Quick Trip

[davidsargee_imp]

I had to return from Daytona in a hurry due to what turned out to be a minor issue. Its about 220 miles. I'm afraid I have to strenuously disagree with those who say the CB is not a good highway bike from an engine or gearing perspective.

Thanks to Florida's typically fast traffic, I was able to run the entire way at 80+. Frequently the traffic was over 90, especially on the Turnpike. The CB was smooth; solid, absolutely no feeling it was being pushed or over-revved. Obviously with only the Flyscreen I had to tuck in to stay on the bike, but man, I wished I could keep going another couple hours when I got to my exit.

It will be interesting to see how the revs compare between the 5 and 6 speed bikes when they arrive. I was in the high 4,000's most of the time on this trip.

I absolutely agree with your observations. I haven't gone 200 miles yet (in one leg of a ride), but I did a little over a hundred miles on the way home one afternoon from a trip out west of town. I rode out west on some older highways, but took Interstate 20 back for the ride home. I was in a bit of a hurry as it was getting later than I had planned, I made the trip back at a sustained 75-85 miles per hour, (80+ for a large part of the trip).

The bike was smooth, very stable, and never seemed stressed. As most of you know, 70 mph = 4000 rpm, at 75 it is turning 4400 rpm, and it turns about 4800 rpm at 80. The CB does this with ease, and a twist of the throttle at 80 mph still pulls on the arms, accelerating nicely, this, more than anything else, reminds me of the Kawi Z-1. It absolutely can cruise at higher speeds "in it's sleep".

Undoubtedly the 6th gear on the 2014 will help with fuel economy and make them a little tamer on the highway. I recall a lot of magazine reviews, etc., in which the reviewers were saying that this bike "does not need a 6th gear".

I'm not saying I wouldn't like a 6 speed tranny, but, I'm OK with 5.

Cheers.