06-16-2013, 12:28 AM
Here's what I consider my 'realistic' view of the classic CB750 and the other classic Honda fours. Keep in mind this is only my opinion and that the CB1100 is what delivered my change in thinking on this very subject.
Before I bought the CB1100, I flirted with the idea of several different Honda classics. I liked the 1969-76 CB750 a lot; I also liked the later Super Sport 750s from '75-'78. I also thought someday I'd like to have a '79 or '80 CBX six-cylinder in addition to the CB750. I also liked the CB550s and CB400s (4-cyl.). Now that I have the CB1100 I've realized that those bikes would just gather a lot of dust if I had them as there's no way they could ever hope to match the feel of this new 1100. Modern computer aided engineering has (in this case intentionally) produced a bike with some of the characteristics of the aforementioned classics, but with a lively, responsive feel that replaces the mostly inert and heavy feel the older fours had. Don't get me wrong, I still love the classic fours, but having ridden a few of them, they just aren't even in the same ballpark as this new 1100. As I tell anyone who asks -- or even those who don't ask -- it's the most sweet-natured bike I've ever ridden, but the sweet nature sometimes gives way to a naughty side if you want it to. It truly is a modern classic.
They way I look at it, spending $10k on this bike has saved me a lot of money I might've spent on older Hondas.
On the other hand, as related by cooldrum, if anyone thinks it would be cool to own any of the classics that inspired the CB1100, I would completely get that. And despite what I've said here, I still might end up with one myself. I just don't feel any particular hurry like I used to.
Before I bought the CB1100, I flirted with the idea of several different Honda classics. I liked the 1969-76 CB750 a lot; I also liked the later Super Sport 750s from '75-'78. I also thought someday I'd like to have a '79 or '80 CBX six-cylinder in addition to the CB750. I also liked the CB550s and CB400s (4-cyl.). Now that I have the CB1100 I've realized that those bikes would just gather a lot of dust if I had them as there's no way they could ever hope to match the feel of this new 1100. Modern computer aided engineering has (in this case intentionally) produced a bike with some of the characteristics of the aforementioned classics, but with a lively, responsive feel that replaces the mostly inert and heavy feel the older fours had. Don't get me wrong, I still love the classic fours, but having ridden a few of them, they just aren't even in the same ballpark as this new 1100. As I tell anyone who asks -- or even those who don't ask -- it's the most sweet-natured bike I've ever ridden, but the sweet nature sometimes gives way to a naughty side if you want it to. It truly is a modern classic.
They way I look at it, spending $10k on this bike has saved me a lot of money I might've spent on older Hondas.
On the other hand, as related by cooldrum, if anyone thinks it would be cool to own any of the classics that inspired the CB1100, I would completely get that. And despite what I've said here, I still might end up with one myself. I just don't feel any particular hurry like I used to.