I really like the 2017 CB1100 EX and am currently doing comparison shopping with the Triumph Bonneville T120. The things that bring me to the Honda are the inline 4 engine and character it brings. The triumph brings a similar package but uses a lower revving twin, but it comes with heated grips and has an option for cruise control. Both have a good sound coming out of the box and Motorcycle.com with their review has them pretty much neck and neck.
My concern has been the after market support for the 2017 CB 1100 model as it has been difficult to find the items i want to add to it. With these questions I have started to lean towards the Bonneville and am hoping this forum can help me out. Below are the additions i want to add. One of my questions is do the accessories from the 2014 model fit on the 2017? Your help is appreciated.
--Heated Grips - Plan on going Honda
--12 Volt Adaptor put on handlebar - Hook up to battery or is there a socket to use?
--Chrome Rear Carrier - Honda website does not have one, does 2014 fit? Online not showing options for 2017.
Howdy and welcome to the forum.
there is plenty of aftermarket support in Japan thru Samurider and Webbike and some others.
I have the CB and my brother has the new water cooled T-120 Bonneville. I love mine, he loves his. I have ridden his and can't stand the throb from the engine which he likes. Both bikes run the exact same rpms at the exact same speed. His is probably a little stronger in roll on than mine, but since we don't race them can't say for sure. neither is lacking in roll on power.
His did come with heated grips and 2 ride modes but with the 2 tone paint cost $14K and we couldn't find a dealer that would discount them.
Member VLJ from California is a very experienced rider and shopped them both as well. He ended up with the CB. You can read some of this thoughts in the threads below if you choose to. It may help you decide.
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=12121
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=12356
You can get a rack here:
https://www.samurider.com/?p=25975/#itemImage
They are a forum sponser too. The owner is Mr. T (Takashi Takasi I think he spells it. We just call him Mr. T)
For the power there are a couple of ways depending on how much current you are wanting to draw. For USB type stuff, an SAE pigtail wired into the accessory connector in the headlight shell will work. Then plug in whatever adapter you need. For vests or gloves, etc. wire it to the battery.
And Ferret posted while I was typing...
All things considered, I am going to guess the T-120 outsells the CB1100, so from an aftermarket standpoint, I would assume more stuff is available for the Triumph (and they certainly offer more factory accessories through their catalog than Honda). In either case, the items you're after shouldn't be too difficult to source for either bike. Be sure to ride both before deciding on either. And please keep us posted as to which you buy!
Talk to Jeff McLennon at Des Plaines Honda. Tell him that you were referred by Matt Coyne. He'll probably give you to someone else on the sales floor, but I think you'll get a fair price from them. This won't help you with your aftermarket questions, of course, but maybe it will help you decide on which bike you are going to choose.
I bought the factory Honda rear rack for my 2017 CB1100 EX from Samurider and had it in my hands 9 days after I ordered it. Obviously the fit is perfect and the installation is very easy. A heated grip kit is available for the EX through U.S. dealers, though it is kind of pricey. I understand the appeal of the Triumph for sure. The riding positions are pretty different as well, with the Triumph foot controls being more far forward. The rider’s knees are less bent, but it’s a bit less sporty of a riding position. I don’t think I could have bought a new T-120 for the $9,800 (plus freight) my new EX cost me.
I had a T120 Black and really liked it. In performance terms there's nothing in it. I thought the power modes (road & rain) and traction control were a complete waste and I dont know anyone that ever used that feature. I didn't. The honda can hold onto a gear that bit longer because of the higher RPM's (for easier overtakes) without changing up mid pass but neither are sportsbike fast anyway. I'm quite heavy (17 ish stone) and feel the honda is more substantial under me (even though they weigh similar amounts). There's something 'right' about seeing a big engine poking out from under the tank. The T120 is not quite gorilla on a childs bike but you know what i mean. The ride by wire throttle on the T120 was feather light but the bike could often be quite jerky holding a steady throttle say riding through a village or town and that was annoying. Thats how they all are according to my dealer. The T120 is quite nicely built and you can see effort was put into designing it but small things let it down, IMHO the honda is much the better quality bike. I certainly wouldnt put you off a T120 if you go for one over the CB but its probably like choosing a tasty burger instead of a prime steak......
You never go wrong with buying a new Honda product , we have bikes , SUV's and many Honda powered tools. Never had any problems.
Had 4 Hondas: 2 Accords (new and used) and 2 CBs (demo and used) = very happy with all of them
...but if you want to know how many friends I have with Honda products, this post would be toooo loooong...
Mr. T at Samurider has everything you'll ever want. And if you see anything you like on a bike not on his webpage, send him a pic and he'll find it for you.
And it all arrives at you door, from Japan, in less than seven days.
Worry not.