07-29-2014, 03:20 PM
(07-29-2014, 11:19 AM)kDiqq_imp Wrote: 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.
Easy question. I wasn't exploring any other options. I was looking for an inline 4, air cooled standard bike to complement my 20 yr. old CB750. The CB1100 was the only bike that fit the bill.
I love the bike for long hauls. I don't come from a touring bike background, so maybe I don't know what I'm missing. With a windshield up front and some bags slung over the seat, I'm ready to go anywhere. The bike is smooth as glass and can cruise comfortably at whatever speed you like (as long as it's below 112mph) all day long. As far as the seat goes, that's extremely subjective. Some people here hate it, others (like me) have no problem riding all day long on it. There are a number of aftermarket seats available to suit your posterior.
I'm pretty happy with the power available. Most dyno charts for stock bikes show about 83 hp at the rear wheel. While that's not a huge peak number, the power is available throughout the powerband. It'll start kickin' butt at 3k rpm and pulls hard to redline. Several owners on the forum have seen hp numbers in the mid 90s with relatively simple intake and exhaust mods.
I've had no problem in the heat. In fact, I've ridden nothing but air cooled bikes here in the AZ desert for 30 yrs. As long as you're not idling for long periods in 100+ degree temps, you'll be fine. If you're stuck in a traffic jam where you'll be sitting still for long periods, just shut it off.
Besides the exhaust, I think the only big weight saver would be one of the aftermarket aluminum swingarms. That's unsprung weight, so you're getting a good bang for your buck if weight loss is your goal.