06-13-2014, 12:02 AM
Just a few opinions after the first 1000 miles on my left-over 2013 CB1100: Note that I have owned about 30 bikes of all types over the last 50 years and am now 66 years old and was looking for a bike to ride a bit slower than my Aprilia Tuono V4, which I sold. My riding style is "pretty fast, but no longer Wildman".
I am pretty happy with the CB1100 - it is happy to be ridden moderately on the winding, bumpy back roads that I ride. Throttle response is excellent, it is mechanically very quiet and looks great. Good riding position. Easy to mount accessories. Front brakes excellent, rear brake mediocre. Pretty compliant suspension. Shifts very good up, downshifting is notchy. Seat is better than most sport bikes I owned (see below) but others suggest it can be improved. Handling is pretty good with quick turn-in, which I like. Easy to service - I did 600 mile service myself. Averaging about 50MPG on regular. Tires will last a lot longer than my sport-bikes 3000 miles.
Negatives - a bit buzzy at certain speeds. Mine buzzes the tank a bit at around 3000RPM and 55 MPH - unfortunately a range that is used often. Smooths out at 70MPH. This is not a bike that encourages you to go fast like the Tuono, Speed Triples or Ducatis I have owned. I do miss the hotrod feeling they seemed to ooze and the exhaust sound of the V2 and V4 bikes. Perhaps a slip-on would change that. I have an Arrow in my future. Wish it had 17" wheels for more tire choices.
Overall, my CB1100 is very good, especially for the $7877 I paid for it out the door. It does fulfill my desire to find a bike that works on the backroads I ride on at saner speeds than my previous hot-rod bikes. Did I mention it looks great!
I am pretty happy with the CB1100 - it is happy to be ridden moderately on the winding, bumpy back roads that I ride. Throttle response is excellent, it is mechanically very quiet and looks great. Good riding position. Easy to mount accessories. Front brakes excellent, rear brake mediocre. Pretty compliant suspension. Shifts very good up, downshifting is notchy. Seat is better than most sport bikes I owned (see below) but others suggest it can be improved. Handling is pretty good with quick turn-in, which I like. Easy to service - I did 600 mile service myself. Averaging about 50MPG on regular. Tires will last a lot longer than my sport-bikes 3000 miles.
Negatives - a bit buzzy at certain speeds. Mine buzzes the tank a bit at around 3000RPM and 55 MPH - unfortunately a range that is used often. Smooths out at 70MPH. This is not a bike that encourages you to go fast like the Tuono, Speed Triples or Ducatis I have owned. I do miss the hotrod feeling they seemed to ooze and the exhaust sound of the V2 and V4 bikes. Perhaps a slip-on would change that. I have an Arrow in my future. Wish it had 17" wheels for more tire choices.
Overall, my CB1100 is very good, especially for the $7877 I paid for it out the door. It does fulfill my desire to find a bike that works on the backroads I ride on at saner speeds than my previous hot-rod bikes. Did I mention it looks great!