04-07-2016, 07:41 AM
(04-05-2016, 07:55 PM)Paulb_imp Wrote: The handling of the CB1100 was the one thing I didn't like about the bike. I thought it might be the tyres but a friend suggested it was more likely the suspension at fault. I bit the bullet and had Maxton (UK) fit their own custom cartridges to the front forks and shocks to the back. They suggested 10mm longer shocks to raise the back and alter the steering angle. They then set the bike up on their rolling road and set up the suspension for my weight. The bike has been totally transformed and corners as well, if not better than any bike I've ever owned. The honda suspension is 'cheap and cheerful' and designed to be all thing to all men from light weight solo riders to two up heavies with luggage.
I asked Maxton about fitting a fork brace and they advised against it. They tune top level race bikes and they told me that to work properly each fork must be allowed to flex independently, they even suggested that I ditch the steel front mudguard and replace it with a plastic one.
I no longer feel the need to change from standard tyres and my sports bike riding friends are embarrassed enough to be calling Maxton. Maxton do export sales and can set the suspension correctly at their factory as they kept my bike for a couple of weeks and ran a whole series of tests to find the correct settings for different weight riders.
(04-07-2016, 06:35 AM)uscgmac_imp Wrote: The new triumph thruxton R 1200 is going to fit the bill for a lot of people and is already turning heads on this forum and is going to steal some customers. What a beautiful retro classic and performance as well.
Of this I'm sure... However, there is a benefit to this... If you also factor that Honda is keeping the cb1100 alive, with what seems to be a more radical version...
It's that as other newer versions come out.. Some folks will sell there initial cb's on the used market..
While I don't want to see early cb's devalued, part of me could care less, a used market will get more folks to buy em.. I got a 2013 with 1k miles in perfect shape with a bunch of cosmetic mods (look up GIXXERMAN - I bought his his from Speedgeezer, so I'm the third owner and it had 1k miles) for 1/2 of a a new one..
After 20 years of riding, I have sold bikes to get something new, while sound economic decisions, I miss one or two.. I feel a connection to my CB.. To me it what motorcycling should be, a little bit unrefined (no mono shock) and room for customization and improvement, less hp than some others, but explain that while I blow by you.. For all its limitations, it's pretty stable..
I'm sure future hotter versions will be way cooler, or more performance orientated than mine.. However, I'm sure I will get one of those on the used market as well, if I'm lucky. Future bikes or even future cb's will come and go, as I usually have more than one bike.. My plan is to keep my 2013.. It's a Honda, it will last.. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will be sought after like the initial sandcast 750's. Not that I'll care.. Ill still want to ride it.