Finally found some time and managed to put some Kaw W650 gaiters on the front of my CB. Took about an hour as reported.

Before

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After

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I love this bike and everything that it stands for. No nonsense, bare bones, working man's bike. Great price, awesome performance, I'm hoping to get one at the beginning of next season. Love it.

I just splurged and bought everything all at once to get it over with! So now I will have the Hakofugu mirrors, chrome meter covers, chrome shortened chic rear fender, TSR intake cover, K&N filter, Yoshi black full system, fork bellows and PCV on ma bike. I'm just excited and wanted to share. Will post pics once it's all here and together. Takashi said it'll be a few weeks for the fender order though.

For many years I used to go to the International Motor cycle Show in different cities. (Philly, Greenville and the last one in Charlotte in 2013 )
After the 2008 financial melt down they got worse and worse.
Did any one go to Orlando last year to the AIMEXPO and was it worth going ?

Here in North-Central GA it is certainly possible to ride year round but once things get warm there are a large number of folks who ride around dressed like pirates (we also have Power Rangers year round).

Over the last couple of days I have seen several of these folks smoking while riding, including one dude with HUGE ape hangers with a cigarette wedge in the corner of his mouth and it got me thinking about the whole concept. I quit smoking 20+ years ago and am not vehemently anti-smoking for others, but doesn't the increased wind flow just make them expensive little buggers just burn up right quick? Does one not get ashes in the eyes?

My bike (2013) has six usable spots that each hold a 10amp fuse. The bike comes with 3 spares, a 30amp, 20amp, 10amp fuse. Now your never suppose to put a bigger fuse in a smaller fuse spot, cause you could burn up your electrical system. I replaced the 30 & 20amp spare fuses with each a 10amp fuse. So what the deal with Honda giving me a 30 & 20amp fuse as a spares?

When I was visiting the Triumph dealership there sat a very unique bike with a preowned price tag of $44K. Guesses as to what it is? Year was 2012 or 13, so not valuable due to vintage status.

Backgound:
So, in essence, I am a very green rider. I’ve logged more miles on pedaled powered bikes than I have on motored bikes…. Seriously. I didn’t start riding until I was 36 (3 years ago) and that was just so I could spend time with my dad. Before then, I only remotely had an interest and the idea of riding 75mph, on two wheels, even to this day, seems a little unnatural…

… but here we are. Like most things, I want it now and the only way to get a 13 or 14, with a trade in, was to travel 200 miles to a dealership in the Ozarks. I had to nut up and hit the open road. Overcome some discomfort (or fear) and in the process, I realized that there was a part of me that did, in fact, enjoy 65mph on two lane black tops. Still not fond of 75+ on the interstates but at least I know I can do it without white knuckling it the whole way.

So, enough about my fears and inadequacies.

So why a Honda CB1100? It had to be metric. It had to have retro style (it’s the hipster in me) and it had to be well built. I was very into the idea of a Triumph Thruxton or Bonne. Sitting straight up, with my feet in front of me was not an option. I could not explain it then, but after riding the CB, I understand why.

My Actual Critique:
The control and ease of operation is amazing. I feel extremely confident and purposeful on the CB. The power is more than adequate. The power is very linear too. Which also makes it an easy bike to ride. I never feel like I’m in the wrong gear. Before buying, I thought an 1140cc motor was overkill; I’m glad I have it. I never liked turning from a stop. Always felt weird and felt like I always had to take it slow. This thing, you just point and shoot.

The CB has changed my perspective on motorcycling. I’m not just thinking of cruising the boulevards and the cities back roads. I’m actually thinking of touring. Cross-country? Not quite there yet but at least I have that option. I’m sure many would consider other bikes as dedicated touring machines (I’ve always loved GS BMWs). It seems this machine is very versatile. Something easy to hop on for a 12 mile commute. Something to gear up for that 4 day trip and damn, after parking it, I always check it out as I’m walking away. You know what I’m talking about. I really don’t have any complaints.

Just kidding (My complaints):
- The seat really is only good for a couple of hours. After a 10-minute stand/walk, I’m usually good for another hour.
- The grips are too small and too rigid. My hands get tingly numb in no time. Have to constantly change riding position and/or grip.
- Hand controls are a little cramp.... How many accidental honks has it been?
- Too quiet (exhaust mods on the way).
- Its too versatile*


* Yes… I said it. I think this bike can be too many things. The Triumph(s) probably could not tour as well. A GS just doesn’t have the look of a bike I want to cruise down to the local hang out spot or bike night. I want to make a café racer out of this bike but I also want to drive it to the coasts and destinations in between. Does this bike have an identity? Is that what made them so special in the 70s/80s?

If its not obvious, I really like this thing. I can’t imagine riding anything else. I really have to be patient though. I like to mod things and the problem is, I’m trying to grow a little as a rider and let that growth govern what I do to it. However, some things are universal. Its getting some exhaust treatment and the color, chrome, trim combo of the 2013 standard is going to completely change (more to come). The tough things are screens, seats, handlebars and anything that changes riding geometry. My short legs, long arms, tall torso and large (and heavy) frame are making it hard for me to understand what it is I need.

I like to call that white people problems. Whining about not knowing what to spend money on, for my third extra vehicle.

I'm looking for help on what paint to use on my engine to repair an area where it has come off for some reason. it's not a lot but it bugs the heck outta me! Anyone else experienced this? I guess I could take it back to the dealer and see what they say...
I have been going over my bike since I got it and have discovered more than a few items I missed when I bought it. It has chrome gage covers, center stand gone, aftermarket turn signals, and a staintune chrome slip on

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Currently have a 2013 NC700X. Found Pro Caliber parts on the internet. Bought luggage and mounts substantially lower than other Honda dealers, and free shipping. Checked prices from another Honda dealer online and a stock CB1100 fender was $80 appx. less at PC. Haven't checked anything else, but will when I buy a CB1100. These folks are on the left coast and I live in GA. Not affiliated with them but do recommend.