05-23-2018, 12:21 AM
Welcome! I think my experience so far could help. I bought the CB1100 as my first street bike with very little experience. I am about 6ft and 220 lbs - it is not too heavy or tall for a beginner of my size. It is pretty fast for a beginner bike, but never scared me because I simply didn't go full throttle for a month or two. Power is progressive, and there is a lot of it on tap. You can easily pass in normal highway conditions (70 to 80mph around here) without downshifting.
It also is pretty tough to stall. You really have to mess it up to stall this bike. Brakes are the same story. I have a standard 2014 (no abs) and I have had people in traffic force me to the limit of traction. At the limit I was able to modulate it to keep from locking up and was so happy with how well it behaves under hard braking. Proper form, not leaning or jerking the brake, balanced front/back brake usage etc all played a factor. But still, I am a beginner, and I was able to emergency stop in real traffic, and it was confidence inspiring.
I cruise around and commute to work a couple days a week. I have owned the CB for 6 months, and totally love it. I ride it every chance I get! Looking forward to my first long trip this summer.
TL;DR If you are a responsible adult this is a great beginner bike.
It also is pretty tough to stall. You really have to mess it up to stall this bike. Brakes are the same story. I have a standard 2014 (no abs) and I have had people in traffic force me to the limit of traction. At the limit I was able to modulate it to keep from locking up and was so happy with how well it behaves under hard braking. Proper form, not leaning or jerking the brake, balanced front/back brake usage etc all played a factor. But still, I am a beginner, and I was able to emergency stop in real traffic, and it was confidence inspiring.
I cruise around and commute to work a couple days a week. I have owned the CB for 6 months, and totally love it. I ride it every chance I get! Looking forward to my first long trip this summer.
TL;DR If you are a responsible adult this is a great beginner bike.