The CB1100 Community Forum

Just came from a Triumph '06 Scrambler that was slightly modified with TOR pipes and a few other speed bits to the stock CB1100 and power is exponentially increased. Onramps that I was hitting 60-70 on the Scrambler are easy 90+ on the big red Honda. It was fairly easy to top out on the Scrambler just under the ton and I don't even want to know the top speed on the CB because it has much more to go when I just chicken out. And don't even get me started on the brakes, my non abs CB stops like nothing I have ever ridden before. If abs was free would I have taken it, probably but not needed nor worth the added expense in my personal opinion. I do miss the style of the Triumph it was just so damn cool but the torque, fit and finish and smoothness of the Honda is oh so nice!

(08-15-2013, 07:53 AM)CBville_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Greg,

I too have a bonneville, modded with Airbox removal with pod filters, D&D full exhaust, and a custom tune. I just traded in a 2012 Speed Triple 1050 (132HP and 470lbs) for an MV Agusta Brutale 800 (125HP and 400lbs). I've never felt at any time that the Honda CB1100 lacked power. With the bonneville, even modded I am always wringing it out to 6-7k rpms but on the CB11, the engine is just stronger across the board. It is a very balanced motorcycle (braking, handling, power) and does everything with ease. Hope that helps.

Hung

Hi Hung ... That helps a lot. Thank you.

buck, my bad, miss-read your meaning of light. Thanks for the explanation. Wish I could take the time to do some serious road time like you have.

Brakes. I was very impressed with the brakes on the Griso when I got it. Then the Honda came along. Oh man, very nice brakes. Now the Griso's are still good, but I see room for improvement. Which could be odd, she has Brembo brakes.

Oh, if you take the Griso for a test ride, make her a long one. Guzzi's grow on you slowly. Or just buy both.

ABS bike. I've ridden both that and non-ABS. Peace of mind with ABS is worth more than the extra grand.

All good points. One that I'll add is that if you do get the CB, and still find yourself wanting more power, you could always go up a tooth or two on the rear sprocket. It's a fairly easy-going bike as it is stock (I haven't seen any wheelie pictures yet), but that simple mod would certainly wake it up a bit.

That said, I've only come across one or two people who have found the CB to be "not enough". It has plenty of power for most of us...I've never even gone within 2,000 rpm of the redline.

great snap of the little rider there Utah1.. he he..! this is living proof that all men are born with a love for bikes...!!

Lots of good comments in this thread. I'm thinking with so many bikes in your area that you might be able to find a dealer willing to let you test ride the bike. That will probably be the only way to know if it is going to meet your expectations or not. Best of luck with the decision!

(08-15-2013, 07:53 AM)CBville_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Greg,

I too have a bonneville, modded with Airbox removal with pod filters, D&D full exhaust, and a custom tune. I just traded in a 2012 Speed Triple 1050 (132HP and 470lbs) for an MV Agusta Brutale 800 (125HP and 400lbs). I've never felt at any time that the Honda CB1100 lacked power. With the bonneville, even modded I am always wringing it out to 6-7k rpms but on the CB11, the engine is just stronger across the board. It is a very balanced motorcycle (braking, handling, power) and does everything with ease. Hope that helps.

Hung

How's the fueling on the Brutale? MV has taken a lot of criticism for the FI on the smaller Brutale. The 800 looks like an incredible bike on paper, how is it in the flesh?

Yea he is Ryder and he really loves anything with a motor and a nice paint job. I make sure to get his approval before any new vehicle purchase!

(08-15-2013, 10:10 AM)wildezt_imp Wrote: [ -> ]great snap of the little rider there Utah1.. he he..! this is living proof that all men are born with a love for bikes...!!

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How's the fueling on the Brutale? MV has taken a lot of criticism for the FI on the smaller Brutale. The 800 looks like an incredible bike on paper, how is it in the flesh?
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Not nearly as bad as reviews make it out to be. With such strict EPA rules now, manufacturers normally have two options: Detune the engine out of the gates or tune the engine ultra lean at partial throttle and low rpms. I prefer the latter because they will eventually release map updates to fix all the fueling issues since the bikes already passed through production.

It's a great bike IMO, looks amazing and handles like a dream and is a lot of fun to ride.