06-10-2013, 10:25 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?
None. It's not the power, it's the overall balance of all the components that does it for me; everything compliments the other and it all works so smoothly, seamlessly and effortlessly that is so hugely impressive and satisfying. The styling got our initial attention for sure, but that it's a 1100 is moot, really.
But...I personally favor small, and although I absolutely love this bike (even taking into account the first flush feeling of intial ownership that we have all experienced before), if there had also been an air-cooled, fuel-injected, across-the-frame 4, 450 lb., 2013 Honda CB550 with the same basic design brief as the 1100, I would've bought it. No question...
Pete C