The CB1100 Community Forum

Since our tires choices are quite limited. I'm wondering if anyone had toyed the idea of having 17 inch wheels set on our ride?

Its certainly possible. But the CB, IMO, is a bike defined by its style, vs pure performance like a sportbike, or utility like an ADV bike. The 18" wheels are a pretty big component of that style.

I think the same applies to putting wider tires on it (i.e. a 180 rear). Sure, you can do it, but if you feel its necessary, did you buy the right bike?

(11-18-2013, 04:41 AM)The Spaceman_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Its certainly possible. But the CB, IMO, is a bike defined by its style, vs pure performance like a sportbike, or utility like an ADV bike. The 18" wheels are a pretty big component of that style.

I think the same applies to putting wider tires on it (i.e. a 180 rear). Sure, you can do it, but if you feel its necessary, did you buy the right bike?

I'm sure you know that the choices for tires available are limited for our ride. So why only eat hamburgers when you can choose to eat other variety for cuisine?

Where would you get your new wheels from? And your new brakes and sprocket?

(11-18-2013, 05:22 PM)jasonlim_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(11-18-2013, 04:41 AM)The Spaceman_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Its certainly possible. But the CB, IMO, is a bike defined by its style, vs pure performance like a sportbike, or utility like an ADV bike. The 18" wheels are a pretty big component of that style.

I think the same applies to putting wider tires on it (i.e. a 180 rear). Sure, you can do it, but if you feel its necessary, did you buy the right bike?

I'm sure you know that the choices for tires available are limited for our ride. So why only eat hamburgers when you can choose to eat other variety for cuisine?

That's very true; there's many, many more choices of tires for standard sportbike wheel and tire sizes than our 18" wheels. Even 19" wheels have lots more choices now, thanks to the ADV craze. That didn't stop a few VStrom riders from swapping their 19's for 17's, usually getting used wheels and other parts from SVs.

Me, when I go to Fuddrucker's I always order a burger, even though they sell other stuff.

Personally, I'm reasonably satisfied with the tires Honda chose. They can handle lean angles I'll never achieve, they brake fine, I've not had any wet riding issues with them, the only issue I have is mileage, but that is an issue with every motorcycle tire I have tried on every bike I have owned.

Mine came with the Dunlops, but I will try the Bridgestones next time for comparison.

If Michelin made a tire for them, I'd try those, even though I don't think they would perform any better, it's because I am partial to Michelins and run them on all my motorcycles, cars and trucks.

Mee too, I also use Michelin tires if available (car, bike).
I asked Dunlop if they would issue their new Arrowmax StreetSmart also in dimensions for our CB 1100, but the answer was "no".
I also asked Conti about the ClassicAttack tire, but up to now they do not know whether it will also come for CB 1100 dimensions.

I did not ask Michelin so far.

So far I haven't been able to outride the limits presented by the stock Bridgestone tires, so no I haven't given this topic much thought. Thank goodness because 17" wheels on this bike are not going to look good to my eye. Case in point: The T100 Bonneville is a nice looking machine, but the Bonneville SE by comparison just plain looks wrong to me. It's not the cast wheels, which I rather like, but the 17" front wheel that is the SE's downfall.

The new post of the 2014 CB1100 initially said 17" wheels, openning up a world of tire choices. But it looks like we are stuck with 18" wheels.

I think if you're out-riding the capabilities of the stock rubber, you may have purchased the wrong bike. I don't ride like a grandpa, and I feel they perform quite well. The suspension would need an upgrade long before the rubber, IMO.