06-06-2020, 12:13 AM
I would certainly test ride one first. The bike is heavy--approaching 600 pounds wet. The weight hides itself well once rolling, but that is true of any bike. Pushing it around, loading it onto a lift and even getting it up on its centerstand requires more care than lighter bikes. The engine is quite smooth and has a broad torque curve for an inline 4, but it is not very powerful or torquey compared to many other bikes, nor is it particularly fast. My 15 year old 1000cc air cooled Ducati would leave my 2017 CB1100EX for dead at any point in the rev range. Also, the CB top speed is limited to 112 mph, if that matters to you. That said, I love the way my CB looks, I am a huge fan of the air cooled motor (probably nostalgia there), and the ride is very smooth. Also be sure to pay attention to the footpeg placement. While the seating position is upright, the pegs are higher up and further back than other "competing" retro bikes like a Triumph Bonneville. The ergos are very different and be sure you are okay with your knees much more bent and your feet farther back. All this is my way of suggesting you test ride it.