Downsizing from a Blackbird, Would you do it?

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xxrider

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Since I am getting a little long in the tooth I am coming close to pulling the trigger on buying a used Suzuki GSX650F to set up as a mid-size sport-touring bike. Presently riding a mint CBX1100XX Blackbird but finding it pretty uncomfortable these days. You can see below the bikes that I have owned and am worried that I may regret losing 1/2 the HP and sheer power of the Bird.
Another advantage would be insurance savings of almost $800 per year.
Anybody else out there had similar experience? Regrets??
Thanks
 
Once you go black....ok never mind....why are you looking at GSX650F if lighter and more gruntier is available? I would guess you'd be disappointed with the tiny pistons.
 
Why do you find the Blackbird uncomfortable? My thoughts would be to do some demo rides and focus on that area that does not work for you on the XX. Maybe HeliBars on the XX will fix the issue? Or perhaps an MT09 is in your future. Or an S1000R.
 
If you can, keep the Blackbird as well to satisfy the itch. It's not going to fetch you a substantial amount on the market anyway. Or do what I did, get an SV1000S and throw a handlebar kit and lower Buell pegs for comfort. The big twin engine will keep you smiling unless you always test the top speed of the Blackbird, and pristine models are very inexpensive.
 
good suggestions, thanks. Finding my neck, back and hands sore...maybe because I forgot to load up on Advil before I rode yesterday. Yes for all the XX would fetch I would probably keep, however 2 insurances out of the question
 
Something is definitely wrong if you have to load up on Advil before riding, unless you've been couch surfing all winter. Maybe changes to a few ergos on the XX is all you need, but it's always fun to do some demo rides. Something smaller/lesser power will never give you the highway comfort of the Blackbird.
 
Sir ill need to see pictures of this mint Blackbird please :)
 
instead of changing bikes why not change yourself ?? ...join a gym and hit the weights, lose that beer gut, start stretching to improve your flexibility ....motorcycling is a sport, we should train for it , especially as we age...although its easier to just buy a new bike
 
It's the beginning of the season and all of us need to toughen up again. I use to ride a 98 XX and later road a 2003 V star 1100 I'll tell yah you just hurt in different places.
For your hands look into some new grips with gel or even grip puppies. Like others have said a set of risers for the bars can help. If your butt gets sore there are lots of seat mod'ers out there or do squats
 
A review of bikes owned, your suspicions are founded. You will miss the power delivery of the Blackbird.

I'd look at making some mods to the bike. Foot rests and bars to start.

I had a mid size twin to bomb around with and it was great. But, my riding preferences are much different than the op.
 
I have a Blackbird and a SV650. I don't see myself ever getting rid of the XX and keeping the sv
 
It really sounds like you're in the market for a Vstrom 1000, it has the comfort you need for touring and has the torque of a big bore. Win win...
 
Awesome responses gents, really appreciated. Love the Bird even better than the K1200S that I had. Off to the gym!!
 
profilepic37453_1.gif
Here is my Blackbird
 
Agreed on the gym part.

Nice hard cases on that bird.
 
Look at a flat bar conversion and swap out the pegs for some Buell units, they're pretty much a straight bolt-on conversion. Those two mods should make you forget about changing rides. There's lots of info and how-to stuff on the Blackbird-specific sites like CBRXX.com.
 
I've taken a bird out. Nice bike and l-o-n-g. You haven't mentioned helibars or peg blocks yet. Owning a VFR, it is of course a logical set. I would say though that you'll miss the mid-range torque of the bigger motor if moving down to a 650. It is "fun" to ride the smaller bikes, but they can get buzzy. Yours is really one of the best motors around and would consider all I could before abandoning ship. That said, $800.00/year premium - seems a little much considering I pay $768.00/year for the 800. Maybe time to checkout another insurance company.
 
shewie said:
Look at a flat bar conversion and swap out the pegs for some Buell units, they're pretty much a straight bolt-on conversion. Those two mods should make you forget about changing rides. There's lots of info and how-to stuff on the Blackbird-specific sites like CBRXX.com.
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I was going to suggest a handlebar for this bike but it looks like the windshield and adjacent fairing need to be trimmed for clearance?
 
xxrider said:
good suggestions, thanks. Finding my neck, back and hands sore...maybe because I forgot to load up on Advil before I rode yesterday.
Click to expand...

FYI: you shouldn't really take drugs like advil (ibuprofen) constantly, these companies do a good sell on the safety, but they typically lead to liver and stomach problems in chronic users.

What's happening is that over 40, core strength typically decreases, which means you put more strain on your position on your upper back, and pressure on your hands and arms while braking. This can lead to muscle and tendon pain, sometimes spasms (not fun) and tendonitis (also not fun).
People adjust the position, but it really doesn't fix the problem. At home core strength exercises work wonders (crunches, planks), but be prepared for 6-8 weeks to see any effect.
Short term, concentrate on bracing your self on the tank and consciously use your core to hold up you upper body with a lighter grab on the bars. It's kind of re-learning riding, but it should relieve any pain.
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