(04-30-2014, 08:53 AM)Red Mist_imp Wrote: The fuel mileage is going to be a function of a few more things than just outright gearing. If the '14 motor can push the bike along at the exact same speed under the same conditions, with the same fueling and exact same throttle opening, then you'll save gas. But as the '14 weighs more, and undoubtedly has more drag due to the larger tank, twin exhausts, and other physical differences, it probably needs just as much fuel per mile as the '13, maybe even more.

We can get more fuel efficiency from aerodynamic changes than any other single thing, and the 2014 has moved a little more in the direction of a barn door as far as air molecules are concerned.

I wondered about the fuel efficiency issue; the six-speed is really providing a closer ratio transmission, which is helpful when the motorcycle weighs more. A lighter bike can get away with having a wide-ratio tranny as the engine can pull it with the available torque and lower revolutions. A bike that's 30 pounds heftier will be more rideable with more closely-spaced gear ratios.

Also the 0-60 times, roll-on performance, and so on are going to be better for the lighter 2013 version.

For me, the 2013 is just at the weight where if it were any bigger and heavier, I'd have taken a pass. Even ten pounds more would have been too much. As it is, it strikes a very nice balance of stability, style, comfort, and performance.

(04-30-2014, 08:53 AM)Red Mist_imp Wrote: The fuel mileage is going to be a function of a few more things than just outright gearing. If the '14 motor can push the bike along at the exact same speed under the same conditions, with the same fueling and exact same throttle opening, then you'll save gas. But as the '14 weighs more, and undoubtedly has more drag due to the larger tank, twin exhausts, and other physical differences, it probably needs just as much fuel per mile as the '13, maybe even more.

We can get more fuel efficiency from aerodynamic changes than any other single thing, and the 2014 has moved a little more in the direction of a barn door as far as air molecules are concerned.

I wondered about the fuel efficiency issue; the six-speed is really providing a closer ratio transmission, which is helpful when the motorcycle weighs more. A lighter bike can get away with having a wide-ratio tranny as the engine can pull it with the available torque and lower revolutions. A bike that's 30 pounds heftier will be more rideable with more closely-spaced gear ratios.

Also the 0-60 times, roll-on performance, and so on are going to be better for the lighter 2013 version.

For me, the 2013 is just at the weight where if it were any bigger and heavier, I'd have taken a pass. Even ten pounds more would have been too much. As it is, it strikes a very nice balance of stability, style, comfort, and performance.

(04-30-2014, 09:00 AM)Tortuga_imp Wrote:

(04-30-2014, 08:53 AM)Red Mist_imp Wrote: The fuel mileage is going to be a function of a few more things than just outright gearing. If the '14 motor can push the bike along at the exact same speed under the same conditions, with the same fueling and exact same throttle opening, then you'll save gas. But as the '14 weighs more, and undoubtedly has more drag due to the larger tank, twin exhausts, and other physical differences, it probably needs just as much fuel per mile as the '13, maybe even more.

We can get more fuel efficiency from aerodynamic changes than any other single thing, and the 2014 has moved a little more in the direction of a barn door as far as air molecules are concerned.

I wondered about the fuel efficiency issue; the six-speed is really providing a closer ratio transmission, which is helpful when the motorcycle weighs more. A lighter bike can get away with having a wide-ratio tranny as the engine can pull it with the available torque and lower revolutions. A bike that's 30 pounds heftier will be more rideable with more closely-spaced gear ratios.

Also the 0-60 times, roll-on performance, and so on are going to be better for the lighter 2013 version.

For me, the 2013 is just at the weight where if it were any bigger and heavier, I'd have taken a pass. Even ten pounds more would have been too much. As it is, it strikes a very nice balance of stability, style, comfort, and performance.

Which is what I was trying to say, but rushed by my other half who was serving food, I forgot to be as eloquent as Red Master!

(04-30-2014, 09:18 AM)BugSpatteredJacket_imp Wrote: All valid points. I appreciate the input. Part of me is just hung up on the idea of 6 speeds more so than the reality of it I suppose. Kinda of annoyed with Honda for doing this...

Oh, btw, I'M the kinda guy who buys an unfaired retro for commuting... I use to ride daily to and from Carlow to Dublin in Irish rainy weather and honestly, I found the windshields to be more of a hindrance at times in lieu of visibility and cross winds, etc...

That being said, my commute in Canada has shrunk considerably and thus, this CB really will fit the bill nicely. I am loving this forum and loving all of the positive reviews for this bike. Though, I have a sneaking suspicion that this bike wont be available in Canada for very long. Just a hunch so I am hoping to pick one asap. Again...