The original CB1100

[Guth_imp]

Anyone that's been hanging around here for a while knows that I have a preference for the 2013 model CB1100. The bike does everything I need it to do and I prefer the looks of this bike over all subsequent years. I've come to refer to these bikes as the "original" CB1100. Well this year I'm planning on taking things a step further...

It might be hard to believe, but I've never ordered anything from Mr. T (of Samurider fame) before. Well, I've got my first ever package from him headed my way as I type this note. It contains the Honda CB1100 Factory Seat (Japan model). The original CB1100 seat if you will (or simply the seat that appeals to a rather short guy with short legs like me, lol). I'll be curious to see how different the seat feels comfort-wise as I have absolutely no issues with the seat that originally came with the bike — hopefully I don't notice too much difference. But I'm sure that the shorter height will be appreciated when I'm trying to move the bike around while seated when parking for example, etc..

After exchanging a few notes with Mr. T, I will also soon be ordering the CB1100 Type II low handlebar to go with the seat. So look for a thread over in the Accessories/Modifications section in the not too distant future with some before/after photos. I guess it's been quite a while since I've had something to post in that section.

I concur, Guth, I find the original, in red, to be the most attractive to my eye. I've passed on DLX's and EX's due to that preference. In fact, I like the 'naked' side of the bike, without the exhaust, to be the best!

Good luck with the seat, let us know how it goes. I went for a K&H cafe seat, and it's a big improvement.

I concur, Guth, I find the original, in red, to be the most attractive to my eye. I've passed on DLX's and EX's due to that preference. In fact, I like the 'naked' side of the bike, without the exhaust, to be the best!

Good luck with the seat, let us know how it goes. I went for a K&H cafe seat, and it's a big improvement.
Thanks Capo! I've already gone back and read some of the reviews out of Australia (it does appear that they received the same seat as Japan did) and noticed that in at least one of those the reviewer complained of the seat being too soft, lol. I guess that old saying about "butt's & opinions" has never been more true, both literally and figuratively, than when it comes to motorcycle seats.

I have a feeling that I'm really going to like the Japanese market seat mainly from a functionality standpoint if perhaps not so much for the looks. There is one particular image that Cycle World published way back when that remains one of my favorites of the CB1100. In this photo, the stock seat that came with the bike just looks perfect to me. While this bike is never going to be confused with a lightweight sportbike, this particular angle tends to make the CB1100 look just a tad more more muscular and a bit less porky which I like. But again, I do think that lower seat height will be nice for me when it comes to maneuvering the bike while seated when parking on uneven surfaces for example. Because while the CB1100 isn't really a bike bike, or unbearably heavy for that matter, it's definitely no Hawk GT either.