Anyone have strong feelings as to whether the CB1100 is a particularly good or bad choice as a first (returning after many years) motorcycle? I don't want too much bike, nor do I want something I'll be outgrowing during year one. The CB1100 sure looks like exactly what I am going to want when I get my skills back.
Plus points.
Smooth power delivery.
Lowish seat hight, I, m 32in inside leg, both feet flat on the ground.
Good safe braking.
ABS.
Very light clutch operation.
Positive, quick steering.
Yes from me.
I would agree with Mick65
I think it would be good. I was away from riding for a long time and had not rode anything as heavy as the CB except for a couple of short rides on some 750's. It took me a minute to get use to the weight of the CB. But now I feel good on it, its still a heavy machine, but as soon as you start to roll she feels light and nimble. I took it easy and was very cautious, I had a fear of dropping a brand new bike! but every time ride it, it gets easier.
I would say yes. If you have ridden before, take your time, get use to the bike and you will be fine. Hope this helps.
Unless you are quite small, I too think that the CB1100 would be a fine choice. The power delivery is very linear and the ample amount of torque down low make for a very forgiving and enjoyable ride. As others have mentioned, the CB1100 is not a lightweight by any means, but as soon as the bike is rolling you would never know it.
If you had no riding experience at all, I might recommend another bike. Since you have ridden before, I think you'd quickly get used to the slightly top-heavy feel at low speeds. It's really the only drawback I can think for a new rider.
(02-01-2014, 07:41 AM)EmptySea_imp Wrote: [ -> ]If you had no riding experience at all, I might recommend another bike. Since you have ridden before, I think you'd quickly get used to the slightly top-heavy feel at low speeds. It's really the only drawback I can think for a new rider.
I tend to agree it is a little top heavy but like others said it's very smooth. If you are less than 5 ft 8 inches tall you may have a little trouble flat footing the bike though.
Thanks for the replies folks, very helpful. I am average height, reasonably fit; I am not too concerned about handling the thing at low speeds. Slightly more concerned about too much power giving me more opportunity to get hurt than a lesser bike might. As a Honda I would guess it would be much smoother, more controllable, than the paper specs might suggest. And yet have plenty to grow in to. That's how I felt about my Honda 350 "dual sport" 25 years ago. I'm quite interested in anyone's feedback on that.
I do know that to my eye it looks fantastic, exactly what a motorcycle ought to look like, as few if any other current bikes do (including the rest of the Honda lineup). It may sound odd but I think that will help me to maintain respect and enthusiasm for it over the months it will take to master it.
Its not scary fast, but fast enough to enjoy and not outgrow, personally I would like another 30 horse power and have it be 50 lbs lighter.....but I come from a sport bike back ground 20 years ago......
As a returning rider's new bike, I think the CB is an outstanding choice. The bike has no glaring vices and you could ride it the rest of your life and not feel as though you need more.