2002–2007 · Sport Tourer · Buyer's Guide
Speed That Eats Continents
The SC35 is the fuel-injected, catalyzed version of Honda's 1137 cc hyper-tourer, and it is one of the few bikes that makes 152 hp feel like good manners. The inline-four traces back to Fireblade thinking, but it is tuned for a long, seamless pull rather than a peaky hit, with 93 lb-ft available well before you reach the noisy part of the tachometer. Dual balance shafts let Honda bolt the motor rigidly into the frame, which is a big part of why the chassis feels so stiff and so honest at speeds that would have lesser bikes hunting. Production ran through 2007.
It ages like most well-built Hondas: quietly, and mostly on your terms. Preload adjustment on the rear shock lets you set it up for a passenger and luggage, though the fork is non-adjustable and stays the way the factory built it, and the 6.3 gal (24 L) tank gives you the range to justify the 178 mph the speedometer claims. This is a bike for riders who want to cover 300 miles before lunch without theater. The honest caveat: there is no ABS, no traction control, and no cruise control here, so the electronic safety net you may expect simply is not part of the deal.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 152 hp (112 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 93 lb-ft (126 Nm) |
| Displacement | 1137 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 58.7 in (1490 mm) |
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) |
| Wet weight | 562 lb (255 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.3 gal (24 L) |
| Top speed | 178 mph (287 km/h) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Brake proportioning valve recall
All CBR1100XX models were subject to a recall for defective brake proportioning valves, which could affect braking balance. The repair is free at Honda dealerships.
Cam chain tensioner failure
The cam chain tensioner can become noisy and eventually fail, leading to timing chain noise or, in severe cases, engine damage. Replacement is a straightforward job.
Regulator/rectifier failure
The charging system regulator/rectifier can overheat and fail, leading to battery drain or electrical issues. Common across many Honda inline-fours of this era.
ECU failure
Some owners report engine control unit (ECU) failure, causing intermittent running issues or a no-start condition. Not a widespread problem but expensive to replace.
Overheating in heavy traffic
The engine temperature can climb noticeably during prolonged idling or slow-moving traffic, though it rarely leads to boil-over if the cooling system is maintained.
Where this Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird is actually built for.
For 200 to 400 mile days on Highway 1 or the Blue Ridge, this fits you well. It carries speed calmly through open curves and leaves you fresh, though you ride without electronic aids.
Made for Black Hills · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
Range, high-speed stability and a rear shock with preload adjustment for two-up loads make it a serious distance bike. Just plan for luggage yourself and know there is no cruise control for the long interstate hauls.
Made for Beartooth Highway · Blue Ridge Parkway · Going-to-the-Sun Road
It steers more honestly than 562 lb suggests, but on tight repeat runs at the Dragon or Cherohala you will feel the weight. Better on flowing Blue Ridge pace than on hairpins.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
