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+--- Thread: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike (/showthread.php?tid=1829)
RE: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - bflint - 06-23-2017
Hmmm. I just got back into cycles after 30+ years. Started with CB750 for a couple of days (literally) and then bought CB1100. I think body size and strength is a big factor. I am 61yrs 6ft 2151b and work out at gym (not a bulky guy but can leg press 300+ 1bs). The CB750 seems somewhat light on the freeways but I loved it. I taught my 28 year old 5'6" 1301b to ride the CB750 and she seemed good with it. Granted, I had some previous experience on a CX500 30+ years ago, but I became very comfortable on the CB1100. WARNING - Someone said you might drop it ... well I did while my ex-CHP neighbor was putting me thru his mini-CHP driving course .... was making U-turn in upward sloping driveway and engine died in turn because didn't have correct throttle/clutch combo. This cost me a new front break lever. The CB750 would be perfect starter bike in my opinion. The CB1100 is about 701bs heavier, but it perfect for cruising.
RE: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - F800GT_imp - 06-23-2017
Welcome !
Riding the CB1100 fast out there on the open road and not crowded is not that hard. It is when you have ride a heavy bike at slow speed then things get more difficult. Knowing how to stop a fast and heavy bike when you encounter a dangerous situation is a different story.
It's hard to ride a CB1100 in crowded areas with cars, pedestrians, dogs, deers, bicyclists ... crossing your path. If you add gravels, blind turns, oil, pot holes, ...
I would suggest to start with something like the Rebel like others have already mentioned or the Suzuki S40 ( http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Boulevard%20S40/2017/S40.aspx ) to gain experience, and learn to anticipate dangerous road conditions to avoid them. The Rebel or S40 will be a lot more forgiving.
RE: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - Nekura_imp - 06-23-2017
My first street legal bike was a CBR500r. I also had a Kawasaki Vulcan 500EN. The cruiser actually lasted me a lot longer than the sport bike as you don't have the same power expectations. I hit the CBRs limitations after about a year or so.
That said, I got hit by a car on that CBR and having 400 pounds of motorcycle on top of me sliding down the road sucked quite a lot. 550 pounds would have sucked a bit worse. As it was, I had to pull myself out from underneath that bike (mostly my legs, and when you're hurt that weight feels quite substantial).
I have to agree with the above. The CB1100 is heavy and its a bit of a barge on the corners (I'm a sportbike guy, so I'm used to leaning way over, which I'm paranoid to do on this thing because the center of gravity is so much higher).
On a side note, sub 600cc is cheaper on the insurance if you don't have five years+ in, anything not called 'sportbike' or classified as a 'super bike' is as well.
RE: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - warman_imp - 06-23-2017
I asked myself all those questions the OP asked. After not riding for twenty five years I almost felt like I was going too big with the purchase of my CB1100. I would have bought something smaller but to there was nothing like the CB100 in style or price. Had the bike been a offered in a 750 as well I would have bought it instead.
With me it's the power more than the weight. My motorcycle safety class got me passed the weight issue with two days lugging around a Harley Street 500. With fifteen crash bars it weighed over 500lbs I'm sure.
I'm lucky in that I have plenty of seldom travelled paved roads to practice on. I too would recommend buying something smaller and used for a first motorcycle.
RE: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - Wisedrum - 06-24-2017
It's not easy to give you a fitting advice for to buy or not to buy the CB as a newcomer in motorbiking, because I'm riding motorbikes for such a long time. And of course have had my falls to the ground and paid my dues.
On the other hand the heart should approach what it yearns. If you have some strengh and discipline, you can master the daily art of survival driving such a bike as the Honda. I takes time and even more experience to really get used to all aspects of motorbiking. I imagine the situation that you start on a smaller bike and always feel so drawn to the CB. Not so satisfying I guess. Some people learn real quick, some very slow. So, find out who you are. The Honda once in motion is easy to handle, has a good frame and smooth but good power from down under. If you rev the throttle hard, it offers a lot of suprise in the lower gears. So one should be careful in the beginning. But you can cruise around with it all day long, something the CB seems to be made for. It is fullfilling, if one has the choice, not get stuck with or hang up with a compromise, but to by something you really like and want to grow with it. A motorcycle with all its mechanic is fore- and utmost a very emotional thing, at least for me. And it should be enlightening whenever you look at it. And it should function well whenever you want to go out for a ride. The CB is a master of both.
Wisedrum
RE: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - tinboatcapt_imp - 06-24-2017
Start small and used. One story of buying too big:
I scored a great deal on a practically new ST1100 because the previous owner, who bought new after 30 years of not riding, dropped it in the first 600 miles. He dropped it in his own driveway trying to turn it around. Then he let it sit in his garage for three years. I won, he looses.
RE: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - bigsheep_imp - 06-24-2017
I watched a YouTube review where someone said the CB1100 is so smooth and easy to ride that they'd recommend it to a beginner. But I don't think engine power is the only thing to consider. Having a lighter easy handling bike is good for beginners because we often make mistakes which are easier to correct on a 376lbs bike than a 560 lbs bike that has a higher centre of gravity. Learning to handle a motorcycle with something light, I never dropped a bike but if the cb was my first bike the close calls could have been drops. I waited a year to get my experience, and insurance break. My first bike was a 700 but it had similar power and stance to the 500 rebel which I think if you're comfortable on and like the look is a fine starter bike. My Honda dealership sold out of them in a few weeks one the season started.
Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - pittycheria_imp - 06-24-2017
So I bought a 2017 CB1100 as my first bike in the US. I have not ridden a bike in 20 years and my last bike in India was much much lighter and smaller. The CB is a great bike and rides much lighter than it weighs. Once you have her moving she glides and is smooth. I spent a few weeks getting familiar with her weight before taking her to the highway. I attended a MSF course and did all my drills on the CB home. I would highly recommend the CB as a starter bike. Please take the time to get used to her weight and realize that most weight related drops happen not at speed but when you are stopped or slow riding into your drive way or garage.
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RE: Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - buckwheat_imp - 06-25-2017
I would say no. There is a good reason Motorcycle Safety Courses provide free to use motorcycles 250ccs and under for their instructional courses. If all you're interested in is the appearance of the CB1100, then download a picture and use it as a wallpaper or print out. You should learn on a smaller bike.
If you do decide yes, make sure you have:
1. Auto insurance
2. Health insurance
3. Life insurance
4. No children or other dependents
If you are sincere with your question, welcome to the forum, and please use caution with your purchase. However, I have a hard time believing the question is sincere and not a trolling attempt. Hey that's just me: I believe in conspiracies and I think outside the box
(:
Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike - josiah.hurt_imp - 06-25-2017
I had never driven a dirt bike, smaller motorcycle, or anything but a car but my first motorcycle purchase was in fact the cb1100.
I wouldn't recommend buying it and trying to drive it home. I trailered it home and then practiced for several days in our huge church parking lot.
It was terrifying and I felt like I had made a very expensive mistake but after a while of practicing in a controlled environment I am now completely comfortable on the bike.
I'm also 6 1 and 175 pounds so the weight of the bike wasn't a huge deal for me.
So my answer is yes and no. You decide.
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