Possible CB1100X coming ...

[tod.branko_imp]

The point of this picture is to ask if there were any benefits to the high rear seat.
I can't think of any except the possible loss of rear suspension travel, by an inch or two at the most. I just don't see any benefit, and lots of problems it causes.

I am not a designer, nor an engineer, but more than happy to speculate!

From a design point of view the raised subframe is definitely more pleasing to look at, and the top of the seat aligns well with the top of the tank, the subframe line reaches the back of the from wheel, and there is a symmetry between the frame and subframe angles.

From an engineering point of view, the raised subframe allows for a longer suspension travel. Also, from what I know about leverage and geometry, the angle at which the gravitational force component affects the slanted subframe makes for a lower torque than at the angle with the more horizontal subframe, which allows for higher loading of the subframe (assuming they are both of the same length) Got to mention that these bikes came stock with hard side cases.

Possibly what they could have done is to raise the rider seat to be more in line with the pillion seat, but I guess that would bring the overall center of gravity higher, which would negatively impact the handling of the bike, and then the windshield wod have to be taller, and bars higher etc.

Thank you for this thought experiment

'14 CB1100 STD 5 speed