Hello gents,

I just picked up my new (to me, with 7k kms on the clock) '13 CB11 last week. The bike is in showroom condition apart from some discolouration spots on the header pipes, and I hope to keep it looking like that. I am an all year rider, I ride every day if it's above freezing, rain or shine. My previous bikes had no chrome, and engine was coated black (water cooled). I'm slightly worried about potential corrosion of the chrome and exposed metal parts, especially around the engine covers and fins. I've read through the threads about some members' corrosion issues, read about recommendations for ACF-50 (which I just ordered), however I'd still like to hear from some all-weather riders here on what you do:

- do you use any protective coats (like ACF-50) for metal/chrome parts?
- do you blow dry your bike after rainy rides or just let it dry by itself?
- any ways to protect the stunning red paintjob of the tank?
- do you take any other precautions / protective measures?
- how often do you clean the bike through the winter?

I'm also curious to hear if you don't do any of the above, and what results you've had. For info: both at home and at work my bike is under a roof, but exposed to outside temperatures.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

A possible some-business-plus-pleasure, from Montana to Vancouver. This week, or else I do it by mail. I have the week off - dead time, long story.

I was considering one end-of-season trip. But the weather report, Weather Underground, is not encouraging. Highs were to be in the upper fifties...that's okay; I have gear and a windshield; but rainy as well.

I remember from my May trip along the Oregon coast, how miserable an all-day rain was. A Plexistar 2 is no substitute for a Vetter fairing, or the BMW or Burgman/Givi protection. Add to that, I don't have heated gloves or grips.

My gut reaction is to pass; but then I see the sunny skies out here...and where I'm at, it's Alpine desert; it's sunny most of the year...and think of throwing away the gift of screw-off time...and then I start mentally packing again.

Thoughts? West Coasties, especially...

Hi Guys

I have been reading a few posts lately about the frustration we in Australia have towards Honda Australia for the lack of vision/marketing towards the CB1100.

The bike was only released here for a limited time then discontinued.

I for one didn't even know the bike existed until a few months ago and have yet to see one on the roads...

I had Honda in the 70's and absolutely loved my CB400 four. When I saw the 1100 it was like it's big brother is here and I want one!

Well I have just written to Honda Australia and told them my frustration along with a lot of fellow CB1100 lovers that are unable to buy one here!

I'm even tempted to get my mate in Japan to buy one and ship it out here as I've just seen one with spoke wheels that looks stunning!

I'd be interested to hear how many other Aussies are feeling my frustration on here...

Cheers

Al (Blandy) [/font]

Fall Cycle Scene, Thursday through Sunday. 45 minutes away from home Lots of races at the speedway.
Vintage AHRMA, CCS, ASRA, plus demo rides.
Lee and I are camping in the infield. Weather looks good.
Will be bringing the CB with me

For cold weather riding I've been using the plexistar 2 shield from national cycle on my 2013 CB w/ ABS. It does a fine job of protection from the cold but I haven't been happy with wind noise at 35+ mph and significant helmet buffeting at 60+ mph. I've tried adjusting the shield multiple times but I haven't found a position that reduces wind noise and buffeting to my satisfaction. I'm not that tall (6 ft) but if I raise the shield to the max height (chin high for me), I still am not pleased with performance.

I decided to purchase and install the [url=http://parabellum.com/Sport-Shield-Honda-CB1100-2013--P111.aspx]sport shield from Parabellum. I went for the 22 inch screen for tall riders and for the clear plexiglass (no tint).

The mounting is four point and the hardware is stainless steel. It's a very tight fit and essentially no room for adjustment. The biggest problem I had mounting the shield was the left bracket interfered with the hose from the clutch hydraulic fluid reservoir. I had to rotate that assembly back a bit to relieve pressure from the bracket on the hose.

The performance of the shield is perfect for me up to 45 mph. Much reduced wind noise and very pleasant overall. At higher speeds the wind noise increases and I do sense some minor helmet buffeting. Hopefully I can live with the latter. Most of my riding is 30-55 mph since I prefer back road riding.

Also, the shield is solidly mounted to the bike. The mounting of the plexistar 2 seemed less secure to me.

Mounting pics

Has anyone else noticed that the black finish on their horn brackets are pitted?
Granted I live 7 miles from the Pacific Ocean, but, none of my other Honda's have experienced this problem to this extent this early in the bikes life.



My solution was to buff them with 0000 steel wool then refinish with gun bluing. Not sure how long that will hold, we'll see.





Next parts I need to address are the tubes and nuts for the throttle cables.


TINK

this is a thread I have never seen on the form got a cb1100 /13
looking to pull a little trailer on long rides ( I my be nuts )
also to put my cb77 superhawk 1963 having 2 bikes 50 years apart
to do some charity shows ( ok I am nuts ) any one ever seen a hitch on one of these . I also want to say thanks for all the information on this site

I'm clueless about batteries (and really anything mechanical). I haven't been riding much and yesterday the battery went kaput on me and the bike wouldn't turn over. It took awhile but I gained access to the battery compartment. My questions are:

Should I replace the battery or just jump it?
If replacing, where do you all buy your batteries?
Anything special I have to take into account or can I just drop the new battery in?

Hi, I hope making a new thread was the right answer, I just didn't think it made sense to hijack somebody else's power commander 5 (pcv) thread.
Basically I've had my CB for about 3.5k miles, have exhaust and k&n air filter and thought it would be neat to get a pcv installed and have the machine dyno-tuned.
So I went to a dealer/mechanic, paid for the part/installation and this guy says that before I drop it off to have it dyno-tuned, the oil had better be fresh and not be fuller than half-way up the sight glass. I thought this was strange because I had my 2004 Triumph Speedmaster dyno-tuned on 3 different occasions and a second thought was never given to oil level.
Ok, now to the meat of the post, so I put in 2.5 quarts, way too low, made it 3 quarts, still low, a few more ounces, AND I BUSTED. So I let some out, put some back, did this a couple times, and at this point I'm just barely over this "half sight glass." I guess what I'm trying to ask is, do you think this could really be a problem. This guy said stuff about how it could come out into your breather, and back in Triumph land, that's just how the heck the engine deals with when my dumb self puts too much oil in, no big deal. So what do you guys think? I'm tired of playing games with the oil... Thank you for your time.

So, I walked out to my bike on Friday to come home from work and had two old guys looking at my bike. They were in agreement that my valves needed adjusting as the discoloration of my header was a direct symptom. The bike is under warranty (if that matters), but I figured I'd check with you experts on what you think.

Is this discoloration a symptom of valves that need adjusting?
Or is it just something I need to clean with some polish?
Is it possible effing around and revving the bike at stoplights exacerbated the discoloration? (I may or may not do this on occasion).
Is this even the bluing that people talk about?

This is my first street bike after having a couple dirt bikes years ago, and having chrome to polish is something new to me. I'll gladly put in the elbow work if that's all that's needed, but I don't want to ride up to the servicing shop unless I need to. It's a freeway ride into north Baltimore that just isn't much fun.

Anyways, any advice or constructive criticism would be appreciated.