Rare triple CB1100 sighting in the wild

[petec_imp]

So for those that have owned smaller displacement UJMs and now own the CB1100 how much does difference does the extra power make in your happiness?

The things that are difficult now (with my CB250) are:
-riding up steep windy roads, such as the mountains of north GA
-riding 2 up above 40-50 mph
-anything on the interstate
-looking like a tough guy next to friends with R6's and Harley's

The pro's of the smaller bike are:
-light weight for parking/city riding etc
-negligible insurance/gas costs
-low maintenance--only fluids are oil and gas
-less temptation/capability to go too fast?

None. It's not the power, it's the overall balance of all the components that does it for me; everything compliments the other and it all works so smoothly, seamlessly and effortlessly that is so hugely impressive and satisfying. The styling got our initial attention for sure, but that it's a 1100 is moot, really.

But...I personally favor small, and although I absolutely love this bike (even taking into account the first flush feeling of intial ownership that we have all experienced before), if there had also been an air-cooled, fuel-injected, across-the-frame 4, 450 lb., 2013 Honda CB550 with the same basic design brief as the 1100, I would've bought it. No question...

Pete C

[Guth_imp]

Hey will, thanks for sharing that great little video. Awesome.

I rode dirt bikes when I was a kid and then stopped riding. 27 years later, I picked up where I left off, but on the street instead of the dirt. I bought a 1988 Honda Hawk GT (a 650). The Hawk is rather underwhelming when it comes to power, but its got nice torque down low and is just such a cool bike in my eyes. I've really had a blast with it and it isn't going anywhere. The Hawk feels like a feather compared to the CB1100 when rolling them around in the garage (it's around 150 pounds lighter), but the CB1100 is surprisingly light feeling and maneuverable upon launching, even at very low speeds. Two different bikes, two different experiences, both enjoyable. At times, the lightness of the Hawk is great around town, but the extra weight and stability of the CB1100 is really nice out on the highway. The CB is actually a bit more flexible, as it too is really great to ride around town (with the exception of moving the bike around while parking), but the Hawk is not nearly as comfortable out on the highway as the CB is.

Before I bought my CB1100, I wished that Honda would have thought about releasing the CB in more of an "upper middleweight" size, say like an 800. But after living with the bike, I haven't given it another thought. I like the way this bike rides/goes/stops/handles so well, that I just don't care anymore. If it was an 800, or a 650 for that matter, and it felt the exact same way, the I'd be fine with that too. I've read too many people commenting on the CB1100 elsewhere that for a 1100, the bike should be this or it should be that, etc., etc.. What most of these people are missing is some seat time on the bike.

Small or large, for me it all comes down to the individual bike and how it feels/performs/rides, regardless of the numbers associated with it.

[willsmith_imp]

Thanks for all the comparisons and deep thoughts guys! I took my girlfriend on an evening ride last night on the ol' CB250 and was reminded why I bought it. I think she'll (the girlfriend and the bike) will have to stay around for awhile longer!