Gear Ratio 6th 25/ 24 (1.042:1) 5th 28/ 24 (1.167:1) 4th 28/ 21 (1.333:1)
3rd 30/ 19 (1.579:1) 2nd 32/ 16 (2.000:1) 1st 36/ 13 (2.769:1)
Frame Aluminium twin spar
Front Suspension 43mm H.M.A.S. Cartridge-type fork,
Front Wheel Travel 120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension Pro-Link single shock with spring preload and rebound damping
Rear Wheel Travel 120 mm / 4.7 in
Front Brakes 2x 310mm discs 3 piston calipers
Rear Brakes Single 256mm disc 3 piston caliper
Front Tyre 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre 180/55 ZR17
Rake 25°
Trail 99 mm / 3.8 in
Dimensions Length 2,160mm / 85.0in
Width 720mm / 28.4in
Height 1,170m / 46.1in
Wheelbase 1490 mm / 58.6 in
Seat Height 810 mm / 31.9 in
Ground Clearance 130 mm / 5.1 in
Dry Weight 223 kg / 490 lbs
Wet Weight 254 kg / 559 lbs
Fuel Capacity 24 Litres / 5.2 gal
Consumption Average 16.5 km/lit
Braking 60 – 0 / 100 – 0 12.2 m / 37.8 m
0-100 km/h 2.4 sec
0-140 km/h 4.6 sec
0-200 km/h 9.2 sec
Acceleration in 3rd gear (6th gear)100-160 km/h 3,2 (6,7) sec
Standing ¼ Mile 10.0 sec / 214 km/h
Top Speed 303 km/h / 188.2 mph