07-30-2014, 12:58 AM
I was checking out the V7 (Special, not the Racer), Bonnie, Griso (bought the Griso) while lusting for the CB (it was not imported till too late in my buying schedule).
On paper the Bonnie kills the V7. Test rode both, on the road the V7 kills the Bonnie.
Now I have very long legs and while I liked the V7 the CB was a much better fit. Power wise; don't be fooled by the numbers, you have to ride the machine. Sure the V7 puts out "only" 50hp, but she is very light and with after market pipes you'll feel like Johnny Racer all day.
Personality wise the CB is a completely different gal; think the wholesome blond gal next door, not the hot Italian black hair beauty down the street.
In town and short rides with tight twisties I prefer the Honda CB1100. On the road, fast sweepers, LONG rides, I prefer the Griso (now that she has a Russel Day Long it's a no brainer). The Griso gets a bit warm in Phoenix, in town. The CB is much nicer.
If I had to choose one bike to live with, most likely it would be the CB.
Power; very subjective. 50hp will put you in the hospital just as easily at a 100 (I've proven it). If you and the bike are not heavy 35hp will be plenty of fun. Especially if it has torque up the whazoo (my 650L proves that on every ride). Folks have complained about the power on the Griso only being about 92 at the rear wheel. But it's a very sneaky power and will put you felony speed violation without telling you she is working hard, stretching your arms or flattening your eye balls. Very sneaking. Now the CB will go fast too, but the motor winds up and gives you audio clues that she's working. Less sneaky in that regard, BUT, I'm finding out that in the upper rpm range this gal will get up and go. But you are aware of what is going one. No cruising down the freeway at 90-100 and not being aware of it. Dang Griso put me at a 100 in no time at all and I had no idea she did that!
But if you want a sport bike, the CB1100 is not your bike. Get the R instead. Or a host of other crotch rockets.
The other bikes you mentioned are good bikes, the V7 may be a poor choice if the fit is all wrong. I have a couple friends with them, both are shorter than me, and they love 'em. One is in the process of putting the Stucchi fairing on it. Damn that bike will look good when done. (he also owns a Griso and a GROM).
The CB1100 seat is fairly good, better than any Guzzi seat I've had. But still only about an hour plus for my bum.
On paper the Bonnie kills the V7. Test rode both, on the road the V7 kills the Bonnie.
Now I have very long legs and while I liked the V7 the CB was a much better fit. Power wise; don't be fooled by the numbers, you have to ride the machine. Sure the V7 puts out "only" 50hp, but she is very light and with after market pipes you'll feel like Johnny Racer all day.
Personality wise the CB is a completely different gal; think the wholesome blond gal next door, not the hot Italian black hair beauty down the street.
In town and short rides with tight twisties I prefer the Honda CB1100. On the road, fast sweepers, LONG rides, I prefer the Griso (now that she has a Russel Day Long it's a no brainer). The Griso gets a bit warm in Phoenix, in town. The CB is much nicer.
If I had to choose one bike to live with, most likely it would be the CB.
Power; very subjective. 50hp will put you in the hospital just as easily at a 100 (I've proven it). If you and the bike are not heavy 35hp will be plenty of fun. Especially if it has torque up the whazoo (my 650L proves that on every ride). Folks have complained about the power on the Griso only being about 92 at the rear wheel. But it's a very sneaky power and will put you felony speed violation without telling you she is working hard, stretching your arms or flattening your eye balls. Very sneaking. Now the CB will go fast too, but the motor winds up and gives you audio clues that she's working. Less sneaky in that regard, BUT, I'm finding out that in the upper rpm range this gal will get up and go. But you are aware of what is going one. No cruising down the freeway at 90-100 and not being aware of it. Dang Griso put me at a 100 in no time at all and I had no idea she did that!
But if you want a sport bike, the CB1100 is not your bike. Get the R instead. Or a host of other crotch rockets.
The other bikes you mentioned are good bikes, the V7 may be a poor choice if the fit is all wrong. I have a couple friends with them, both are shorter than me, and they love 'em. One is in the process of putting the Stucchi fairing on it. Damn that bike will look good when done. (he also owns a Griso and a GROM).
The CB1100 seat is fairly good, better than any Guzzi seat I've had. But still only about an hour plus for my bum.