11-03-2013, 05:51 PM
I test rode some other bikes before I went for the CB 1100 (in black):
- Triumph Bonneville T100
- Kawasaki W800
- Moto Guzzi V7
- BMW R 1200 R [1]
What I like at the CB 1100 (and the R 1200 R) is that they are classic bikes, but not "I must be retro-ish!" bikes. [2] They are clean, simple and classic bikes but still up-to-date (like having ABS). Especially the T100 and the W800 were too much baroque-retro style for me (and had also other flaws like no ABS, disappointing engine characteristics etc.). A bit in the middle is the V7, it is a bit retro, but it is the regular Guzzi style - and the engine is great. But finally, I opted against the Made in Italy "quality" (a colleague owns a Stelvio and had much trouble with it). I also opted against the Made in Germany quality, because the bike in total did not catch me or pushed up my blood pressure. Indeed the boxer engine was okay, but the front fork thing called "Telelever" was strange, I did not like it simply (and of course also the horrible price of 14.500 EUR (19500 USD) for a used bike, half year old and 9000 km).
I test rode the CB 1100 finally, and knew from the very first meters "that's it!".
[1] And also other motorcycles, but they were other classes of bikes e.g. Enduro
[2] See also my post here: http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....6#pid17846
- Triumph Bonneville T100
- Kawasaki W800
- Moto Guzzi V7
- BMW R 1200 R [1]
What I like at the CB 1100 (and the R 1200 R) is that they are classic bikes, but not "I must be retro-ish!" bikes. [2] They are clean, simple and classic bikes but still up-to-date (like having ABS). Especially the T100 and the W800 were too much baroque-retro style for me (and had also other flaws like no ABS, disappointing engine characteristics etc.). A bit in the middle is the V7, it is a bit retro, but it is the regular Guzzi style - and the engine is great. But finally, I opted against the Made in Italy "quality" (a colleague owns a Stelvio and had much trouble with it). I also opted against the Made in Germany quality, because the bike in total did not catch me or pushed up my blood pressure. Indeed the boxer engine was okay, but the front fork thing called "Telelever" was strange, I did not like it simply (and of course also the horrible price of 14.500 EUR (19500 USD) for a used bike, half year old and 9000 km).
I test rode the CB 1100 finally, and knew from the very first meters "that's it!".
[1] And also other motorcycles, but they were other classes of bikes e.g. Enduro
[2] See also my post here: http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....6#pid17846