2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird Specs & Review

The CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is Honda’s legendary sport-touring missile, built for high-speed composure and long-haul comfort. If you’re cross-shopping big-bore mile crunchers, this Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird review focuses on the details that matter—and highlights the 2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird specs enthusiasts care about.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC inline-4 (16 valves)
• Displacement: 1137 cc
• Power: 152 hp @ 9500 rpm
• Torque: 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) @ 7250 rpm
• Wet weight: 256 kg
• Seat height: 810 mm

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 2003 Super Blackbird is an 1137 cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-4 with 16 valves, fed by PGM-FI electronic fuel injection. On paper, it’s a powerhouse: 152 hp at 9500 rpm with 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque arriving at 7250 rpm. In practice, that means immediate, clean response off idle and a meaty midrange that shrugs off traffic and steep grades. The close-ratio 6-speed transmission keeps the engine on the boil, making swift highway passes a one-gear affair.

In the city, the fuel-injected delivery is smooth and predictable, which helps when filtering or rolling through variable speed zones. Out on the open road, the long-legged gearing and strong torque curve let you settle into a relaxed rhythm, with effortless overtakes anytime you crack the throttle. Fun rides on twisty routes benefit from the engine’s flexibility: ride the torque from corner to corner or let it sing closer to the 9500 rpm power peak—either way, it’s unflustered and fast.

Supporting the drive is an O-ring chain final drive (#530) and a computer-controlled digital transistorised ignition for consistent spark at all revs. With a compression ratio of 11.0:1 and a bore and stroke of 79.0 mm x 58.0 mm, the motor blends free-revving character with stout midrange thrust.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird Seat Height

Sport-touring is about stability and confidence, and the Blackbird delivers via its aluminium twin-spar (diamond) frame and well-chosen geometry: 25° rake, 99 mm trail, and a 1490 mm wheelbase. The chassis communicates calmly at speed while remaining predictable in low-speed maneuvering. Tire sizes—120/70 ZR17 up front and 180/55 ZR17 at the rear—offer a broad contact patch without feeling cumbersome.

The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird seat height is 810 mm, which strikes a middle ground for riders of varied inseams. Taller riders will appreciate the legroom and the bike’s long wheelbase; shorter riders may notice the mass at a stop, but the balanced weight distribution helps. Speaking of mass, Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird weight figures are serious: a wet 256 kg complements the platform’s stable, planted feel on the motorway. A dry weight of 223 kg (492 lb) is listed for reference, but on the road you’ll appreciate how the heft translates to composure over rough surfaces and at speed.

For ride quality, Honda’s HMAS suspension does the heavy lifting: a 43 mm cartridge-type fork with 120 mm of travel up front and a Pro-Link HMAS monoshock with 120 mm of travel at the rear. It’s tuned for real-world roads—supple enough for daily use, controlled enough when you pick up the pace.

Equipment & Features

Braking is handled by Honda’s Dual Combined Braking System (LBS). Up front are dual 310 mm discs with three-piston calipers; the rear is a single 256 mm disc with a three-piston caliper. The linked setup distributes braking forces for more stability and less fork dive, especially valuable on a heavier sport-tourer.

Electronics are focused on reliability and rideability: PGM-FI for precise fueling, a computer-controlled digital transistorised ignition, and the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) depending on market. Practical touches for distance work include a generous 23 L fuel capacity. Model code is SC35.

Who Is the 2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird For?

This is a big-bore sport-tourer aimed at experienced riders who value high-speed stability, long-range comfort, and effortless power. It’s well-suited to commuters who rack up highway miles, riders who chase weekend twisties with luggage, and anyone who wants superbike-caliber thrust without sacrificing refinement. Absolute beginners will find the power and size a lot to handle, but intermediate to advanced riders will appreciate the Blackbird’s polished demeanor and real-world performance.

Torquepedia Verdict

If you’re hunting for a bulletproof, fast, and composed sport-touring platform, the 2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird stands tall. The engine’s 152 hp and 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) provide instant authority, the chassis remains steady at speed, and the HMAS suspension plus LBS braking make long days easy and controlled. The 810 mm seat height and 256 kg wet weight demand respect at parking-lot speeds, but pay dividends in stability and comfort on the move.

Strengths include the smooth, fuel-injected inline-4, confidence-inspiring frame geometry, and practical touring range from the 23 L tank. Weaknesses? Mainly mass in tight confines and a learning curve for newer riders. In its class, the Blackbird is a compelling pick for enthusiasts who want a mature, high-speed sport-tourer with genuine long-haul capability.

FAQ

• Is the 2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird good for beginners? It’s a 1137 cc inline-4 with 152 hp and a wet weight of 256 kg. That combination is best suited to experienced riders rather than first-time buyers.

• What is the seat height of the 2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird? The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird seat height is 810 mm.

• How heavy is the 2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird? Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird weight is listed at 256 kg wet, with a dry weight of 223 kg (492 lb).

• What kind of brakes does it have? Dual Combined Braking System (LBS) with dual 310 mm front discs (three-piston calipers) and a single 256 mm rear disc (three-piston caliper).

• What is the fuel capacity? Fuel capacity is 23 L, supporting the bike’s sport-touring range and convenience.