12-07-2024, 02:51 AM
Both the Kawi and Yamaha linked above may be capable bikes but aesthetics are still a thing that consumers care about. I just can’t get past the insistence of the manufacturers to continue on with the insect like styling. Its has to be well over a decade now that this design principle has been pushed on the public and I dare say it actually looks dated at this point.
I’ve posted several trip reports over the years where I pressed the CB1100 into the ‘naked’ sport tourer mode and the bike acquitted itself admirably. Folks think they need a 5 gallon tank as a starting point. For myself and my butt we’re ready for a break at 150 miles and that’s with a comfortable seat under us.
It really doesn’t take much to get the CB distance ready. A decent sized tank bag, some soft panniers, the OEM rack and your choice of whatever sized fairing you need for the protection you’re seeking.
What the bike has in spades is decent handling and power for a loaded one up rider. A neutral seating position which should provide more than adequate riding comfort on a multi-day road trip for most pilots without nagging back/hip/skeletal issues. Add to it it’s almost unmatched record of reliability and anyone should fell comfortable knowing that it’s almost a given the bike will bring you home no matter the distance covered.
Yeah, the Yama FJ and Kawi Concourse and a few others are purpose built for gobbling up miles and are pretty much ready to do that off the showroom floor. I can remember back in the 70’s riders having one bike to do it all. No purpose built machines. If folks could ride ratted 750 Honda choppers from coast to coast some of us ought to be able to knock out a few back to back days on a CB. Maybe we’ve just gone soft…..or gotten smarter?
I’ve posted several trip reports over the years where I pressed the CB1100 into the ‘naked’ sport tourer mode and the bike acquitted itself admirably. Folks think they need a 5 gallon tank as a starting point. For myself and my butt we’re ready for a break at 150 miles and that’s with a comfortable seat under us.
It really doesn’t take much to get the CB distance ready. A decent sized tank bag, some soft panniers, the OEM rack and your choice of whatever sized fairing you need for the protection you’re seeking.
What the bike has in spades is decent handling and power for a loaded one up rider. A neutral seating position which should provide more than adequate riding comfort on a multi-day road trip for most pilots without nagging back/hip/skeletal issues. Add to it it’s almost unmatched record of reliability and anyone should fell comfortable knowing that it’s almost a given the bike will bring you home no matter the distance covered.
Yeah, the Yama FJ and Kawi Concourse and a few others are purpose built for gobbling up miles and are pretty much ready to do that off the showroom floor. I can remember back in the 70’s riders having one bike to do it all. No purpose built machines. If folks could ride ratted 750 Honda choppers from coast to coast some of us ought to be able to knock out a few back to back days on a CB. Maybe we’ve just gone soft…..or gotten smarter?