Hi Guys, New Member here...

[feelergaugephil]

Hi all, I am a member of the USA blackbird site, and thought I would introduce myself to you guys on this site.
I'll try keep this interesting...........
I moved out here to Louisiana about 9 years ago from Sunny Manchester (UK) I was a biker there too, I owned a mint GS1000G and GPZ1000RX and yes, I got a few tickets, but managed to get out of the way a few times if you know what I mean.
Anyway, about 2 years ago I decided to get back into biking again and decided to buy a GS1000G to fix up, so! I bought one (a piece of crap to restore) and spent about a year on it and fixed it up mint!
I had a go of my mates R1, OMG! my GS was like a MZ125 compared to that!
I decided on a 1997 Blackbird, 3800 miles in mint condition for $5200 (about 3600 quid) So! I drove to Texas and picked it up, it was MINT!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/feelergaugephil/0e45d669.jpg

So, I rode it 300 miles and it was a dream! however! the 1st weekend I got off from work, a few of us (3) decided to go riding in Mississippi (about 40 miles away) and get some speed in the open quiet roads.
We do some hyperspeeds on the roads and my mate (on Yamy R6) asks can he have a ride of it, so, we switch and he takes off at warp speed.
That was the last time I saw him alive...................
He went down a long straight at 140 mph and a deer ran out straight in his path and was basically killed instantly.
The bike was totalled and I had lost a good friend.
Pics of aftermath:- (bike at home)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/feelergaugephil/2004_0605honda0029.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/feelergaugephil/2004_0605honda0027.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/feelergaugephil/2004_0605honda0028.jpg

I ended up stripping the XX down and selling everything on ebay, one guy in New Orleans bought 75% of everything due to his bike being under water (Hurricane Katrina)

Anyway, I told the wife that I was going to buy another XX, she was not impressed, but after she calmed down she said OK, but not black1 as she called my XX the devil!
On the US website I saw a 2002 XX with 18K all standard for $5600 BUT! it was in Bloody Colorado, which is 1400 miles from me!!
Eventually I decided to go get it, 20 hr straight drive and she was loaded up!

I have put about 1000 miles on it and put an alarm on it (too many years carrying a padlock & chain in UK) and a scottoiler.
It runs mint, the pics below show it in great condition, OH! just one reminder guys, in NO WAY WHATSOEVER am I like the O'le bill in UK!!!!
The Picture will explain my words.... Phil.
(Hope everyone is having a great Xmas)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/feelergaugephil/4b2df453.jpg
(Rocky Mountains in the back ground)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/feelergaugephil/2004_0830CO0010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/feelergaugephil/2004_0830CO0012.jpg

 

[stan the man]

hi phil...and welcome to the madhouse.sad story regarding your mate,it happens way to often.

very cold here at the mo(about -1 degrees)but hoping to get out to blow away the christmas cobwebs :yo: today.

just registered on the u.s. blackbird site(a few days ago) so may see you on there sometime(same forums name)

hope everyone is enjoying christmas over there

regards

stan :beer: :beer:

 

[Centaur]

Welcome Phil

Haven't got time now to look at your piccies but join in ,take the p*ss and never turn your back on FB

 

[derek kelly]

Hi phil, welcome to the site, originally from Manchester eh? that'll make you a City fan then. enjoy the forum mate.
all the best
Derek.

 

[Allan]

Hi Phil and welcome.

And before you say anything else about the British Old Bill, beware, cause I'm one and so are many others on this site, and no, we're not like the other plods over here too, :neenaw:

I've changed from a Bird to a Blade, why?, cause I binned my Bird in Spain in September, ending up with a bust right femur and damaged knee. The Bird was written off, so having had it for about 5 yrs, I fancied a change, so a Blade it was.

I havent been able to ride it yet due to my knee, but hopefully it wont be too long.

The Bird is an awesome bike and you can do almost anything on it. It has fantastic speed capability, fairly good handling (change the front fork springs to Ohlins, upgrade the oil and change the rear spring to one with more adjustment, and put a 6mm spacer between the top of the rear spring and frame - it will be a differnt bike). And of course, it eats miles and you can stay on it all day.

So enjoy the Bird, and welcome to the madhouse. :beer:

Buzz

 

[Stevebrooke]

Welcome to the site Phil. Enjoy the banter and humour (not humor).

On the bikes I notice side reflectors. Is that a State/US requirement?

 

[Steamy]

Hi Phil, one question tho...

why does that plod-mobile have "Unstable" written on the side, behind your Bird?? are the US Police really that bad.

Welcome to a great forum,

Stef.

 

[Centaur]

Had a chance to look

at your piccies now Phil. Not surprised you are a plod.....



























bought two birds and neither of them a fast blue one! wimp! :m

 

[feelergaugephil]

Thats CONSTABLE!!!!! That's my wife's car! mine is the other one, further on the ol'e bill, I said that because I had a few clouts of the ol'e bill growing up, but I have met some cool ones from London and again in Manchester who even came out here for a week.
I'll actually be in Manchester in Feb/March if anyone is interested for a brew!
And on the note of getting away, I managed to get away from the BIG BIRD!! and they got my mate on his Z1000ST, you'll understand,,,,,,, Phil.
Going out on the XX as it's 62 degree's here!!!!!!!

 

[feelergaugephil]

I'm waiting on my vinyl small stickers to come in from UK which states "Norfolk & Chance" which will go on the shield!!
No one will get that here!!!!