08-06-2014, 05:29 AM
A while back I really wanted a Bonnie as I thought it looked great. When I then got around to spending some time on it, I was actually really disappointed for a number of reasons. The main problem for me though was the engine which I thought lacked both power and feeling. So, then I started looking at the Kawasaki W800, which is equally good looking. Here the engine was much nicer, but in the end I also found it lacked power.
What I wanted initially was the Ducati 1000 GT, which has a very competent chassis and a great air-cooled twin. The problem here is that they don't make them any more, and second hands are hard to come by. So, on the Italian front I then tested the Guzzi V7. For me this one fell in the category of the Bonnie and the W800. Well Guzzi also makes the Griso which was actually really nice. Still, as much as I like the Griso, it just was not quite right.
Then I tried the new BMW R nine T. Wow!! That bike was just perfect. I love the looks, and it was just amazing to ride. Having sold my Moto Morini Corsaro, I went to buy the Beemer. Unfortunately the earliest I could get one would be next year, so no deal.
That is when I decided to try the CB1100. I remember when Honda had the prototype on show a number of years back, and that I liked the looks. The thing is, I have never been much for four in lines. Somehow, twins just seem to be the perfect engine for bikes. Since I was getting a bit desperate for a new bike, I decided to have a go on the Honda nevertheless. Well, one word: perfection!
As a kid in the 70's I would dream of a CB 750, and I still think that is one of the most beautiful bikes ever. The CB1100 reproduces that look perfectly, but with a slightly modern twist to it. It is a real quality bike that rides like a dream. It is exactly what I wanted now.
What I wanted initially was the Ducati 1000 GT, which has a very competent chassis and a great air-cooled twin. The problem here is that they don't make them any more, and second hands are hard to come by. So, on the Italian front I then tested the Guzzi V7. For me this one fell in the category of the Bonnie and the W800. Well Guzzi also makes the Griso which was actually really nice. Still, as much as I like the Griso, it just was not quite right.
Then I tried the new BMW R nine T. Wow!! That bike was just perfect. I love the looks, and it was just amazing to ride. Having sold my Moto Morini Corsaro, I went to buy the Beemer. Unfortunately the earliest I could get one would be next year, so no deal.
That is when I decided to try the CB1100. I remember when Honda had the prototype on show a number of years back, and that I liked the looks. The thing is, I have never been much for four in lines. Somehow, twins just seem to be the perfect engine for bikes. Since I was getting a bit desperate for a new bike, I decided to have a go on the Honda nevertheless. Well, one word: perfection!
As a kid in the 70's I would dream of a CB 750, and I still think that is one of the most beautiful bikes ever. The CB1100 reproduces that look perfectly, but with a slightly modern twist to it. It is a real quality bike that rides like a dream. It is exactly what I wanted now.