Skinny posts

[2017EX_imp]

I could not help but add my thoughts on this one. Yes, I have had some hiccups with my new bike, but then I have rarely had a new car or motorcycle over the years that did not have a few bugs to iron out initially. I think it somewhat goes with the territory in any mass produced machine, and to some extent that is what warranties are for. My particular problem was not mechanical, it was a spoke rim out of true, combined with a flat spot on the tire, probably related to shipping and the length of time it was crated, not quality control. So far, I have been impressed with the level of interest and participation on the Forum, contrary to some other impressions. At the moment with a combination of the Holiday season requiring more of our attention, and cold weather putting a damper on saddle time for many of us, it would not surprise me that posts might drop off somewhat. For my part I have, and will continue to enjoy the exchange of information, and the camaraderie opportunity the Forum provides. As to the CB1100 itself, I think it is a home run for what it is intended to be, and what I wanted in a bike to enjoy riding. I started riding sleek naked bikes in the late 60s. As time went on, they all but disappeared, replaced in large part by the popularity of "Crotch Rockets" more suited for the track than road trips, commuting, and everyday enjoyment. I remember thinking 15 years ago that Honda would have a winner if the CB750 was brought back in a modern version. I had a 1974 CB750 I bought new in that year, and it was an all time favorite of mine. For the past 10 years I rode a Harley, but the 750+ pounds it weighed, plus getting older ( I am 65 now ) got to be more than I wanted to wrestle for everyday riding. It handled like a tank for around town riding, and I have seen more than a few Harley riders lay the bike down trying to do a simple U turn. By comparison the CB1100 is easy to handle and a joy to ride everyday. Judging from the posts here, Honda hit exactly the market the CB1100 was aimed at, the Baby Boomers. Our segment grew up with naked bikes that were just plain fun to ride, and now we can afford the price tag if we choose to. Speaking of which, the cost of a new CB750 back in 1974 was about $1500, which for back then was a lot of money. Then too, the Boomers are now a major segment of the population, and consequently the market. Allowing for inflation of the cost of a CB750 since 1974, does not put the current MSRP for a CB1100 out of the realm of reason either.
Lastly, I think we should remember what Honda intended the CB1100 to be. It was intended to evoke nostalgia for us older riders, and it does. It was intended to deliver a smooth ride with power, and it does. It was intended to be easy to handle and "forgiving", and it is. Is it super fast, no, but it was not intended to be a "Crotch Rocket". That said, I have not found it to be lacking in get up and go either. Getting it up on the center stand is largely a matter of technique plus reasonable strength, and I dont have any problem doing it. All things considered, I think we will see the nostalgic naked retro bike segment in general, continue for some time to come. The other day I saw a write up on a naked retro Kawasaki KZ900 that we may see in 2018. I dont think Honda or Kawasaki would go this route without the market research to back it up. In any event, in doing all the pre purchase research on the CB1100, I remember reading that Honda wanted to create a machine that would let the rider focus on the pleasure of the ride. Whether an older rider like me, or a new rider, I think Honda achieved what the bike was intended to do, and did it quite well.