Anyone feel underwhelmed?

[meowguy_imp]

No. I am very happy with my purchase.

[ChipBeck_imp]

Mr. Honda,

To each his own. The CB11, like a 1969 Chevelle, is a vehicle you have to desire, to fully enjoy it. I certainly don't lust for 1940's automobiles because I neither remember or have any connection to them. Ahh, but a big block GTO or Chevelle would certainly light my jets. The CB11 is like that. The 919 just doesn't get it for me and even in it's day the CB350 was a mild mannered commuter. That doesn't work for me either. 25 years from now you will fondly remember the music and machines of your youth and nostalgia will effect you like it does me today. If I had a really nice 1942 Nash it would bore me too. Life is short, sell your CB and buy something that moves your soul as well as your body.

Chip

[the Ferret]

Had to confirm, so I just went out and put in a quick 50 miles on my local curvy roads... Yep... HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY

[BuffaloBill_imp]

Mr. Honda,

To each his own. The CB11, like a 1969 Chevelle, is a vehicle you have to desire, to fully enjoy it. I certainly don't lust for 1940's automobiles because I neither remember or have any connection to them. Ahh, but a big block GTO or Chevelle would certainly light my jets. The CB11 is like that. The 919 just doesn't get it for me and even in it's day the CB350 was a mild mannered commuter. That doesn't work for me either. 25 years from now you will fondly remember the music and machines of your youth and nostalgia will effect you like it does me today. If I had a really nice 1942 Nash it would bore me too. Life is short, sell your CB and buy something that moves your soul as well as your body.

Chip

From my perspective, Spot on! Very well said ChipBeck!!

Bikes are so personal... As they should be! To each his own...

[HikerToo_imp]

Again, for me, it literally was the ONLY motorcycle in the ENTIRE dealership I wanted and would hit my savings account for.
If I did not see the CB1100, I would have not bought another motorcycle, I did not want another plastic transformer type bike, no matter how fast it was.

[M3-SRT8_imp]

Underwhelmed? Maybe a little bit.

The bike is sooo smooth and quiet, that sometimes I'm looking for a bit more aural feedback.

Easily remedied, of course, by an exhaust swap.

I had the same feeling with my '06 Ducati S2R Monster. It was geared too tall and was waaay too quiet. Changed the gearing and the exhaust, and added a few choice bits.

Result? I'll never sell it. It will be the same with the cb1100 - after I mod it.

[url=http://s268.photobucket.com/user/300cSRT8_photos/media/Horses/TheDucandMe_zpsfb4cb44f.jpg.html]

[Jhonda_imp]

My feelings on any motorcycle : It usually isn't the Bike, but the rider. I enjoy riding my 11. This is what counts. Sorry to hear the cb1100 disappointed you.
One last thing. People complain about Harley and the vibration/shaking they do. When another make of motorcycle doesn't do the vibrating thing, like the CB1100, complaints start. "It has no character" is the usual cry! Cant have it all I guess.

[mrhonda1987_imp]

Well, I do enjoy riding it, I just think I built it up to be more than it was. The 919 scratches the speed itch quite well, and I didn't intend for the 11 to do that. My thinking when I bought it was that I love old school CB styling. I loved my CB750 and my 350, 500T, etc. They were all great. Those bikes were how I got my start and I'd defend them to the hilt against any (apologies in advance) flag-slathered Harley poster boy. There are a lot of those around here. Over the years, I've get sick of hearing the 'get a real bike...' 'Harley this, chrome that,' blah blah blah. I have nothing against HD motorcycles, but, like BMW's, they produce some of the douchebaggiest riders. Same for sportbike squids. Idiots and white trash abound around these parts and I deal with all of them.

Which is something that appealed about the 11. It's classy. Everyone on this board seems like a quality guy, or gal. You all seem like the kind who would come over at a gas station and chat bikes no matter what someone was riding. I love that. That's brotherhood. It attracts people that genuinely love to ride, regardless of make. I'm glad its brought me to a place like this and as a bike, it's perfectly acceptable for something from 1983, but with modern bits and bobs. I wish they would have pushed it a touch farther.

That said, thanks all for the feedback. Keep it coming. I like the discussion.

And since I just paid off my credit card, maybe I'll snag that Moriwaki exhaust I've been eyeing. Thanks all.

[jodyz_imp]

Hey Dudes. For as long as I've pined for the CB1100, since first looking at the Tokyo Motor Show's prototype, I'm finding myself underwhelmed. At only 26 years old, I can't look back fondly at the 70's and the great CB's of the era, although I've owned a few. A CB350, CB500T, CB750, etc. All great. But this new one leaves me... let down. I understand it was never going to win drag races against ZX14s or out-cruise a Harley, but compared to more modern offerings, it seems like the 11 is a bit boring.

I took my CB350 down the highway yesterday and I was grinning ear to ear the entire time. Took my 919 for a 60 mile loop around my house and back, and was completely into it. Did the same ride on my 11 a few days later and I couldn't have been more bored.

Maybe, although I've loved my old CBs that I had, it was simply because they were mine. The nostalgia hasn't fully enveloped me. Maybe that's that mystique that Harley owners insist 'I won't get.' Maybe cruising around on old tech, however modern, and harkening back to the old times, isn't my bag. If the CB750 in 1969 was the Ferrari 250GTO of the day, this CB11 isn't the F40, or the Enzo. Its a F50. It looks fantastic but isn't near as good as that which came before it.

Anyway, that's my .02 on the matter. Having lived with it, it makes me love my 919 that much more. I'm seriously considering downsizing and just enjoying not having the debt.

Anyone else want to chime in?

Although not "underwhelmed", I do miss my '02 919. In fact, I've been looking for a reasonably priced, clean example of an 04 and later 919 to add to my garage (wife will flip out if/when I bring one home). I really wanted a CB1000R, but I decided the CB1100 was the more sensible choice. Where I live, the great majority of roads are straight and boring. At least when I had my 919 in San Antonio, a 15-20 mile ride put me on some of the nicest roads in Texas to aid in un-squaring off the tires.
If I lived in SA now, I would have bought the CB1000R over the CB1100 without hesitation. Hmmm. Instead of finding a used 919, maybe I should look for a deal on a 2012 CB1000R. More money, but a much better bike.

For the record, I'm 47 and my first bike was an '83 Suzuki GS550ES. I always liked the looks of the old CB750s, but didn't have that lost-love look that so many have. Although, I do have that lust for a late model V65 Sabre.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Sabre_V4

[PowderToastMan_imp]

Again, for me, it literally was the ONLY motorcycle in the ENTIRE dealership I wanted and would hit my savings account for.
If I did not see the CB1100, I would have not bought another motorcycle, I did not want another plastic transformer type bike, no matter how fast it was.

Agreed. For me it was the only new bike on the market that I really wanted. Maaaybe I would have thought about a Bonnie or one of the new Honda 500F twins. The 500 I considered the practical option, and for a number of reasons it could have been a smarter choice, but I'd just be kidding myself I tried to convince myself that I somehow liked it better.
If there was no CB11 I probably would have simply looked around for an old Nighthawk or CX in good condition.

If you want the more modern performance I can see how you would like the 919 better. For me the 11 is just a beatiful blend of modern and classic. Every time I walk by the bike parked in my space at home or at work, I get all excited and just have to think to myself "DAMN that is a good looking machine."