05-21-2017, 11:33 PM
I have both the CB1100 and a CB500x and think both are excellent bikes. The 500 feels much lighter of course and you can certainly tell the power is not the same either. The 500 is my mountains bike for the tight twisty backroads and occasional unpaved roads, also excellent for around town use but on the highways - two lane or four - you can truly tell it is a twin cylinder modest displacement bike. Quite a devoted following for the two cylinder marvel and I certainly understand why. Nimble is my one word description of the 500. I have upgraded the suspension and it is really a demon on tight roads now.
The 4 cylinder 1100 is also a lighter weight, compact machine when you compare it to other bikes out on the road. It's upright seating position and naked bike appearance make it stand out in the parking lot. I find it to be a fine bike for everything I've attempted to use it for - commuting, pleasure rides, and the occasional multi day tour.
I would have a tough time choosing between the two and in the end it would boil down to deciding what type of riding am I going to do for the next 5 or so years and the honest assessment of the power requirements for that riding.
The 4 cylinder 1100 is also a lighter weight, compact machine when you compare it to other bikes out on the road. It's upright seating position and naked bike appearance make it stand out in the parking lot. I find it to be a fine bike for everything I've attempted to use it for - commuting, pleasure rides, and the occasional multi day tour.
I would have a tough time choosing between the two and in the end it would boil down to deciding what type of riding am I going to do for the next 5 or so years and the honest assessment of the power requirements for that riding.