The CB1100 Community Forum

1200 ZRX

I had a '99 1100 and I do miss it. The 1200 is stronger.

...the other, Busa, is in the garage already....haha.

Yamaha XJR 1300 or the new XSR900

As above, it would be the R1200RT for touring or the KTM 1290 Super Duke for fun. Also possible for both needs is the 1290 Super Adventure.

Before I bought my first CB I was thinking about buying Harley's XR1200. I've liked them ever since I saw the first one at the 105th. celebration in 2008 in Milwaukee. I thought one would be perfect as a smaller, albeit fun, bike to keep in Florida. Fast forward to 2012, and I find they've been discontinued due to slow sales. I even half heartedly called around, and I visited a few dealers in Florida and Georgia looking for a used one and no dice... none to be had. Then in January 2013 I saw an article about the CB in Motorcyclist and was hooked... and there was no going back.

(11-22-2015, 08:38 AM)Pterodactyl_imp Wrote: [ -> ]And if the VFR 800 didn't exist then maybe a GSX1400. If the GSX didn't exist .........

Oh no. In the fortieth iteration I ended up with a Prius. Or was it a Road King? AAAARGH!!!!!!!

Cheers

Now, that's some spread... Prius? or Road King? 4 wheels or 2? Hmmm...

(11-20-2015, 08:20 AM)the_undecider_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Probably the FZ09. I wasn't married to the retro bike, but the CB struck a chord. So much so that I am willing to tolerate and spending lots of money to improve less than ideal ergos. I also know that other bikes would offer better performance, but the CB just does it for me.

I just realized that my answer greatly depends on when I was buying the bike. So, my previous answer was based on when I was originally in the market for a bike. There are now some other interesting bikes available or soon to be. The newly unveiled Yamaha XSR900 is interesting. I also like the Suzuki GSX-S1000F. The Kawi Ninja 1000 is very cool, too.

(11-24-2015, 01:11 PM)ride4now_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Before I bought my first CB I was thinking about buying Harley's XR1200. I've liked them ever since I saw the first one at the 105th. celebration in 2008 in Milwaukee. I thought one would be perfect as a smaller, albeit fun, bike to keep in Florida. Fast forward to 2012, and I find they've been discontinued due to slow sales. I even half heartedly called around, and I visited a few dealers in Florida and Georgia looking for a used one and no dice... none to be had. Then in January 2013 I saw an article about the CB in Motorcyclist and was hooked... and there was no going back.

(11-22-2015, 08:38 AM)Pterodactyl_imp Wrote: [ -> ]And if the VFR 800 didn't exist then maybe a GSX1400. If the GSX didn't exist .........

Oh no. In the fortieth iteration I ended up with a Prius. Or was it a Road King? AAAARGH!!!!!!!

Cheers

Now, that's some spread... Prius? or Road King? 4 wheels or 2? Hmmm...

Now, that's some spread... Prius? or Road King? 4 wheels or 2? Hmmm...
Ya got me mate. The fortieth iteration arrived in that area of brilliant, but sometimes confused, ideas that exists in an ill-defined zone between the first and second bottle of full bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Cheers

(11-20-2015, 07:15 AM)Pete Erickson_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I have it. A 2009 Moto Guzzi v7 Classic.

If it was available, a Kawasaki W800 would be nice.

How do you like that Guzzi. I was looking at them but now that the CB is out. Not sure..

I would still have my Tuono, but if the CB1100 didn't exist I would perhaps be interested in the new Thruxton or a BMW R9T (although it's more than I'd want to spend). Maybe even a (low mileage) Duc Monster 1100 EVO; I've always loved that 2-valve, air-cooled twin.

This all goes back to why I love the CB so much. It's not the fastest bike or the most high tech, but it has the perfect blend of classic design, modern performance/technology, build quality, reliability, price etc. Plus it is also a great platform for customizing into a cafe racer if that's your style. The fact is I could have purchased the above bikes mentioned, but I chose to get the CB1100.

I'll chime in. I owned two V7 Classics. By far my favorite bikes in 40+ years of riding, but with limitations. Very fun, plenty of power unless you are not well endowed, very soulful, excellent handling, all sullied by a lousy US dealership situation. The CB is appliance-like by comparison but much more capable, worlds smoother, more stable, a bit roomier, and probably better built. It really depends on how you intend to use the bike. I suppose I could attempt a 600-mile day on my CB. On the V7, there's no way. But for a fun 200-300 mile day on twisty backroads, it's a revelation. Just plain FUN.

LoneRanger, you brought up a great point when you mention "It really depends on how you intend to use the bike."

My situation may be different from others. I use the CB as my daily commuter to work as well as running errands, local casual riding etc.

My Tuono is mainly for the weekends (though I ride it into work every Friday). It prefers to stretch it's legs on windy open roads/canyons; riding around downtown LA rush hour is like 95% clutch action, not fun at all.

As for long distance/touring rides, CB1100 for sure.

And I also agree with your comment above, the Tuono' s V4 engine has the most intense, raw and rough sound (like evil and angry). The CB's exhaust is way different but that's how l like my daily (and long distance) ride to be.