All Black Motor - Can you do anything with it?

[Wanka_imp]

First post. I started the post over at Triumph Rat forum CB1100 vs. T120. Both nice bikes. Now here in Canada you can only get an all black CB, fenders, motor, wheels, everything. Now Honda said they designed this bike for 40 to 50 year olds. Now I'm 58 and grew up with these bikes, they weren't all black. I'm ok with some black, I can paint fenders, etc. but is there anything you can do with an all black motor?
This is a major sticking point for me, otherwise this bike might be in my garage!

[Capo]

Pretty sure you can swap out engine and front sprocket covers easily, check out Samurider.com, the source of many good things for the CB.


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[dsinned_imp]

Different strokes for different folks . . .

I really like my "all black" standard model with the possible except of the chromed front fender. I think the fender would look better - more of an "integrated" look - if painted gloss black like the tank and frame. A chromed rear fender is still fine. I also like the black engine and wheels to match. The only thing that would look better is chromed wire wheels, but I'm still happy with the solid spokes and rims painted black.

Triumph has an "all black" Bonneville as well, but their MATTE black does not do it for me. However, I almost went for a new T120 in GLOSS black. The chrome on that bike is almost perfectly complimented by the black paint job. Late last year, I wound up getting a leftover 2015 T100 with a dealer repainted tank (was orange, now silver). It is an absolute stunning modern classic!

Btw, I'm 67 and love BOTH my late model Triumph T100 and Honda CB1100 just the way they looked on the dealers' showroom floors. They literally dazzle me just as much now every time I look at them parked in my garage. The chrome accents on both bikes, especially the T100, really goes a long ways to beautify these retro bikes. But, as far as truly classic retro looks, the Bonneville takes the prize.

OTOH, Honda takes top honors when it comes to the best overall design, with a much better blend of old and new in the CB1100 design. In that regard, I'd have to say getting a 2014 CB with the "new" 6 speed is a MUST HAVE! This is the smoothest running motorcycle I've ever ridden (over 30 and still counting).

As far as Triumph's new T120, it's a beautiful bike, with a six speed as well, but loses it appeal - at least to me - because all U.S. dealers are currently selling them at full price! For close to $5000 LESS, you can still get either a leftover T100 or CB1100, and with the savings, load them up with accessories and make them your own.

Bottom line, you'll be happy with ANY of these bikes whether they have a black engine or not!

[beardyweirdy@me.com_imp]

How about taking all the covers of, stripping the paint off and polishing them... Should come up nice. Easy done, you don't have to split the cases, leave them black. You could take the black of the barrel fins as well. Just run a dremel or some fine paper on a block along the edge of the fins, then polish up the bare metal. I had that on a ZRX1100 a while back and it looked great.

[Wanka_imp]

The bikes for Canada are totally black. I like the chrome fenders, oh well. I didn't think of trying to take the paint off the covers and polishing them. Great idea. I kinda thought about the fins but wasn't sure if it would work and I wouldn't want to mess it up if I tried. But what this does is give me more options if I buy one?

[Glackie_imp]

Hey Wanka,

I've got a 2014 standard from the States which has chrome fenders and tail light that I'd be keen to swap with you if you ended up buying the all black model. I love the black fenders.

Cheers.

[DaSwami_imp]

My 2014 CB1100 gets a ton of looks.....no mods for me!

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Welcome to the forum! Ex-RAT member here, too -
I have a red '13, and the engine-matching silver cylinder barrels are one of the things I really like about the '14 DLX - just not enough to tear apart the engine to have them re-painted!
But, as mentioned, Samurider has some great options to change things up for you, and his customer service is second to none.

[DAC]

It's all in the "eye of the beholder." The black engine of the '13 is one of the things that made me wait a year hoping for a silver engine. Honda did not disappoint. They came up with the '14 DLX which gave me the silver engine and much more.

For such a functional machine, looks are inordinately important for a motorcycle. I had a '03 VFR in silver that had '07 silver wheels and the combination was stunning. Much better, IMHO, than the stock black wheels. Functionally there is zero difference.

Oh and Welcome Wanka!

[riceburner_imp]

In the eye of the beholder,I absolutely love my all black engine.I could stand there and look at it all day and it gets better looking every minute.