07-14-2013, 06:53 PM
That's an interesting point.
It may be that Honda was just lazy and left in the domestic limiter so as to have one less production variation, but compared to my Blackbird or the Speed Triple that I sold to get the CB1100, I don't feel as confident about taking the CB1100 up much past 100. Maybe it's the skinny tires, maybe it's the twin shocks but it just doesn't inspire the feeling solid stability at speed. That's kind of surprising as the steering geometry of the Speed Triple is not as conservative so it's got to be the frame, tires or suspension that's making the difference.
I'm all good with it, I obviously didn't get this bike for it's top speed :-)
Hi, Furious....somewhere in this forum I posted a rant about the governed speed of the CB100, based on the then latest edition of Motorcycle Consumer News write up of their test of the CB. MCN claimed Honda, when questioned about the speed limiter, said it was becaue of their (Honda's) concern regarding 18" wheels/tires, no fairing, and lack of liquid cooling. To which I would reply, similar to Chip Beck's
analogy to the Suzuki, that I had a Suzuki 1100E vintage 83 with worse size tires, no fairing, also air cooled, and went as fast as you dared to go. That motor, of course, became on of the standards used by drag and track racers for years. But I digress......I, too, don't feel as confident on the CB at high speed......and not because of my now advanced age..........it just doesn't inspire confidence. Don't get me wrong, I love running the canyons with the CB.......it is bitchin.......but not my choice for straight-out top end work.
Just sayin....
Mike
I have only tested the limiter on mine on three occasions; it reliably kicks in at 112 mph every time. I also first thought about by-passing it or removing it. While I find the frame and suspension to be predictable and stable at that speed I am less inclined to change it now opting instead to fine tune the handling a bit and just personalize it. Maybe it is age but I don't really care that the top end is restricted. I'm not going there any way. The CB has been too enjoyable as it it to bother changing it.
I'll just find another Road Star 1600/1700 and build another locomotive.