09-05-2014, 01:55 PM
(09-05-2014, 01:13 PM)JGran_imp Wrote: I'm very close to making a purchase but can't quite decide between the CB1100 and the CB1000R and wondered if those of you with the CB1100 (or who have switched to the CB1000R) might offer some thoughts. I'm coming from a 2011 Kawasaki 650 Versys, and that's pretty much my only point of comparison. Mainly, I'm wondering how much better or worse than the Versys is the CB1100 in terms of (1) acceleration and (2) handling and cornering?
The CB1100 is beautiful and has me just on the looks, particularly the black of the 2014 standard. I'm concerned though that I might want the thrill of the CB1000R. How much can the 1100 deliver in terms of fun acceleration and quick, nimble cornering?
To put it in context, I'm in my mid-40s, with kids (who sometimes ride on the back, attached to me by harness), and I'm not looking to do anything crazy. A fair amount of my riding is pretty basic riding around town on errands etc., which sometimes includes stretches on the interstate. I want to be able to take weekend trips on the bike but have only managed one so far, so that's not a big priority. I like the versatility of the Versys but want something with more soul and character and spirit. All of this sounds like the CB1100 would be a good fit, but at the same time, when I'm out on two wheels I want to feel that the bike is ready for some spirited acceleration and fun cornering. From what I've read, the CB1000R can deliver all of that with ease and grace (while still being civilized and easy to ride), but my heart is with the looks of the CB1100. I'll go for the CB1100 if I feel I won't feel disappointed in the ride. Any thoughts?
This scares the hell outta me. I was involved in a hit and run on the freeway (I was traveling at about 30 mph) and knocked to the ground. If I had a child strapped to me there is a very good chance that I would have killed that child as I rolled and then skidded to a stop on my back on the shoulder.
How old are the kids? Can they reach the foot pegs easily? If not, then they shouldn't be on the bike. If they can't hold on to you and keep themselves upright safely on the bike behind you, they shouldn't be on the bike.
I'm not against children being on motorcycles, quite the contrary, I had a friend that brought his son with us as soon as he could do everything I listed, but not before.
It's just the idea of strapping a child to the rider adds a whole nother level of lack of control to the situation. If you go down you risk a lot more damage to the child than if they can fly away from you landing on top of them.
I know I'm sounding like I'm preaching, but this really, REALLY, scares me and I think it's just a bad idea.
As far as the bikes go, there a a few of us here that ride in the hills around the San Francisco bay area and do not find it wanting for riding in the twisties. I'm sure that the sport bike would be better at it, but it can hold it's own for sure. Its also not "slow" per se, but again it's not a super sport so take that with a grain of salt. I think I heard that with a competent rider that does not weigh 200+ it's an 11 sec ride, but I'm not sure about that because honestly that never really concerned me.
My $.02