MCN has now tested the 2014 Std (Jan '16) and 2014 DLX (Jul '14). The Std has a reported GVWR of 891 lbs, and the DLX, which is about 30 lbs heavier, has a reported GVWR of 922 lbs. Fair enough.

What I find curious is that both bikes have the same reported carrying capacity, about 350 lbs. All things considered equal, I'd expect the Std to have a 30 lb. advantage over the DLX, since they're essentially the same bike and ride on the same tires. Thoughts?

Moving along with my personalization efforts. Changed out my front sprocket to a 19T cog, added a chrome chain guard and installed the silver plastic sprocket cover that I got from Samurider.

My Corbin seat also showed up early, so I mounted it too. Boy is it comfortable, but it sits a little lower than my stock one, so I may be looking at riser extensions now. In the picture you can see that I also got the front turn signals installed when I was installing my heated grips. Everything is coming together well.

Next project is to install a four into two exhaust system. I have the stock headers from a 2014 DLX model (thanks, Motogeezer!) and a set of OVER Racing slip on mufflers. I also had to purchase about $300 of Honda mounting parts to install everything, but I'll do a separate write up on how the exhaust conversion went and any challenges I ran into.

This is almost as much fun as riding it!

[url=http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/ronsteinbruegge1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/11E50C7B-73DA-4690-9126-7191E63FA879_zpsjcy8jccy.jpg.html]

I have mixed feelings about my son riding a motorcycle. Southern California is not the safest place for those of us on two wheels. Plus, he's 22 years old. I think back to the craziness and invincibility I believed I possessed at that age and it makes me shudder. The thought of him going down and getting hurt really messes with my head.

Another part of me is excited at the prospect of riding together. It would be great to share this passion of mine with him. There are very few things that compare to the feeling I get while riding and none that I do as frequently. I would love for him to experience the same joy. I would love for us to experience it together.

He's always been an athletic, coordinated kid, so I have no worry about him mastering the skills of riding. It's all the uncontrollable dangers that scare me. I'm brought back to the day I let him ride his bike to the park alone for the first time. The anxiety was nearly overwhelming until I heard the back gate open and he came inside, all smiles. He must have been 8 or 9. I'm sure I'll be just as anxious when he rides off on his motorcycle for the first time.

His plan is to take the basic rider course then buy a slightly used Kawasaki Ninja 300. It looks like a great little bike. Even after the course, I'll take him to some large parking lots and we'll practice some more, eventually making it onto surface streets in light traffic and slowly progress from there. My hope is that he'll soon be riding rings around me. And my biggest hope is that he never feels he has anything to prove and that he takes things slowly.

I'm excited and terrified...

Anyone know if the cams from a ca. 1980 CB1100F are a drop in fit for a 2014 CB1100?

[url=http://s875.photobucket.com/user/rc750/media/DSCN6154_zpsrabsozax.jpg.html]

Anyone know where to get a CB1100 poster? I did a search but couldn't find anything. Did Honda have any promotional material at all for the bike?

Anyone had any success spray painting chrome--like black paint? Will it stick?

I was going to post all of my mods (come to learn they are called Farkles - and I though this was a significant perma-grey group) when I finished, but the electric plug and 19/35 gearing won't be visible and I have posted bits and pieces already in multiple threads, so I will consolidate it here.

Started in order with Battery Charger(not shown), then: Honda engine guards, Strada throttle grips, Omni Cruise, Mr T Honda Rear Rack, Puig Wind Screen.

Engine guards & W/S here


Strada Grips


Rear Rack


Omni Cruise (w/s too)


Sort of everything


OOPs almost forgot. I'll have to update when I install my RLETS. And one day luggage.

PO told me that the bike he sold me was an ABS model. How can you tell for sure?

Suzuki's makeover of the SV650 could be one of motorcycling's best deals. The original SV650 was a great bike that proved popular as an inexpensive track-day scooter because of it's reliable motor, light weight and good handling. The two DL650's we've had that use this same basic motor have been reliable machines, easy to maintain, good fuel mileage (up to 67 mpg on Pam's V-strom) and great fun for the buck. This 2017 version has a boost in power, an all new steel frame and a low seat height. I could even see it equipped with a screen, bags, a better seat and making a good light touring bike. A change to dual purpose tires and a skid plate, a scrambler.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/11/27/201...icma-2015/