Whoa! I am not trying to say that the CB1100 EX is the greatest thing since sliced bread, since I haven't ridden every motorcycle. I have never ridden another CB1100, so I don't know how it compares with earlier models. If my only criterion were how it handled potholes, then it probably isn't as good as my (cheap) KLR 650, with its long-travel suspension.
I thought the entire package (of the EX) was well-orchestrated and competent. That's all I meant.
mickey, I don't think any streetbike on standard streetbike wheels with standard streetbike suspension will prevent tooth-jarring jolts when presented with serious potholes, Ohio-based or otherwise. Just not going to happen.
Ride both bikes fast over the same bumpy road, however, and the difference in chassis compliance and composure between the '14 and '17 is immediately apparent. No placebo effect. It just is.
I'm hardly the only one to describe that difference. As you well know, Dirck at MCD devoted an entire article about the improved handling of the '17 vs the '14, which he largely attributed to the new suspension. Ulvetanna would take it quite a bit farther, ascribing the difference to many additional chassis changes for the '17, above and beyond the suspension.
I have 3 street bikes in my garage, the CB1100 is my favorite.
It also has the worst suspension.
The length of time owners hang on to their bikes generally tells me much more about how happy they actually are with them than the words they type out on an Internet forum (and yes, that includes this one, lol). Again, understanding what you're looking for and how you'll be actually using a product would seem to be the key here.
'Magic carpet' , those were the first words I said to my friend Honda dealership owner after my first ride when he asked me 'well , what do you think? '. Man VLJ it's amazing how similar we feel and describe this motorcycle.
Ferret , I believe you are going to change your mind after riding the '17 EX.
Great writing Cookiemech , as for BMW's you're absolutely right. I was technical advisor at BMW Athens headquarters from 1990-1997 for cars and motorcycles and I can tell you from my experience that K-series was always two notches up from R-series. They make the best alround bikes still. But don't tell them , they are arrogant enough.. I learned a lot from them , in fact they made me an engineer and I'm grateful and I respect them , but CB is CB.
Keep Choir performing...
(02-16-2018, 08:29 AM)EmptySea_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Vouch all you would like, but there is a large difference between saying that the 2017's suspension is better (or even "superior") and saying that the 2013's is poor, which if not stated overtly, was certainly implied in Ulvetanna's comment.
Let me be clear: I didn't intend to imply that, I felt it was already clearly stated.
There is a large technological gap between the quality and function of the 2017 CB1100's suspension components and chassis and those same items on the 2013.
If those who own 2013/2014 versions are pleased with them there is no need to speculate as to whether they're good bikes. They are. They are not the same bike as the '17 onward, though. And more aggressive and sporting-oriented riders are going to be much happier they have a choice now.
I thank Honda for updating the bike and at least causing me to consider purchasing the new version, because I like.
(02-16-2018, 09:49 AM)Acrobat_imp Wrote: [ -> ]'Magic carpet' , those were the first words I said to my friend Honda dealership owner after my first ride when he asked me 'well , what do you think? '. Man VLJ it's amazing how similar we feel and describe this motorcycle.
Ferret , I believe you are going to change your mind after riding the '17 EX.
Great writing Cookiemech , as for BMW's you're absolutely right. I was technical advisor at BMW Athens headquarters from 1990-1997 for cars and motorcycles and I can tell you from my experience that K-series was always two notches up from R-series. They make the best alround bikes still. But don't tell them , they are arrogant enough.. I learned a lot from them , in fact they made me an engineer and I'm grateful and I respect them , but CB is CB.
Keep Choir performing...
The Ferret has never ridden a 2017 and it has been out this long?
Maybe he should give one a whirl.
(02-16-2018, 09:18 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: [ -> ]mickey, I don't think any streetbike on standard streetbike wheels with standard streetbike suspension will prevent tooth-jarring jolts when presented with serious potholes, Ohio-based or otherwise. Just not going to happen.
Ride both bikes fast over the same bumpy road, however, and the difference in chassis compliance and composure between the '14 and '17 is immediately apparent. No placebo effect. It just is.
I'm hardly the only one to describe that difference. As you well know, Dirck at MCD devoted an entire article about the improved handling of the '17 vs the '14, which he largely attributed to the new suspension. Ulvetanna would take it quite a bit farther, ascribing the difference to many additional chassis changes for the '17, above and beyond the suspension.
Can you post a link or clarify MCD, I’d like to read the article?
Thanks!
(02-16-2018, 09:14 AM)cookiemech_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Whoa! I am not trying to say that the CB1100 EX is the greatest thing since sliced bread, since I haven't ridden every motorcycle. I have never ridden another CB1100, so I don't know how it compares with earlier models. If my only criterion were how it handled potholes, then it probably isn't as good as my (cheap) KLR 650, with its long-travel suspension.
I thought the entire package (of the EX) was well-orchestrated and competent. That's all I meant.
That's okay, 'cause I'm saying exactly that!
As far as I'm concerned, my CB is one and a half points from perfection. The first thing is the front brakes are still squealing a tiny bit, if I slow down just so. It doesn't do it all the time. I have to come to a very slow, gentle, gradual stop, and it does it right at the very end. Harder braking means no squeals. The other thing is only worth a half-point deduction, because I haven't decided yet whether I really consider it a flaw, per se, which is the lack of XSR-style explosive acceleration right off the bottom.
Ridden in isolation, I never want for more when I'm on the CB. Riding her immediately after hopping off the XSR following a serious sport ride, okay, I kind of miss the way the XSR rockets away with any good handful of throttle.
That's it, though, just those two small things. I'm sure the brake squeal will eventually get sorted, and I love the CB's overall power delivery so much that I really don't care that it's not as fast as the XSR. It still satisfies just as much, only in a different way.
(02-16-2018, 02:45 PM)Mscb1100_imp Wrote: [ -> ] (02-16-2018, 09:18 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: [ -> ]mickey, I don't think any streetbike on standard streetbike wheels with standard streetbike suspension will prevent tooth-jarring jolts when presented with serious potholes, Ohio-based or otherwise. Just not going to happen.
Ride both bikes fast over the same bumpy road, however, and the difference in chassis compliance and composure between the '14 and '17 is immediately apparent. No placebo effect. It just is.
I'm hardly the only one to describe that difference. As you well know, Dirck at MCD devoted an entire article about the improved handling of the '17 vs the '14, which he largely attributed to the new suspension. Ulvetanna would take it quite a bit farther, ascribing the difference to many additional chassis changes for the '17, above and beyond the suspension.
Can you post a link or clarify MCD, I’d like to read the article?
Thanks!
Can you post a link or clarify MCD, I’d like to read the article?
Thanks!
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2017/08/2...ront-fork/
And here is his full ride review...
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2017/09/2...de-review/