10-29-2015, 10:42 PM
The CB1100 is better in every concievable way than the current Bonnie. More power, better brakes, more fuel capcity.
Same story with the Moto Guzzi v7 series of bikes. Small underpowered and under braked, but their owners seem to love them. tHey do have shaft drive going for them.
However. For 2016 Triumph is coming out with a new 1200cc Bonnie with triple discs which should make the bike more competitive with the CB1100, but those won't be in your price range for a couple of years.
Who knows, for 2016 Kaw make another run at the US with a W800. Have not heard rumors to that effect, but it wouldn't surprise me. Those wont be in your price range for a few years as well.
You may be able to find a used W650 Kaw, which would be in your price range, but they are pretty rare since they didn't sell well here.
Now, I'm not saying you wouldn't be happy with a pre 2016 Bonnie, or Moto Guzzi or a W 650 Kaw, but IMO the CB is head and shoulders better than any of them.
Same story with the Moto Guzzi v7 series of bikes. Small underpowered and under braked, but their owners seem to love them. tHey do have shaft drive going for them.
However. For 2016 Triumph is coming out with a new 1200cc Bonnie with triple discs which should make the bike more competitive with the CB1100, but those won't be in your price range for a couple of years.
Who knows, for 2016 Kaw make another run at the US with a W800. Have not heard rumors to that effect, but it wouldn't surprise me. Those wont be in your price range for a few years as well.
You may be able to find a used W650 Kaw, which would be in your price range, but they are pretty rare since they didn't sell well here.
Now, I'm not saying you wouldn't be happy with a pre 2016 Bonnie, or Moto Guzzi or a W 650 Kaw, but IMO the CB is head and shoulders better than any of them.