03-13-2017, 12:00 AM
Just got back from a 7 week trip to Costa Rica where I work with a study abroad program. My ride there is a Honda CGL125:
[url=http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/a-honda-cgl125-in-costa-rica.854572/page-14]p14 of 15: this year's trip
So yesterday I got back on the CB1100; had it on the battery tender and it started right up after the trip. Started to head out, braked while straddling the bike, walking it down the drive, and it just about leaned over too far...wow, this is a little heavier than the 125 which is all of 250lbs. Remembered to check the air pressure, and it hadn't lost a bit, perfect at 36f/42r psi.
The CGL gear shifting goes from neutral, and then all down, so going back to the CB I mis-shifted about a dozen times on a 30 mile trip. Bike felt heavier than an anvil...but coming from the CGL with drum brakes made the CB's feel like I had some real stopping power. Some say the CB is under-powered (!), but I say strange to accelerate and feel the bike take off like a rocket. Memory started to take over about 3/4 through the ride and the bike became smooth again.
My "first impressions": a very smart looking bike with plenty of power that has the weight I don't mind for hiway riding in the good ol' USofA.
And, to the comments that the bike doesn't have or isn't this or that...most of it's all about perspective, where you're coming from. Overwhelmingly, the response to both the CB here, and would you believe it, the CGL125 in CR, is...awesome bike! Although I do prefer the CB for here in the Sates.
But if you ever get the chance to ride a CGL125 in Costa Rica...

So moral of the story is...want a new bike? Go travel for 2 months, come back and enjoy your beautiful new CB1100!!!
[url=http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/a-honda-cgl125-in-costa-rica.854572/page-14]p14 of 15: this year's trip
So yesterday I got back on the CB1100; had it on the battery tender and it started right up after the trip. Started to head out, braked while straddling the bike, walking it down the drive, and it just about leaned over too far...wow, this is a little heavier than the 125 which is all of 250lbs. Remembered to check the air pressure, and it hadn't lost a bit, perfect at 36f/42r psi.
The CGL gear shifting goes from neutral, and then all down, so going back to the CB I mis-shifted about a dozen times on a 30 mile trip. Bike felt heavier than an anvil...but coming from the CGL with drum brakes made the CB's feel like I had some real stopping power. Some say the CB is under-powered (!), but I say strange to accelerate and feel the bike take off like a rocket. Memory started to take over about 3/4 through the ride and the bike became smooth again.
My "first impressions": a very smart looking bike with plenty of power that has the weight I don't mind for hiway riding in the good ol' USofA.
And, to the comments that the bike doesn't have or isn't this or that...most of it's all about perspective, where you're coming from. Overwhelmingly, the response to both the CB here, and would you believe it, the CGL125 in CR, is...awesome bike! Although I do prefer the CB for here in the Sates.
But if you ever get the chance to ride a CGL125 in Costa Rica...

So moral of the story is...want a new bike? Go travel for 2 months, come back and enjoy your beautiful new CB1100!!!



But not to be facetious...it wasn't meant to be a comparison--at all--I was simply marveling at how the CB feels not having ridden it for for two months while spending lots of time on a little 125 and how that throws off one's...let's say "rider callibrations". That's all...oh, and to plug my riding report on ADV if there's any interest. Take care.