What's Great About the CB1100?

[Red Mist_imp]

1. Looks. It "gets" the retro thing down perfectly. How many times have you been asked what year the bike is? Stone cold perfect, in my view.

2. Brakes. 10/10 here. They are superb, sourced from an earlier CBR1000RR. Terrific power, great modulation, well-matched to the mission. (Non-ABS owner here)

3. Chassis. For this type of bike, the steel frame is hell-for-strong and doesn't really exhibit much flex until pushed hard. By that time you'd be wanting another bike anyway as you're running out of cornering clearance. Forks are pretty massive, swing arm is stout.

4. Engine. Runs like a Swiss watch. Power band as flat as they come, but pulls hard to redline, and will get you out of harm's way whilst stretching your arms pretty well. Smooth, substantial, and just looks right. It's the centerpiece of a damned fine motorcycle.

5. Feel. This thing feels like a real motorcycle ought to. Ergos are good, but easily tailored to most riders. All-day freeway rides are cake. Slamming through the rough, tight twisties is no issue if you know what you are about.

6. Instrumentation. Just the facts, ma'am. Nice big analog clocks up there, don't need no stinking gear position indicator. Love to zing that needle into the red zone; the bike loves that.

Feel free to add to this list.

[AzBob_imp]

I agree the looks are perfect. The mirrors are very nice and large and buzz free. I like that it has a hazard light switch (not that I've used it). I love the wheels, their shape as well as their dual-color, and their size. I like that it has a center stand, and the ability to (relatively) easily add a rear-rack. I love the shape of the tank as you look at it from like 3/4 (behind, offset to the right or left). I also really like the pegs.

[the Ferret]

The CB 1100 is just a great all around motorcycle, like it's ancestors, capable of doing almost any job asked of it from cafe to tourer, all with stunning good looks.

No muss, no fuss, no drama, throw a leg over it, turn the key, hit the switch, and its ready to transport you across the country or back in time.


What IS the going price on a time machine these days Mr Peabody?

[redbirds_imp]

You stated it perfectly Red Mist. I'm in total agreement with your assessment

[Red Mist_imp]

You stated it perfectly Red Mist. I'm in total agreement with your assessment

[enzo_imp]

What puts a smile on a short ass like me is that I can put both feet flat on the ground when the bike is a stop. (still). And still be comfortably seated.

[Capo]

The thing they got so right with the CB1100 is how they made each element of the bike a hero. The tank. The engine. The curved headers. The fat, chrome fenders. It really has a presence that dwarfs far more powerful and expensive machines. It forces long looks. While beauty is subjective, there is something about the sum of, and the individual parts of the CB that make it special.

[Red Mist_imp]

The thing they got so right with the CB1100 is how they made each element of the bike a hero. The tank. The engine. The curved headers. The fat, chrome fenders. It really has a presence that dwarfs far more powerful and expensive machines. It forces long looks. While beauty is subjective, there is something about the sum of, and the individual parts of the CB that make it special.

You said it. I looked long and hard at this bike before I bought it. I didn't want to buy an antique, I wanted a machine that was in fact a work of rolling motorcycle art but still had exemplary function and fun, as well as serving as a workhorse. That's just what I got. Oftentimes a car or truck will pace me on the freeway, which sets my alarm bells off, but it's just someone staring at the bike.

It really does look like a lovingly restored classic Honda. When I put on the tires, for example, I noticed the acorn nuts inside the front fender were chromed. Chromed, and you can't even see them! Now that is attention to detail.

Not to ruffle any feathers, but it is common for these things to be modified on later models as a cost-saving measure. It may not seem like much, but the bean-counters really do look at every nickel. Fasteners, the quality of plating or materials, cosmetic details; all of these can be subtly downgraded with each succeeding model.

[Mick65_imp]

I, ve been toying with the idea over the last couple of yrs about having an old cb750k1 but I dont want to keep fettling and messing about trying to keep up and running, so the 1100 fits my needs to perfection, even if I dont use it much I, ll lovingly gaze at it because its beautiful in every way.

[Red Mist_imp]

I, ve been toying with the idea over the last couple of yrs about having an old cb750k1 but I dont want to keep fettling and messing about trying to keep up and running, so the 1100 fits my needs to perfection, even if I dont use it much I, ll lovingly gaze at it because its beautiful in every way.

Indeed!