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Testing 2017 CB1100s - Henrik_imp - 05-22-2017

This weekend near my place, Honda was doing test ride days. This is a great place to ride, with one of the most popular motorcycle riding roads of the area, and this time of the year there are ride days almost every weekend. Next should be BMW and then Ducati, but this time it was Honda!

So, yesterday I headed down there with my brother to have a look. I had in mind to try the new CB1100s so as to compare to my 2014 EX.

First the EX. I think the new tank looks better in real life than in pictures. Mind you, I still prefer mine, especially the all silver engine, but otherwise things were pretty much the same. It was strange though as it felt a bit lighter than mine even if there is no actual difference. All in all, I am happy to see that they continue with this wonderful bike, and have been able to make some minor aesthetic changes which are quite successful. Both the old and the new look great.

The the RS. I really do like the looks! For me the first thing is the new handle bar, and I am convinced to get the same one for my bike. I have been wanting a lower bar for a while, and the one on the RS is perfect for me. The shocks are better, and allow perhaps for a sportier ride, as does the 180 rear. that said, I actually prefer the softer feel on mine, as well as the more nimble 140 rear. So, great looking bike that I am sure I would have bought if I did not have my current one, and I will get those bars!

After that, I had a go on the Africa Twin. I used have the 750 back in the 90's , and always loved that bike. This new one was really amazing! I found it very comfortable, and way more nimble than the likes of the GS. I could really imagine having one of these to go touring with! Tried also the automatic version which was very disturbing to me at first, but extremely efficient. I didn't feel like I was pushing hard, but my brother on the standard Africa was struggling to keep up, and we ride in a very similar way. Great stuff!


RE: Testing 2017 CB1100s - HBFL_imp - 05-22-2017

(05-22-2017, 05:25 AM)Henrik_imp Wrote: This weekend near my place, Honda was doing test ride days. This is a great place to ride, with one of the most popular motorcycle riding roads of the area, and this time of the year there are ride days almost every weekend. Next should be BMW and then Ducati, but this time it was Honda!

So, yesterday I headed down there with my brother to have a look. I had in mind to try the new CB1100s so as to compare to my 2014 EX.

First the EX. I think the new tank looks better in real life than in pictures. Mind you, I still prefer mine, especially the all silver engine, but otherwise things were pretty much the same. It was strange though as it felt a bit lighter than mine even if there is no actual difference. All in all, I am happy to see that they continue with this wonderful bike, and have been able to make some minor aesthetic changes which are quite successful. Both the old and the new look great.

The the RS. I really do like the looks! For me the first thing is the new handle bar, and I am convinced to get the same one for my bike. I have been wanting a lower bar for a while, and the one on the RS is perfect for me. The shocks are better, and allow perhaps for a sportier ride, as does the 180 rear. that said, I actually prefer the softer feel on mine, as well as the more nimble 140 rear. So, great looking bike that I am sure I would have bought if I did not have my current one, and I will get those bars!

After that, I had a go on the Africa Twin. I used have the 750 back in the 90's , and always loved that bike. This new one was really amazing! I found it very comfortable, and way more nimble than the likes of the GS. I could really imagine having one of these to go touring with! Tried also the automatic version which was very disturbing to me at first, but extremely efficient. I didn't feel like I was pushing hard, but my brother on the standard Africa was struggling to keep up, and we ride in a very similar way. Great stuff!

It's great to get some input on bikes I'll never see or ride in the states. Thanks!


RE: Testing 2017 CB1100s - Nortoon_imp - 05-22-2017

(05-22-2017, 05:25 AM)Henrik_imp Wrote: This weekend near my place, Honda was doing test ride days. This is a great place to ride, with one of the most popular motorcycle riding roads of the area, and this time of the year there are ride days almost every weekend. Next should be BMW and then Ducati, but this time it was Honda!

So, yesterday I headed down there with my brother to have a look. I had in mind to try the new CB1100s so as to compare to my 2014 EX.

First the EX. I think the new tank looks better in real life than in pictures. Mind you, I still prefer mine, especially the all silver engine, but otherwise things were pretty much the same. It was strange though as it felt a bit lighter than mine even if there is no actual difference. All in all, I am happy to see that they continue with this wonderful bike, and have been able to make some minor aesthetic changes which are quite successful. Both the old and the new look great.

The the RS. I really do like the looks! For me the first thing is the new handle bar, and I am convinced to get the same one for my bike. I have been wanting a lower bar for a while, and the one on the RS is perfect for me. The shocks are better, and allow perhaps for a sportier ride, as does the 180 rear. that said, I actually prefer the softer feel on mine, as well as the more nimble 140 rear. So, great looking bike that I am sure I would have bought if I did not have my current one, and I will get those bars!

After that, I had a go on the Africa Twin. I used have the 750 back in the 90's , and always loved that bike. This new one was really amazing! I found it very comfortable, and way more nimble than the likes of the GS. I could really imagine having one of these to go touring with! Tried also the automatic version which was very disturbing to me at first, but extremely efficient. I didn't feel like I was pushing hard, but my brother on the standard Africa was struggling to keep up, and we ride in a very similar way. Great stuff!

I would have preferred an all aluminum engine as well. But I do like the looks of the spoke wheels.

On my first short ride on my CB1100 EX I found the ride very cushy compared to my CB500XA. I wondered if this was an improvement over previous CB1100s because of the Dual Bending Valve front forks. Did you notice a difference?


RE: Testing 2017 CB1100s - Henrik_imp - 05-22-2017

To be honest, I really did not feel any difference between my 2014 and the 2017 EX in the forks.

Oh, and my EX (in Europe) has spokes already, so I am all set there!


RE: Testing 2017 CB1100s - bigsheep_imp - 05-23-2017

I've been to a demo ride last year and I was at the dealership while one was going on this year. Never seen a CB1100 on a demo over here in Canada. Maybe if they let people try them, they could sell a few more?