The CB1100 Community Forum

Sold my 2014 CB1100 in 2016 because of a move from Ohio to Georgia and the belief I just had too many bikes, well my families belief.

I ended up keeping a 2014 Vstrom 1000 and Honda Hawk Gt. Well now I just have the Honda Hawk but really miss having a bigger modern bike in the garage.
I enjoyed the power, comfort and lighter weight of the Vstrom but was spoiled by the transmission of the CB.

I am between 2 bikes and would like to hold onto this one for a long time. I can't decide between the BMW RnineT and 2017 CB1100.

I have only had Japanese bikes starting with a Honda QA50 in the late 60's and am afraid I have grown too accustomed to wet clutches and Japanese quality to enjoy switching to a dry clutch.

I have read many reviews of the R nine T talking about the uniqueness and allure of the BMW transmission. It sounds like if you grew up with dry clutches and agricultural transmissions than it is all part of the experience.

The transmission in the Vstrom was not terrible but certainly less smooth than the Honda CB and I am concerned the BMW will be even more of a pronounced difference.

I really like the lighter weight and horsepower of the BMW but would really like to hear from others who have maybe made the switch from a wet clutch to a dry clutch and how hard it was to adjust. At my age learning new tricks is not as fun as it used to be.

Thanks for any input.

Have you been able to ride the RnineT?

I've owned many BMW's and Moto-Guzzi's with dry clutches. Unless you're planning to drag race the bike, there's really no difference in feel or behavior, plus you can run automotive-grade oil in the crankcase without worrying about your clutch plates. I wouldn't sweat it. Ride the BMW and then decide.

IMO The clutch/transmission doesn't even make the "Top 10" list of things to worry about on a BMW......................No such list exists for the CB1100.

RnineT is a seductively compelling ride. Agreed with others, just test ride.

The R9T may just be the bike for you. Ride one. I made the switch from BMW's (2 K100's) to Hondas. I am not going back. The Honda's just suited me better. How else does one explain the common modifications inflicted on HD's? It is just a personal choice and fit.
IMHO
Jim

(03-20-2019, 07:31 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]RnineT is a seductively compelling ride. Agreed with others, just test ride.

Thanks for the feed back. Closest dealer to me is a couple hours away. I guess if I don’t at least test drive a R nine T I’m always gonna wonder.

(03-20-2019, 07:43 AM)Toro5xi_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-20-2019, 07:31 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]RnineT is a seductively compelling ride. Agreed with others, just test ride.

Thanks for the feed back. Closest dealer to me is a couple hours away. I guess if I don’t at least test drive a R nine T I’m always gonna wonder.

Thanks for the feed back. Closest dealer to me is a couple hours away. I guess if I don’t at least test drive a R nine T I’m always gonna wonder.
Or have faith in the CB1100 Forum.

I reckon you have also perused the BMW RnineT Forums?

But yeah, nothing beats the real deal.

(03-20-2019, 07:43 AM)Toro5xi_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-20-2019, 07:31 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]RnineT is a seductively compelling ride. Agreed with others, just test ride.

Thanks for the feed back. Closest dealer to me is a couple hours away. I guess if I don’t at least test drive a R nine T I’m always gonna wonder.

Thanks for the feed back. Closest dealer to me is a couple hours away. I guess if I don’t at least test drive a R nine T I’m always gonna wonder.
BMW dealers are generally quite good about test rides, unlike Japanese ones. Worth the trip I’d say!

While I’ve heard that the older BMW dry clutches were fairly agricultural, the RNineT uses the same unit as the “Camhead” R1200s, which was the best of the lot. Interestingly enough, while the CB1100’s clutch is incredibly precise and smooth, it’s been engineered for a retro style feel and has a more deliberate engagement then the wet clutch in my Tenere.

Of course, you could also save a bundle and look for a Camhead R1200R - which I think looks better then the RNineT and is the same running gear underneath. The R1200R Classic is an especially gorgeous roadster, with its deep metallic black and subtle pinstriping.

I’ve spent time on the RnineT forums and they are certainly open about both the good and maybe not so good on the RnineT.
It was good to hear BMW dealers are good about test drives.
To be honest I was being lazy and somewhat thinking people may tell me going from a wet clutch to a dry clutch is taking a step backward in relation to feel and ease of use especially since the CB1100 transmission seems so precise and easy to use.