The CB1100 Community Forum

Nice ride! For as many ratchet straps as I dodge on the freeways, at least the strap didn't leave the bike.

(05-28-2025, 03:12 PM)Gone in 60 Wrote: [ -> ]Not really any more... that's my V47, which as you can see is black and has a lot of silver trim. It looked great with my black and silver R1200R, but doesn't blend extremely well with a classic-style bike. 

My go-to is a smaller E36, which looks more like an old-school hard suitcase and doesn't have Givi's fake taillight frippery. It's great for commuting with my computer, lunch and other daily stuff. The V47 is handy for carrying more stuff, obviously. Particularly for overnight trips or my weekend commute to the museum, where I need to take quite a bit - a uniform, shoes, gear, etc. 

I had been hunting for a long-discontinued E45 Monokey box that is basically the E36 but larger. It has the same basic look as the E36 and can carry as much as the V47. I got lucky earlier this year and found one on Facebook that wasn't too trashed. I cleaned it up and refurbished it, and made it look as close to new as possible. I now use that for larger needs, and it can also swallow a helmet, which the E36 cannot. When my bike is in the parking garage at the museum, I like to pull out a duffle bag with all of my stuff for the day, drop in my helmet and lock it up. That way I'm only carrying one thing into the building, and my helmet is secure and out-of-sight.

I might get off my butt and sell the V47. It's in perfect condition. 

(05-28-2025, 12:59 PM)Whoops Wrote: [ -> ]That top box is quite large. Do you still use that?

What rack are you using? Thanks in advance!

(11-14-2025, 12:34 PM)dino2000 Wrote: [ -> ]What rack are you using? Thanks in advance!

Hey Dino, welcome to the forum! This is the coolest group of motorcycle enthusiasts on the web, and you'll enjoy being here. 
Congrats on the '14! What part of California are you in?

My rack is a Givi SR1118. I don't know how easy they are to find these days. I bought mine as soon as I bought my bike in 2019. 

After a week of gray mornings, dark skies, and heavy rains, I awoke to a beautiful day. I visited the Alameda County Creek Overlook. The ride was incredible, and the hike I took into the Park was breathtaking. I did not expect such a wonderful experience. I will repeat the trip again and create a proper ride report. For now, see a few pictures. Have a great week. David

Wow, that looks beautiful!

Boy that second pic is stunning David.

Today was a gift...rain the last several days, rain forecast all next week.  Today it was supposed to dry out.  My wife asked if I would be "ok" with her doing some shopping--meaning she was fine by herself.  Hmmmm...sure, I'll be OK with a dry day!

I just didn't know it was going to be a spectacular riding day with mid 50s to low 60s.  I felt like seeing the Columbia River Gorge area.


I really had only planned to ride for an hour or two.  Left at 11am, but the weather was soooo nice, and the riding drew me in.  After riding my KLX300 the last few weekends, it felt so good to be on the asphalt again.  

North side of Columbia (WA)


Mt. Hood peaking in


There are some really beautiful, high-end homes overlooking Hood and the Columbia, but there are some simple homes too.  All have million dollar views




The city of Hood River in the distance on the OR side


At Lyle, WA I headed north on hiway 142 towards Klickitat.  This is such a fun, twisty road following the river.




Once you climb up, you're on a plateau with good visibility. Mt. Adams in the distance:


It was 2pm by the time I arrived at Goldendale, WA where I had lunch.  Then I headed south on 97 back towards OR; descending into the Columbia River area  


Instead of immediately taking I-84 back to the Gresham, OR area, I stayed on 97 south for 10 miles to ride a new-to-me section through wonderful farm land.  The contrast between heavily forested Mt. Hood and 30 miles east of it is trees vs. no-trees.


I love the canyons; all streams run to the Columbia and usually there is a fun road just beside them.






Reconnecting with 84 ahead, turn left and it's time to head home


But there's always time to take a snack break (and wind break!) along the Columbia

Couldn't ask for a better day


About a 250 mile ride, got home by 5:30.

Absolutely stunning, pdedse. I know you love to go off the beaten path and have shared amazing pictures while riding your other motorcycles. But this spontaneous trip yielded some of your very best photographs. The North Side of Columbia shot early on is truly spectacular. We all hope your Mrs goes shopping more often. David

Lovely shots as always, pdedse. Looks windy in that Hood River shot.

(03-08-2026, 05:54 AM)Cormanus Wrote: [ -> ]Lovely shots as always, pdedse. Looks windy in that Hood River shot.

It was "a breeze" starting out, riding west to east, but seeing the whitecaps on the river I knew I was going to pay the price once I started back home.  Got 53mpg on the first tank (55-65mph) and only 41 on the return at mostly 65-75mph with 15-20mph headwinds for about 30 miles.  This is when I appreciate the CB1100's  575lbs.