Cb1100 handling (geometry questions)

[Ulvetanna_imp]

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.

I missed this post but yes, you are just right about all this. I cannot see any need at all for a fork brace on this bike, it's got big, beefy forks and just needs to be set up properly. I don't think I will be tossing my steel fender, though.

I have not done anything to the forks but go to a 15wt oil. Springs are stock, but I am a light rider, about 145 pounds. Anyone over 160 pounds is going to need to do something about the forks for sure. The custom cartridge and better springs are sure to transform the bike although at my very light weight the stock parts do get the job done.

On top of it all, the bike looks just plain bad-a**. Yes, the new Thruxton has a lot more power, Ohlins, and all that jazz but it's not really a retro-bike at all. The CB1100 is truly a retro-bike, with the massive 1140cc air-cooled engine hanging out there in the breeze to be admired, and it just looks right. And handles very, very well.