07-29-2014, 11:19 AM
Hello,
First of, just want to say I was happy to read through all the threads here, every seems to be a super pleasant group and very willing to help! So I'm in a position where I'm looking to get a bike in the ~$10k range. Now, I've ALWAYS been a fan of air-cooled bikes. Specifically, of air cooled 4 cylinders. Even more specifically, air cooled cafe racers. Now, I know the CB1100 isn't a cafe racer, but I have been looking for one in hopes of doing some very tasteful and simple cafe mods as time progresses and I think the CB1100 will come together to be a really really gorgeous looking bike. Now, I know this may be a taboo question to ask, but before you all ended up with your CB1100, what other options were you exploring? I've researched heavily in to the Triumph Thruxton, Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, Royal Enfield Continental GT, and the Triumph Bonneville. Not to mention several I couldn't afford... But, none really touted the Honda reliability and, more importantly, the massive 1140cc 4 cyl. In fact, I was surprised to find a few of them still having 5-speeds..
My next question is, how has this bike been on long hauls? I recently got a KLX250S and went on a 400mi trip with two buddies. One had a Triumph Daytona, the other a FZ-09. I was the first one to experience horrendous back/butt pain, then the Daytona, and, to my surprise, the FZ-09. All within about 100 miles. Can the stock seat on a CB1100 last longer for most riders? I'm about 6' 1" and 170lbs and a fairly young guy, but I plan to make some hauls ranging from 200mi all the way north of 1000mi.
Next, how is power? I've felt like, form what I've read, power is plenty, but I know that is very subjective. I'm built and worked on pretty much everything. Old SOHC CBs all the way up through modern liter bikes. Unfortunately, I've only ever owned a TW200 and a KLX250S... Though I loved me TW... Sad to see it go, but that's another day. Seeing that the CB1100 makes only ~80hp is kind of disappointing given it's size, but I understand it's lower compression and air-cooled. But if a little work can get it up to the 100hp mark, I think that would be incredible, especially given it's very high curb weight.
Last question (I think), has anyone put their CB on a diet? What are some easy ways to trim fat on this bike? I know exhaust is worth a bit of savings, but I had trouble finding any more info on weight loss.
Sorry for the wall of text, just getting very excited to finally go test ride the bike, hoping to fall in love. Looking at a DLX this thursday! Thanks everyone in advance for the help!
Kyle
P.S.: Ever any cooling problems in the heat/traffic? I deal with Houston traffic on the regular and it gets quite brutal some days.
First of, just want to say I was happy to read through all the threads here, every seems to be a super pleasant group and very willing to help! So I'm in a position where I'm looking to get a bike in the ~$10k range. Now, I've ALWAYS been a fan of air-cooled bikes. Specifically, of air cooled 4 cylinders. Even more specifically, air cooled cafe racers. Now, I know the CB1100 isn't a cafe racer, but I have been looking for one in hopes of doing some very tasteful and simple cafe mods as time progresses and I think the CB1100 will come together to be a really really gorgeous looking bike. Now, I know this may be a taboo question to ask, but before you all ended up with your CB1100, what other options were you exploring? I've researched heavily in to the Triumph Thruxton, Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, Royal Enfield Continental GT, and the Triumph Bonneville. Not to mention several I couldn't afford... But, none really touted the Honda reliability and, more importantly, the massive 1140cc 4 cyl. In fact, I was surprised to find a few of them still having 5-speeds..
My next question is, how has this bike been on long hauls? I recently got a KLX250S and went on a 400mi trip with two buddies. One had a Triumph Daytona, the other a FZ-09. I was the first one to experience horrendous back/butt pain, then the Daytona, and, to my surprise, the FZ-09. All within about 100 miles. Can the stock seat on a CB1100 last longer for most riders? I'm about 6' 1" and 170lbs and a fairly young guy, but I plan to make some hauls ranging from 200mi all the way north of 1000mi.
Next, how is power? I've felt like, form what I've read, power is plenty, but I know that is very subjective. I'm built and worked on pretty much everything. Old SOHC CBs all the way up through modern liter bikes. Unfortunately, I've only ever owned a TW200 and a KLX250S... Though I loved me TW... Sad to see it go, but that's another day. Seeing that the CB1100 makes only ~80hp is kind of disappointing given it's size, but I understand it's lower compression and air-cooled. But if a little work can get it up to the 100hp mark, I think that would be incredible, especially given it's very high curb weight.
Last question (I think), has anyone put their CB on a diet? What are some easy ways to trim fat on this bike? I know exhaust is worth a bit of savings, but I had trouble finding any more info on weight loss.
Sorry for the wall of text, just getting very excited to finally go test ride the bike, hoping to fall in love. Looking at a DLX this thursday! Thanks everyone in advance for the help!
Kyle
P.S.: Ever any cooling problems in the heat/traffic? I deal with Houston traffic on the regular and it gets quite brutal some days.