03-09-2018, 11:44 PM
I recently traded my 13 in for a 17, and would agree--the newer one feels somewhat more planted, thanks to the suspension, and is easier to ride, with the new clutch and 6 speed box. That said, I liked my 13 quite a bit, and if the 17 had never appeared, I would feel I had the best retro bike available, short of a DLX. These discussions always mix objective criteria (hp, torque) and subjective (seamless tank, engine color) and things in between (spokes and tubes) with some detectable effort to justify the writer's choice of ownership of one or the other. Clearly the OP will need to concoct his own justification, and follow his head or budget or desires. I like the upgrades on the 17, but my personal justification (and that's all it is) was that really well made, reliable true retros are rare. The best , such as the Honda GB500 and the Kawa W650, appeared on the US market for only two years, and neither sold well, leading to discounted prices, and then their quick disappearance and subsequent unavailability. I suspect the 17 CB1100 will fit the pattern, perhaps with us getting only the one model year here, and that the next 12 months will prove to be the best time to get a good price on what is for me the best iteration of the bike. All things equal (ie if one could conceivably afford either) I would suggest looking at opportunity, and not just the difference in price, but how prices will be trending. If you want the 17, these will be factors; if you want a 13 or 14, less so.