04-14-2015, 12:55 PM
27. I started on a Honda Shadow 600 about 5 years ago because it was cheap and accessible to start riding. No family ride so I just made up my mind on my own without knowing much about the breadth of motorcycles available. I loved riding but eventually realized cruisers weren't my thing, I wanted to ride more actively. However, "crotch rockets" where way to showy for my character. I was really interested in the Nighthawk during my early research, and found a liking for standard style motorcycles. As a functional designer, I love the simplicity, utility, and beauty of the standards like the CBs. I love that it can be as aggressive as I really need it, but still smooth and unassuming. When I was looking for a new bike I was discouraged by the heavy division or separation between cruisers and sport bikes. The CB1100 came along and it filled my interest in a standard style but high performance, modern machine.
Honestly my next motorcycle would be a medium size adventure or naked bike, like a BMW GS800. I didn't know much about this class of bike and it wasn't in my price range. I now know of cheaper options like KLR 650 but I want road performance to come first. I recently rode my CB1100 on a dirt ATV road, and had a taste for tame, but semi rough riding. It was awesome, balanced stance on the pegs, riding up and down with the rolling terrain. I also do a lot of camping, so a bike that can get to trailhead or Trail would be ideal. However, I don't think the clearance and weight is right for much other than good pavement for the CB1100. I do enjoy it more each time I ride and will likely keep it forever. Too bad it's late... Weather finally warmed again this week, I need to ride!
Honestly my next motorcycle would be a medium size adventure or naked bike, like a BMW GS800. I didn't know much about this class of bike and it wasn't in my price range. I now know of cheaper options like KLR 650 but I want road performance to come first. I recently rode my CB1100 on a dirt ATV road, and had a taste for tame, but semi rough riding. It was awesome, balanced stance on the pegs, riding up and down with the rolling terrain. I also do a lot of camping, so a bike that can get to trailhead or Trail would be ideal. However, I don't think the clearance and weight is right for much other than good pavement for the CB1100. I do enjoy it more each time I ride and will likely keep it forever. Too bad it's late... Weather finally warmed again this week, I need to ride!