ZZ-R1400 is here Honda back to the drawing board for their updated Blackbird

[solorider]

I have just heard - source unknown - that the BB will be V'tec (yep I know that this rumour has been said before)... it appears that thay have the V'tec sorted out now... ie its not like an on/off switch.

I shall have to look elsewhere.. or stick with an old un. Personally I do not see the need for excess V'tec complication.

Yes the BB needs an upgrade but not a down grade - the V'tec has been with us for over 10 years in a cage format, that put peeps off, as did the VFR in V'tec... so If they do it to a BB they must be NUTS.

If they want to retain its sports tour market, then they should make it for that market... if they want to follow the Kwak and go for speed... make a fecking 1.6 ltr sports bike.

yes but the vtec on cars is different to the bikes,infact honda had a very similar system on a cb400 back in the early 80s to what is fitted to the vfr800,this system was called "revs" and basicaly the engine runs 2 valves at low revs,the car system is variable cam timing so allowing the car engine to rev higher and allow it to drive normally at low revs

 

[Crazy Train]

What can be done to improve the Bird?

Nothing, I love it. Ok so the new kwak has more power, but where will it end? Stick a f'in turbine engine on it if you want REAL power, Mach 1 anybody?? Whats the point? Kawasaki don't have Hondas build quality or reliability. The honda 4 stroke is a legendary piece of kit. The new quack is aimed for road use for the general public, fine, rock on. But I dont believe the Blackbird requires any updates and it should not feel in any way threatned by the Kwak, as the Bird is is a class of its own.

How long do Bird engines last for. Ive seen one with 137000 on the clock and still going. I'd be surprised if the kwak was the same, kawasaki tend to exchange quality and longlivety for raw power, fine if your on a race track. I know what I'd prefer for road use. I'm making the most of mine while we still have fossil fuels.
There is no better bike for road use, ROCK ON THE BLACKBIRD. :yo:

(in my humble opinion of course)

P.s They backfire nicely too!!!

 

[parttimepilot]

I,d quite like the addition of a shaft drive,

I think there is enough power in the Birb as it is.
It could do with more torque though, that would make a real world difference.

I've just been reading The July edition of TWO. Page 6 has a story of the new V-Tech upate.. Also at the top of the page is a section on the long awaited Blackbird update, With a quote from Dave Hancock- Honda UK.

"2 more years with slight updates, possibility of a big-bore Bird with V_Tech in the future.


Must be true cos I read it