Help, I'm falling for a white Interceptor...

[kDiqq_imp]

Yeah, the CB is wide, the suspension is way too soft and lacks adjustment, and I can't put better tires under it due to the odd size. That and it just doesn't seem to transfer it's large weight very easily.

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[CIP57_imp]

Unless your intention is getting a knee down in the corners, I can't imagine what issues one would have with the cornering ability of the CB. Perhaps you could explain the problem.

+1 Red,

The CB transition's better than some of the SS I've owned. Cross-backs are a breeze with very little counter steering needed in the fastest corners. Suspension needs to be set hard in front and back. The only problem I've found is hitting corners hard with imperfection or dips there is a slight wallow but the PR3's corrected most of that, you need to also keep your foot above the peg or they touch down quick. One of the more confident bikes I have owned cornering, you always know its limitations.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Yeah, the CB is wide, the suspension is way too soft and lacks adjustment, and I can't put better tires under it due to the odd size. That and it just doesn't seem to transfer it's large weight very easily.

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kDiqq, with due respect, I can't agree with your assessment of the CBs cornering qualities. I have had enough experience of standard (vintage by today's standards), modern naked street, sport and sport touring bikes to believe that the CB, while not perfect, certainly holds it own. For example, recently I spent about 1500miles on an FJR1300 over some fairly demanding roads. The FJR was certainly appealing, no I would have to say impressive, due to the power differential but to tip in and hold, and adjust, a line I could have easily done with the CB. In fact I envied my riding companions who were riding their CBs. I have had extensive experience on a VFR750 and when I went to a dealer for a new bike I spent half a day test riding the VFR800. The 800 was appealing but a different beast to the 750. I then test rode the CB. I returned to the dealer and put down my deposit the CB. OK most of the appeal was in the "retro" factor but the all-round qualities, and elegant simplicity, of the CB was the clincher. Since then I have put up 55,000kms on the CB. Most of my CB riding has been touring over a wide variety of roads - good surface highways, country roads with sweepers and twisties, average surface and approaching goat track mountain roads, lots of dirt and gravel. Carrying a good fair load of camping gear is the norm. The only adjustment I have made to the suspension is to increase the rear preload by one notch. Easy. The tyres I have used were the OEM D205s, BT45s and then non-standard size PR3s. I now have a brand new set of Pirelli Angel GTs fitted. The bike cornered well with all those shoes, although I do have a preference for the Michies. As yet I haven't put a lot of miles on the Pirellis but they seem OK.

Due to set up the CB is not as crisp as, say, a 'Blade, or a Monster. It is not as good a pure tourer as a VFR or ST or FJR. But as a good all round standard retro it is a beaut and it does, believe me, get around corners well enough for most riders. When pushed hard through corners it is stable and responsive to line adjustments. That will do me. But each to his own I guess.

Cheers

[kDiqq_imp]

I figured people would disagree with my assessment. It's all boils down to rider. I'm certain there are guys on Goldwings who could out-maneuver me on any SS. Not only is my ability lacking, but something about how I fit on a CB doesn't lend well to me being able to transfer the bikes weight consistently. Probably has a lot to do with the roads out here not being great too. Any bounce or hiccup in the pavement and I can feel the suspension give way under me. I wish someone in the Houston area would offer to let me ride their VFR The only one I've found locally is at the Honda dealer I bought my CB from and I won't return there due to a really poor experience.

All things considered the CB is a good bike and I will defend that as long as I can. As you said, it does great for being a steel-tube, air-cooled retro standard. I'm just conflicted in trying to decide if it's the best bike for me. It may be, but... it may not be. I have a personality defect that makes me think I can always find a better bike or car haha I've been wrong several times though...

[emptysea]

that's not a defect. the VFR may be the better bike for you. it's a very well-designed bike as is the CB1100, but they are designed for different purposes. you can make the CB do some of the things that a VFR can do and vice versa, but it really is an apples-to-oranges comparison. enjoy your search for the "next best thing".

[the Ferret]

Kdigg, I posted a thread one time pondering if motorcyclists were transients, unable to be satisfied.

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....=Satisfied

Seems most of us have had motorcycle lust in our hearts many times. For me I think it's 29 or so times for street bikes. Another 15 times or so for dirt bikes. The thread is a fun little read I think, listening to how others feel about the subject.

I can tell you this, at this time in my life, the CB is as close to the perfect motorcycle for me as there is out there, and I never plan on getting rid of mine. Of course my goal is to ride another 5 years, and a few more if life allows me the opportunity. I'm sure the CB will last 5 times that long. However, the CB probably won't be my last motorcycle. I can see a 650 Wee Strom, or Versys 650, or NC 700 or FZ07 in my garage someday. Something lighter and more utilitarian in the garage next to the CB, and in place of my ST. The CB will do everything those other bikes can do of course just by adding a few well chosen accessories, but in my mind it is a naked roadster and not meant to wear a fairing, saddlebags and trunk... At least not full time, at least for me.

As such, I completely understand your dilemma. Depending on your age, there may be many more sirens that vow for your attention down the road. I say, if something really speaks to you, go listen for while, and if you don't like what she is saying to you in a year, you can always come back.



.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

kDiqq, don't forget to have a look at the Triumph Sprint GT and the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. There are those who say these bikes have advantages over the VFR, particularly in the engine department. If you are in the mood to drop dollars on the table BMW and Ducati make bikes that put the Viffer in the shade - at a cost. Best to have a good look around or else you may, next year, be on a a Viffer forum falling in love with, say, a Diavel (Carbon Black of course) .

Cheers

[kDiqq_imp]

I looked at the F800GT but it appears the VFR out classes it big time. The Diavel is supremely gorgeous (albeit expensive) but at the end of the day, I'd have to make the conscious decision to buy an Italian bike over a less expensive Honda for the same purpose. I'm not sure if I have the strength to do that haha I love Honda fit and finish as well as their outstanding reliability.

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[Pterodactyl_imp]

Well don't forget to look at the Yammie or the Triumph. Particularly the Triumph. Handles really well. And the sound of that triple is amazing.

Good luck in your search. Cheers

[TINK_imp]

First, I have to agree that the CB1100 OEM suspension is "lacking"... that's why the first mod I did to my 2014 CB1100 Deluxe was a suspension upgrade > http://www.photosbytink.com/cb1100forksprings/
Now I find that the CB is a very capable canyon carver

I also own a 2000 VFR800 with stock suspension, set to my liking. While one cannot compare the CB and the VFR suspensions one-to-one (apples to oranges) they are both capable motorcycles in the hands of a skilled rider.

The biggest difference between the CB's Inline-4 and the VFR's V-4 is the power delivery. The CB has a flat short torque curve between 3K and 6K RPM, while the VFR has a very wide torque curve from 2K to 10K RPM.

TINK