Yeah, I know, I'm preaching to the choir, but I just gotta say it; this bike does sooo many things so very well. I luv this thing

I'm heading off to Kentucky Motor Speedway from near Evansville, IN!

I plan on riding along IN 66 which follows the Ohio river and stopping at the Overlook Restaurant in Leavenworth, IN http://www.theoverlook.com/, then to New Albany.

The Overlook to used have fried chicken livers, couldn't stand them as a kid, but I seemed to develop a taste for them in later years.

My daughter and family already have a camper set along the in field to sit on top of for a birds eye view of tonight's race, so I might hit I-71 the rest of the way.

But will probably take the KY side on the way home tomorrow along US 60.

This brought a smile to me this morning.

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Dxy4n0UT82o?rel=0

One thing I found to be an enjoyable part of "The Motor Company" experience was the dealer network. Specifically the fact that the dealers, almost without exception, had merchandise out the wazoo. Bolt on accessories, apparel, trinkets, kitsch, souvenirs, chemicals, parts - oh, and even some nice motorcycles.

A few dealers even have full restaurants that even non-riders could enjoy. The extent that the MC goes to with branding means that you could always be assured that you would find a little something different at each dealer. Even specific to the locale.

I know guys that plan rides and trips around hitting the dealers along the way - they are just that good.

Does anyone have a Honda Dealer that fits that bill? As I travel, I admit that I enjoy stopping in where I know I'll be welcome as a rider, be able to take a break among fellow enthusiasts, shop for "stufff" and maybe find something "I can't live without" , kick tires and talk shop, etc etc.

The one that I can recommend to my fellow travelers is Niehaus Honda in Litchfield, Illinois. Litchfield is a very small town right off the highway about an hour north east of St Louis, Mo. Despite the small, out-of-the-way town, the Dealer is huge by metric bike standards (they carry Honda and Yamaha) with a very large, very well stocked showroom of new bikes and even a large free standing building across the parking lot that houses at least a hundred used motorcycles of every name and size. This is a destination dealer. They sell a lot of bikes throughout the region and have a very good reputation.

What really attracts a guy like me is the opportunity to sit down in a little mock cafe seating area, have a soda or coffee (free of charge - they only ask for any donation you might care to leave which goes to charity), use the restroom, and SHOP for STUFF! And they do have lots of it. A very broad assortment of apparel and riding gear that goes way beyond t-shirts and caps - this is the place if you need to replace the gear you left at home or try something that you thought was only available on-line. Accessories? OMG, from chrome to sound systems, especially if you're on a Wing. A must stop for sure.

Since they happen to sit on a portion of the old Route 66 road, they also have a wonderful assortment of souvenirs tailored to that experience. And if you like vintage bikes, the parameter of the room near the ceiling is a virtual museum of old rides sitting proudly on display.

Nope, I don't have any vested interest. I just really appreciate dealers like this - of any brand - and would love to know of others that I can enjoy during my travels.

Happy trails!

Never had a tank bag before, always relied on just a tail bag and/or saddlebags. But I didn't really want saddle bag stays on the CB and the tail bag just wasn't always quite enough. Sooo, picked up my first tank bag, a Cortech Super 2.0 18L. Then did a nice long day ride.

I love it. It's very roomy - and even expandable. It's completely unobtrusive - never interfered with steering, my belly, or my arms. Although it comes with a nice system to secure it with straps and clips, I found the magnets to be all I needed. Even at sustained highway speeds of 80 plus mph, it never budged. At fuel stops I just pulled it off the tank and set it on the seat to access the filler cap. Easy peasy.

And if you stop somewhere and you're worried about security, just carry it along by the handle like a small pack.

Added bonus was the slick pouch inside that is made to carry an extra face shield.

It was pricey but it really seems like a quality product and one I'm happy to have.

Although both my knees have been replaced with Titanium & Polyethylene (true), they still ache a little while riding. Any suggestions on who makes a good set of lower footpegs for the CB1100 ? Thanks, Rocket

I tried to read the two threads about the bad dealers, but couldn't get through them. My anger just kept escalating.
When I decided to buy a Deluxe, I found one in Wisconsin for $9980. out-the-door. No tricks or hidden extras. Although Haul Bikes is running a promo for $525. anywhere in the U.S., it would have possibly been a month before I saw my bike ( Vermont requires special permits for 53' trailers & that makes Haul Bikes wait until they have a full load. ) So, I kept looking.
Found a 2014 CB1100 Deluxe at Parkway Cycle outside Boston for $10,445. OTD. And that price was quoted on the phone. They emailed a confirmation. I made an appointment to pick up the bike . I arrived. The paperwork took about 10 minutes. A tech went over the whole bike with me ( including how to remove the seat !! ). They loaded the bike in my trailer, and I drove away a happy new owner.
That is not special treatment. That's how a customer is supposed to be treated. I won't put up with any B.S. I just walk away or hang-up the phone. There are plenty of these bikes around & we deserve to be treated like WE would treat a customer.
P.S. Parkway has a new 2013 on the floor for $7999. Rocket.

So I thought I'd share a few corners with you all...











Just part of a slightly spirited ride on a beautiful day

Hey! Has anyone used the black Kimja grab rail and the clamp on backrest??

http://japan.webike.net/products/19872185.html

http://japan.webike.net/products/9450313.html

I need to see pictures of how this looks but can't find any..

Two months in and here are a few mod's I've added to the 1100.

R&G Sliders make a good foot rest.


Painted side covers and luggage bars gloss black, R&G sliders, low view of the Corbin Mercedes blk leather seat.


PSR Dagger short levers.


Corbin seat in Mercedes Black, Thx chipbeck.


chipbeck inspired license plate braket (1/4" Plexi).


I'm waiting on my K-Fac 4 into 1 full exhaust system, matt black. Can't wait!

Cheers!