CB1100RS - halfway to first service.

[Haggard Rider_imp]

I have just now passed 300 miles on my RS. Admittedly not many miles since getting it on the 7th Jan, in fact, I've only been out on it five times! But with the weather and Lockdown and only being able to use it for 'essential' purposes, not bad.

Happy to report that I am really starting to 'get into' this bike. The difference between this and the NC750SD it replaced is like chalk and cheese (duh, really?). More specifically, leaving aside the obvious increase in power and its delivery, the suspension is a lot more competent, the turn in is quicker and holding the line in a corner far more assured and the general ride more refined - gives me a good deal of confidence. Not finding a reason to make any adjustments either.

Also, despite the riding position being somewhat more aggressive than the NC, I'm finding that the seat is actually more comfortable on the RS, even comparing to the NC's Shad I fitted, as my weight is now more forward rather than right on the butt and up the back - no wrist pains either, which has surprised me, nor knee issues despite having them tucked up more than on the NC.

I got the NC with DCT to help me get back my confidence riding motorbikes after a couple of offs on my first, 2013, CB by allowing me to develop my motorbiking roadcraft without also having to 'worry' about being in the right gear. Now, after about 15 months, I'm back on a geared bike and back on a CB. I almost went for a new Triumph Trident, even put a deposit down, but that didn't feel right so my new bike could only ever be another CB.

Now I'm finding riding much more rewarding, satisfying and pleasurable - it's what I learnt to ride a bike for and although DCT undoubtedly has it's place, it's just no longer with me. And being in that right gear isn't the 'worry' that, for whatever reason, I had, to start with, perceived it to be.

Yesterday's run saw a return of 51mpg (UK mpg) which I am very happy with, beats my 2013 CB which only managed 45mpg at best although it did only have 5 gears. It was a tad chilly out over some of the higher levels away from the coast and I went out with one layer too few - might was well have been wearing a string vest the amount of wind blast my leathers didn't stop. Roll on warmer days!

But, what really makes me smile when riding is the view across those dials, with the glimpse of the chrome-rimmed, round headlight and the handle bars that have an almost clip-on look to them - emotive stuff for me.

[Cormanus]

Nice report, HR. It's great you're enjoying the bike again.

[GoldOxide_imp]

It must be swell to be back in the CB1100 saddle again. Congratulations Haggard.

For a short while I had both the CB1100 and NC750XD. At the time it was the best of both worlds. The NC got the daily abuse and the CB transitioned to weekend bliss.

[the Ferret]

The CB is without a doubt a great motorcycle if you let it be what it is, as you are discovering. Once above 30 mph it is happy in any gear , so in that respect it's kinda like riding an automatic. Put it in 5th and just ride, the bike will pull you along smartly.

Congrats Haggard.

[GoldOxide_imp]

If there was some practical and safe means of putting the CB1100 air-cooled lump into a "Africa Twin-like" arrangement, and add a modern Japanese shaft drive, that would be my "real" last bike I would ever need. It would be Mecca for me.

[DBM_imp]

If there was some practical and safe means of putting the CB1100 air-cooled lump into a "Africa Twin-like" arrangement, and add a modern Japanese shaft drive, that would be my "real" last bike I would ever need. It would be Mecca for me.

here ya go...

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/05...d-to-know/

[GoldOxide_imp]

If there was some practical and safe means of putting the CB1100 air-cooled lump into a "Africa Twin-like" arrangement, and add a modern Japanese shaft drive, that would be my "real" last bike I would ever need. It would be Mecca for me.

here ya go...

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/05...d-to-know/

here ya go...

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/05...d-to-know/
Of course.

[Tev62]

If there was some practical and safe means of putting the CB1100 air-cooled lump into a "Africa Twin-like" arrangement, and add a modern Japanese shaft drive, that would be my "real" last bike I would ever need. It would be Mecca for me.

here ya go...

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/05...d-to-know/

here ya go...

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/05...d-to-know/
The VFR1200X - A bike that on the face of it that looked like a real winner but ultimately failed, at least in the UK & Ireland. No cruise control, a big glaring omission and it was a thirsty bike being quite heavy with a not so efficient engine. Even the DCT couldn’t save it. Euro 4 too so based on those dismal sales I don't think this will make the Euro 5 line up. That and the non-selling VFR800X too.

[Jfro5687_imp]

I traded a DCT Crosstourer for my current CB. Not an easy decision, really liked that bike. Very under rated but how many times do we hear that about Honda’s eh? If money was no object I would have kept it for sure.