CB1100 vs. its competition

[the Ferret]

"What Italians call character, Japanese consider design flaws and Germans deny to their graves".. Larry Grodsky ...

[drodg33]

"What Italians call character, Japanese consider design flaws and Germans deny to their graves".. Larry Grodsky ...

Hah!

[LongRanger_imp]

Consider trying a Moto Guzzi V7 or Griso before writing them off. The V7 isn't underpowered except for those who think a bike needs to make 100 hp. Depending on how and where you ride, you may find it to be perfect.

I think a pre-owned BMW R1200R might also be worth a look. It's a very capable bike.

[Brookland27_imp]

Aprilia shiver, honda 919, Kawasaki ZRX, Triumph Sprint RS, Triumph Bonneville, moto guzzi griso, HONDA CB1100, Ducati monster 796, Suzuki bandit 1200. The choice was easy. See you soon. I think now is a good time to buy a cb1100 by the way as i personally don't see the prices getting any better or the availability.
you are probably about to be able to get a smokin deal on a used bonneville though with the new model being released. Those were always pretty hard to find but i bet you'll see alot more in the used market in the coming months.

Consider trying a Moto Guzzi V7 or Griso before writing them off. The V7 isn't underpowered except for those who think a bike needs to make 100 hp. Depending on how and where you ride, you may find it to be perfect.

I think a pre-owned BMW R1200R might also be worth a look. It's a very capable bike.

When i rode one i definately found it underwhelming. It looks great, handles nicely but didn't offer much right hand induced excitement.

[Olyrider]

Aprilia shiver, honda 919, Kawasaki ZRX, Triumph Sprint RS, Triumph Bonneville, moto guzzi griso, HONDA CB1100, Ducati monster 796, Suzuki bandit 1200. The choice was easy. See you soon. I think now is a good time to buy a cb1100 by the way as i personally don't see the prices getting any better or the availability.
you are probably about to be able to get a smokin deal on a used bonneville though with the new model being released. Those were always pretty hard to find but i bet you'll see alot more in the used market in the coming months.

Consider trying a Moto Guzzi V7 or Griso before writing them off. The V7 isn't underpowered except for those who think a bike needs to make 100 hp. Depending on how and where you ride, you may find it to be perfect.

I think a pre-owned BMW R1200R might also be worth a look. It's a very capable bike.

When i rode one i definately found it underwhelming. It looks great, handles nicely but didn't offer much right hand induced excitement.

When i rode one i definately found it underwhelming. It looks great, handles nicely but didn't offer much left hand induced excitement.
Ummm..."left-hand" excitement. Not familiar with that. The clutch gets you excited?!

[Brookland27_imp]

Well its cable operated so no it didn't lol corrected

[jeffskar_imp]

I own a 2013 CB1100, and my wife owns a 2012 bonnie SE, both are very good bikes, but you being 6'2", and 230lbs. I think you'd look a little large on either, but both are really nice imo. I'd stay fuel injected too if it was me regardless on what you choose. I wish you lived close, I'd let you take the CB for a ride, and see for yourself.

[the Ferret]

Aprilia shiver, honda 919, Kawasaki ZRX, Triumph Sprint RS, Triumph Bonneville, moto guzzi griso, HONDA CB1100, Ducati monster 796, Suzuki bandit 1200.

Some of those listed above I don't consider competition for the CB, as I think a CB is a retro motorcycle, however in terms of power, price and rideability I'd say they were competitors. In which case I would add to the list the Wee Strom or SV650, Ninja 650 and Versys 650, NC 700, FZ-07, FZ-09.

I'd also like to add that there are no bad motorcycles anymore except maybe a Royal Enfield and some Korean motorcycles, and even those bikes have their ardent followers.

[redbirds_imp]

Character may be either good or bad, as a person having character as opposed to being a character. For me, the CB1100 has character-the good kind. A bike that leaks oil, has dodgy electrics (my last Moto Guzzi) or a tank that collapses because of a little ethanol is the other kind of character, the same type your parents warned you to stay away from.

[4 Paws_imp]

Had a T100 Bonneville for a couple of years, fun bike that handled decent and got high marks in parking lots and at the fuel pump. I thought it was drastically under powered and did not like gravel at all.
Enjoying the CB, before I found it I was tempted to go back to the Bonnie but remembered the under performing character.
The CB is rock solid, handles quite well and has the engineering and dealer network to back it up.
Both are good bikes, I think the CB is all around better but you need to buy whichever speaks to you.
Either will be a good choice for a daily rider with performance and power to go anywhere. Low seat height and good ergonomics coupled with decent prices. Don't expect a CB board to be impartial.
Let us know which way you end up going.