01-25-2018, 11:04 AM
(01-25-2018, 09:59 AM)ohiorider_imp Wrote: Alphabetically:
BMW R100GS
Honda CB1100
Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport
The Beemer has 155,000 miles on it. I've owned it (her!) since March, 1991, and we've had lots of great rides.
CB1100 has slightly over 3000 miles on the odometer. Longest one day ride to date was bringing her home from the W Va dealership to NE Ohio. No great rides yet, but hopefully, if I can get the suspension set up to my liking, there should be some nice rides this season.
Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport turned 65,000 miles this past (2016) riding season. She's top-heavy, but I love this machine. The 1151cc V twin feels and sound wonderful, and the 6 speed tranny is sweet. Moto Guzzi has not been known for 'sweet' transmissions.
So, where am I headed with this menagerie?
Dunno! The old Beemer needs something to eliminate some vibes. Probably due for major carb rebuild, including rebushing the butterfly bushings. I love this old bike (obviously) after being the only owner since 1991. But I hate to throw yet more $$ at it, at this stage of my life (turned 75 on Jan 23rd.)
CB1100. I am not happy that the CB suspension hasn't worked for me. I find it way too stiff and non-compliant. I didn't buy it to be a track day bike. But I will take one more pass at making this bike work for me. Already installed Ikon shocks, and have taken pass #1 at the front forks ...... but they're still too stiff for me. The CB is a well built machine, but I haven't yet adapted to the feel of the in line 4. I'm willing to give it a go again this year.
The Guzzi. Well, this 2008 1200 Sport was only brought into the USA for one year. However, it has been for me one of the machines that keeps me in motorcycling. The suspension was good out of the box, and the Guzzi v twin (last of the two valve per cylinder big block machines) is a real pleasure to ride ..... assuming you like big twins that make nice sounds and produce sweet vibes.
So, once the temps get into the 60s, I'll sort it out ....... what stays and what goes.
Bob
Heresy! An apostate!
OK, all sarcasm aside, you're clearly riding the bike aggressively and at a higher skill level than its suspension can handle. For some riders, very smooth, roads smooth in general, it's gonna work. For some, it won't.
The real fix is to get a '17 EX. Yes, the EX forks and shock will help some, but they are calibrated to work with the chassis of the EX, and I think the overall package is going to work much better than tossing $1500 at the Deluxe.
3000 miles isn't much. I had 10,500 miles on mine when I decided to let it go, and I tried just about everything.
I honestly don't think the first generation CB1100 is going to have the ride or handling the later model has. If you are making these observations now, chasing fixes probably won't work.
With me, I like the mill and am very sure now that the improvements will correct my gripes. But in your position, not even sure about the engine, it's not likely you are going to warm up to the bike after all this time. Someone else surely will, though.