The CB1100 Community Forum

Hello,

I'm new to this forum. Have read plenty of threads, but have yet to participate .

For HONDA CB1100 offer check out details and dropbox link below
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/168757vuztla2...-n3aa?dl=0

Looking to purchase my first motorcycle and would like to make as few mistakes as possible.

Will be posting the same on ZRX forum.

Design wise my favourites are ZRX1200 (green) and Honda CB1100. Would like to own them both someday, but that possibility is very slim due to budget. They both are currently out of my price range.

ZRX1200 ~4.5-5.5k EUROS; Honda CB1100 normally starts at 6.3k EUROS.

My first idea was to get Hornet 919 (great reviews) now for like 2.5-3k EUROS, ride it for 2-5 years and when the price and time is right - and buy the 'dream' motorcycle Honda CB1100 (or ZRX1200).

However recently I found out that ZRX1100 '00 is a great alternative to ZRX1200.
And it's cheaper.

Slightly above my budget (green costs~3-3.5k), but acceptable price increase comparing to my initial choice of Hornet 919, since I really really like the design of ZRX (could even say as much as CB1100)

My only doubts (and I'm googling and youtubing on this) are that ZRX1100 is an old bike. year ~2000. And it's not fuel injected. Therefore I will have to learn to clean the carburator . Also I'm not sure of longevity of this bike. And buying used old bike is a risk at itself.

HERE are KAWASAKI'S:
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/detail...geNumber=1

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/detail...eyeCatcher

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/detail...geNumber=2

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/detail...geNumber=2

NOW here‘s dillemma in my mind. There‘s an offer on 2013 CB1100 for 5.4k EUROS (asking price, maybe I could negotiate some). Mileage only under 3000km according to seller.

To my knowledge it was in an accident and as a result of that it has a scratched FUEL TANK, and on mudguard. Though it's hard to see anything significant in pictures. It is an ABS model. Has custom seat and handlebar (don‘t know what kind though, and if it's for the better). I also notice sliders, and engine cover which is nice addition.

Haven‘t seen this bike in person, BUT it‘s 350km away. Meanwhile KAWASAKIS are ~2000km away (I would have them shipped for like 300euros, and would be having a leap of faith, that they are what the sellers describe they are).
I wouldn‘t consider this bike if it wasn‘t for the price. It‘s still way way over my budget (at least 50% more). And something that I should not let myself to afford, but heart wants want the heart wants....

Here are the pics.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/168757vuztla2...-n3aa?dl=0

P.S. Where I live I get to experience all 4 weather seasons  this only allows me to ride 2-4months max per year. Also because there are seasons, the plus side of that is that during off season there are more bikes to choose from, and therefore their price is a lower. So I could buy one in autumn/winter. However this would rule out the riding for me until MAY 2017

Foxinsuit, welcome to the forum.

CB1100s are wonderful bikes and I can't recommend them highly enough. However, if you want to buy one that's been dropped, make sure the accident was minor. Scratches aren't the end of the world (apologies to TINK and ride4now), but frame or other damage may well be an issue.

Secondly—and it's none of my business—don't buy something you can't afford. Wait until you can so the worry of paying for it doesn't diminish the joy of possession.

Buy the cheap bike and have fun while you save for the CB.

And come back here and tell us about it.

That's great advice. And as a first-time buyer, I'd be more comfortable if you or a trusted friend could inspect the bike before agreeing to purchase it, which probably rules out buying a bike sight-unseen that will need to be shipped. As you become a more accomplished rider, you'll be able to more easily discern and evaluate a bike's condition from afar (though this still carries risk). Personally, I'd pass on the damaged CB1100. These bikes will only get less expensive as time goes on, so no need to rush your decision. The right bike will come along when you're ready, and you'll know it.

Start with a small bike, improve riding skills, and move up in size as your skills improve. Example: 125cc to 400cc to 650cc then to the liter plus bikes; something like that might work for you. Dirt bike riding also helps you develop skills needed for street riding.

Thanks everybody. That's what I needed to hear. Outside perspective cleared my head from an obsession over that particular CB1100. That also leaves a goal for the future.

I've taken riding classes 5x1.5hrs.
1st lesson was with a 125cc bike. Other 4 were on a 750cc Kawasaki zr7 which weights 230kg (507lbs) So I got used to the weight of a liter motorcycle. And I wouldn't want anything less powerful. Therefore at one point I saw the 919 HORNET as the best 1st bike I could buy (value), 200kg (440lbs) and a decent torque.

Even though my riding experience is minimal, I drive almost daily for 8 years with my car, so even if I'm a new rider, I'm more aware of the risks on the road than when I was 18year old. And the fact that I'm looking at bike like CB1100 and not at some super sport, I think I'm mature enough to handle a bike over 600cc+ or even a liter bike. Also wheelies are not on my to do/learn list

Wouldn't really mind getting a 600cc+ bike, because any bike is better than none, but wouldn't go any lower. Was also thinking SV650 and Hornet 600 at one point.

However, since that particular CB1100 is crossed out, that currently leaves me solely with a Kawasaki ZRX1100 on my mind...

Since ZRX is an old bike with a carburetor, I have a lot of googling left to do .

Thanks again.

Carbs should not be feared. Even 4 of them, in a well sorted bike, shouldn't be a deal breaker, and in fact, the tractability of a carbed bike might even bee better for you as a relative novice. And what a great intro to motorcycle fettling and routine maintenance! The ZRX is a bulletproof machine, but far more powerful than the CB, so be careful! I miss my ZRX, shouldn't have sold it.

Honda's various 500 twins are a great choice for an adult, first-time rider. After taking the rider's course, my wife first got a used CBR250R and after 1 month and 1000 miles moved up to a new CBR500R and has done just fine. It is nice having a 430 lb. bike to deal with if you make a boo-boo.

SV650 is a terrific choice for both new and experienced riders. The earlier models had carburetors, the later models were fuel injected. Unless you live in an area with dramatic elevation changes, you'll find the early bikes (non-fuel injected) to provide smoother throttle control and better rideability. Don't be turned off by the 650cc engine size -- these bikes weigh less than 400 lbs. and offer a lot of performance in a nicely composed package.

(06-22-2016, 10:10 PM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Foxinsuit, welcome to the forum.

CB1100s are wonderful bikes and I can't recommend them highly enough. However, if you want to buy one that's been dropped, make sure the accident was minor. Scratches aren't the end of the world (apologies to TINK and ride4now), but frame or other damage may well be an issue.

Secondly—and it's none of my business—don't buy something you can't afford. Wait until you can so the worry of paying for it doesn't diminish the joy of possession.

Buy the cheap bike and have fun while you save for the CB.

And come back here and tell us about it.

Scratches aren't the end of the world?? Like $&@?... I'd sell the darn thing if I scratched it... Geez... what are you thinking? But then, that's me. Tink can speak for himself. But Foxinsuit listen, Cormanus is right even though it is none of our business. Buy the cheaper one if that's the easiest one to get right now. Buying a bike that may have been damaged in an accident might not be smart. And any good 2 wheeled machine is better than no 2 wheeled machine... then you can save for a pristine CB with no scratches. Besides, if you scratch the cheap one... no worrys.
Good luck with your decision and welcome to the forum!

(06-23-2016, 07:06 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: [ -> ]SV650 is a terrific choice for both new and experienced riders. The earlier models had carburetors, the later models were fuel injected. Unless you live in an area with dramatic elevation changes, you'll find the early bikes (non-fuel injected) to provide smoother throttle control and better rideability. Don't be turned off by the 650cc engine size -- these bikes weigh less than 400 lbs. and offer a lot of performance in a nicely composed package.

Since I was considering one, I read many great things about SV650. It lacks some basic features, that I'd like in a bike, but ultimately pros outweights the cons. At one point I almost bought it. Wouldn't mind getting one, but now there's not a single one on the market. It's riding season.

There are however plenty of hornet 600s and kawa z750 on the local market atm.

(06-22-2016, 10:10 PM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Foxinsuit, welcome to the forum.

CB1100s are wonderful bikes and I can't recommend them highly enough. However, if you want to buy one that's been dropped, make sure the accident was minor. Scratches aren't the end of the world (apologies to TINK and ride4now), but frame or other damage may well be an issue.

Secondly—and it's none of my business—don't buy something you can't afford. Wait until you can so the worry of paying for it doesn't diminish the joy of possession.

Buy the cheap bike and have fun while you save for the CB.

And come back here and tell us about it.

Well since I would prefer a red CB1100, I didnt mind it being scratched, because that's just a reason to paint it over sooner .

Also it's not like I'd be spending all of my savings on that cb1100 (which I decided not to buy). It's just the climate that I live in offers just 2-4months of riding weather max. Rains a lot . Simple logic says I'd better invest that additional sum (that I was almost willing to put on cb1100), into a car or something. I just decided on a +/-3k budget for a motorcycle based on what I could get on a market. First I searched the market and then I decided on a reasonable budget. And with that budget there are plenty of great 600cc bikes to choose from. Or zrx1100.

Also that particular cb1100 pretty much costs what a great condition 2005-ish zrx1200 costs. And cb1100 is almost 10yrs newer bike! So that also seemed more like a smart investment in the long run having in mind maintainance costs or resale value of a 10yrs younger bike.