'17 EX tank design

[johnf514_imp]

I'm an outliner. I like the more breadbox look of the 13-14 tanks and I also like the seams. Go figure, not a fan of the curves on the 17 model.

[pdedse]

I'm an outliner. I like the more breadbox look of the 13-14 tanks and I also like the seams. Go figure, not a fan of the curves on the 17 model.

Haha...you'z an outliner...means you think outside the box...errr...the curves. I was interested in what others thought because I can't quite put my finger on what it is that doesn't allow me to say, wow! beautiful tank! (for the '17). At times, though, I look at it, and think, that's kind of a quirky, cool design, which is why I think it will grow on me over time. I like the '14 Standard in part because of the funky way the pipes crossed over into one, giving the std a flair that I guess I enjoy seeing on a motorcycle. The '17 is visually the most symmetrical bike I have ever seen...almost scary. But the "bulbous, curvy, soft edges" of the tank give it that certain funkiness I find attractive on an otherwise classic looking bike.

Regarding the "seams" on the other models...the first time I even heard (read) of "tank seams" was on this forum. Frankly, I didn't even know what was being referred to. I thought maybe it was the corners of the '14 standard tank. I couldn't even "see" the seams because I didn't know what I was looking at. Once it dawned on me, I thought, "oh, THOSE are the seams"...it looked fine to me before, looks fine now.

In the end, I thought it interesting that Honda decided to go with a substantial tank change in design/ look for the '17 and wanted to get an idea of what owners thought.

In the end, I realize I like both well enough. The overall look for a motorcycle must have "it" for me. All the CB1100 models do.

[johnf514_imp]

I'm an outliner. I like the more breadbox look of the 13-14 tanks and I also like the seams. Go figure, not a fan of the curves on the 17 model.

Haha...you'z an outliner...means you think outside the box...errr...the curves. I was interested in what others thought because I can't quite put my finger on what it is that doesn't allow me to say, wow! beautiful tank! (for the '17). At times, though, I look at it, and think, that's kind of a quirky, cool design, which is why I think it will grow on me over time. I like the '14 Standard in part because of the funky way the pipes crossed over into one, giving the std a flair that I guess I enjoy seeing on a motorcycle. The '17 is visually the most symmetrical bike I have ever seen...almost scary. But the "bulbous, curvy, soft edges" of the tank give it that certain funkiness I find attractive on an otherwise classic looking bike.

Regarding the "seams" on the other models...the first time I even heard (read) of "tank seams" was on this forum. Frankly, I didn't even know what was being referred to. I thought maybe it was the corners of the '14 standard tank. I couldn't even "see" the seams because I didn't know what I was looking at. Once it dawned on me, I thought, "oh, THOSE are the seams"...it looked fine to me before, looks fine now.

In the end, I thought it interesting that Honda decided to go with a substantial tank change in design/ look for the '17 and wanted to get an idea of what owners thought.

In the end, I realize I like both well enough. The overall look for a motorcycle must have "it" for me. All the CB1100 models do.

Exactly where I fall with this. The Honda bikes didn't have this tank design back then, and I think it looks less like a truly retro or heritage following bike than before.

But like you said, the CB1100 bikes are probably the closest an OEM has gotten to a real modern classic, in any form.

[VLJ_imp]

Regarding the more contoured, seamless tank on the '17 model, the one thing I can add is that every last non-member of cb1100forum.com who has seen my bike in person thought it looked totally classic and retro, and they loved the brilliant red tank. It's only the dyed-in-the-wool corksniffers here (myself included) in forums like this one who know, much less care, whether any given design is an exact replication of the vintage item. To the rest of the motorcycling world and the entirety of the non-motorcycling population, the '17 looks as "old school" and "authentic" as they come. Absolutely no one has said, "Yeah, well, if only it had tank seams and a more breadbox shape, like the '13 model."

We see the same thing in the guitar world. Other than the corksniffers who stand in studious silence as they dissect every last bit of the band's gear minutiae, no one in the audience knows or cares whether the dude onstage is playing a real '59 Les Paul, a '59 Reissue, a Japanese copy, or even a cheapo Epiphone SG or Squire Strat. All they know is it looks and sounds killer, and it's making them want to sing along and dance.

If you like it, then it's cool. If you don't like it, then it's not for you. Who cares what anyone else thinks? All that matters is what you think.

Obviously, I think the '17 tank looks tremendous. I also like the tanks on the previous models, but I definitely prefer the paintwork, larger capacity, and the absence of seams on my tank. I probably like the RS's tank even more, but only on the RS, with its lower bars, 17" cast wheels, blacked-out motor, more modern seat design, and gold-colored suspension bits. Those same tank stripes on my bike would look wildly out of place.

My tank doesn't look like the '13's tank, and neither tank looks like the original, and I'm fine with that. I have no requirement that every detail on my bike must match the original. My tank looks great on my bike.

Good enough for me.

[Cormanus]

My tank looks pretty good sitting around quietly. When I turn it towards folk so I can hear what they're saying, no-one EVER says it's anything other than beautiful.

[VLJ_imp]

Bet it handles like a T120.

[the Ferret]

My brother has never complained about the handling of his T-120, but then again he doesn't try and sport bike style ride it, he just rides it.

[VLJ_imp]

I wasn't sport-riding it either during my three test rides. It was just city streets and a short stint on the freeway, yet it was immediately apparent as soon we exited the parking lot to turn onto the street that the thing steers like a Cormanus Lawn Ornament.

[Cormanus]

I wasn't sport-riding it either during my three test rides. It was just city streets and a short stint on the freeway, yet it was immediately apparent as soon we exited the parking lot to turn onto the street that the thing steers like a Cormanus Lawn Ornament.

Bet it doesn't pack the same punch.

[pdedse]

Regarding the more contoured, seamless tank on the '17 model, the one thing I can add is that every last non-member of cb1100forum.com who has seen my bike in person thought it looked totally classic and retro, and they loved the brilliant red tank. It's only the dyed-in-the-wool corksniffers here (myself included) in forums like this one who know, much less care, whether any given design is an exact replication of the vintage item. To the rest of the motorcycling world and the entirety of the non-motorcycling population, the '17 looks as "old school" and "authentic" as they come. Absolutely no one has said, "Yeah, well, if only it had tank seams and a more breadbox shape, like the '13 model."

We see the same thing in the guitar world. Other than the corksniffers who stand in studious silence as they dissect every last bit of the band's gear minutiae, no one in the audience knows or cares whether the dude onstage is playing a real '59 Les Paul, a '59 Reissue, a Japanese copy, or even a cheapo Epiphone SG or Squire Strat. All they know is it looks and sounds killer, and it's making them want to sing along and dance.

If you like it, then it's cool. If you don't like it, then it's not for you. Who cares what anyone else thinks? All that matters is what you think.

Obviously, I think the '17 tank looks tremendous. I also like the tanks on the previous models, but I definitely prefer the paintwork, larger capacity, and the absence of seams on my tank. I probably like the RS's tank even more, but only on the RS, with its lower bars, 17" cast wheels, blacked-out motor, more modern seat design, and gold-colored suspension bits. Those same tank stripes on my bike would look wildly out of place.

My tank doesn't look like the '13's tank, and neither tank looks like the original, and I'm fine with that. I have no requirement that every detail on my bike must match the original. My tank looks great on my bike.

Good enough for me.

Yes...but we're talking about people who are aware of the difference and what they prefer.

Regarding the more contoured, seamless tank on the '17 model, the one thing I can add is that every last non-member of cb1100forum.com who has seen my bike in person thought it looked totally classic and retro, and they loved the brilliant red tank. It's only the dyed-in-the-wool corksniffers here (myself included) in forums like this one who know, much less care, whether any given design is an exact replication of the vintage item. To the rest of the motorcycling world and the entirety of the non-motorcycling population, the '17 looks as "old school" and "authentic" as they come. Absolutely no one has said, "Yeah, well, if only it had tank seams and a more breadbox shape, like the '13 model."

We see the same thing in the guitar world. Other than the corksniffers who stand in studious silence as they dissect every last bit of the band's gear minutiae, no one in the audience knows or cares whether the dude onstage is playing a real '59 Les Paul, a '59 Reissue, a Japanese copy, or even a cheapo Epiphone SG or Squire Strat. All they know is it looks and sounds killer, and it's making them want to sing along and dance.

If you like it, then it's cool. If you don't like it, then it's not for you. Who cares what anyone else thinks? All that matters is what you think.

Obviously, I think the '17 tank looks tremendous. I also like the tanks on the previous models, but I definitely prefer the paintwork, larger capacity, and the absence of seams on my tank. I probably like the RS's tank even more, but only on the RS, with its lower bars, 17" cast wheels, blacked-out motor, more modern seat design, and gold-colored suspension bits. Those same tank stripes on my bike would look wildly out of place.

My tank doesn't look like the '13's tank, and neither tank looks like the original, and I'm fine with that. I have no requirement that every detail on my bike must match the original. My tank looks great on my bike.

Good enough for me.

Naturally, the above is all that matters, but from a marketing stand point, I think Honda would be interested in what their customers think of the difference. If anyone doesn't feel good about the look based on what group think is...well, then they got issues. : )