Soon-to-be CB1100 dlx owner with questions

[redbirds_imp]

That video is cool. I'll no longer fear the height of a KTM.

[clearviewx]

Please post some pictures of your bike and Hawaii background after you receive it. Favorite place and favorite bike.

[evanworld_imp]

As long as I can straddle at low speeds, I'm fine. Also a 5-year rider but new to the CB I shared similar concerns which were alleviated after circling the dealer lot for 5 minutes. In 4 weeks of riding the 14 DLX I was only worried when I was unable to get out of a parking position and had to lean in and push the bike back while off of the bike. I lost my footing on gravel yet somehow kept it upright. The image of the Steinway is scary and true. Be mindful of street parking and be sure you can get in and out on the bike and not off. Otherwise no worries.

[808_rider_imp]

Yesterday, I picked up my new 2014 CB1100 dlx. Thanks to all of your suggestions as you were all correct as to what I should expect from the CB1100. I found the higher seat height (compared to my previous Shadow cruiser) was not a very difficult transition but the biggest challenge was the foot pegs and shifting/breaking controls. With the CB mid-mounts and the smaller shift/brake controls, I was in unfamiliar territory. This was especially noticeable when I repositioned my feet after taking off from a complete feet-on-the-road stop. However, after my 30 mile maiden voyage, all was good as the mid mounts on the CB1100 now feels second nature.

Another problem I encountered with the CB1100 that I never had with my Shadow is slight muscle craps in my side butt muscles. I attribute this to the mid-mounts riding position of the CB1100. I am pretty active (regularly run and bike during the week) but I may have to add a few different exercises to target these butt muscles.

Anyway, I love the CB1100 as it has exceeded all expectations. I have only ridden it 30 miles and I am still in the break-in period but compared to my Shadow, the throttle response of the CB1100 is so much smoother. I have not taken the CB1100 it beyond 3,000 rpm but I can tell it will out accelerate the Shadow (which was only had a 750cc). Shifting is also much smoother.

As I put more miles on the CB1100, I will surly post further impressions and I will try to post pictures. Again, thanks for all of your suggestions to this thread.

[Lord Popgun]

Pedal height can be adjusted if necessary. And you can also rotate the handle bars some if needed. Both helped me.

[Rolls_imp]

Vtr1000f love the video

[Todd_K_imp]

Also enjoyed the occasional butt cramp the first couple trips, but(t) it was only a memory after a week of riding.

[Dengie Boy_imp]

808 whilst I am new to this forum, I have owned my Honda for just a little over a year and covered 3000 miles.

About a month ago I finally felt that I was getting to know it after I had been out for one of those exhilarating rides were everything works and you chime with the bike? So pleased was I that I parked the bike outside my garage on the side stand to admire a bit longer before putting her back in the man cave. A throat quenching pint of beer later I marched out front, stood on the left side of the bike, lifted it off the stand, turned the handle bars hard right to push it in the garage and dropped it! As it fell away from me onto it's right side I had one of those moments of do I try and hang onto it and take the risk of falling on top of it and doing more damage? Or do I just let it go? I let it go! Then I had the embarrassment of having to rush indoors for help to pick the heavy beast up off the ground.
Damage was fortunately slight; footrest broken off (NOS pattern part ebay), slight bent brake pedal (straightened carefully with a long piece of tube), bar end weight gouged (removed filed up and resprayed), front brake lever bent (removed and straightened) and gravel rash to what I think is the alternator cover. No damage to the pipe.
6 hours later all was as good as new! What a waste of time.

I know, I know, steering geometry blah, blah, blah. A vital lesson learnt, never push the bike away from you, always turn it in towards you if walking.
I have always wickedly sniggered at Harley riders struggling with their bikes geometry in car parks (and falling off on hard lock). Never again!
In all my years of biking I have never pulled this stunt before and hopefully never will again.
Cheers DB.

[MFGUSA_imp]

So 808, how are you and your CB1100 getting along?

I also purchased mine sight unseen only using a '13 for a physical reference. When the '14 came out it was a no brainer for my wife and I. I'm roughly your size and had several bikes in my lifetime but this one is a Jewel! It will become your indispensable friend.

Around 1980 I rented a 250 Honda Rebel in Waikiki, and drove it all over Oahu. That is forever etched in my memory. So if you need help with you 600 mile service I may be in town. My wife and I will be spending a week in the islands this July so don't hesitate to ask.