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I am a long time Honda guy and on the verge of buying a 2014 CB1100 deluxe.
I test rode a 2013 last spring and loved it, but had 2 small issues. My legs were a bit cramped, and over 60 mph or so I felt some slight vibration in the bars.
For those who have ridden or owned both model years, how much of a difference will there be in the 2014 deluxe model? I hope the 6th gear will help with vibes at highway speeds, and some report that the new seat is an inch or so higher.
Any first hand advice would be much appreciated!
Any other real world handling/riding differences between the 2013 and 2014 deluxe?
Thanks!
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Bighonda...I'm 6 ft and remember feeling a bit cramped on my 13. It was not a deal breaker, but I remember leaving the dealership unsure as to whether I made the right decision. I don't remember any vibration from the bars...I was not a big highway rider but did cross the state of Florida twice on it and did not have a problem. I did think that a 6th gear would be nice as I was always looking for that extra gear that didn't exist. Fast forward to now... and I'm the proud owner of a 14 Deluxe. While others may be able to give you a more in depth report as I've yet to put many miles on mine, I can tell you that the Deluxe feels a bit bigger... It may just be the seat but it feels a little bit less cramped. I've been on the highway once (I have less than 150 miles on the bike, still breaking her in), but I can tell you that it feels much less stressed at highway speeds, much more relaxed. That 6 speed box is a dream! I bought my 14 for these reasons...it looks more like the orig. CB750 from back in the day...it has beautiful chrome headers...4 into 2 pipes...and that 6 speed box. I could've cared less about the new instruments, and the bigger tank. I liked my 13, but I absolutely LOVE my 14. Good luck with your decision!!
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There are a couple of us that have had both a 13 and a 14 although the 14 acquisitions have been very recent as they were just released.
I put 7000 miles on my 13 including 2 muti day multi state trips. For me the update to the 14 was purely cosmetic. Love the pipes, love the seat, love all the new polished pieces, love the shape of the tank, love the color matched side covers, love the digital gear indicator, very much like the fuel computer.
Unimportant to me at the time was the ABS, or the 6 speed trans, or the fact that the tank held more fuel.I say unimportant at the time, because at THIS time, I have come to appreciate having those features. I hope I never have to test the ABS.
I honestly never feel the vibration some people mention in my normal every day riding, and that includes my freeway work on either year. I'm not sure how fast you'd have to be riding to feel it, but on the 14 in 6 th you are only turning 3200 rpms at 70 mph, and on the 13 in 5 th maybe 500 rpms more.
As far as handling, both are delightful handlers, light, responsive..just a joy to ride. Plenty of power, very torquey, pulls easily out of corners. I swear the front brakes would haul down a train in short order.
Loved my 13, love my 14 even more.
I just turned over 600 miles on my 14, and there are two things that annoy me. The left handlebar switch is unlike my 13, or my ST 1300, or my majesty 400. They reversed the position of the horn and turn signals, and it is no longer instinctive signaling or honking. I have to verify by looking what I am doing..plus it has now messed up the instinctive reaction for the other two bikes as well I also don't care for the size and location of the turn signal indicators which are too low and too small.
Hope this helps.
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Hands down by far the best bike honda has ever made ! The 70,s looks and the ride and motor of a 2014 power house. Trans shifts smooth as glass some times I don't even use my clutch! For the money you can't beat the deluxe!
Michael
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Hey I really appreciate the responses so far! Especially the post from Ride4Now.
Any others with experience riding both the 2013 and the 2014 deluxe?
Very grateful for this fantastic site!
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I shouldn't read these threads...just makes me want to upgrade. And I'm definitely not trading in a 2013 with 600 miles on it!
I am contemplating a 2014 seat and those side covers. I want the 6th gear, but I don't "thousands to upgrade" want it. Given the choice now, it would clearly be a '14 deluxe.
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The 2014 Deluxe is a better looking bike. When i looked at the 2013 i wished it had matching side covers, 2 into 1 exhaust, unpainted motor and wheels. I would not be sold on the bigger tank, seat or new gauges, i like the gauges on the 2013 better. I'm also not an ABS guy and wish they gave you the option for non ABS. If i had not bought my bike last year I'd have to go with the 2014 even with the ABS, great looking bike.
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(04-23-2014, 09:40 AM)shdwghst457_imp Wrote: I shouldn't read these threads...just makes me want to upgrade. And I'm definitely not trading in a 2013 with 600 miles on it!
I am contemplating a 2014 seat and those side covers. I want the 6th gear, but I don't "thousands to upgrade" want it. Given the choice now, it would clearly be a '14 deluxe.
You're right about not reading these threads... I joined BEFORE I bought the 13...and
then went out and bought one. Then with all the conversation leading up to the 14... the pressure built and I just had to do it. So... it's THEIR fault!!!! 
But I tell you... if the 15 comes out with 4 into 4 exhaust, a stripe on the tank, CB1100FOUR emblem on the side and painted in gold or light blue... I'm NOT doing this again!! I mean it!! I promise!!!  . They're both great bikes...you can't go wrong with either one.
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Yea no matter what Honda does to it in 15 I'm good with what I have now...finally..well except for a couple farkles I have in mind as previously stated.
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(04-23-2014, 10:48 AM)CIP57_imp Wrote: The 2014 Deluxe is a better looking bike. When i looked at the 2013 i wished it had matching side covers, 2 into 1 exhaust, unpainted motor and wheels. I would not be sold on the bigger tank, seat or new gauges, i like the gauges on the 2013 better. I'm also not an ABS guy and wish they gave you the option for non ABS. If i had not bought my bike last year I'd have to go with the 2014 even with the ABS, great looking bike.
Sorry guys, I'll still take the looks of the original design over the DLX. Can't warm up to the looks of the larger tank and actually prefer the smaller side panels that leave the frame exposed. Not to mention that perhaps my favorite part of the 13 model is the blacked out wheels with the polished rims.
That said, those who prefer more of a true retro look can't help but be drawn to the DLX (and of course the EX). Aside from the design aspects, the 6-speed will be nice for those who rack up the highway miles and the new data available from the instrument panel would be a nice bonus. For those that are taller, in the case of the DLX, I'm sure that sitting up a bit higher would be welcomed. If you're not drawn to the looks of one or the other, the new features of the '14 models would be nice to have.
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