Upgrading Standard Brakes

[the_undecider_imp]

I can't help but get the impression that you are really worried more about not having abs. It's unfortunate that you can't test ride the bike before buying because I think you would find the standard brakes superb. That said, it's not going to tell you much by comparing one bike with abs to a completely different bike without abs. Apples and oranges. Not saying the Guzzi brakes are lowsy, but if they are objectively worse than the CB1100, having abs doesn't make up for such shortcomings. My V-strom 650 abs has weak, wooden front brakes. I like the additional security abs adds to that bike, but partially because it allows me to be ham-fisted without fear od screwing something up. I feel just as secure on my non-abs CB as I do on the V-strom (which I plan to upgrade to braided lines up front).

Even comparing a CB1100 to a CB1100 will (or Standard to Deluxe) will only confirm that one has anti lock brakes. I think you should focus on whether that feature is a requirement. I certainly do understand the predicament in wanting a CB but not finding one with abs. I appreciate the additional confidence that abs provides. That's up to you to figure out if you want a standard more than having a deluxe. If you get the standard, you'll soon find out how the brakes feel. I think you will also find that there is no "low hanging fruit" in terms of a brake upgrade.

Best of luck with you decision. I know how hard those can be.

- the_undecider