(03-01-2018, 04:03 AM)Cory_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks. Just to close things out - I think it's the CB1100. The good Honda shop is about an hour away, but that's not terrible.
The good Suzuki/KTM and Kawasaki/Yamaha ones are very close which would be a bonus so still not totally ruling out an SV650 or Bandit (with the SV maybe being the smart move, but this is no time for intelligence).
Saw the new Z900RS yesterday and everything about it seemed really phenomenal except for the bulbous gas tank. Some of the others there seemed great, but just too space-age looking. Sadly, not sure that there's a Kawasaki or Yamaha that jumps out.
Both local shops have a connection to my racing days so there's that, but the Honda might be worth the effort. There is a local Honda shop, but seems like a rough crowd so I'll pass.
It all started at Woodstock 1969 , BTW I was there
A Yamaha dealer across town (~28 miles) has an owner I like/trust.
I bought both the TW200 and XT250 from him.
Before I bought the Moto Guzi, I very seriously considered the SCR950 (MSRP $8,600, 51 MPG).
Before I bought the CB1100, I very seriously considered the Bolt (MSRP $7,999, 51 MPG)...and both had DEEP discounts, at the time.
However, sitting on those Yamahas did not feel "standard", gauge not easy to read and a couple other minor things. The scrambler version felt a bit high and the Bolt felt way too low (my complaint about newer Sportsters).
When I sat on the CB1100, it just felt natural. Had the same experience on the 2012 Triumph Bonneville. It was as if I had been riding it for years.
Yes, the CB is a tad heavy, but the ergonomics are great.
The only negative is an urge to stretch my legs a bit more often, due to footpeg location (or being 71 years of age?)...but I would not want them any lower, for cornering.
The odometer should pass 5,000 miles on Monday (going to SoCal) and I remain extremely pleased.
If you can race a dirt bike you can ride a street bike.
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