09-06-2014, 06:30 AM
(09-06-2014, 01:17 AM)JGran_imp Wrote: Thanks everyone for your helpful comments, I really appreciate it. The quality of the responses says a lot about this forum and about the CB1100. I do take to heart that CB1100 riders emphasize the overall happy experience of the ride whereas the CB1000R riders talk more about the upper end of the performance range that I'll never see.
All the thoughts (and dyno charts) about HP and torque make total sense...for the riding I do, the performance of the CB1100 sounds like it would be more than enough power and plenty of fun. It has more HP and torque (but also more weight) than my Versys, so I'm pretty sure it would feel at least as strong as my Versys, and I've never felt especially held back on that. And truly I don't need (or even want) the kind of speed and HP that the CB1000R can deliver at the top end. LOL I think I'm talking myself into CB1100.
I think my lingering question is whether the willing nimbleness of the Versys has spoiled me, or would the CB1100 feel just as good. (And are the narrow tires on the CB1100 a liability in any respect?) Because most of my rides are short rides around town, having something that is maneuverable and fun at corners is important, but I still need it to have comfortable ergonomics. Unfortunately the dealers around here seem totally uninterested in offering demo rides so all I can do is research by reading and asking questions.
And about the harness. Yikes, I didn't mean to hit such a nerve but I appreciate your thoughts. I'm a very safety-conscious rider, always in head-to-toe safety gear, alert, cautious, etc. I say this only to emphasize that I know I'm vulnerable and do what I can to put the odds in my favor with defensive riding. I'm never on big or fast roads with the kids, and they're also in safety gear. They can reach the pegs and hold on to me but I'm more comfortable with them in the harness. It's designed specifically for kids on motorcycles and has hand-holds for them. The peace of mind knowing they're staying on the bike with me is worth it.
Again, thanks for the thoughtful responses. I've read a lot of posts on this forum and think the civility and thoroughness of the conversations on here is itself a big point in favor of the CB1100, as it shows the level of admiration the CB1100 inspires. If (or should I say "when"?) I join your ranks as an owner I'll let you know.
I agree that I believe the narrow tires most likely aid in the nimbleness of the bike. Is is very easy to control at slow speeds.
As far as the harness goes its not so much a nerve and we are just looking out. The last thing you want is to be strapped to a motorcycle in a crash, and that includes being strapped to the other rider. Things go wrong in a hurry and being strapped to someone else can only amplify that.
Look at it this way......there is a reason they don't install seat belts on bikes.
The gear is great, but just think about what would happen of you were to land on top of your child at say....40 mph because someone changed lanes into you and knocked you to the ground. It would get ugly in a hurry.
[/soapbox]
I hope you get the CB1100 because you will enjoy it immensely!