The CB1100 Community Forum

(08-31-2016, 05:32 AM)foxinsuit_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(08-30-2016, 08:28 AM)PowerDubs_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Zephyr is too big, and still too powerful unless you are a conservative timid person. The problem is, the type if people who tend to disregard, disagree and still buy a non appropriate bike to learn on tend to be more agressive based on the very same traits that make them ignore our advice.

It's no mistake that us older riders advise what we do- it's called experience and been there done that. Too many close calls and mistakes by ourselves or friends.

Time will pass quick enough, don't rush, start on a small bike.


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At motorcycle riding school I learned to ride on a ZR7 which is a successor to the ZEPHYR 750 which I am looking at. Also had a chance to try a ER6N 600-650cc whatever it was and it felt much weaker. I didn't like that aspect of the bike. But I got to admit it was easier to control than a ZR7.

Also I'm living in a light traffic suburbs and I'm thinking to just practice a lot until I decide to commute to work with a bike. Again I know how to ride. At least basics of it. I could ride to and from work if I wanted to the next day I buy a bike, but I'm not planning on doing so at all.
By the way I had to pass the exam riding in real traffic anyway so it's not like I haven't touched a bike.

I kind of keep feeling like a major A-hole for keeping arguing with all of you of what size of a bike I think is right for me

600cc ER6N - fits like glove - I felt extremely comfortable and in control.
But ZR7 was much more fun to ride, even if the max speed I reached (abiding the rules) was only 70kmph (44mph).

I don't get it why I should go with something more smaller on which I feel comfortable already if I can just practice a bit more and get on the same level of confidence on a 750cc bike within like a week of practice or maybe even less.

My lessons before the exam were about 10hours of motorcycle time total. 2hrs once a week or once every other week. And I rode the zr7 during the exam in real traffic with just 10hrs devided within 2months under my resume. Therefore I really don't think 750cc bile is too big for me.

You have already made up your mind, and made the same decision most new riders do- to ignore the older riders experience because somehow you are different. It's your bike, your life, or at least skin. Buy what you want..try to be safe, have fun.

(08-31-2016, 11:02 PM)PowerDubs_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(08-31-2016, 05:32 AM)foxinsuit_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(08-30-2016, 08:28 AM)PowerDubs_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Zephyr is too big, and still too powerful unless you are a conservative timid person. The problem is, the type if people who tend to disregard, disagree and still buy a non appropriate bike to learn on tend to be more agressive based on the very same traits that make them ignore our advice.

It's no mistake that us older riders advise what we do- it's called experience and been there done that. Too many close calls and mistakes by ourselves or friends.

Time will pass quick enough, don't rush, start on a small bike.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

At motorcycle riding school I learned to ride on a ZR7 which is a successor to the ZEPHYR 750 which I am looking at. Also had a chance to try a ER6N 600-650cc whatever it was and it felt much weaker. I didn't like that aspect of the bike. But I got to admit it was easier to control than a ZR7.

Also I'm living in a light traffic suburbs and I'm thinking to just practice a lot until I decide to commute to work with a bike. Again I know how to ride. At least basics of it. I could ride to and from work if I wanted to the next day I buy a bike, but I'm not planning on doing so at all.
By the way I had to pass the exam riding in real traffic anyway so it's not like I haven't touched a bike.

I kind of keep feeling like a major A-hole for keeping arguing with all of you of what size of a bike I think is right for me

600cc ER6N - fits like glove - I felt extremely comfortable and in control.
But ZR7 was much more fun to ride, even if the max speed I reached (abiding the rules) was only 70kmph (44mph).

I don't get it why I should go with something more smaller on which I feel comfortable already if I can just practice a bit more and get on the same level of confidence on a 750cc bike within like a week of practice or maybe even less.

My lessons before the exam were about 10hours of motorcycle time total. 2hrs once a week or once every other week. And I rode the zr7 during the exam in real traffic with just 10hrs devided within 2months under my resume. Therefore I really don't think 750cc bile is too big for me.

You have already made up your mind, and made the same decision most new riders do- to ignore the older riders experience because somehow you are different. It's your bike, your life, or at least skin. Buy what you want..try to be safe, have fun.

You have already made up your mind, and made the same decision most new riders do- to ignore the older riders experience because somehow you are different. It's your bike, your life, or at least skin. Buy what you want..try to be safe, have fun.
Yes I have made up my mind that I won't get anything smaller than 600cc.

But I haven't made up my mind about ZEPHYR 750. And I was expecting to get more of the opinions on the bike.

I know riding season is nearing to the end where I live and I could just wait for the deal. I know that. I'm not impatient. I can wait.

However, ZEPHYR 750 has TWO main pros that I like:

1. The design - it's a classic edition bike which has more chrome and spoke rims.
2. It's price. It would be up and running at the total of about 2k EUROS (motorcycle, trip to take the bike, registration, battery, oil).

Here's another motorcycle I could buy (~4.4k EUROS) if I wanted to.
http://otomoto.pl/oferta/yamaha-xjr-1300...221cbcfa96
(again, let's ignore the size and cc and just concentrate on bike's value)

4.4k EUROS also can buy ZEPHYR and kick @$$ riding gear.

Lots of ins lots of outs.

P.S. If I did buy XJR for 4.4k, I wouldn't take away from the gear budget. Maybe I wouldn't buy the stuff I really really like or latests and greatest, but I would buy full certified gear with max protection available. I'm serious about my gear. I want minimize the risks as much as possible, whichever bike I decide to buy.

Foxinsuit, I've never ridden a Zephyr. I've seen one and agree with you about the look of the bike. Try a search for 'Zephyr'; you may find something. I had a recollection of a conversation about them and found [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4547&pid=68703#pid68703]this post. It was apparently not a big selling bike in the US and members here may not have had much experience with it.

Go with the Zephyr and the gear and ride safely.

If you can't afford a bike and some good gear at the same time then you can't afford a bike. Your financial situation is none of my business but unless it's your only sole means of transportation and it's a must have then you don't need a bike untill you can properly protect yourself with some decent gear. You have to remember the cost of maintenance and insurance and everything else included adds up. On the other not about the bike itself, your the only one who knows what you know. The CB1100 in my opinion could be fine for you. Just take it easy and get used to it first. I stated before to start smaller but in reality, at least to me this bike isn't going to throw you off or surprise you. It's actually quite tame. See if you can get a test ride before hand and make up your own mind. Good luck with whatever you pick.

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Hi foxinsuit,

I got back into riding motorcycles a little over nine years ago.

However, I actually started purchasing quality protective gear ten years ago.

In my case obtaining good gear was a priority. I figured that it would last me for a considerable amount of time regardless of the bike that I was riding. I wanted to make sure that I was fully equipped when I did manage to find a bike to call my own. I realized that if I didn't have the gear before I bought the bike, chances were that other items would take priority over the gear. I think most everyone would agree that there are a number of temptations (and other necessities) that really start to add up quickly once you manage to acquire your own motorcycle. These things can really drain your wallet in no time at all. Fortunately that gear is still serving me well (as is that first bike, which I still have). The one notable exception is the helmet which has since been replaced a couple of times due to age.

I hope that you find an option that works for you. You've received a lot a great advice in this thread, but at the end of the day it's your life and your decision to make. Whatever you end up choosing to do I wish you the best of luck. Here's to many miles of happy and safe riding.

(09-05-2016, 03:40 PM)uscgmac_imp Wrote: [ -> ]If you can't afford a bike and some good gear at the same time then you can't afford a bike. Your financial situation is none of my business but unless it's your only sole means of transportation and it's a must have then you don't need a bike untill you can properly protect yourself with some decent gear. You have to remember the cost of maintenance and insurance and everything else included adds up. On the other not about the bike itself, your the only one who knows what you know. The CB1100 in my opinion could be fine for you. Just take it easy and get used to it first. I stated before to start smaller but in reality, at least to me this bike isn't going to throw you off or surprise you. It's actually quite tame. See if you can get a test ride before hand and make up your own mind. Good luck with whatever you pick.

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I already bought Zephyr over the weekend. Bike is rideable, but needs some small tuning up. Riding season is coming to an end here and I have yet to buy gear. Don't want to rush my decisions. Plenty of time to choose. I will still have time left to ride it around the block so to speak this season, practice slow maneuvering, adapt to the bike. So there's still time left for fun to be had.

Youtube is a very good source for people like me, who are not tech savy. I learned how to adjust clutch to my liking (basically same thing as the v-breaks on a bicycle), how to work with a choke on a carburated bike.
Today I'll look into IDLE rpm adjustment.

And the winter seems to be quite exciting too. Bike looks really nice right now, but I've already seen on youtube how the engine can be polished to really shine. I'll definitely look into that. Also there's the spoke cleaning...

Zephyr looks much more better in person than in pictures. I have no doubt that same goes for the CB1100 which I haven't had a chance to see in person yet.

Don't quite seem to like the aftermarket seat zephyr has (design wise, can't tell anything about comfort).
Already looked, what ebay has to offer.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PMC-Stylish-S...2164284328
But again, don't want to rush my decisions.

So far I'm very happy with my choice. It was a very cheap bike compared to what I was previously considering and it looks the way I want a motorcycle to look.

(09-05-2016, 05:24 PM)Guth_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Hi foxinsuit,

I got back into riding motorcycles a little over nine years ago.

However, I actually started purchasing quality protective gear ten years ago.

In my case obtaining good gear was a priority. I figured that it would last me for a considerable amount of time regardless of the bike that I was riding. I wanted to make sure that I was fully equipped when I did manage to find a bike to call my own. I realized that if I didn't have the gear before I bought the bike, chances were that other items would take priority over the gear. I think most everyone would agree that there are a number of temptations (and other necessities) that really start to add up quickly once you manage to acquire your own motorcycle. These things can really drain your wallet in no time at all. Fortunately that gear is still serving me well (as is that first bike, which I still have). The one notable exception is the helmet which has since been replaced a couple of times due to age.

I hope that you find an option that works for you. You've received a lot a great advice in this thread, but at the end of the day it's your life and your decision to make. Whatever you end up choosing to do I wish you the best of luck. Here's to many miles of happy and safe riding.

First of all thanks for kind words.

I only got my motorcycle licence this year, but I was googling motorcycles and gears for quite a few years now. I looked at accident pictures, road rashes and initially decided to not sacrifice on my gear. Safety is definitely a priority.

What I wrote previously about buying a more expensive moto and therefore cheaper gear, I was just saying that I would (if I have to) sacrifice on the design (looks) of the gear, but the the effectiveness of it if I have to.

I'm 26 years old and I just got 3 years of work and 3 years of savings under my name (I didn't make any major purchases so it added to quite a nice sum).

Since I bought a cheapish bike (which I agree with what you said 100% - it will still drain my wallet. Even basic mods like a new seat and bikini cowl can cost up to like 30-50% of what I paid for my zephyr. And that's not counting the parts that constantly wear like brakes, oils, tires...) I do not have to sacrifice on my gear design.

I was thinking the same way - gear will last a long time, so I shouldn't worry to much of how much it costs.

I'd like to go full leather - jacket, pants, gloves, but it seems leather jackets (majority if not all of them) do not offer that much protection - specially in the chest area. There are spine/back protection which can be purchased separately (I intend to do that if I buy leather jacket).
So I'm now I don't really know what to look at.

Was considering dainese strypes jacket

And a CABERG helmet
(they are made in italy somehow not available in USA and they always get great safety ratings)
http://www.fc-moto.de/Caberg-Tourmax-Hel...AsZZ8P8HAQ

Even this modular helmet, which I'm considering gets 5 star rating
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testsratings/...nd-tourmax

Congratulations on the purchase foxinsuit. Look forward to some pictures.

Good luck on the bike. Lots of good gear out there.

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Hey Foxinsuit,

Good choice, always liked the look of the Zepher. There are some lovely Zephers out there that have been tweeked to look like Z1's. Tuned and modded running gear too.... Costs a fortune tho and will be a money pit with no return. Nice tho...
As far as riding gear goes, I'd just say buy second hand. Good gear is built to last and there are loads of bargains to be had. Leather gets better with age too. Just feed it and it'll serve you well. Most of my jackets are used and they are perfect.
I used to ride in old combat trousers, army boots and duffle jackets for years... All useless. You can get a pair of RST Leather pants for £99 in the uk and they are fantastic. Textiles are expensive and a bit hit and miss.
Depends on the weather where you ride tho.

(09-08-2016, 03:30 PM)beardyweirdy@me.com_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Hey Foxinsuit,

Good choice, always liked the look of the Zepher. There are some lovely Zephers out there that have been tweeked to look like Z1's. Tuned and modded running gear too.... Costs a fortune tho and will be a money pit with no return. Nice tho...
As far as riding gear goes, I'd just say buy second hand. Good gear is built to last and there are loads of bargains to be had. Leather gets better with age too. Just feed it and it'll serve you well. Most of my jackets are used and they are perfect.
I used to ride in old combat trousers, army boots and duffle jackets for years... All useless. You can get a pair of RST Leather pants for £99 in the uk and they are fantastic. Textiles are expensive and a bit hit and miss.
Depends on the weather where you ride tho.

I've already checked out those mods. It is very tempting, but as you said - money pit with no return, but so are the most mods for most motorcycles. You'll never get back what you have put in in a motorcycle if you decide to sell it. Doesn't mean that modding is wrong though .

Off season is long here. I think I'll give into temptation more or less.
Logic says I should just enjoy zephyr for what it is and what it offers and not invest in various unnecessary (aesthetic) mods. It looks great as is. Maybe I'll get a new seat (more retro looking than the aftermarket one that was included when I bought the bike) and a bikini cowl for headlight eventually similar to ZRX).



Logic says I shouldn't waste money on zephyr (aesthetic mods) specially if the CB1100 is still penciled as my next bike some years down the line. Maybe as a 30th birthday present or something.

Checked out some cool moto leather jackets on ebay. They weren't used, but had good price tags.
It seems that once you start checking what else is there besides what DAINESE offers, then the prices start to fall significantly.

I've always wanted an EASY RIDER jacket. I bought one like 7 years ago, but sizing was wrong. Quality leather, but poorly made jacket. Had the tailor fix it. He's done best he could and I still wore it for years, but it wasn't as good fitting jacket as others are. Few years ago I retired it. Wouldn't mind one (good fitting) again.
Unfortunately there are no EASY RIDER jackets available where I live. Only option is to order from ebay uk (which I've done previously) and hope for the best. Again.