What other bikes did you look at before buying your CB1100?

[the Ferret]

Of course you could see by the j/ k that I was just kidding, although there is some truth in that most motorcycles that are considered to have " character" have the issues I described.

I wish a Moto Guzzi dealer was closer than 250 miles from me. I love Guzzis...much more than the other V twins that vibrate, have electrical issues, oil leaks, and are likely to break down on my next ride ....... again I keed! ( although that actually does describe my sons Ducati...but then again that's a 90 degree " L" twin har har har...sorry son)

[Griso Guy_imp]

I had just sold my 2008 BMW K1200 GT. I was looking for a simpler more straightforward bike. Something that would not tempt me into creating a "special purpose" bike. Over the past 20 years I have had: a 1995 Triumph Thunderbird, added bags and windshield, not a good tourer however. Went to a new yellow 1997 Ducati 900 SS/SP, one of 120 made, Borla exhaust, Dymags, Kehin flat sides, I was still slow in the corners. Two new Thruxtons, a 2005 carb version, 2013 Thruxton efi version, each had suspension upgrades, exhaust upgrades, cosmetic upgrades, both were cool to look at, but slow and boring on the road, I bought so much aftermarket stuff I ended up having my own personalized UPS driver. Then came a 2012 Triumph Tiger 800 Roadie, my first real dual sport, turns out it was too heavy for the single track stuff I love, but it was a very competent street bike. Next I bought a new Suzuki DR650 nice little antiquated bike, did single track all day long but a nightmare on the Arizona freeways trying get home. In between there was 2001 Moto Guzzi Bassa, nice but quirky. 1999 Triumph Executive, typical Hinckley crappy suspension but nice motor and my first set of factory bags. A Hinckley Scrambler, way too heavy for any non paved surface and the exhaust got hotter than my Weber kettle grill. A 2002 VFR ABS, bright Red, loved it, rode it for 10 trouble free years sold it in 2012. I would have probably bought another if I hadn't found the CB1100 first. I also have a 2014 Moto Guzzi Griso, it's one of a kind right from the crate. fast smooth and loaded with character. It's the polar opposite of a UJM nothing against UJM's. I love em.

[CB4ME_imp]

I had a Bonneville and was looking at only one bike to replace it - the CB1100.

[DBXXX_imp]

I considered the star bolt and street 750 very seriously before deciding on the cb.

[jrns_imp]

I fell in love with the cb1000 at first sight when I walked into my dealership last spring-what I didn't love though was the price.
so I spent the summer looking for an alterative:
narrowed it down to the Bonneville as a bike "similar" to the CB
vs. a different (modern vs. classic) take- the Kawi 650 Versys ABS -the redesigned 2015 seem to check all the boxes for a good all rounder but it wasn't a CB (nor was the Bonni).
As it turned out I came "this close" to buying the Versys and a week before they were available for sale I got a phone call from my Honda dealer w/ an offer too good to refuse.
It worked out in the end as the CB is the bike I wanted.
If I was to choose a 2nd bike -I would likely get the Versys.

[kDiqq_imp]

Looks like Honda knew the competition when the CB came out... Everyone compared it to a Bonnie/Thruxton. I did the same and the Triumph just looked flat out boring being only a twin. I like a good-looking 4cyl header in front of fins. The only other bikes I considered were old GS1000s and KZ1000s. My experience with thumpers though left me not excited to deal with four carbs on something I'd put down miles on though. I looked at EVERYTHING air-cooled. Once you require EFI, the options slim. And when I decided the look and sound of a 4 cylinder was what I had to have, I only had one option. No ragrets.

[Dareius_imp]

I am currently looking at the new BMW R1200RS. Better wind protection, and I like its style too. Waiting to see it in person to make the final decision.

[DGShannon_imp]

A little bit like you Rebel....
After a while I got tired of looking at every Triumph "cafe'd" with British Customs stuff...
And the Honda is a much better product for almost same money.

I have no "RAGRETS", 'know what I am Sayin'...

Not sure how many folks are going to pick up on that reference!

[ChipBeck_imp]

Gentlemen,

I considered the Harley Davidson Sportster 48, because I love the styling. I've owned 3 Sportsters and like the way they ride. I already have a Road King. I sold my Bonneville even though I loved it's styling because I didn't think it was much fun to ride. Considered the Grizo and still may add that one to my collection. Thought about the Speed Triple but decided it was a bit too funky. BMW 1200 was out after a test ride as I didn't like it. When I saw the '13 CB1100 I could visualize a cool cafe modded version and I love air cooled motorcycles so that was it. After well over a year of ownership the CB1100 is my favorite street bike of all time.

Chip

[ncgeezer_imp]

After having my Sportster 48 "totaled" in a hit-and-run, my search for a replacement was focused on a Triumph America, a Star Bolt, an H-D xr1200, and the CB1100. The CB was the only one that "spoke" to me. After a year of ownership me and CB have "bonded" pretty well. Tied with my '84 BMW K100RS as my favorite of all time.