If my 599 and Sportster had a Love Child

[the Ferret]

If you don't plan on this being your last motorcycle... Then down the road, will a used 14 with 6 speed and upgraded instruments be worth more, or be more attractive than a used 13 with a 5 speed? If so, what is the real difference is cost today on the two models?

Personally I have never been good at looking down the road ( but some people do). I generally buy what appeals to me right now.

[juliancates_imp]

If you don't plan on this being your last motorcycle... Then down the road, will a used 14 with 6 speed and upgraded instruments be worth more, or be more attractive than a used 13 with a 5 speed? If so, what is the real difference is cost today on the two models?

Personally I have never been good at looking down the road ( but some people do). I generally buy what appeals to me right now.

That's a good point, and I also never give much thought to the resale value and actual cost of ownership. I'm usually more focused on acquisition costs and what it's going to take RIGHT NOW to get that bike in my garage.

[shdwghst457_imp]

It's simple if you buy the CB you will sell both your other bikes I have had them all. This CB is the best bike I have ever owned
Michael

More and more I'm coming to the same conclusion. It just seems to fit exactly what I'm looking for in a bike right now.

Now to figure out WHICH one I want. There are some great deals on both leftover and slightly used '13s. I see a zero mile 13 for $8200 near me, and there are some tantalizing options here in the classifieds. Local dealer has a 700 mile demo 13 that they would sell, no idea on price but probably attractive.

Then there's the 14's. I'm not really interested in the DLX, but I very much like the looks of the black standard. Plus, all the 14 goodies. But is it worth $2k-$3k more? Hmm...

Remind the dealer that that demo bike has more miles than some bikes I've seen for sale as used, and offer him 6500 for it! Also, see if it already had the 600 mile maintenance done, and make sure it was done thoroughly. I could see a dealer doing the bare minimum for a demo bike.

If you're a highway rider then the 6th gear might be enticing on the 2014. What's the general consensus as to what RPM the 14 is doing at 70MPH in 6th? It's 4K in 5th on the 2013 (I believe this is true for the 2014, as I believe the ratios are the same for first through fifth).

If you don't plan on this being your last motorcycle... Then down the road, will a used 14 with 6 speed and upgraded instruments be worth more, or be more attractive than a used 13 with a 5 speed? If so, what is the real difference is cost today on the two models?

Personally I have never been good at looking down the road ( but some people do). I generally buy what appeals to me right now.

As riders we should ALWAYS be looking down the road

[Red Mist_imp]

You are on the right track. I had a couple Sportsters, a 1200 Sport and 883. Had quite a few 600-class I4s, too. The CB is about the same weight as a Sporty but a totally different ride. Big, smooth, torquey power, very refined compared to the Harley. Real rideable.

[juliancates_imp]

I must admit that I find myself also looking at the Triumph Bonneville. I'd love to see a comparo between the 2014 CB1100 standard and the Bonnie T100 Black. Anybody had both, or do a serious comparison before buying?

[MFGUSA_imp]

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=46

It's a little old but I'm sure they are completely unbiased observations... Uhumm.

There are also some comparisons of the two '14's on the internet. The Bonneville sure is a sharp looking bike.

[Capo]

I have a '13 CB and two modern Bonnies. I know these bikes compete in the same market segment, and on specs, the CB wins handily. But I still love the Bonneville for it's nimble handling, vintage style and characterful engine. The Britishness of the bike lends it a very different character than the CB. And the customization potential is far greater, and at a more reasonable cost, than the CB. The Honda is the 'better' bike. But that doesn't make it better for everyone. Try them both, buy what you like best.

[lackskill_imp]

I have previous experience with a GSXR 750, a CBR 929rr, and a sportster. The plastibikes were from my distant past and the sportster was more recent. I don't have the self control or talent for crotch rockets, so when I started shopping for bikes again last year I immediately started looking at stuff like the Fat Bob, night rod, and other cruisers. I eventually found that I didn't want to pay for a Harley and broadened my horizons a little. I ended up with a CB1100 because I felt like it was forgiving enough for someone just getting back on 2 wheels after a hiatus yet still offered enough in the way of challenge and excitement to stay interesting for a while. It's comfortable enough for a moderate commute (I do 80 miles round trip), especially after a seat upgrade and a windshield, but I don't think I'd ever do a 1000 mile day. Not that this bike was intended for that.

If an R6 is a scalpel and a road king were an 8lb maul, I'd consider the CB to be a 24oz ball peen.

I personally found the stock seat uncomfortable after about 20 miles. 40 miles was about my breaking point. The stock suspension is a little harsh, but significantly more forgiving than the sportster I've spent time on. My wife is comfortable on the upgraded pillion for about 40 miles, but after that she needs a stretch, but that's mostly because of the cramped pillion ergonomics. I think I could use about a 1" up and back bar riser. I'm 6' with a 6'-2" wing span and the amount of lean is either too little or too much. It's right in the uncomfortable spot for me and my back pays for it. Modifications and cargo options aren't a strength for the CB, but there's enough out there, for my tastes, if you look hard enough. If you need a seat, another member on here had good experience with http://www.laamseats.com and my experience reflects his exactly. I got my seat back this weekend and did about 300 miles between Friday and Saturday. At the 40 mile mark my riding partner on his road king with deep sundowner saddle was having to stop. I was good to keep going.

I bought my CB on 3/1/14. 2 months and 3 days later, I'm still happy with the purchase, but I'm already looking at the future. If I were more comfortable on 2 wheels, I probably would have skipped the CB and went straight to a sport tourer, but things being as they are, I needed a more friendly platform to start with. This time next year I could be on a Triumph Trophy SE.

[Ridem32_imp]

Lackskill: is your bike a 13 or 14?
Michael

[lackskill_imp]

13, non-ABS.