The CB1100 Community Forum

(10-15-2014, 08:57 AM)Papa Weeley_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I, too, went through the need for an old Honda inline 4 from my first days on motorcycles a few years ago. Looked at dozens (hundreds?) of CB750s, never found the right one. Either found marginal beaters, or nice-to-very nice bikes with Ferrari-like price tags. Finally found a '76 CB550 maybe 3 or 4 years ago, and pulled the trigger...much to my dismay, dealing with an older bike ended up being a huge letdown for me. I sold it a few months later. Shortly after that, the CB1100 was announced, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Vintage bikes seem to perform much better as a fond memory than they do as a daily reality.

(10-16-2014, 03:19 AM)DGShannon_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(10-15-2014, 08:57 AM)Papa Weeley_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I, too, went through the need for an old Honda inline 4 from my first days on motorcycles a few years ago. Looked at dozens (hundreds?) of CB750s, never found the right one. Either found marginal beaters, or nice-to-very nice bikes with Ferrari-like price tags. Finally found a '76 CB550 maybe 3 or 4 years ago, and pulled the trigger...much to my dismay, dealing with an older bike ended up being a huge letdown for me. I sold it a few months later. Shortly after that, the CB1100 was announced, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Vintage bikes seem to perform much better as a fond memory than they do as a daily reality.

Vintage bikes seem to perform much better as a fond memory than they do as a daily reality.
Exactly!

Better then old. She'll always be one of my favorites:
[url=http://s303.photobucket.com/user/ACKCR500/media/CB001.jpg.html]

I've found that my memories of any old vehicle are MUCH better than the reality. I just sold my last vintage Bonneville and don't miss it a bit. Rocket

(10-16-2014, 06:53 AM)rocket_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I've found that my memories of any old vehicle are MUCH better than the reality. I just sold my last vintage Bonneville and don't miss it a bit. Rocket

I own an 05 Road King and decided that I "needed" to go back to my roots. So, I bought a 76 FLH. After 3 years of parts, money, and busted knuckles its road-worthy. On the rare occasion that I put on the Voo-Doo headgear, get the fresh chicken blood, and memorize the service manual I start it and ride it. After the 10 minute ride, if I have any feeling left in my hands and feet, I return it to the garage. Then do an inventory of lost and / or loose parts. Usually just a mirror, license plate bolt, maybe a fuel cap. Odometer knobs need to be bought in bulk. Turn signal lenses don't last either.I don't wish to discuss the sidestand that bounced and hit a car. There is no going back.

My first ride on the CB1100 was kinda strange. After 10 years of old British trash, I got off the CB, rolled it into the garage & began looking it over for what might need attention. Seriously ! It's a difficult habit to get rid of. Then the light went off & I had to laugh out load. I just push the button; go for a COMFORTABLE ride & return home without any drama or calls to the neighbor for help. Yes. There's no going back.

(10-16-2014, 10:20 AM)rocket_imp Wrote: [ -> ]My first ride on the CB1100 was kinda strange. After 10 years of old British trash, I got off the CB, rolled it into the garage & began looking it over for what might need attention. Seriously ! It's a difficult habit to get rid of. Then the light went off & I had to laugh out load. I just push the button; go for a COMFORTABLE ride & return home without any drama or calls to the neighbor for help. Yes. There's no going back.

Have to agree on the difficulty with the old British Bikes.I sure had my share of grief.

My only old Brit bike was 69 BSA Rocket 3 750 I bought in 1974. Ran great, started great. COULD NOT get it to stop leaking oil. All my jeans had the same triangular oil stain from oil blowing back on my leg. Eventually sold it to my Doctor.

My new Brit bike 2003 eventually started leaking down around the left side area and continues to leak to this day. My brother owns it now. We could probably fix it, but it's only a drop or two and people expect a Triumph to leak so we just slide cardboard under it and let it mark it's spot.

My Shovel's a piece of cuss. My Road King ain't far behind. Still deciding between the Honda and the Bonneville. Too old for this cuss. These bikes are worse than a woman to choose. And yeah, at 55 I have NO problem saying that. I like the site...alot...but lets keep it real and honest. I like old iron but have had it. The Harley riders of NOW are a joke. Cant find there way out of a phone booth. Done babysitting these idiots. The Honda plucks at whats left of my Heartstrings.

I have a good memory. That's mainly what keeps me from adding a classic to my stable. Although bikes like the CB750 were considered the ultimate in reliability back in the 70s, they pale in comparison to modern machines. Also, you'd have to readjust to 40 year old suspension, frame and brake technology. It wasn't that great.

For a bike that'll just see occasional use around town and bike meets, it would probably be fine. Unfortunately, I don't have room in the stable for something that'll get limited use like that.

That being said, when I see a nicely restored (or original) classic bike, I'm inclined to stare at it for as long as possible I think of 'em like those bikini contest models. Great to look at, as long as someone else is responsible for the upkeep