08-06-2018, 12:18 AM
(08-06-2018, 12:10 AM)Capo_imp Wrote: I would say your description of it being a 'UJM cruiser' isn't far off. That's not a pejorative, just somewhat accurate. Unlike a pure cruiser, however, the CB is capable of quite spirited riding, and with a few mods, its carving and touring capabilities are pretty darn good.
But the CB is an emotional buy. If it floats your aesthetic boat, for $7K, it's hard to beat.
yep, that's pretty much the summary. it underperforms as a sport bike, and really can't be judged as one. it cruises well, but unlike a cruiser can be revv'd and is much more maneuverable than most cruisers in its engine class. the CB11 is right in the middle of all the established preconceptions about what a motorcycle is supposed to be.
It's for this very reason that I've always considered it a perfect commuter bike. the OP mentioned that it doesn't seem like many people use it as a daily rider, and I don't really think that's true. I, personally , use it as my sole means of transportation, putting around 12k on it annually, as well as taking road trips and other activities. It does "everything" well, almost nothing poorly (except offroad i guess? lol) and it doesn't do anything perfectly.
I guess the conclusion i'm coming to is that it isn't the right bike for a rider that wants their bike to do any one thing perfectly. It can't keep up with a VFR, it isn't as smooth as a 'wing or a big BMer, and it's mechanically inferior to other modern standards like the CB1000r. However, it's half the price of all those things. You can get them brand new as low as 6k. try to buy a bike this good (brand new from a dealership) anywhere for 6k, and you'll fail. that's what makes it such a unique buy in my mind.