1200cc Blackbird for 2003

Honda insiders have confirmed the Super Blackbird is getting a mid-range boost and a restyle for 2003.

Although the changes are expected to raise power by as much as 20bhp to around 155bhp, the real target of the changes is to give it more grunt.

The current bike has a capacity of 1137cc and produces 135bhp at the rear wheel with 75ft.lb of torque. According to Northamptonshire based tuning firm TTS this can easily be bored out by 2mm to 1196cc without compromising reliability.

Our computer generated image gives an indication of the new look, though Honda sources refuse to confirm it is accurate.

More on this in the March 6 issue of MCN, on sale now.