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+--- Thread: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) (/showthread.php?tid=1611)
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - VLJ_imp - 01-09-2018
(01-09-2018, 09:41 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: XS1100 as a starter bike!
And a thirty-year-old XS1100 at that!
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - Obleo - 01-09-2018
Man, did the pot get stirred? I am loving these discussions on here. Guth your descriptions on the CB1100 are spot on.
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - Guth_imp - 01-09-2018
Glad to hear it VLJ. Yeah, that Mickey - he's something alright. He was, of course, one of the main instigators of the addictive conversation that took place over on the ADVrider CB1100 thread that I referred to a number of posts earlier.
Regarding the 2014 Standard. I certainly feel that it retains the somewhat leaner, slightly more athletic look of the 2013 that shipped in the red/black/silver combo. But it does so in a much different way obviously. I sometimes wonder if overall, the 2014 Standard appeals more to the youngest* group of CB1100 fans, while the classy 2014 DLX (visually mimicking more of the older CB designs) tends to attract a higer percentage of the oldest* group of CB1100 fans and the 2013 rests somewhere in the middle. I haven't quite determined where I would guess that the 2017 fits with respect to all of this. Not that any of this matters. I'm sure the we could come up with numbers to both support and discredit my "theory". But to the point that I was originally trying to make at the beginning of this thread, they are all special in their own way. The longer that Honda produces this motorcycle, the more special it becomes as other bikes that also remain air-cooled options in this class will likely fall prey to the convenience water-cooling brings to the designers and engineers (amongst a few other key differences that set the CB1100 apart from other bikes today).
* "youngest" and "oldest" both being highly relevant in this case as very few of us around here are spring chickens. I'm thinking about this more in terms of how long ago it's been since we each "came of age as motorcyclists" to borrow a phrase from you.
That was really awesome of egleaves to offer up his CB1100 for a test ride. I'm sure I'm not the only one who looks forward to learning of your impression of the bike. Perhaps not so much due to whether or not it ultimately either satisfies or dissatisfies you, but rather how well it matches up to the vision that you currently have of it based on what so many others here and elsewhere on the web have shared with you.
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - the Ferret - 01-09-2018
At this point I'm not sure I want to know how he feels about the CB after a test ride. I've been telling him how great a bike it is for 5 years now. What if it doesn't live up to the hype? lol
according to our rider age poll we do spread over quite a gap
We have 24 owners in the under 25 group and 9 riders in the over 75 group (I think Rocky is oldest at 80) and 70 riders in the medicare eligible group of 66+.
The biggest group is 56-65 (235) followed closely by 46-55 (232). So 70% of us are 46+
of course not every forum member has taken part in the poll, but it has to be somewhat representative
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - VLJ_imp - 01-09-2018
I'm not really sure what I will focus on most when I ride it, or what might jump out at me. It's a finely tuned Honda, after all, which means it will likely function almost seamlessly, with nothing quirky to distract from the ride. Just smooth, predictable competency.
That whole "lack of character" nonsense, dontchaknow.
I guess I will look for a few things. One, how buzzy is it on the freeway at seventy-five mph? Two, how is the windblast at those speeds? Will I require a small flyscreen to be comfortable at seventy-five mph, or is there enough forward lean to obviate any need for one? Three, is it really as slow as some people say? I know it's going to seem anemic in comparison to the punch of the XSR900, but will it at least be similar to the T120, or will it be so gutless that it frustrates me, as in, "Seriously? I'll have to downshift twice just to zap a conga line of mobile homes on Hwy 395?" (Along those same lines, I'm curious to see what egleaves thinks of the XSR's acceleration, having now learned of his two previous bikes. All I can think there is, "WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T JUST WHACK THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN!") Lastly, I want to see how much that rev limiter cutting in at 6K rpm in the top two (or is it the top three?) gears really annoys me. I've never owned a bike that did that, and it sure seems like it would be awfully annoying to be in fourth gear and accelerating, only to have it suddenly shut down on me at 6K.
Otherwise, I'm not going to push the bike hard enough to learn much about its handling. I know it's soft and heavy, and doesn't like sudden directional changes. That's fine. I'm looking at it for comfort, not for sporty handling.
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - the Ferret - 01-09-2018
Youd better be on a lonnng straightaway if you plan on hitting 6k in the top couple gears lol. Lessee 80 mph is about 4 grand in 6 th, that would make it 85 at 4250, 90 at 4500 95 at 4750, 100 at 5 grand, 105 at 5250, 110 at 5500.. Nope you will tip the top spped limiter before you hit any rev limiter.
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - LongRanger_imp - 01-09-2018
Sorry folks, but I expect VLJ will be disappointed, just based on his expectations and preconceived notions. Slow? Soft and heavy? Anemic? Gutless? Having to downshift twice just to pass a line of cars? Compared to what, an XSR900? It's not a sport bike, or even a sporty bike, but it can be confidently ridden in a highly spirited manner and gives a subtlety and serenity that most sport bikes can't match.
We have a '56 Jaguar XK-140 Roadster. As a kid, I remember my dad taking it to the local drag races and running it against Z-28's and Mach I's. He was dusted every time. The Jag isn't suited to drag racing but on a rolling, serpentine country road, with the top down and a beautiful woman in the passenger seat, it can't be beat. It could care less about 1/4 mile times but it does bring an air of "classic sports car" that no '60's muscle car can match (well, a Cobra or DB4, but certainly not a Camaro or Mustang). I think the CB is similar, in its own lovely way.
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - Frulk_imp - 01-09-2018
I'm solidly in LongRangers court on this. Speaking for myself, the CB1100 has all the performance and handling 'I' need. Will be interesting to hear the results of the test ride.
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - pdedse - 01-09-2018
I know you're anxious to answer the questions via your test-ride, but let's see if you disagree after...
(01-09-2018, 10:59 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: I'm not really sure what I will focus on most when I ride it, or what might jump out at me. It's a finely tuned Honda, after all, which means it will likely function almost seamlessly, with nothing quirky to distract from the ride. Just smooth, predictable competency.Not at all...I've never understood what people mean by this related to the CB1100. Buzzy...compared to what, a bicycle? Then I suppose it could be called "buzzy".
That whole "lack of character" nonsense, dontchaknow.
I guess I will look for a few things. One, how buzzy is it on the freeway at seventy-five mph? Two, how is the windblast at those speeds? Will I require a small flyscreen to be comfortable at seventy-five mph, or is there enough forward lean to obviate any need for one? Three, is it really as slow as some people say? I know it's going to seem anemic in comparison to the punch of the XSR900, but will it at least be similar to the T120, or will it be so gutless that it frustrates me, as in, "Seriously? I'll have to downshift twice just to zap a conga line of mobile homes on Hwy 395?" (Along those same lines, I'm curious to see what egleaves thinks of the XSR's acceleration, having now learned of his two previous bikes. All I can think there is, "WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T JUST WHACK THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN!") Lastly, I want to see how much that rev limiter cutting in at 6K rpm in the top two (or is it the top three?) gears really annoys me. I've never owned a bike that did that, and it sure seems like it would be awfully annoying to be in fourth gear and accelerating, only to have it suddenly shut down on me at 6K.
Otherwise, I'm not going to push the bike hard enough to learn much about its handling. I know it's soft and heavy, and doesn't like sudden directional changes. That's fine. I'm looking at it for comfort, not for sporty handling.
(01-09-2018, 10:59 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: I'm not really sure what I will focus on most when I ride it, or what might jump out at me. It's a finely tuned Honda, after all, which means it will likely function almost seamlessly, with nothing quirky to distract from the ride. Just smooth, predictable competency.Not very bad...unless there's a strong headwind. I did a 5000 mile trip from OR to Illinois and back, and didn't miss having a fairing of any sort. First day the neck was a little sore, after that no problem. Did several 400-450 mile days in a row.
That whole "lack of character" nonsense, dontchaknow.
I guess I will look for a few things. One, how buzzy is it on the freeway at seventy-five mph? Two, how is the windblast at those speeds? Will I require a small flyscreen to be comfortable at seventy-five mph, or is there enough forward lean to obviate any need for one? Three, is it really as slow as some people say? I know it's going to seem anemic in comparison to the punch of the XSR900, but will it at least be similar to the T120, or will it be so gutless that it frustrates me, as in, "Seriously? I'll have to downshift twice just to zap a conga line of mobile homes on Hwy 395?" (Along those same lines, I'm curious to see what egleaves thinks of the XSR's acceleration, having now learned of his two previous bikes. All I can think there is, "WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T JUST WHACK THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN!") Lastly, I want to see how much that rev limiter cutting in at 6K rpm in the top two (or is it the top three?) gears really annoys me. I've never owned a bike that did that, and it sure seems like it would be awfully annoying to be in fourth gear and accelerating, only to have it suddenly shut down on me at 6K.
Otherwise, I'm not going to push the bike hard enough to learn much about its handling. I know it's soft and heavy, and doesn't like sudden directional changes. That's fine. I'm looking at it for comfort, not for sporty handling.
(01-09-2018, 10:59 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: I'm not really sure what I will focus on most when I ride it, or what might jump out at me. It's a finely tuned Honda, after all, which means it will likely function almost seamlessly, with nothing quirky to distract from the ride. Just smooth, predictable competency.I think there IS enough forward lean so that it's not necessary. Remember...it's slow and doesn't accelerate, so why are you considering a flyscreen?
That whole "lack of character" nonsense, dontchaknow.
I guess I will look for a few things. One, how buzzy is it on the freeway at seventy-five mph? Two, how is the windblast at those speeds? Will I require a small flyscreen to be comfortable at seventy-five mph, or is there enough forward lean to obviate any need for one? Three, is it really as slow as some people say? I know it's going to seem anemic in comparison to the punch of the XSR900, but will it at least be similar to the T120, or will it be so gutless that it frustrates me, as in, "Seriously? I'll have to downshift twice just to zap a conga line of mobile homes on Hwy 395?" (Along those same lines, I'm curious to see what egleaves thinks of the XSR's acceleration, having now learned of his two previous bikes. All I can think there is, "WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T JUST WHACK THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN!") Lastly, I want to see how much that rev limiter cutting in at 6K rpm in the top two (or is it the top three?) gears really annoys me. I've never owned a bike that did that, and it sure seems like it would be awfully annoying to be in fourth gear and accelerating, only to have it suddenly shut down on me at 6K.
Otherwise, I'm not going to push the bike hard enough to learn much about its handling. I know it's soft and heavy, and doesn't like sudden directional changes. That's fine. I'm looking at it for comfort, not for sporty handling.
Kidding of course.(01-09-2018, 10:59 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: I'm not really sure what I will focus on most when I ride it, or what might jump out at me. It's a finely tuned Honda, after all, which means it will likely function almost seamlessly, with nothing quirky to distract from the ride. Just smooth, predictable competency.No. It's faster. ... Unless you're used to a bike like the yamaha xsr900
That whole "lack of character" nonsense, dontchaknow.
I guess I will look for a few things. One, how buzzy is it on the freeway at seventy-five mph? Two, how is the windblast at those speeds? Will I require a small flyscreen to be comfortable at seventy-five mph, or is there enough forward lean to obviate any need for one? Three, is it really as slow as some people say? I know it's going to seem anemic in comparison to the punch of the XSR900, but will it at least be similar to the T120, or will it be so gutless that it frustrates me, as in, "Seriously? I'll have to downshift twice just to zap a conga line of mobile homes on Hwy 395?" (Along those same lines, I'm curious to see what egleaves thinks of the XSR's acceleration, having now learned of his two previous bikes. All I can think there is, "WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T JUST WHACK THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN!") Lastly, I want to see how much that rev limiter cutting in at 6K rpm in the top two (or is it the top three?) gears really annoys me. I've never owned a bike that did that, and it sure seems like it would be awfully annoying to be in fourth gear and accelerating, only to have it suddenly shut down on me at 6K.
Otherwise, I'm not going to push the bike hard enough to learn much about its handling. I know it's soft and heavy, and doesn't like sudden directional changes. That's fine. I'm looking at it for comfort, not for sporty handling.
oh...wait.(01-09-2018, 10:59 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: I'm not really sure what I will focus on most when I ride it, or what might jump out at me. It's a finely tuned Honda, after all, which means it will likely function almost seamlessly, with nothing quirky to distract from the ride. Just smooth, predictable competency.Ok, more seriously...I recently test rode the T120 and had a few miles on the hiway...I thought it was similar to the CB1100 in 4th and 5th...didn't get the chance to feel 6th very much on the T120.
That whole "lack of character" nonsense, dontchaknow.
I guess I will look for a few things. One, how buzzy is it on the freeway at seventy-five mph? Two, how is the windblast at those speeds? Will I require a small flyscreen to be comfortable at seventy-five mph, or is there enough forward lean to obviate any need for one? Three, is it really as slow as some people say? I know it's going to seem anemic in comparison to the punch of the XSR900, but will it at least be similar to the T120, or will it be so gutless that it frustrates me, as in, "Seriously? I'll have to downshift twice just to zap a conga line of mobile homes on Hwy 395?" (Along those same lines, I'm curious to see what egleaves thinks of the XSR's acceleration, having now learned of his two previous bikes. All I can think there is, "WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T JUST WHACK THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN!") Lastly, I want to see how much that rev limiter cutting in at 6K rpm in the top two (or is it the top three?) gears really annoys me. I've never owned a bike that did that, and it sure seems like it would be awfully annoying to be in fourth gear and accelerating, only to have it suddenly shut down on me at 6K.
Otherwise, I'm not going to push the bike hard enough to learn much about its handling. I know it's soft and heavy, and doesn't like sudden directional changes. That's fine. I'm looking at it for comfort, not for sporty handling.
(01-09-2018, 10:59 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: I'm not really sure what I will focus on most when I ride it, or what might jump out at me. It's a finely tuned Honda, after all, which means it will likely function almost seamlessly, with nothing quirky to distract from the ride. Just smooth, predictable competency.If you're in 6th, maybe you downshift to 5th at 70mph, depends on how fast you want to zap them.
That whole "lack of character" nonsense, dontchaknow.
I guess I will look for a few things. One, how buzzy is it on the freeway at seventy-five mph? Two, how is the windblast at those speeds? Will I require a small flyscreen to be comfortable at seventy-five mph, or is there enough forward lean to obviate any need for one? Three, is it really as slow as some people say? I know it's going to seem anemic in comparison to the punch of the XSR900, but will it at least be similar to the T120, or will it be so gutless that it frustrates me, as in, "Seriously? I'll have to downshift twice just to zap a conga line of mobile homes on Hwy 395?" (Along those same lines, I'm curious to see what egleaves thinks of the XSR's acceleration, having now learned of his two previous bikes. All I can think there is, "WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T JUST WHACK THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN!") Lastly, I want to see how much that rev limiter cutting in at 6K rpm in the top two (or is it the top three?) gears really annoys me. I've never owned a bike that did that, and it sure seems like it would be awfully annoying to be in fourth gear and accelerating, only to have it suddenly shut down on me at 6K.
Otherwise, I'm not going to push the bike hard enough to learn much about its handling. I know it's soft and heavy, and doesn't like sudden directional changes. That's fine. I'm looking at it for comfort, not for sporty handling.
(01-09-2018, 10:59 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: I'm not really sure what I will focus on most when I ride it, or what might jump out at me. It's a finely tuned Honda, after all, which means it will likely function almost seamlessly, with nothing quirky to distract from the ride. Just smooth, predictable competency.. See Ferrets answer.
That whole "lack of character" nonsense, dontchaknow.
I guess I will look for a few things. One, how buzzy is it on the freeway at seventy-five mph? Two, how is the windblast at those speeds? Will I require a small flyscreen to be comfortable at seventy-five mph, or is there enough forward lean to obviate any need for one? Three, is it really as slow as some people say? I know it's going to seem anemic in comparison to the punch of the XSR900, but will it at least be similar to the T120, or will it be so gutless that it frustrates me, as in, "Seriously? I'll have to downshift twice just to zap a conga line of mobile homes on Hwy 395?" (Along those same lines, I'm curious to see what egleaves thinks of the XSR's acceleration, having now learned of his two previous bikes. All I can think there is, "WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T JUST WHACK THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN!") Lastly, I want to see how much that rev limiter cutting in at 6K rpm in the top two (or is it the top three?) gears really annoys me. I've never owned a bike that did that, and it sure seems like it would be awfully annoying to be in fourth gear and accelerating, only to have it suddenly shut down on me at 6K.
Otherwise, I'm not going to push the bike hard enough to learn much about its handling. I know it's soft and heavy, and doesn't like sudden directional changes. That's fine. I'm looking at it for comfort, not for sporty handling.
Hope you enjoy the test ride!
RE: The true beauty of this motorcycle. (another LONG read) - VLJ_imp - 01-09-2018
mickey, this is one of the videos I've seen that has me wondering...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVDSXaIGEJs
Apparently top gear is limited to 5k, not 6k. Now, does that 5K rev limiter only apply to fifth and sixth gears, or does it include fourth gear too? I know I read somewhere that it cuts fifth and sixth gears, but I think it may also cut fourth gear.
You and Ulvetanna are correct in that I don't really need it to pull redline in sixth. 112 mph or whatever the limited top speed is on this thing is fine. I rarely take the XSR any faster than that, and I usually back off at 110 mph. So, no biggie there. What does concern me, however, is being unable to pull past 5K rpm in fourth gear. That would be frustrating. On those occasions when I do hit 110 mph on the XSR, I'm usually in third or fourth gear, not top gear. Now that I've had the ECU reflashed to remove all the XSR's limiters, I've never even visited redline in fifth or sixth gear.
Moving on...
LongRanger Wrote:Sorry folks, but I expect VLJ will be disappointed, just based on his expectations and preconceived notions. Slow? Soft and heavy? Anemic? Gutless?
I've never ridden the thing, but yes, that is how the bike is described by a lot of people. It's all relative, of course, as a CB assuredly feels like a Hayabusa compared to some bikes, but it apparently feels very slow, soft, and heavy when compared to something as mild-mannered as an R-Nine-T, which isn't a particularly fast, light, or agile bike.
I honestly don't expect to be disappointed by the CB's power. Having spent a decade as a motorcycle dealer, I've ridden a million bikes. I have a pretty good idea of what 550 lbs and 85rwhp from an 1100cc I4 biased for smooth linearity will translate to, in terms of acceleration. I'm not expecting it to slingshot me forward the way my XSR does. I'm simply hoping it will be in the ballpark of the T120 down low and throughout the midrange, with perhaps a bit more on top.
Quote:Having to downshift twice just to pass a line of cars?
Yes, I have read that. I've experienced it myself on other bikes, usually those that have dedicated top-gear overdrives. Where the CB is concerned, supposedly the acceleration is so smooth and linear that top gear simply doesn't provide any immediate acceleration for quick passes.
Of course not everyone says that. Plenty of people who've ridden the CB describe no such problem. I assume it's all down to one's frame of reference/expectations.
pdedse, many ride reviews of the CB mention the fingers-numbing engine buzz, usually with the caveat that it's only present at 5K and above. They also usually add that it's not really necessary, and rather pointless, to ride this bike at those RPM. The long review I just finished reading a few minutes ago said that 75 mph in sixth gear is the point at which the high-frequency vibes begin to become annoying. Below 75 mph it's buttery smooth, he said.
I've certainly encountered this sort of high-frequency I4 buzz before, on many of my own bikes. None of them turned as few RPM as the CB does for any given speed, though, so I tend to believe mickey's descriptions of just how smooth the thing is at real-world freeway speeds. I won't be averaging much more than 75 mph on the freeway. I'll zip it up to 100 now and then, but I won't hang there, so I suspect it'll be fine.