08-07-2017, 04:28 PM
(08-07-2017, 03:42 PM)Guth_imp Wrote: Those concerned about all out engine performance (or perhaps performance in general, lol) should just go ahead and check their CB1100s at the door. There are plenty of bikes that can outperform the CB in real life and on paper for a lot less money. If raw performance is someone's main point of measurement for satisfaction, then I can't imagine how they would end up with a CB1100.
Obviously it's in our nature to geek out on this kind of stuff. For motorheads horsepower and torque figures that are discussed and dissected in any number of ways just like baseball fans fixate on batting averages and ERAs. In either case, be it motorcycles or baseball players, rarely are my favorites at the top of the stats heap. There are many factors other than these primary performance statistics that determine the true character of a motorcycle or the makeup of a ballplayer.
If we're only focusing on engine characteristics (as opposed to handling characteristics, etc.) and tossing aside bragging rights (be it for raw performance, or fuel efficiency, or that have you), I'd say that when it comes to motorcycle engines, this is what matters the most in reality: is it tuned in such a way that makes it truly enjoyable given the way you prefer to ride? Pretty simple.
Yep...this is precisely why I loved my HD Sportster (at the time I loved that motor and its rumble as I got back into mc riding), my KLR650 (so simple to work on, just keeps going no matter where I steer) and my Honda CGL125 (in Costa Rica, where I ride, 30-45mph is about all the steep, tight curves allow for)...and now the CB1100 (besides looks, bike will take me on the long rides here in the U.S.)