04-30-2017, 12:13 PM
I've always thought that capable "small" bikes sound like fun. It's also interesting to compare things like the CB500X and a Ducati Multistrada. You'll pay 3X as much for the Duc. Do you get 3X the bike? Both have comfy ergos, somewhat lengthy suspension travel and goofy looking beaks. If you forget about image, outlandish power and electronically adjustable everything and just get a bike that's economical, reliable, powerful enough and fun - are you happy?
Then there's the historical perspective. In 1965, a 500cc bike with the power of the CB500X would not look so small after all. Shoot, get the optional hard luggage and you've got a perfectly serviceable touring mount. (And it might look big enough for a 6' rider like me to not seem ridiculous riding it.)
Of course, I paid up plenty for the CB1100 DLX. But there were aesthetic issues involved. Today, if I wanted to step down from the VFR I had and the CB1100 wasn't available, the CB 500 would get a serious look.
Then there's the historical perspective. In 1965, a 500cc bike with the power of the CB500X would not look so small after all. Shoot, get the optional hard luggage and you've got a perfectly serviceable touring mount. (And it might look big enough for a 6' rider like me to not seem ridiculous riding it.)
Of course, I paid up plenty for the CB1100 DLX. But there were aesthetic issues involved. Today, if I wanted to step down from the VFR I had and the CB1100 wasn't available, the CB 500 would get a serious look.