02-02-2014, 08:40 AM
(02-02-2014, 01:15 AM)skimhitz_imp Wrote: Funny, I'm surprised at how many people are recommending the CB1100 as a first bike. Would those same people recommend the CBR600RR as a first bike? Probably not. Here's a fun statistic though:
2011 Honda CB600RR 0-60 mph - 3.4 seconds
2013 Honda CB1100 0-60 mph - 3.3 seconds
[url=http://www.zeroto60times.com/Motorcycle-0-60-mph-Times.html]Source
The CB1100 may be smoother and not a 13500RPM redline screamer, but it's a big heavy bike with a huge amount of torque. As a new rider, you will make mistakes, no different from the rest of us. You'll grab too much brake in a corner, or downshift without matching revs, or pin the throttle for fun and come into a corner too hot. Sure, you could learn on a CB1100 and not do any of these things, but when you do make one of these mistakes, smaller bikes are much less punishing.
For the record, I started off on a Honda CBR125R and then a Suzuki GS500. I've botched parking lot maneuvers on both those bikes and come close to dropping them, but was able to manhandle them upright before it was too late. The CB1100 would likely be a different story due to the weight. The GS500 is a very good first bike, along with the Honda 500's, or the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Enough power to keep up with traffic and keep you interested, but lighter and more forgiving.
That's pretty interesting. It definitely takes me quite a bit longer than that to get to 60, but I guess I'm just really easy on the throttle? I've never pinned it.
