09-29-2014, 06:46 AM
Due to falling down and going boom I'm no long 6'-2", more like 5'-11" and of slim build (I prefer athletic, but that may be pushing things a bit 
). However; I have a 36" inseam - have never met a bike I could not flat foot.
I installed lowered foot pegs which helped a lot (on two fairly tight low speed turns I have touched down with my boot toes). When I bought a Laam Custom seat he added about 3/4", also a bit help.
The bike is pretty relaxed with no tendancies to ask to be a hooligan (my Griso is the opposite). When you read about the design philosophy Honda used to build this bike they had you in mind.
The Bonnie is a good bike, but like the original Bonnie vs. CB-750, the CB will eat the Bonneville's clock. That said, you buy a Bonneville because you want a retro twin or you just like Bonnevilles and get a CB because you have fond memories of the older CB's or you just love the looks. I don't see these bikes as competitors like they were back in the day. I've ridden a Bonnie and I prefer a Moto Guzzi. Shrug. For old standard bikes, I prefer the CB.
All that said, this is a very well designed and executed motorcycle. You can get it and leave it stock and not really be disappointed. Or you can farkle it up as much as you want. Being a standard, it is real easy to make it your own.
Between the 13 and 14, if I bought today I'd go with the 14 strictly for the 6th gear. But if you can only find a 13 near by, if it was a good deal go ahead and get it. There are things on the 13 I prefer over the 14, like dash and controls. All pretty minor details.
My main complaint, with my Sidi Adventure boots, until I lowered the pegs, My right boot tended to ride the brake pedal and I ended up warping two discs before I noodled out what was going on. This is something to be aware of but from what I can tell, pretty rare. If I wore my Tourmaster touring boots this didn't happen. Different toe geopmetry and better foot feel.
For long road trips I prefer the locomotive thrum of my Moto Guzzi Griso, but for around town and on tight twisty bits the CB rocks.
). However; I have a 36" inseam - have never met a bike I could not flat foot.I installed lowered foot pegs which helped a lot (on two fairly tight low speed turns I have touched down with my boot toes). When I bought a Laam Custom seat he added about 3/4", also a bit help.
The bike is pretty relaxed with no tendancies to ask to be a hooligan (my Griso is the opposite). When you read about the design philosophy Honda used to build this bike they had you in mind.
The Bonnie is a good bike, but like the original Bonnie vs. CB-750, the CB will eat the Bonneville's clock. That said, you buy a Bonneville because you want a retro twin or you just like Bonnevilles and get a CB because you have fond memories of the older CB's or you just love the looks. I don't see these bikes as competitors like they were back in the day. I've ridden a Bonnie and I prefer a Moto Guzzi. Shrug. For old standard bikes, I prefer the CB.
All that said, this is a very well designed and executed motorcycle. You can get it and leave it stock and not really be disappointed. Or you can farkle it up as much as you want. Being a standard, it is real easy to make it your own.
Between the 13 and 14, if I bought today I'd go with the 14 strictly for the 6th gear. But if you can only find a 13 near by, if it was a good deal go ahead and get it. There are things on the 13 I prefer over the 14, like dash and controls. All pretty minor details.
My main complaint, with my Sidi Adventure boots, until I lowered the pegs, My right boot tended to ride the brake pedal and I ended up warping two discs before I noodled out what was going on. This is something to be aware of but from what I can tell, pretty rare. If I wore my Tourmaster touring boots this didn't happen. Different toe geopmetry and better foot feel.
For long road trips I prefer the locomotive thrum of my Moto Guzzi Griso, but for around town and on tight twisty bits the CB rocks.