There is something inexplicably pleasing about the CB1100

[VLJ_imp]

mickey, I'm sure you can recognize the mechanical difference between a smooth, high-revving I4 and a pulsing V-Twin. Similarly, you can doubtless recognize the difference between an I4 that makes all its power at high RPM vs one like our CB, which has a much lower state of tune. That being the case, it's easy to characterize, say, a GSX-R 600 as highly-strung, eager, impatient, etc., and a CB1100 as relaxed, poised, unhurried, etc.

Simply apply adjectives to what you feel coming from the bike. It's no different from describing a person.

[the Ferret]

Yea VLJ, I recognize those things, but don't recognize them as "character" for one and not for the other. They are features. One feature is just bad for me and another feature good for me. I see them exactly as you do but I don't consider one as having "character". They are just mechanically different. I don't view the rocking of a BMW or Moto Guzzi as being character. It's just a feature due to design. I don't consider the electrical anomalies of Ducati's, Aprilias or KTM's as being characterful. I don't recognize vibrations that crack mechanical parts as being "character". I don't view a motorcycle front wheel jumping up and down at idle as character. I never considered my 650 Yamaha twins as being characterful because they would walk across the garage floor on their centerstands while idling, or blow instrument bulbs when revved. Mechanical differences yea, mechanical faults yea, character no.

What is that old saying? What the Japanese consider design flaws, the Italians call character and the Germans deny to their graves.

[VLJ_imp]

You're simply dismissing 'character' by using it as a snide euphemism for 'flawed,' as if Ducatis are the only bikes with 'character.' There is plenty of good character, too. My VFRs had character for days. You can brush aside those good qualities as mere 'features,' but then you could do the same with people. Steve lies a lot. Mary is often late to meetings. Fred is a real Type-A personality. Kate is moody. Amy is quiet and reliable. Drew is brash and abrasive.

All 'features' of a person. All parts of a person's character.

It's no different with bikes. Whether it's a person or a motorcycle, individual traits help define the overall character. You can definitely sense the different characters of a CB1100 vs a CB1000R. They're equally reliable, and both have similarly-sized I4 motors from the same manufacturer, but the two bikes go about their business quite differently. They impart different messages, different sensations, imbuing the rider with different responses, different feelings.

It's pretty simple. You think of a CBR1000RR as athletic and racy. You think of a Gold Wing as secure and comfortable. You think the same of Usain Bolt and Santa Claus.

[emptysea]

Over 40 posts trying to explain the "inexplicable". LOL

As to human characteristics being applied to equipment, I find it superfluous. I don't call my bike "she" or "he"; it's an "it". I view it, not as an animated being, but as a tool. If I were to name it, I might choose "Hammer", but then again, it's more fun than a hammer. Perhaps "Sawzall", arguably the funnest of all tools.

None of this is to take away from VJL's attempt to explain in superlatives and personification the "pleasantness" of the CB1100. Much of the best prose I have read comes from authors attempting to explain the inexplicable.

[the Ferret]

what does "my VFR's had character for days" mean?

I agree with everything you said above VLJ in your description of the people. All of them have different recognizable characteristics.

So which one's would you say are the people that have character? See what I am saying?

Like people, motorcycles all have different characteristics, but which ones have character?

I've read a million times people say they wouldn't buy a Honda because they have no character. I know you've heard/read it as well.

What constitutes character in a motorcycle? I honestly don't know and can't figure out what makes people say that about motorcycles.

[Banned_imp]

I'm with ferret and MTC on this, machines don't have character for me just characteristics.

Heck, half the people I know have no character.

[VLJ_imp]

mickey, all motorcycles have their own individual character, or as you and W/R would say, individual characteristics. To me, the same holds true for people, as well as motorcycles.

In the broadest sense, motorcyclists usually tend to apply that term only to the most obvious traits, such as the sound and feel of a booming L-Twin or V-Twin. When most people talk about a Ducati having character and a Honda lacking the same, they're nearly always fawning over the distinctive sound and feel of that big L-Twin (with Termignonis, natch), vs the smoother, much less dramatic sound and feel of an I4 with a stock exhaust.

The former is simply far more obvious and in-your-face than the latter. One can't help but notice the much louder sound and far more visceral feel of a piped L-Twin. The Honda is typically much less obtrusive, similar to a car. So, the Ducati receives the "character" praise.

Still, character comes in other forms. A lack of reliability is a character trait—Ducati "character," as you always say. So is dependability. Like you, I value turn-key reliability, polished competence, and sundial predictability over all other characteristics, so I find the CB1100's solid, consistent character to be the most satisfying.

I just rode the XSR again this morning, duplicating the ride I did yesterday on the CB. The two bikes certainly have different strengths and weaknesses, and they're all in perfect accord with each bike's overall character. Oddly, or at least unexpectedly, to most people, I find the CB to have more character. With the CB I sense a stronger, more well-defined presence, a clearer purpose for being.

[Banned_imp]

I can see where you're coming from VLJ and using human characteristics as a descriptor for inanimate objects is a fairly effective way of imparting you emotional mindset for sure.

My brain just doesn't work that way, I have named my bikes (the Black Phantom, Blue Angel and Red Devil) but more in jest and not human names. Nor are any of my vehicles referred to as he or she.

[VLJ_imp]

I don't really name bikes either. I use Monica here for the purpose of the story, but I generally don't refer to her as such.

When I've named guitars, it was either in honor of a woman in my life, or it was a descriptor, such as 'Swamp Thang' for a swamp ash guitar.

[reinie_imp]

There are brake pads that don't squeal. Check out some of the aftermarket brands.