09-29-2013, 05:54 AM
Ironically, I almost purchased a Street Triple before Honda announced that they were bringing the CB1100 to the states. I also own a 1988 Honda Hawk GT and daily commuting duties had started to take their toll on a number of bits and pieces of the bike (most of which have been replaced by now) so I was interested in a new bike (more than likely my only new bike). I had read so many great things about the ST that I couldn't help but be interested. There were some good deals to be had on the '12 STRs and the '13 STs looked really nice to me as well. With the ST representing a modern version of my Hawk GT (with a lot more power on tap), it did seem a bit redundant (as I'll probably never part with my Hawk). I honestly pictured myself more on the Bonneville, but the styling of the current Bonnies leaves me wishing that they had done a better job (at least as good as Kawasaki did with the W650). I struggled with this for some time. Being honest with myself, I realized that I don't even push my Hawk to it's upper handling limits, so I wasn't sure how much I would really get out of a Street Triple. And so I did nothing. Until Honda announced the CB1100 release that is. I put my deposit down that very day and have never looked back. No regrets at all. The CB is the perfect bike for my needs. I've been a Honda fan since I was a kid and I remain ecstatic with the bike now after almost 6 months of ownership. For the way I ride and use a bike, it is just about perfect.
So, I can understand being torn between the two bikes. If you tend to ride more aggressively, then the ST might be the way to go, although I have pushed the CB harder than I would have expected through some of the local twisties and have been impressed with how easy it is to toss around and it feels very planted. If your riding style doesn't favor either bike, then maybe purchase based on the reputations of the respective dealers who would be gaining your business. I knew that the local Triumph dealer was excellent, and fortunately I've been very impressed with the local Honda dealer that I chose to purchase my CB1100 from.
Best of luck with your decision!
So, I can understand being torn between the two bikes. If you tend to ride more aggressively, then the ST might be the way to go, although I have pushed the CB harder than I would have expected through some of the local twisties and have been impressed with how easy it is to toss around and it feels very planted. If your riding style doesn't favor either bike, then maybe purchase based on the reputations of the respective dealers who would be gaining your business. I knew that the local Triumph dealer was excellent, and fortunately I've been very impressed with the local Honda dealer that I chose to purchase my CB1100 from.
Best of luck with your decision!