Nifty details and ramblings

[Verdecken_imp]

So I've only been on the bike a total of 45 minutes, but I've been 'checking in' on it every hour or so since. Based on my ride and my idle staring at it, I've come to the realization that Honda is just one of those companies that makes products for the fans and not the critics. The CB11 gets panned by pro and amateur critics for being worse than a '90s nighthawk in a straight out drag, less horse power than 'this,' and far heavier than 'that,' but I doubt many of these people have loved the pure riding experience on an old CB. This bike is about the joy of riding. It has plenty of power and ergos to do just that.

After finding things like the clever little locking helmet hook (my 71 CB750 was pre any helmet hooks), the even-lighting of the gauges, the smooth ball joints on the mirrors, it hit me. The CB1100 is doing for the UJM fans what the CB750 did for motorcyclists in 1969; it's making the machine more refined and easier to just get on and enjoy without as much wrenching. Maybe these are pointless ruminations, but my FZ07 is a hot selling bike and after riding both the CB and FZ in the same day, I'd take the CB any day, hands down.

The details, the finish, build quality, and just overall feel and experience is worlds above. Going 70 on the FZ felt slightly terrifying as if I would be blown off or sideways or just snap the handlebars, and stopping had to be gradual or else I'd flip end over end as the sloppy suspension collapsed forward. Conversely, everything about the CB is smooth and refined. Acceleration, engine braking and downshifting, braking, just riding at 70+, it all felt qualitatively 'better.'

I'd be interested in hearing the little things others have noticed about our bikes that endears the CB11 to you!


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[LongRanger_imp]

The objective accolades have already been written. For me, it's the subjective superlatives that matter the most. There's something about the riding position and feeling of the engine that no other bike I've owned can duplicate. It's just supremely pleasant and pleasurable. The bike makes no excuses for its shortcomings and demands nothing in return, except to experience the moment and enjoy the ride.

[fritzwilliger_imp]

The objective accolades have already been written. For me, it's the subjective superlatives that matter the most. There's something about the riding position and feeling of the engine that no other bike I've owned can duplicate. It's just supremely pleasant and pleasurable. The bike makes no excuses for its shortcomings and demands nothing in return, except to experience the moment and enjoy the ride.

+1, LR!

[Guth_imp]

I was attracted to the CB1100 from the get go primarily for its looks. All the other positives are more or less like icing on the cake.

[Paulb_imp]

I've made the mistake in the past of buying a bike after reading statistics in magazines. Statistics from road tests written by 20 year old journalists who's idea of a bike test is to chase other journalists around a race track. Obviously you want the bike with 172bhp rather than the slug with only 169bhp! It takes an honest man to know his limitations (mine are 100bhp) but once he does then a whole new world of biking opens up.

[emptysea]

The moment when I noticed that background of the Wing emblem on the tank is not solid black, but actually has a splash of red in it.

[hb9400_imp]

Like everyone on this forum, we all seem to have basically the same feelings for the bike, the look and craftsmanship are spot on but I love seeing the expression of others when they see the bike and start up a conversation or give an approving smile or nod.

[Paulb_imp]

I can feel a Zen moment coming on here. Sounds like we all appreciate romantic rather than classical quality values. Best not get discussing that here as I'm sure there are other forums dedicated to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

[Bokobob_imp]

Gee, I dunno exactly what to add. I've only had my CB1100 std for a few weeks and it is still under 1000 miles. It is smooth for sure...plenty of power. I'm addressing the lack of "leg stretch" capability with engine bars and pegs. They are "in the mail." I wish mine had ABS, but it was the only new 2014 left in the region when I bought it for a very large discount. Love the 6th gear. The way the engine pulls reminds me of the old Kawa Voyager inline four that I had a couple of years ago. Of course being much lighter, it zooms faster...Believe it or not, my 95 BMW K75 3 cyl seems slightly smoother, but lacks a sixth gear and winds up big time even at 55 mph.

[Cormanus]

I was attracted to the CB1100 from the get go primarily for its looks. All the other positives are more or less like icing on the cake.

+1