Suspension

[TCinNC_imp]

Riding weather was nice for contemplation today, eh Ferret? I'll bet the roundness of the alloys rims and the quality of today's tires help a lot. Honda knows how to sort out a bike's suspension (without breaking the bank) very well.

I'm one of those who rides some of NE Ohio's most scenic two lane roads. I've owned multiple BMWs (K and R Series,) a Kaw W650, a Honda ST 1300, and a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, along with a 2008 Moto Guzzi Sport and a Guzzi Griso 8vSE. And now a Honda CB1100. Of all these bikes, only the Griso 8vSE and the Triumph Bonneville (and now the CB1100) have beaten me up, and caused me to take alternate routes to avoid less than perfect road surfaces.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow with Traxxion Dynamics to discuss their suspension kit for the front fork of the CB1100. If the conversation goes well, first step will be to install their kit. And if that works out, next step will be a more compliant set of rear shocks. I'm not one who spends $$ on aftermarket exhausts. But if in my opinion my CB1100 requires more compliant suspension for the roads I ride and my weight, that's the route I'm taking., and I'll throw some $$ at it.
My buddy who owns one of the new Triumphs (2008 T100) and even newer 2016 T12, agreed with me that the CB1100 and his T100 were similarly rough riding on our roads. OTOH, his new T120 is compliant when riding our two lane, chip and seal secondaries. We both agreed to this.

If I lived in SoCal, or perhaps further south where the roads don't take such a beating from our winters, (or perhaps weighed another 30-40 pounds,) the CB would probably be ok 90 % of the time. But I don't, and it isn't.

I like everything else about the bike. The engine and tranny are fine. The fuel injection seems to be mapped as good as any FI bike I've ridden. Overall fit and finish is super.

Bob

I'm one of those who rides some of NE Ohio's most scenic two lane roads. I've owned multiple BMWs (K and R Series,) a Kaw W650, a Honda ST 1300, and a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, along with a 2008 Moto Guzzi Sport and a Guzzi Griso 8vSE. And now a Honda CB1100. Of all these bikes, only the Griso 8vSE and the Triumph Bonneville (and now the CB1100) have beaten me up, and caused me to take alternate routes to avoid less than perfect road surfaces.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow with Traxxion Dynamics to discuss their suspension kit for the front fork of the CB1100. If the conversation goes well, first step will be to install their kit. And if that works out, next step will be a more compliant set of rear shocks. I'm not one who spends $$ on aftermarket exhausts. But if in my opinion my CB1100 requires more compliant suspension for the roads I ride and my weight, that's the route I'm taking., and I'll throw some $$ at it.
My buddy who owns one of the new Triumphs (2008 T100) and even newer 2016 T12, agreed with me that the CB1100 and his T100 were similarly rough riding on our roads. OTOH, his new T120 is compliant when riding our two lane, chip and seal secondaries. We both agreed to this.

If I lived in SoCal, or perhaps further south where the roads don't take such a beating from our winters, (or perhaps weighed another 30-40 pounds,) the CB would probably be ok 90 % of the time. But I don't, and it isn't.

I like everything else about the bike. The engine and tranny are fine. The fuel injection seems to be mapped as good as any FI bike I've ridden. Overall fit and finish is super.

Bob
I agree ohiorider, the CB1100 is great 90% of the time suspension wise, it's just that other 10%. My knowledge of motorcycle suspensions is rudimentary at best, I was looking at the Traxxion Dynamics site today at the CB1100 front fork kit for around $300. Would that be more worthwhile then say just the Race Tech fork spring replacements for $110?