06-10-2013, 06:24 AM
(06-10-2013, 05:17 AM)willsmith_imp Wrote: So for those that have owned smaller displacement UJMs and now own the CB1100 how much does difference does the extra power make in your happiness?
The things that are difficult now (with my CB250) are:
-riding up steep windy roads, such as the mountains of north GA
-riding 2 up above 40-50 mph
-anything on the interstate
-looking like a tough guy next to friends with R6's and Harley's
The pro's of the smaller bike are:
-light weight for parking/city riding etc
-negligible insurance/gas costs
-low maintenance--only fluids are oil and gas
-less temptation/capability to go too fast?
This is a very good question.
After a week-long trip on my CBR250R I decided to make *it* my distance tour machine (If I were going 2 up, I wouldn't but this is solo riding only).
The following are my main reasons for favoring the 250:
1. Easier on gas, oil, tires (general cost and maintenance hassles).
2. The valve adjustment interval is 16,000 miles (though *never* would be best)
3. It's less mass to deal with, especially when you're tired (and wet).
4. When cruising along at a steady 75(-) the experience is not much different than being on a bigger bike (except when you want to go faster in a hurry which is not possible).
5. Park it and don't sweat it (theft worries are less than for a bike with more valuable parts).
The extra power is fun and nice to have, but in the mode that I get into on the long road tour (making steady distance or enjoying the scenery), it doesn't get used much and isn't worth the extra expense to me.