04-30-2015, 08:16 PM
This is a very GOOD topic. Like many here, I love the CB's inline-four engine. It is just a classic design, that looks right in a motorcycle frame. I traded in my 2nd Nighthawk (owned 2 over the span of 20 years) for this bike. My CB750 was older, well-kitted-but-worn, and body parts are starting to become more difficult to find...but that "familiarity" of the Honda motor was what sealed my decision to get another CB. Great curb appeal didn't hurt, either.
Like many of you, I've been through quite a few motorcycles in my life. My need to try so many bikes was driven by a search for the "Perfect Bike". If you're someone who has bought/sold over 20 bikes in your life, wouldn't you agree? Perfection can mean a lot of things to different people, but I've always wanted a good all-around daily driver, that had decent handling manners, but could handle long distances. The air/oil-cooled 4-cylinder motors have always been my favorite - they're sewing-machine smooth and handle easily on city streets, but they have that brute-force power that is so useful when you need it. I've extensively ridden or owned a GSF1200S Bandit, a KZ1000, a Yamaha Maxim, an '81 Suzuki 1100GS E - these have all been great rides. I also like the monster torque of oil-head and hex-head BMW's, but nothing compares to that inline-4 smoothness.
I'm one of those who will always love the simplicity of the UJM, no matter what styling queues are applied. While the CB1100 might be the last to look like a "genuine nostalgic Honda CB", I doubt that the root power-plant and transmission design will ever be completely erased. Too many people feel the same way I do about a simple inline 4. No rider-control "aids" or electronic braking/traction "systems" for me, thank you. Just a basic 4-cylinder bike. That's my 2 cents...
Like many of you, I've been through quite a few motorcycles in my life. My need to try so many bikes was driven by a search for the "Perfect Bike". If you're someone who has bought/sold over 20 bikes in your life, wouldn't you agree? Perfection can mean a lot of things to different people, but I've always wanted a good all-around daily driver, that had decent handling manners, but could handle long distances. The air/oil-cooled 4-cylinder motors have always been my favorite - they're sewing-machine smooth and handle easily on city streets, but they have that brute-force power that is so useful when you need it. I've extensively ridden or owned a GSF1200S Bandit, a KZ1000, a Yamaha Maxim, an '81 Suzuki 1100GS E - these have all been great rides. I also like the monster torque of oil-head and hex-head BMW's, but nothing compares to that inline-4 smoothness.
I'm one of those who will always love the simplicity of the UJM, no matter what styling queues are applied. While the CB1100 might be the last to look like a "genuine nostalgic Honda CB", I doubt that the root power-plant and transmission design will ever be completely erased. Too many people feel the same way I do about a simple inline 4. No rider-control "aids" or electronic braking/traction "systems" for me, thank you. Just a basic 4-cylinder bike. That's my 2 cents...