01-01-2020, 12:46 AM
It is with deep regret that my CB1100 is gone. It managed to leave the coral along with the NC750X. I don't blame them. The winter season can be harsh to bear without the convenience of electricity, heat and running water.
- - -
The reality is I couldn't store three animals safely without proper shelter. Also, the CB was no longer enough and this was realized after some learnings from the respected CB1100 Forum that the NC750X was a decent commuter. It didn't take long to determine that I could ride the NC all day.
So what happened?
To start, the CB1100 is a glorious bike. Everything known has been said multiple times from multiple sources in the Forum, including myself. They are obvious and I won't rehash them. However for me, comfort was limited as I needed room to stretch out. I realized contrast immediately with the NC as it is a longer, higher ride, and more upright and compatible for my body frame. To be clear: I can ride a sport bike for maybe 20 minutes max. And sadly, I have also come to realize that the Monkey and I will likely never partner.
I was fine using the CB for short hour-at-a-time runs, but for me as a long distance daily commuter, the NC excelled. The CB was more agile, but needed practically daily refueling. I am going to miss everything about the CB. I paid for long journeys on the CB and especially when they terminated in regional Toronto traffic congestion; my body just did not like it. This is not really about the CB, but me and street standards in general. I have the same or worse issues with other similar bikes. The Triumph T100/120 are examples. The Kawasaki Z900S is higher, but a bit more scrunched like a sport bike and that does not help. However, the Versys 650 fits me well, but the engine needs wringing where as the CB1100 did not.
Secondary benefits of the NC was I could ride it in any weather condition sans snow/ice and not worry about chrome and general corrosion. It played the beater role very well. Although I like the appearance of shine on a bike, I'd rather not deal with salt damage and the likes on the CB. I grow bored quite quickly with that type of maintenance. I did consider letting the CB go to pot, but allowing that might be a weakness in my heart. I also didn't want to risk a "garage queen", especially since there was no garage. The CB was never a queen, but I feared it would become one.
The mistake I made with the NC750X began when I started flirting with the ugly Africa Twin (AT). When I mean ugly, I mean in comparison to the CB1100 and even the NC. CB beauty is difficult to top. In any case, the AT grew quickly on me and its larger fit is awesome. Then I realized the AT is a beautiful animal, and the least ugly of available ADV offerings. For me, the comfort, handling, economy, maintenance, and surprising available power of the AT is above expectations. Of course, it can be taken off road too. Essentially, this is my first ADV bike and it is very exciting.
- - -
Honda makes really superb models. I feel the said bikes are no exception, as intended for their target markets. I know I will regret letting the CB get away. I also feel with history and aesthetics aside, for me the AT is more than the sum of the CB and NC.
Will I become some sort of adventure jock? Unlikely. I just like to ride. I will no longer be randomly praised for the "great CB restoration" I did, but I have enough to remember for the rest of my life.
GO
- - -
The reality is I couldn't store three animals safely without proper shelter. Also, the CB was no longer enough and this was realized after some learnings from the respected CB1100 Forum that the NC750X was a decent commuter. It didn't take long to determine that I could ride the NC all day.
So what happened?
To start, the CB1100 is a glorious bike. Everything known has been said multiple times from multiple sources in the Forum, including myself. They are obvious and I won't rehash them. However for me, comfort was limited as I needed room to stretch out. I realized contrast immediately with the NC as it is a longer, higher ride, and more upright and compatible for my body frame. To be clear: I can ride a sport bike for maybe 20 minutes max. And sadly, I have also come to realize that the Monkey and I will likely never partner.
I was fine using the CB for short hour-at-a-time runs, but for me as a long distance daily commuter, the NC excelled. The CB was more agile, but needed practically daily refueling. I am going to miss everything about the CB. I paid for long journeys on the CB and especially when they terminated in regional Toronto traffic congestion; my body just did not like it. This is not really about the CB, but me and street standards in general. I have the same or worse issues with other similar bikes. The Triumph T100/120 are examples. The Kawasaki Z900S is higher, but a bit more scrunched like a sport bike and that does not help. However, the Versys 650 fits me well, but the engine needs wringing where as the CB1100 did not.
Secondary benefits of the NC was I could ride it in any weather condition sans snow/ice and not worry about chrome and general corrosion. It played the beater role very well. Although I like the appearance of shine on a bike, I'd rather not deal with salt damage and the likes on the CB. I grow bored quite quickly with that type of maintenance. I did consider letting the CB go to pot, but allowing that might be a weakness in my heart. I also didn't want to risk a "garage queen", especially since there was no garage. The CB was never a queen, but I feared it would become one.
The mistake I made with the NC750X began when I started flirting with the ugly Africa Twin (AT). When I mean ugly, I mean in comparison to the CB1100 and even the NC. CB beauty is difficult to top. In any case, the AT grew quickly on me and its larger fit is awesome. Then I realized the AT is a beautiful animal, and the least ugly of available ADV offerings. For me, the comfort, handling, economy, maintenance, and surprising available power of the AT is above expectations. Of course, it can be taken off road too. Essentially, this is my first ADV bike and it is very exciting.
- - -
Honda makes really superb models. I feel the said bikes are no exception, as intended for their target markets. I know I will regret letting the CB get away. I also feel with history and aesthetics aside, for me the AT is more than the sum of the CB and NC.
Will I become some sort of adventure jock? Unlikely. I just like to ride. I will no longer be randomly praised for the "great CB restoration" I did, but I have enough to remember for the rest of my life.
GO
