Low - midrange torque -- not as fun?

[postoak_imp]

Most I4's don't come into power till the higher rpm range. For example, my fz1 as a 1000cc sportbike had some power down low, but it didn't get into the power band till you were 4/5 in the rpms - around 8k with a 12k redline

So if you wanted to go "fast" you had to keep it there..

This sounds kinda what you described about your nighthawk 750, which while not as powerful as my fz1 probably exhibited the same response as it's the typical i4 curve.

While I liked my fz1, it was a great bike, I prefer the torque curve of a vtwin, where the power comes on immediately and it's consistient, you don't have to scream it to keep it in the power band.

When I was looking at a modern retro I was leaning toward the triumph's as while it's a parallel twin, it's 270 firing order (scrambler) provided a similar experience (same with the 360 of the Bonnie and thruxton, but not a much down low). I liked the cb1100 a lot (Honda guy), but was nervous about the i4 curve.. At least till i rode one, then I had to have one..

While the cb1100 is an i4, I found it actually had some power down low, in the 2-3 range. So for basic riding, around town and such, it's easy and has usable power but it's linear, maybe not as much as vtwin, as there is extra power up top, but it doesn't come on like a light switch ala my fz1. I suspect some of this is indicative of the fact I have a '13 so mine has 5 speeds, and it's geared so I'm not changing gears all the time.. Also based upon mods I have read about, I'm fairly certain that the cb1100 in stock form is de-tuned and deliberately set this way

If you like the behavior of the nighthawk, I'd take a look at some of the standards offered that have sporbike sourced engines. It won't have the same punch as the original, but should give you something akin to what you got with the nighthawk

Perhaps a Yamaha XSR900 that some other member is looking at?

[gtmn_imp]

POSTOAK
GO AND TRY A NEW Z900 FROM KAWI
PRETTY SURE YOU WILL LIKE THAT ONE I SURE DO
TRYING TO TALK MYSELF INTO A THIRD BIKE
AH CRAP CAP LOCKS SORRY dont anyone be offended
the z900 is very smooth and pretty dang fast

[the Ferret]

Cap locks ... Been there done that!

[flynrider]

Both the Nighthawk 750 and the CB1100 were tuned to provide a fairly linear powerband from low rpms (the Nighthawk has a de-tuned version of the CBX750, a sportier bike tuned for peak power at redline). Given the 750's smaller engine, you just don't feel it as much in the lower rpms.

I find the CB11 to be very comfortable in the higher rpms. There is a buzzy vibration in the 4K range, but that totally disappears at 5K. I usually run mine around 5K when I'm riding twisty back roads and it feels just fine there. I've done about 3K miles in the past two weeks and I don't think I've used 5th gear once.

Around 5K rpm is also the sweet spot for my Nighthawk 750.

Bottom line, you can ride the CB11 at lower rpms and be perfectly happy, but you don't have to.

[postoak_imp]

Yeah, I've decided to keep the Valkyrie until next spring.

At that time, if I had $15,000 to spare, I think I'd buy a completely restored CB750 K1 or K2 (1970 or 1971), which IMO, is the best looking UJM ever.

But since I don't have that kind of cash to spend on a bike, I may well buy another CB1100 (2014 Deluxe -- I like silver engines) and do some things to it make it look more retro -- and just learn to live with its power curve. After all, the Valkyrie is almost the same, and I've learned to be happy with it (I do redline it several times each ride and would drive the CB1100 the same.) I'd probably also do the ECU upgrade and get a raised seat to give me more leg room, and install the Chic Design Road Comet Fairing 1. IOW, invest in it emotionally more than I did my first one.

[cooldrum_imp]

I ride a '13 standard and I really appreciate how Honda has tuned the motor. For my style of riding there is that torque feel right from idle. There is no substitute for 1100 cc's. You just feel it! I also ride a stock '74 Cb750. That motor, even though it's 736cc just wants to pull in all gears and you're in the power band when the motor is running! Another amazing design for its time. The brakes and suspension pale in comparison with the newer Cb and the fuel injection is a huge improvement over the carbs. However, if the 750 is set-up and tuned correctly, it's quite the runner. Someone once explained, torque is acceleration.... horsepower is speed.

These two motors are both classic designs from Honda.