Tell me about your CB1100

[Capo]

I own both a Bonneville (well, actually two) and just got a CB1100. The CB feels at least a class above the Bonnie in virtually every component. I'm not saying it's better, really, as Triumph does have some intangibles that add up to a level of 'character' that is not definable by data. But I'm really digging the CB. The extra weight is all but invisible. As for the throttle issue, I have none with the Bonneville...it's carb'd. But my Triumph Tiger 800 came with early feulling teething issues and has a snatchy throttle that takes getting used to. On the other hand, I'm getting a high degree of drive chain backlash when rolling off the throttle on the CB that I'm hoping will smooth out.

The Bonnie/ Scram is an easier and cheaper bike to personalize via mods at this point, and I don't find it redundant with the CB. But if you were looking for a two bike solution, perhaps something more complementary, in a different segment,. would be the best companion for either the Bonnie or CB.

[SnowCrash_imp]

I own both a Bonneville (well, actually two) and just got a CB1100. The CB feels at least a class above the Bonnie in virtually every component. I'm not saying it's better, really, as Triumph does have some intangibles that add up to a level of 'character' that is not definable by data. But I'm really digging the CB. The extra weight is all but invisible. As for the throttle issue, I have none with the Bonneville...it's carb'd. But my Triumph Tiger 800 came with early feulling teething issues and has a snatchy throttle that takes getting used to. On the other hand, I'm getting a high degree of drive chain backlash when rolling off the throttle on the CB that I'm hoping will smooth out.

The Bonnie/ Scram is an easier and cheaper bike to personalize via mods at this point, and I don't find it redundant with the CB. But if you were looking for a two bike solution, perhaps something more complementary, in a different segment,. would be the best companion for either the Bonnie or CB.

But if you were to use one for a daily driver and one for the weekend, what would you have?

I kinda wish the new norton commando wasn't over 20 grand

I was considering:

honda cb1100
motoguzzi racer
royal enfield
an older norton
an older cb750 FOUR
an older....bsa?
triumph thruxton

So far I have the '09 bonnie as my daily but don't know if I want to stick a 1200cc big bore kit on it and get a different daily driver. I'm in Texas so there's really no corners, but i don't want to get something that turns as poorly as a cruiser either.

[Capo]

You are definitely casting a wide net. Any of the vintage bikes you listed will provide you with a tin of fun, character and occasional heartache. I had a very bad Guzzi experience, so you'll have to get input elsewhere on that. I wouldn't want to bulk up my Bonnie to 1200 cc's. Get the CB, use it as a DD, you'll love it, and then turn the Bonnie into a cafe bike, they'll be different enough.

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

Came out of a 2011 Bonneville SE to get my CB. My Bonneville had some very nice add on accessories with BC Predator exhaust and Arrow 2 into 2 map. I really loved the bike and the friendships that come along with the Triumph brand. I was able to remove much of the snatchy throttle issues by adjusting the chain to minimum spec and also adjusting the throttle free play to minimum. All that said, there is something about the CB that drew me in from day one. The bike is just a beautiful piece of machinery; much more refine than the Bonneville. If I could own both I would have kept my Bonneville.

The Bonneville is a bit more tossable in the corners but the CB is not bad and has better power. If you decide to go to the CB, I think you will be happy. I will say I still have a warm place in my heart for my Bonneville. One day I will own another or maybe a Thruxton. Good luck with your decision.

[SnowCrash_imp]

Came out of a 2011 Bonneville SE to get my CB. My Bonneville had some very nice add on accessories with BC Predator exhaust and Arrow 2 into 2 map. I really loved the bike and the friendships that come along with the Triumph brand. I was able to remove much of the snatchy throttle issues by adjusting the chain to minimum spec and also adjusting the throttle free play to minimum. All that said, there is something about the CB that drew me in from day one. The bike is just a beautiful piece of machinery; much more refine than the Bonneville. If I could own both I would have kept my Bonneville.

The Bonneville is a bit more tossable in the corners but the CB is not bad and has better power. If you decide to go to the CB, I think you will be happy. I will say I still have a warm place in my heart for my Bonneville. One day I will own another or maybe a Thruxton. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks, I'll try relieving some tension on the chain- still waiting on a usb drive to load a new map on and get rid of the warning light that came on because I removed the O2 sensors.

I'm a 90's kid, so by the time I was able to get bikes they were mostly all fuel injected, and I sort of prefer keeping it that way since I'm more computer-minded (i.t. guy, not afraid of working with machines).

I'll probably settle on either the honda or the enfield (thruxton is too much like my bonnie to get it as a second bike).

I hear Honda is coming out with some interesting models pretty soon, VFR anyone?

http://blog.motorcycle.com/2013/09/05/ma...d-cbr250r/

[ThomWill_imp]

Had a 08 Bonneville T100 that 1 put 8K miles on in the first year and then reluctantly traded in a heck of a deal for a big V4 touring mount. I miss that bike a lot... I will let you know how the CB compares after I pick it up this weekend. :-D

[rboe]

Test rode a T100 and V7, liked the V7 much more. Didn't get either and ended up with a Griso. While great on the road it was too much in town and truth be told I should have just waited for the CB to be imported.

Well it finally was and the opportunity came up so I grabbed the CB thinking the Griso was surplus since they were so similar. Ha! Not!

I am considering swapping the Griso for a V7, time will tell. Good looking bike but I enjoy my 650L more than the Griso. Griso has tons more character than the the CB, but the CB has a different vibe to it. I like it.

[cbdtran_imp]

Sounds to me like no one here feels the 100 pounds of difference between the triumphs and the CB. I need to test ride one sometime- but it feels to me like it's either/or and not or/and with these bikes. Having both of them in your garage seems too repetitive since they essentially do the same thing, no?

the only flaw of the CB is the hefty weight, I wish it 50 lbs lighter when park in uneven parking lot. It is heavy because big steel frame and robust engine casting ... old value. If you look closely, everything is solid down to the wheels or the side stand. Other makes are steel tubes, CB is forged solid steel. The weight however makes the bike very stable in highway, positive steering feedback, solid riding feel. I rode the BMW R 1200R that is 40 lbs lighter, it doesn't have solid feel in highway and the ride is kind of mushy.

I had 5 middle weight bikes for the weight reasons: 460 lbs wet or so, they don't have the type of positive riding feedback

[Guth_imp]

I'm a big enough fan of the CB1100 that I started this forum, so obviously it is hard for me to remain unbiased. I did consider a Bonneville purchase before Honda announced that they were going to be bringing the CB1100 to North America. I placed my deposit on the bike that very day.

I'll be honest that I was worried about the weight of the CB1100 before I had a chance to ride it. However, once the bike is moving, even at very low speeds such as in a parking garage, the weight is a non-issue. The bike is very maneuverable and is a joy around town or out on the open road. The only time I notice the weight of the bike is when I'm moving it around in the garage. The engine has enough torque and a broad enough powerband that it can launch easily by simply feathering out the clutch lever, no throttle needed. Fuelling/throttle response is extremelly smooth. As for gas mileage, I've been ranging anywhere from mid 30's (around town in nothing but stop 'n go traffic) to mid 50's (out on the highway). The only thing that I've changed on my CB1100 is the exhaust — I added a Staintune slip-on unit. Bottom line: the CB has pretty much been a dream purchase for me.

All that said, I've been a Honda guy since I was in grade school (I grew up with a Z50 and an XR75) and I also own a 1988 Hawk GT. I'm sure that this contributes greatly to my attraction to the CB1100. If you've been happy with your Triumph, then it would be hard to imagine parting with it, especially if you obtained if for a good price. You'll have a much easier time finding accessories for your Triumph than you would with the CB1100. There are plenty of accessories available for the CB1100, but as of now, most of them must be ordered from overseas. If you did not already own the Triumph, then my vote would be for the CB1100, hands down. But as you already own the Triumph, the choice becomes much more complicated in my mind. Whatever you decide to do, may your riding experience be safe and rewarding.

[FUZZY_imp]

Sounds to me like no one here feels the 100 pounds of difference between the triumphs and the CB. I need to test ride one sometime- but it feels to me like it's either/or and not or/and with these bikes. Having both of them in your garage seems too repetitive since they essentially do the same thing, no?

Be happy to let you check mine out. Pretty close. In Summerwood. BTW, it's for sale too.