12-27-2016, 05:23 AM
While I'd like the CB1100 (or almost any bike) to be 50 pounds lighter, I think it's a stretch to assert that lowering the weight by 50 pounds would have made a lot more sales. I do believe your other assertion, that sales would be higher if the price was $1000 lower. Can't support either with data, though.
I like the CB1100 how it is. I know I pay a premium for what I consider the benefits of an aircooled in-line 4, and I'm good with that. I like it as an 1100, too. I think it's actually a nicely compact package for its displacement.
What the CB could really use, though, is at least one other family member, say a 650-900cc version with a slightly lower seat height and 40-60 or so pounds less weight. This, I'm confident, would bring more sales, as I know of people who couldn't resist the CBs siren song, but wanted it in a slightly smaller size. Also, this big brother, littler brother (smaller displacement, weight, size) approach worked well in the CB 4-cyl hierarchy of old, and it works well for Triumph twins now.
I like the CB1100 how it is. I know I pay a premium for what I consider the benefits of an aircooled in-line 4, and I'm good with that. I like it as an 1100, too. I think it's actually a nicely compact package for its displacement.
What the CB could really use, though, is at least one other family member, say a 650-900cc version with a slightly lower seat height and 40-60 or so pounds less weight. This, I'm confident, would bring more sales, as I know of people who couldn't resist the CBs siren song, but wanted it in a slightly smaller size. Also, this big brother, littler brother (smaller displacement, weight, size) approach worked well in the CB 4-cyl hierarchy of old, and it works well for Triumph twins now.