buying a cb1100 in the next few days - decision making

[ClassicVW_imp]

I would never liken a CB1100 to any Harley. Just not in the same smoothness class nor reliability class...

Yes, as others have said, RUN to buy the CB1100. It will be everything you want a bike to be and then some. You can ride it mild, and you can ride it spirited. It will be whatever you want it to be.

I know why you said you're looking for the Honda Accord of bikes- for the reliability. It will be reliable.
But one way the CB is NOT the Accord of bikes is in the Accord's boring personality.

[Seabee_imp]

Arva, after reading your bike requirements list it single handedly describes the CB1100. I have had mine only 10 days and already feel more confident on it than my lighter bikes. The CB really is a machine that would last most of us for ever. I know I will never sell mine. Friends who have ridden for longer than me on a variety of bikes all came back from a short ride on mine and just couldn't get over what an pleasure it is to ride and how easy.
Best of luck.

[arva_imp]

i am currently negotiating the price... nada.com says $1000 off the msrp is great, so ill look to buy it at that point... the only thing i am looking to add now are the crash bars... i am fine with the dealer making a fair profit as i could go and ride many demos before deciding...

thanks all... will let you know when i am a proud owner of the cb 1100...

Arva, after reading your bike requirements list it single handedly describes the CB1100. I have had mine only 10 days and already feel more confident on it than my lighter bikes. The CB really is a machine that would last most of us for ever. I know I will never sell mine. Friends who have ridden for longer than me on a variety of bikes all came back from a short ride on mine and just couldn't get over what an pleasure it is to ride and how easy.
Best of luck.

[drodg33]

I hope I never have to sell mine. I was going through bikes all of the time a few years ago. It is a bike I hope my grandsons have after I am done. I have aCB Deluxe and it is I believe one of the most beautiful I have seen. It is great to ride and own. Neutral handling, great braking and great smooth power.

[Ghis_imp]

Honda also has a $1,000 rebate on '13. Not sure about '14, so ask, but not until you have negotiated from MSRP down. Dealers will try to make you feel good by giving you the rebate as their own effort, but the rebate is coming from factory, so they don't loose any money. They can do better than that. But do run, because at some point they'll all be gone.
I love my CB, and I don't think it's that heavy at all, and it comes off the side stand very easily. I will however, at some point, add a Guzzi V7 to the stable, as I want to own an Italian bike, and don't care about any of the Ducatis offered. The CB clearly offers more power than the V7, but the V7 is really nice for leasure rides, and can do freeways just fine. It has loads of character. Not trying to sell you the V7, just saying that I like both bikes, though the V7 is not as bulky. I will say that once you get the CB, you'll be sold and never want to get rid of it by choice.

[arva_imp]

as suggested by all of you, i did run; now i am a proud/poor owner of a 2014 std black cb 1100; put the deposit on my cc; will go tomorrow to do the paperwork and pick up the bike.

the price before tax + tag = $9,000; i know i probably left some money on the table, but the same dealership owns bmw, ducati & kawasaki and i got to demo all the bikes (or maybe it is just my rationalization on getting ripped off )

thanks all, will keep you posted on the first ride etc...

[Wisedrum]

For and utmost , it's the decision, to ride a 4 cylinder.
The character of this motor, to me is the topic of the CB.
And it's presented in it's best way in my opinion.

Every other aspect, wether it's easy to drive with its weight, or not etc. comes second.

If you have an affinity for this bike, give it a try and there will no regrets, I assume.

But it's best to testride it, 'cause you should feel comfortable on the CB.
A point, which is not given to everyone without modification....

Good luck in finding your decision, I mean your CB!

Wisedrum

[JustPassinThru_imp]

One thing jumped out at me from the OP's opening post.

CARELESS MAINTENANCE...will NOT cut it! ANY failure of tires, brakes, running gear, engine that could cause failure at speed...can kill you! What would be a nuisance in a car, would be something that could put you down and maybe kill you on a cycle.

I think you're wise to stay away from the BMW at this point. Honda is a conservative company - conservative in terms of their engineering, which stresses durability over top performance. And UNLIKE BMW, Honda maintenance and parts are mostly affordable.

Just the warranty service for the BMW Boxer engine cost the upper end of three figures.

[SanPete_imp]

Congratulations arva! Wishing you many happy miles on the new CB.

[Guth_imp]

Congratulations! You are sure to enjoy this bike.

As a few have mentioned, the CB is no lightweight. I realize that it is lighter than other bikes out there, but I can tell you that I don't want to go tacking on any additional weight to my bike if it can be avoided. The place that the weight really shows itself is when you need to move the bike around, be it in a parking area on a slope, a garage with little room, etc.. Once you're on the bike and rolling, it becomes very maneuverable. Just be aware of the weight in the previously mentioned situations and you should be fine

Chances are that when you pick up the bike they'll have it all ready for you to simply ride away care free. But should you have to first move it around for any reason just know that the bike will "lighten up" considerably once you get it moving even the slightest bit.