CB1100 or Harley?

[cbdtran_imp]

I know...crazy comparison! I just joined this thread because have been lurking and am a long time Honda rider. In my young days I rode a CL down every back road I could find. Since then I've had several Honda dirt bikes. Now am in my early 50's and looking for a bike for the street. I did have a Bonneville because I like the old school look. Have ridden about every Harley but just can't seem to pull the trigger. I also like the BMW GS as I like to ride back and mountain roads and just explore. My wife doesn't ride with me so will be 1 up. I anxiously waited for the CB and looked at it soon it came out and like it. Then I just kept looking at HD's until the past weekend and I went back to the Honda dealer again. I really like the CB so started reading all the post. I also stated checking at the windscreens as this was a concern but looks like there are options. I like naked most of the time but some wind protection would be nice at times. Am planning on taking one out this weekend for a demo ride. Not sure what I am asking for in the post unless you can give me some input on if any of you ride both and your impression of the CB versus an HD. Am looking at the softails. Like I said though only back and mountain roads and very little highway or long trips. Have lots of beautiful mountain roads here in Arkansas to ride without ever getting on the highway.

Thanks for letting me just talk on my first post. Dang I love this bike!!

Hello ARMike,

My first suggestion would be to ride both bikes back to back on the types of roads you would typically ride. You might even want to try ridding the new BMW GS because it is a great all around bike.

I have a 2005 Road King with almost 40,000 miles and consider it very reliable. I have had absolutely no problems. The Harley is very easy to work on and I do all my own maintenance. I have gone through several sets of tires and replaced the front brakes, and changed fluids as the factory recommends. The Harley is relatively low maintenance, no valve adjustments and the belt final drive requires very little maintenance compared to a chain drive. The Road King is great for a relaxing ride through back roads and a very good long distance touring bike. Cruise control, heated grips and large windshield are good for long rides and cooler weather. The Road King does shake a lot at stop lights but once moving at highway speeds it is very smooth. Average fuel consumption is about 45 MPG but it does require Premium. The fit & finish on Harley’s is very good and no other manufacturer comes close to the variety and quality of accessories.

I only have 1600 miles on my 2013 CB1100, so it’s too soon to talk about long term reliability but I expect it to be rock solid. The CB1100 is a joy to ride around town and up to a couple of hours. Afterwards the seat gets very uncomfortable for me and I plan to replace the factory seat with a Corbin next year. The transmission and clutch work flawlessly and is one the best I have experienced. At idle you almost don’t know its running but as others have mentioned has some vibration around 4K. Not objectionable if you are wearing gloves but could be an issue for some people. I have averaged about 52MPG and it only requires regular unleaded fuel.

The CB1100 is much quicker, handles way better and has superior brakes. The newer Harley Touring bikes have a stiffer frame and better tires than my 2005 but it still will not handle anything like the CB1100. While some consider the Harley slow, I find it has adequate power and more than enough for pulling away from a stoplight. In my opinion both bikes look how a motorcycle should look. The engines are works of art and pleasing to look at.

For a couple hour ride it’s hard to beat the CB1100. For an all-day or cross country ride I would take the Road King hands down.

Good Luck with your decision!

your info is valuable, I always like HD just because it is an old schooled bike, all steel no plastic. American love hamburger right? My riding style is gentle, so when green start, HD leave me in the dust ... big torque, high gear has its appeal.

I really appreciate the input and the spirited conversation. I have always been a Honda guy and like the old school bikes like the CB, Triumphs, BSA's, Royal Enfield, etc. Probably why I just haven't been able to pull the trigger on a Harley. Anyway, keep the comments coming as they are helpful. You all have me more excited about test riding.

Thanks again!!

I just recently sold my Harley XR1200. I seen one and it took me back to the early 60s when a friend bought a Sportster and let me ride it. WOW, but---have had Brit bikes and a ton of Hondas since. When I seen the XR on ebay and it was close by I went over and rode it and bought it. That big thumping engine!!! 6 months later and Honda brings the CB to America. Went to Shelby NC Honda and test rode one . Went back home, put the Harley and my Vstrom on Ebay! Now I have the CB and enjoy it more every day, it is one sweet machine. One of the best bikes I've owned in 58 years of riding.

the CB1100 saves my motorcycling. I go to the dealer to sell my Suzuki where I buy it in 2009 new with 1000 miles on it. It should conclude my on/off passion for motorcycle, I walk out the dealer and see the CB in front of the store. What a beauty, after negotiating hard, I take her home a couple days later. It happens all suddenly, no planning ... Since then, my passion come back, I ride the bike every day with many long trips in the mountains and back-roads

Being Asian at 5'7, 160 lbs, I love things that fit me proportional. The CB fits me well psychologically, not too tall, not too big compared to other bikes in same displacement.

If it can cook, I will marry it