My quest to find a better bike

[GoldOxide_imp]

Being tired while riding the beast is not so much fun.

[Hovmod_imp]

I’ve looked at wind shields for the RS, but I can’t find any that I like.
Perhaps that 5Four one, but does that little thing do the trick?
It makes sense, a wind shield is almost the only thing I’m missing.

But then again, I like switching things up.

Some of you seem to think I’m adding to the CB, but that’s not it. I’m looking for a replacement. I can’t afford having two premium bikes. I have two bikes in storage, one (a 1978 Suzuki GS1000E) in atoms and a Ducati 900SS that I could possibly get on the road in s week or two of dedicated work, but I can’t have two new ones.
Since the CB1100 is so good, I’m taking my time and eliminating contenders one by one.

Henrik, it’s not the Ducati, it’s my back. When I ride my old Ducati or the new Supersport S, fatigue builds up in my arms. Wrists first, then shoulders. When speeding up isn’t an option, I squeeze my knees together and hold my upper body up by my core muscles, and this is what I’m paying for now. I could feel it as I was doing it. Not good! My lower back was injured many years ago, and I just can’t do that anymore. I need a seating position that is upright enough, but I also don’t do well with a very static position. The RS has the perfect stance for me: slightly foreward, inspires moving around s bit. The BMW GS was very static, I’d be stuck in one position, and that hurts my back, too. I’m not dissing the magnificent Supersport, it’s my [expletives] back. I’d love a Ducati.

I really want a test ride on that MV Agusta. Looks so good.

I repeat that surprisingly, a HD is currently top of my list.

I’ve known a few FJR1300 guys, they’re as bad as the GS crowd (and myself on any bike) when it comes to stops. Gas, pee, maybe a hot dog, off we go. This is a good thing, obviously, I’m willing to consider one. It doesn’t appeal to my inner teenager, though. It’s got responsible adult energy. And the older I get (I’m 53), the more I listen to my inner sixteen-year-old. The FJR will have to impress him, too. I guess the hp would help do that. I’m adding it to the list.

No Pan Americas available this season, and if I want one for next year I should order one within the next few weeks, apparently. Hm. I don’t respond well to extorsion, but I am seriously considering it. Gah.

[tj_gee_imp]

My knees hurt just looking at that picture of the guy on the 1000sx.

[Hovmod_imp]

I’m looking at FJR1300 as well now.

[the Ferret]

Just traded in my FJR on a Honda NC 750DCT.

The FJR has long distance comfortable touring written all over it. It big, it's heavy and top heavy and it's got gobs of power. There are a few guys that hooligan them, but it doesn't appeal to a 16 year old. More like someone your age that's ready to take it easy most of the time but get rowdy occasionally. At almost 700 pounds dressed it's not one that you casually throw around in the twisties. It's more like trying to control it in the twisties compared to a lighter bike.

FJR in sport mode (how I kept it most of the time... shorty screen, no bags, no trunk)



FJR in touring mode (when heading out for trips...taller screen , bags and trunk)



you certainly feel it's heft on a road like the Dragon



not so much on the Cherohala.

Great motorcycle though, especially after 2016 when it got some upgrades like cruise, heated grips etc

[Mixagon_imp]

Here's one of my FJR's
I didn't have any problems keeping up with the sports guys in fact I could throw this machine around corners faster than most of them and on the straights it held its own quite easily. That was 10 years ago though and outlooks change.
I was recently tempted to buy another FJR but decided to keep my licence and buy the cb1100 instead and slow down, relax and see more scenery.
[url=https://postimages.org/]

[Rox_imp]

With the bikes you are considering it seems you want something somewhat exotic and high torque . Have you considered an Aprilia Tuono?


The BMW is good but your CB can do just about everything that can do..
The Pan America and Livewire are different. But pricy for what they are.
The Ducati is great until you have to shell out for the first service.
The Guzzi I have a soft spot for and it clicks many boxes. A reliable offroader too. But power wise it would seem anemic to your CB. If you can get over that jump on the V85tt.

You would think the Aprilia would be expensive to maintain but it kind of isn't. And it's a solid motor in a reliable way. But the performance on them is just over the top. Accessories can get pricy... But that would go with all of your choices.

[Hovmod_imp]

I believe the Tuono is a bit sporty, I have to sit more upright. I have seen some good reviews, it’s not completely off the radar
I have called it a quest, but I think ‘my year of trying other bikes’ is more accurate. I have this absolutely great motorcycle right now, so there’s no stress or rush about this. The only active countdown is the trade-in value of the CB1100, but that’s not really changing the game, I have time.
The ‘quest’ is about finding a bike that has some features the CB1100 doesn’t have, and that makes me as happy as the Honda does.
I wouldn’t mind a lot of torque, but I also love the way a Japanese inline four changes everything when you approach five digit revs. The screaming chaos. The Guzzi had zero of this. The Livewire was some version of ‘that’ all the time. The CB1100 is a kitten in town and I’m sure many of us very seldom see much over 4,500 rpm, but there’s something insane lurking in this amazing enginee and if you let it out it’s just pure excitement. I want torque but I also want the high rev excitement. I also know that I ride faster if I’m too well protected, a naked bike was a conscious choice. If I am to change my mind on that, I need a bike that has a *something* about it so I don’t just compensate by going faster.

My idea is that it’s HARD to find a worthy replacement for the CB1100, but trying other bikes is FUN. I’m going to keep doing it.

And then buy a used Pan America in a few years.

PS: I’m testing an FJR1300 tomorrow, stay tuned.

[Houtman_imp]

" Trying to find a better bike is fun" That is probably the same as trying to find a better girl friend : you might not find one but is nice trying them out !

[GoldOxide_imp]

If you can give up some top speed, consider evaluating the CMX1100 (Honda Rebel 1100). With or without the DCT option, it appears to be an incredible hoot. No "classic" in the CB1100 sense, but still very smooth and throaty by twin standards. Nevertheless, available torque won't be a problem.