Posts: 72
Threads: 5
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Apr 2014
Hi, and welcome to the forum. First, I'd like to say kudos to you for getting 7K on your bike while living on an island.
Second, I'm an old lady and I have no problems handling the bike. I'm coming to this bike after having ridden a Kawasaki Concours for 2 1/2 years though, and the CB1100 is 100 lbs. lighter and 1 inch shorter (seat height) than the Concours so I feel like this bike is very easy to handle. I've also ridden cruiser style bikes, and I prefer the standard bike position with my feet under my knees instead of sticking out in front of me.
As far as slow speeds, I really haven't had any issues and I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Pretty much any bike, unless it's a super light sport bike, is going to feel a bit heavy if you have to horse it around your garage or parking lot. Don't worry! Just enjoy!
Posts: 57
Threads: 5
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Apr 2014
(05-29-2014, 10:13 AM)redbirds_imp Wrote: Personally, I think the low speed handling of the CB excellent. The low seat height of a cruiser is confidence inspiring for a novice rider but their low speed handling in parking and other tight situations is not as good generally as that of a good standard like the CB. Once you become accustomed to the CB you'll be surprised at how easy it is to handle at low speeds and how much more responsive steering inputs are.
Redbird, I can see where you are coming from when you state that low speed handling of cruisers are not as good as a standard. When I took my MSF class 4 years ago (1st time on a motorcycle), we rode a small metric standard bike. I felt fairly comfortable on that bike however when I bought my 1st bike (my 750 shadow Aero), my initial ride was a "what did I get myself into" moment. The bike felt like it just wanted to flop to its side whenever I wanted to make a slow parking-lot speed turn. With additional practice, I was able to get comfortable with the Shadow but, in looking back, I think the Shadow has a longer wheelbase than a standard bike so slow speed handling will suffer with the Shadow.
The CB1100 is a little heavier (about 50 lbs.) than my Shadow but I am hoping the shorter wheelbase of the CB1100 will make the bike easier to handle at parking lot speeds.
Posts: 1,357
Threads: 51
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2014
You will be fine ! Your about the same size as me. A good thing to do on any bike and I have been riding over. 40 years. Sometimes just slow up on a back road and just see how slow u can go with feet on pegs the more you do it the better you will get ! Anyone and everyone should be able to turn around on a 2 lane road without putting their feet down. Keep trying it till you can do it. If your turning left turn your head left then start your turn. Remember feet on pegs and turn your head don't look straight ahead. The more you do it you will ride so much better. The cb1100 is very nimble to me.
Michael in Mississippi
Posts: 5
Threads: 1
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Apr 2014
Did the same thing with my CB1100 dlx... bought it blind and it's my first "real" bike as I've been riding a yamaha majesty scooter prior. The CB will arrive next week.
I rented a bunch of BMWs over memorial weekend (first 650GS, then 1200RT, then 1200R) and I did fine on those bikes. I hope I didn't spoil myself by riding BMWs
Posts: 170
Threads: 13
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Feb 2014
The weight of the bike is not a problem at all. You will get used to it. And training and practicing will make it better. I train myself doing maneuvers on narrow streets, riding small radius circles etc. just to be confident in situation when I´ll need it.
Btw:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRFyw57o_Ic
Posts: 2,757
Threads: 26
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2014
Just to add a little more to this, the CB is the heaviest bike I've ever owned and I noticed the extra weight right away, but it didn't put me off at all. Low speeds and turning at slow speeds aren't a problem. Good advice has been given on doing slow speed turns. Practice using the throttle and clutch when turning and you will be fine. You just have to be mindful of the weight and will soon get used to it.
I too try to not get into situations where I can't maneuver easily or have to muscle the bike around. I'm only 5' 8" so don't have long legs for on-seat maneuvering. I have to be careful of my footing when backing the bike into a parking spot, for example.
But none of this is something to be concerned about. Just be careful and think about what you're doing - as you should be doing anyway.
Posts: 1,357
Threads: 51
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2014
Vtr1000f lov the video
Posts: 23,474
Threads: 697
Likes Received: 584 in 261 posts
Likes Given: 767
Joined: Apr 2025
(05-30-2014, 12:12 AM)Ridem32_imp Wrote: Vtr1000f lov the video
My nephew bought a new KTM 690 Duke and brought it over to show me. Then he offered a ride. I felt like the guy in that video. It was so tall, I couldn't reach on either side. So he held it up straight and I climbed on and put it in gear and took off. When I got back from the ride I had to bail like that guy did.
Posts: 1,357
Threads: 51
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2014
Lol ferret !! We to old to bail
Posts: 1,846
Threads: 183
Likes Received: 1 in 1 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Apr 2013
(05-30-2014, 12:23 AM)Ridem32_imp Wrote: Lol ferret !! We to old to bail
Ridem - your avatar looks vaguely familiar.
Thanks again. (I'm doing exercises and resting up for the actual install. I've cleared half a day for the task).
On slow speed riding, like making a U-turn on a narrow road, I usually hang the inside leg off the bike.
