[oldgeezer]

Hey guys. Well I'm an old guy so I probably won't fit in here,
but I've always had the hots for an RC and hopefully will be
getting one soon (even though I've never actually ridden one).
I have ridden the VTR1000 (Superhawk) several times and also
a Ducati 748, so is the RC similar? I currently ride a CBR1100xx
which I love, but it's a handful in the twisties and I'd like a more
nimble bike with quicker handling such as the RC. Any information
or tips regarding transitioning from the 'Bird to the RC would be
greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[SubSailor]

Since you've ridden the Ducati and Super Hawk, the RC51 should be no big deal.
It's really a nice bike. You'll like it.

And yes, you'll fit in here, 'cause I'm an older rider too.

 

[jgos929]

You'll be fine here. Its some of the other sites you have to worry about.

The 51 should be an easy transition for you

 

[TMFD]

yeah it seems to be a more mature crowd on here than most sites, myself included.

i rode a superhawk also before i got the rc. i loved that damn superchicken but the rc is...well in comparison i'd say it's similar due to the torque but the rc is like a superhawk that went to prison for a couple years and came out all buff and muscled up. most newbies get into trouble on the rc because of the torque under their wrist but you are already used to that from the 'hawk so you'll be fine. i was, and i'm not the most technical rider out there.

get an '02 or newer.

 

[oldgeezer]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm pretty much used to the power of the
Blackbird, but being an inline 4, I'm sure the power delivery of the RC will
be quite different. The 'bird is a fantastic bike, and I've done 1000 mile
days on her, it's fast, comfortable, handles surprising well for a big bike,
and never fails to leave a grin on my face, even after 4 years of riding her.
I'm not really eager to get rid of her, but owning 2 bikes is not practical for
me, so she'll have to go in order to acquire an RC, preferably an 02 or later
model. In a perfect world, we could own a bike for every occasion, and the
'bird is probably one of the best all-around bikes money can buy. But I'm now
looking for something more focused, and I love the "personality" of the RC,
and from all I've heard about them, they are a dream to ride in the twisties,
which is where I do most of my riding here in Tennessee. Thanks again for
the good advice.

Doug

 

[Allen03RC]

Doug your story there makes me wanna cry!!! I have a guy at work that owns "bird", and thinks that 51's r lame!!! BUT the bird is a nice bike. I just LOVE the RC I guess to shut my co-worker up we will have to hit some twisties!

 

[SubSailor]

The B-Bird is a great all around bike.
The RC51 is a bit more hard edged.
Now if the roads are long fast sweepers, then the B-Bird will be up there with the RC51.
But when the roads are tight, then the RC51 will be a lot fun.
It's lighter than the B-Bird and will not require as much effort to transition through tight corners.
I have a Hayabusa as well, and it's a lot of work to try and muscle 530 Lbs through tight corners.
It's too bad one has to go. It sounded like you would have the right bike or either occasion.

 

[TMFD]

i've always wanted an XX but finding one close with the right mileage has been an impossibilty.

 

[oldgeezer]

i've always wanted an XX but finding one close with the right mileage has been an impossibilty.

It's true that low mileage Birds are getting harder to find, primarily because
their owners ride them ALOT. They are literally a cross-country rapid transit bike, and like most Hondas, bullet-proof reliable. Your BEST source to find a good Bird is the For Sale section of the owners group website http://www.cbr1100xx.org. You'll find some super deals there, plus the guys in the group are good, stand up, honest people (I'm a member there too). Here's the link to the For Sale section:

http://www.cbr1100xx.org/forums/index.php?showforum=4

 

[oldgeezer]

Doug your story there makes me wanna cry!!! I have a guy at work that owns "bird", and thinks that 51's r lame!!! BUT the bird is a nice bike. I just LOVE the RC I guess to shut my co-worker up we will have to hit some twisties!

Allen, how far are you from Uvalde, TX? The reason I ask is that every year, usually in September, the Blackbird owners group holds a ralley there. I went with a buddy last year and we rode from Tennessee to Uvalde, then rode the "Texas Hill Country" for two days, then rode back to Tennessee. We were wore out when we got home (2500 miles in 5 days) but we had a blast and enjoyed some of the best Texas BBQ brisket I've ever had. I love Texas.

 

[Allen03RC]

I'm about 2hrs away I think. If your around that time drop me a line, I think I can make time to ride! Yeah I'm talking trash about my co worker cuz its fun.
He is a better rider than I but its all about the fun anyway. He is in his mid to late 40's. He has ALOT more XP than I.