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+--- Thread: Anyone feel underwhelmed? (/showthread.php?tid=1834)
Anyone feel underwhelmed? - mrhonda1987_imp - 06-17-2013
Hey Dudes. For as long as I've pined for the CB1100, since first looking at the Tokyo Motor Show's prototype, I'm finding myself underwhelmed. At only 26 years old, I can't look back fondly at the 70's and the great CB's of the era, although I've owned a few. A CB350, CB500T, CB750, etc. All great. But this new one leaves me... let down. I understand it was never going to win drag races against ZX14s or out-cruise a Harley, but compared to more modern offerings, it seems like the 11 is a bit boring.
I took my CB350 down the highway yesterday and I was grinning ear to ear the entire time. Took my 919 for a 60 mile loop around my house and back, and was completely into it. Did the same ride on my 11 a few days later and I couldn't have been more bored.
Maybe, although I've loved my old CBs that I had, it was simply because they were mine. The nostalgia hasn't fully enveloped me. Maybe that's that mystique that Harley owners insist 'I won't get.' Maybe cruising around on old tech, however modern, and harkening back to the old times, isn't my bag. If the CB750 in 1969 was the Ferrari 250GTO of the day, this CB11 isn't the F40, or the Enzo. Its a F50. It looks fantastic but isn't near as good as that which came before it.
Anyway, that's my .02 on the matter. Having lived with it, it makes me love my 919 that much more. I'm seriously considering downsizing and just enjoying not having the debt.
Anyone else want to chime in?
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - Ack-CB11_imp - 06-17-2013
I'm old and at least it's faster then most Harleys. I don't know if it's boring or just real easy to ride. I like it anyway, does everything just good enough for me at this stage.
I can't even remember 26.............
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - Scoobynut_imp - 06-17-2013
I can't imagine a CB350 being better to ride than a CB1100, but you own both so I won't dispute you on it.
You said you rode the same route as you had ridden the 919 a few days earlier and you were bored. I ride the same old boring roads around here enough and it doesn't matter what bike I'm riding, I get bored -- which isn't the bike's fault. Not sure if that's your case, but it's something to consider.
Lastly, the CB1100 is extremely quiet and user-friendly in stock form, no doubt about it. I added a Staintune muffler to mine and it really does spice up the experience a lot. Give the bike a try with an aftermarket exhaust and it might just change your mind.
In any case, I appreciate your honest opinion. I can see something like, say, a CB1000R being a more competent, exciting bike, but the CB1100 just appeals to me more. I like how it matches my mood no matter how I ride it; most modern (non-cruiser) bikes just like to be pushed, but aren't so enjoyable when you just want to mellow out and enjoy the ride and the scenery.
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - Deanohh_imp - 06-17-2013
Sell it to someone who wants it more than you.
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - oldyaler_imp - 06-17-2013
(06-17-2013, 06:34 AM)mrhonda1987_imp Wrote: Hey Dudes. For as long as I've pined for the CB1100, since first looking at the Tokyo Motor Show's prototype, I'm finding myself underwhelmed. At only 26 years old, I can't look back fondly at the 70's and the great CB's of the era, although I've owned a few. A CB350, CB500T, CB750, etc. All great. But this new one leaves me... let down. I understand it was never going to win drag races against ZX14s or out-cruise a Harley, but compared to more modern offerings, it seems like the 11 is a bit boring.You may have answered your own question.
I took my CB350 down the highway yesterday and I was grinning ear to ear the entire time. Took my 919 for a 60 mile loop around my house and back, and was completely into it. Did the same ride on my 11 a few days later and I couldn't have been more bored.
Maybe, although I've loved my old CBs that I had, it was simply because they were mine. The nostalgia hasn't fully enveloped me. Maybe that's that mystique that Harley owners insist 'I won't get.' Maybe cruising around on old tech, however modern, and harkening back to the old times, isn't my bag. If the CB750 in 1969 was the Ferrari 250GTO of the day, this CB11 isn't the F40, or the Enzo. Its a F50. It looks fantastic but isn't near as good as that which came before it.
Anyway, that's my .02 on the matter. Having lived with it, it makes me love my 919 that much more. I'm seriously considering downsizing and just enjoying not having the debt.
Anyone else want to chime in?
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - wildezt_imp - 06-17-2013
Cant blame you mrhonda1987 , well I guess you had to live it once to re live it .
apart from all the great things the 1100 is, it's a very emotional bike. The emotional connection I have with the bike is good enough for me than all the other stuff that comes with it.
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - CBville_imp - 06-17-2013
Hey MrHonda,
I definitely get what you are saying about the CB11. Are your other bikes modified? Since you have other bikes, what was your main reasoning behind adding the CB11 to the stable?
I ask because I also own a 12' Triumph Bonneville and 12' Triumph Speed Triple. Both Trumpets are quite modified and I believe they add significantly to the riding experience. Compared to those two bikes, the Honda sure is lacking in overall character. However, it is no fault to the Honda as it was engineered to perfection. Whether you consider this bland because it does not have many quirks, or appreciate it for being built so well is for you to find out. I definitely think adding an exhaust will make for a better experience, it did for my other two bikes.
I myself bought the CB11 for riding two up, riding exclusively when the cold weather comes, and also for general touring/commuting duties (I plan to get a small windscreen, add heated grips, and also a luggage race and topcase). I think it excels in this regard and will easily do it better than both Triumphs will. I don't consider it boring because I would rather ride in a motorcycle than in a cage any day so I still have a great deal of fun on it.
This past weekend me and the wife went on a 120-mile ride through scenic back roads and we had an awesome time. There is no way I would do that ride on my other bikes. I think it's important to add bikes with differing purposes to the stable. If you plan to do similar riding on the CB11 that you could do on your other bikes, I do think you will be somewhat disappointed.
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - thumper_imp - 06-17-2013
All of us are different, and what stirs one man's soul won't necessarily work for the next guy.
I loved my 919 (especially after putting an Ohlins on the back), but that bike was simply a naked sportbike, with 17" premium rubber at both ends, and an engine that just loved having its neck wrung. The 919 was a blast on twisty back roads, but like a devil on your shoulder, it just wanted to run at triple-digit speeds.
The CB11 is a much more relaxed machine, that doesn't beg me to ride it hard, or fast. That's what I love about it. It's my comfort ride.
When I'm in a quick mood, the CBR1000RR or the VFR1200F are always willing to scratch that itch.
Good luck on your quest to contentment.
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - HikerToo_imp - 06-17-2013
When I was 26 I was in to fast sport bikes, at 50, I feel lucky to still be alive and love owning and riding the CB1100 at a reasonable clip.
Hope to be alive another 20 or 30 years.
RE: Anyone feel underwhelmed? - the Ferret - 06-17-2013
I dont think you're in the demographic this bike was meant for, although some younguns seem be be enjoying it. For many my age this bike harkens back to a fondly remembered time and place. The golden age of motorcycles. It's everything those bikes were only better.
No its not as fast, or handles as well as the FZ-1 I sold to buy it, but I don't need that speed anymore. I've gone fast. Now I'm just as happy not going that fast. Wait another 35 years, look around at what hey are riding then, and I'll bet you really had your 919 again, or a chance to buy a new one. That's what many of us have done, bought a new bike like we had or wish we had 35 or 40 years ago
Its not Benny Goodman, its not Limp Bizkit, it's the Beatles. If your radio station isnt on Rock Classics from the 60 s and 70s you'll probably find this bike boring. I'm usually humming Jefferson Airplane, or Simon and Garfunkle when I'm riding. This bike isn't even Boston material.
I'm as pleased as a pig in slop with this bike.