Not the most inspiring bike...

[Gromit]

...in the world. But it's darn comfy.

DSCF1491 by Boxertrixter, on Flickr

DSCF1499 by Boxertrixter, on Flickr

[slparry]

oooo that's pretty

[Gromit]

It's in really nice nick Steve, 16k miles and FSH etc. Brand new tyres (Pirelli Diablo Stradas) too. Most importantly though it's just soooo comfy even if, after the BB, it does feel like someone's nicked the engine.

ATEOTD it's a solid bike which will cut down on the osteopath bills. A bike to respect, if not to really love.

[eyore]

Congratulations. Nice condition too.

[ianbcr]

some nice red rim tape to finish it off Richard.

[f90x]

That looks brand new! Where do people find the time to keep bikes that clean. Anyone would think it came from California or other equally sunny place.

[Gromit]

That looks brand new! Where do people find the time to keep bikes that clean. Anyone would think it came from California or other equally sunny place.

It's not in bad shape at all Steve - there is the odd mark here & there if you look close but for the most part it's a really sweet example of the breed. Someone's obviously set it up well as there's virtually no snatching on the throttle - something which really got on my nerves with the 800 I had some years ago.

Downside though is I've found a small hole (approx 2mm round) in the exhaust where one of the front downpipes goes into a weld point. The dealer's going to take a look at it next week - what do you guys reckon my chances are of getting a replacement system?

[f90x]

Downside though is I've found a small hole (approx 2mm round) in the exhaust where one of the front downpipes goes into a weld point. The dealer's going to take a look at it next week - what do you guys reckon my chances are of getting a replacement system?

Nil

[f90x]

They'll weld it up I reckon.

[Gromit]

They'll weld it up I reckon.

This is what I'm thinking.

I might just see if I can buy a Motad system and get them to fit it though. Having done a friend's VFR750 downpipes some years ago, it's a major PITA of a job.

[Gromit]

One final photo of my lovely old Bird with its replacement...

DSCF9829-2 by Boxertrixter, on Flickr

[johnny 5]

Very nice Richard and very clean

[tanneman]

Nice one Grommit. You do know that the VFR bars fit to the Blackbird to raise the grips. Is the riding position so much different?

[ned1]

Gromit.....very nice,

MCN (4 June) has nine pages about the VFR family this week.

Ned

[Gromit]

Nice one Grommit. You do know that the VFR bars fit to the Blackbird to raise the grips. Is the riding position so much different?

Funnily enough I'd been looking out for some Viffer bars for the Blackbird. Trouble is, the Blackbird has a wide tank with high, forward-set pegs. The ideal build for a BB rider would be long arms and very short legs - I'm fine in the arms dept but after a while it starts to feel like a stress position. Owing to an old ankle injury (from years ago when I did a lot of running) my legs don't actually sit straight on the bike so now need a lot more legroom.

I tried raised bars/lower pegs but whilst it was better, it wasn't ideal.

Such a shame as the Blackbird has been a superb bike - sure I don't ride that quickly on it, but it just feels so strong and is built so well.