Posts: 3,872
Threads: 186
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2013
(04-04-2015, 01:44 AM)pekingduck_imp Wrote: (04-03-2015, 11:52 PM)sig_a_imp Wrote: Honda won't stop producing the CB1100 DLX as long as the niche market remains profitable. Will a 2016 DLX include digitally controlled suspension, traction control, updated LED lighting, heated grips as standard?
Honda is the most successful motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
I hate to think I'm old fashioned just because I'm old, but I think a strong reason I own a CB1100 (non-ABS) is because it doesn't have digital suspension, traction control, etc. It is a straight-forward, simple bike that responds to my inputs alone.
It is also likely a reason for the success of the Bonnevilles, the continued appeal of BMW oilheads and the resurgence of airheads, and for that matter, the whole chopperbobbercafe movement.
Electronic ignition, fuel injection sometimes, maybe even ABS, advances in metalurgy, manufacturing and design, okay, but my line in the sand is drawn at that. For bikes anyway. High tech in cars - great, as long as it works reliably. But my car lives outside, the bikes own the garage.
I hate to think I'm old fashioned just because I'm old, but I think a strong reason I own a CB1100 (non-ABS) is because it doesn't have digital suspension, traction control, etc. It is a straight-forward, simple bike that responds to my inputs alone.
It is also likely a reason for the success of the Bonnevilles, the continued appeal of BMW oilheads and the resurgence of airheads, and for that matter, the whole chopperbobbercafe movement.
Electronic ignition, fuel injection sometimes, maybe even ABS, advances in metalurgy, manufacturing and design, okay, but my line in the sand is drawn at that. For bikes anyway. Cars, technology - great, as long as it works. But the car sits outside, the bikes own the garage.
+1 and well said.
Posts: 576
Threads: 23
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Feb 2015
I'm really not a fan of the Bonnie except for the thruxton. They are ugly as heck and they went real cheap on alot of parts. I had an 09 triumph America which had plastic fenders, cheap laquer coated forks which peeled. The fake Carb covers with a really cheap plastic, wires not neatly tied up, just hanging all over. The bike was all plastic and cheap feeling. This cb1100 we have is put together real nice and looks great. The only thing I don't like is that it should have gone with modern tire sizes and no speed limiter. I'm OK with it all, more and more I have to understand what I really have. I got rid of my naked sport bike because I wanted a more relaxed ride and something with some cool factor and heritage. I guess I'm still used to that sport bike speed, lol. My 2013 Z1000 was an animal compared to the CB so I'm still adjusting. Nobody ever stopped to look at my Z1000, the other day I couldn't even get near my bike because of all the old timers gathered around my bike talking about the old days. 
Posts: 1,268
Threads: 6
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
Pearsonm,
Have you noticed that just about every one of your posts since you joined has been to either ask about how to change the look of the CB1100 to that of a 750, complain about how Honda didn't get the look of the CB1100 right because they should have copied the 750 more closely, or complain that other manufacturers got their retro bikes look better than Honda did?
I think you're at the wrong forum. There's several other ones that cater to owners and aficionados of the 70s and 80s Hondas. Not that you're not welcome here. Its just that those of us that understand and are happy with what Honda was trying to do with the CB1100 don't like constantly hearing how "wrong" our bikes are.
Posts: 576
Threads: 23
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Feb 2015
My only complaint is that I thought engine wise I was getting a modern Retro in the terms of at least having equal if not more HP than the bikes from the 70s. I wasn't expecting a top speed with a speed limiter of 112mph. I know ecu can be reflashed but at what cost and sounds like a pia. Modern bike with modern power for an 1100 would have been nice. I would have expected it to be in par with at least a 600 super sport but guess that was wish full thinking. I love the bike just needs some more twist and go.
Hence the term modern classic Retro. If i wanted a classic rebuilt then could have bought a classic. I would like the Retro look with the modern performance. Just like the new challengers, chargers, mustangs. Modern retros with gobs of modern HP and technology.
Posts: 458
Threads: 17
Likes Received: 2 in 2 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Feb 2015
(04-04-2015, 06:34 AM)uscgmac_imp Wrote: My only complaint is that I thought engine wise I was getting a modern Retro in the terms of at least having equal if not more HP than the bikes from the 70s. I wasn't expecting a top speed with a speed limiter of 112mph. I know ecu can be reflashed but at what cost and sounds like a pia. Modern bike with modern power for an 1100 would have been nice. I would have expected it to be in par with at least a 600 super sport but guess that was wish full thinking. I love the bike just needs some more twist and go.
Hence the term modern classic Retro. If i wanted a classic rebuilt then could have bought a classic. I would like the Retro look with the modern performance. Just like the new challengers, chargers, mustangs. Modern retros with gobs of modern HP and technology.
Unfortunately, in this age of hyper-regulation, of catalytic converters on cycles and worries about venting the gas tank...in this age where the Gold Wing has airbags, and probably soon other bikes...when there's computer controls on the engines as THE only way to meet emissions standards...
...then there's going to be pressure to use those same computer controls to limit top speed. Just be glad it wasn't maxed out at 72 or an even-more ridiculous lower number.
Posts: 117
Threads: 17
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jan 2014
I respect your opinion. But I think you classically had different expectations and then the cb could never meet them.
For me. I expected What I got and love it.
Do j still need 3-4 other bikes to fill other needs? Yepp. But for my around town standard duty riding with retro looks and reliably performance and plenty of go when I need it the CB is the perfect ticket. Similar performance and riding character to my triumph speedmaster 865.
For me it's just right.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Posts: 1,268
Threads: 6
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
I think I may have preferred a classic 750 style gas tank. But I appreciated the overall effort put in by Honda to bring this CB to production. I'm not whining that I bought something not what I originally wanted it to be. I know what Honda was doing, recreating a style, a look, an era, not one single bike. Maybe because Honda realized you can't please everyone.
Maybe Honda put the 112MPH speed limiter on it because they knew mostly old guys like me would be drawn to this bike and they didn't want us to hurt ourselves.
Posts: 23,427
Threads: 697
Likes Received: 511 in 233 posts
Likes Given: 664
Joined: Apr 2025
(04-04-2015, 06:34 AM)uscgmac_imp Wrote: My only complaint is that I thought engine wise I was getting a modern Retro in the terms of at least having equal if not more HP than the bikes from the 70s. I wasn't expecting a top speed with a speed limiter of 112mph. I know ecu can be reflashed but at what cost and sounds like a pia. Modern bike with modern power for an 1100 would have been nice. I would have expected it to be in par with at least a 600 super sport but guess that was wish full thinking. I love the bike just needs some more twist and go.
Hence the term modern classic Retro. If i wanted a classic rebuilt then could have bought a classic. I would like the Retro look with the modern performance. Just like the new challengers, chargers, mustangs. Modern retros with gobs of modern HP and technology.
The 112 mph top speed is not an issue for most of us.
To reflash the ecu... unplug the old one, send it in with a money order for $300 or so, they keep it a day, reprogram it, send it back, you plug it back in. All rev and speed limiters removed. Top speed about 135, revs to about 9 grand in every gear.
Posts: 357
Threads: 18
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Apr 2013
It is a welcome to everyone and myself that is into the late 70's early 80's superbikes to see yamaha with their XJR1300 and hopefully kawasaki with their 1200 zrx daeg to come to our shores eventually. But right now I am happy with my CB1100 and if I had alot of money I would love to get the cb1100 DLX as a stable mate . I am surprised though that some of us are quite surprised to find out the limitations the cb1100 has after purchase...
Posts: 15
Threads: 2
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Feb 2015
(04-04-2015, 12:08 AM)pearsonm_imp Wrote: (04-03-2015, 11:52 PM)sig_a_imp Wrote: Honda won't stop producing the CB1100 DLX as long as the niche market remains profitable. Will a 2016 DLX include digitally controlled suspension, traction control, updated LED lighting, heated grips as standard?
Honda is the most successful motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
Their problem is their bike guy, Soricho, has left the building.
Their problem is their bike guy, Soricho, has left the building.
If you're referring to founder Soichiro Honda, he's been gone since 1991.
Interesting reading his NYT obituary here:
http://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/06/world/...at-84.html
Honda manufactures more engines than any other manufacturer in the world.
|
