09-26-2013, 01:25 PM
I'm a big enough fan of the CB1100 that I started this forum, so obviously it is hard for me to remain unbiased. I did consider a Bonneville purchase before Honda announced that they were going to be bringing the CB1100 to North America. I placed my deposit on the bike that very day.
I'll be honest that I was worried about the weight of the CB1100 before I had a chance to ride it. However, once the bike is moving, even at very low speeds such as in a parking garage, the weight is a non-issue. The bike is very maneuverable and is a joy around town or out on the open road. The only time I notice the weight of the bike is when I'm moving it around in the garage. The engine has enough torque and a broad enough powerband that it can launch easily by simply feathering out the clutch lever, no throttle needed. Fuelling/throttle response is extremelly smooth. As for gas mileage, I've been ranging anywhere from mid 30's (around town in nothing but stop 'n go traffic) to mid 50's (out on the highway). The only thing that I've changed on my CB1100 is the exhaust — I added a Staintune slip-on unit. Bottom line: the CB has pretty much been a dream purchase for me.
All that said, I've been a Honda guy since I was in grade school (I grew up with a Z50 and an XR75) and I also own a 1988 Hawk GT. I'm sure that this contributes greatly to my attraction to the CB1100. If you've been happy with your Triumph, then it would be hard to imagine parting with it, especially if you obtained if for a good price. You'll have a much easier time finding accessories for your Triumph than you would with the CB1100. There are plenty of accessories available for the CB1100, but as of now, most of them must be ordered from overseas. If you did not already own the Triumph, then my vote would be for the CB1100, hands down. But as you already own the Triumph, the choice becomes much more complicated in my mind. Whatever you decide to do, may your riding experience be safe and rewarding.
I'll be honest that I was worried about the weight of the CB1100 before I had a chance to ride it. However, once the bike is moving, even at very low speeds such as in a parking garage, the weight is a non-issue. The bike is very maneuverable and is a joy around town or out on the open road. The only time I notice the weight of the bike is when I'm moving it around in the garage. The engine has enough torque and a broad enough powerband that it can launch easily by simply feathering out the clutch lever, no throttle needed. Fuelling/throttle response is extremelly smooth. As for gas mileage, I've been ranging anywhere from mid 30's (around town in nothing but stop 'n go traffic) to mid 50's (out on the highway). The only thing that I've changed on my CB1100 is the exhaust — I added a Staintune slip-on unit. Bottom line: the CB has pretty much been a dream purchase for me.
All that said, I've been a Honda guy since I was in grade school (I grew up with a Z50 and an XR75) and I also own a 1988 Hawk GT. I'm sure that this contributes greatly to my attraction to the CB1100. If you've been happy with your Triumph, then it would be hard to imagine parting with it, especially if you obtained if for a good price. You'll have a much easier time finding accessories for your Triumph than you would with the CB1100. There are plenty of accessories available for the CB1100, but as of now, most of them must be ordered from overseas. If you did not already own the Triumph, then my vote would be for the CB1100, hands down. But as you already own the Triumph, the choice becomes much more complicated in my mind. Whatever you decide to do, may your riding experience be safe and rewarding.