Need advice on CB1100 and other

[foxinsuit_imp]

I currently own both a CB1100 and a ZRX1200. Both are excellent bikes.

But I am firmly in the camp that both are also too much bike for a beginner.

Honestly you can hurt yourself on anything, even a SV650 can wheelie when provoked without much issue.

Start smaller, cheaper, lighter, safer. Enjoy the ride itself, don't focus on power or acceleration. You will be too busy focusing on cars and deer.

I am currently looking at a Zephyr 750. Pictures of it are a few posts above.

Don't rely on driving experience, it will not matter much when it comes to riding. Even 8 years of driving experience in a car is not that much. Start smaller and buy a cheap bike. You will thank us in the end if you ever have an incident. Plus if you can't afford a cb1100 than you should really be looking at something small and cheap. The cb1100 is actually one of the more affordable bikes when your ready for that. Your need to grow with experience not only with riding but remember their will be other expenses besides the bike when it comes to riding, like tires, maintenance, gear, insurance, fuel and so on. Grow financially as well by saving for the bigger bike as you learn on the smaller cheaper one and remember how you drive your car will not compare at all to riding a motorcycle.

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I understand all the concern of the beginner getting a big bike. However I stated that I'm not buying CB11 now, because it's too expensive for me at the time. But not because it's too big. I completely agree that ZRX1200 is too big, that for example XJR1300 is too big, that GSX1400 is too big, that CB1300 is too big, bandit 1250 is too big, but I don't feel that way about honda at all. I know it's too much anyway for a beginner, but if I had a chance to own it I wouldn't hesitate one second. With the other mentioned BIG BIKES, most of which I can afford to buy right now, I hesitate if it's the right choice due to their big size and power.

Sure, I'd like to start on something smaller, but those smaller less powerfull bikes that I like the design of are moto guzzi v7, kawasaki W800 or bonneville and they are still very expensive despite some of them being quite an old age.
I don't think any of these smaller bikes are worth the asking price which is like 70-110% price of the CB1100,

I agree with these comments. Starting with a smaller, lightweight bike will allow your skills to develop and progress more rapidly than on a larger bike. With increased skills comes increased confidence and enjoyment.

Your generalization "those same narrow tires requires to be more careful on twisties as I understand due to their smaller surface area" is false. The narrow tires make the bike more agile and easier to handle.

With wider tires,
1. You'll be able to brake or accelerate much harder without losing grip
2. Steering will feel heavier
3. Bike won't "fall into" corners as easily
4. It'll be easier to maintain your turning line, but harder to change it
5. Tires will last longer
6. The tires will be more prone to hydroplaning

Grip is independent of surface area of contact (before you factor in the difference due to change in temperatures from rolling resistance and the strength of the rubber), but a narrower tire will wear faster trying to provide the same amount of grip. A wider tire on the other hand, will offer the benefits of longevity with increased grip, but make the handing sluggish.

Thanks for these explanations.
Again I am looking at a smaller, cheaper and less powerful bike right now Zephyr 750. If the deal goes down I think I'll be happy with it. Looks of the motorcycle are very important. From a technical perspective there are great bikes on the market, however non of them would put a smile on my face from a simple observation. Zephyr 750 fits that category.

If I won't be able to buy it then who knows. Riding season is comming to an end where I live, so I'll probably be waiting for spring.