05-29-2014, 12:46 PM
(05-29-2014, 10:13 AM)redbirds_imp Wrote: Personally, I think the low speed handling of the CB excellent. The low seat height of a cruiser is confidence inspiring for a novice rider but their low speed handling in parking and other tight situations is not as good generally as that of a good standard like the CB. Once you become accustomed to the CB you'll be surprised at how easy it is to handle at low speeds and how much more responsive steering inputs are.
Redbird, I can see where you are coming from when you state that low speed handling of cruisers are not as good as a standard. When I took my MSF class 4 years ago (1st time on a motorcycle), we rode a small metric standard bike. I felt fairly comfortable on that bike however when I bought my 1st bike (my 750 shadow Aero), my initial ride was a "what did I get myself into" moment. The bike felt like it just wanted to flop to its side whenever I wanted to make a slow parking-lot speed turn. With additional practice, I was able to get comfortable with the Shadow but, in looking back, I think the Shadow has a longer wheelbase than a standard bike so slow speed handling will suffer with the Shadow.
The CB1100 is a little heavier (about 50 lbs.) than my Shadow but I am hoping the shorter wheelbase of the CB1100 will make the bike easier to handle at parking lot speeds.