CB1100 or Harley?

[BackroadsRider_imp]

I have an 03 SE 103 Roadking and CB1100. Really enjoy both bikes. If I'm out for a ride taking the twisties give me the CB. If I'm headed for a trip of a few hundred miles the Harley has the comfort. One really cant replace the other for what they are designed to do. I know there are better bikes for carving corners and road tripping but I like old school.

[rboe]

Thanks Chip. I was hoping to hit the low 50's on my CB. We shall see. So far, low 40's but she is not even broken in yet. I experience the same buzziness at higher speeds. The Griso has some vibration but it's a much lower frequency and not a bother. For highway use I'm finding I'm a V twin kinda guy.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

I've had about everything (I have a VERY understanding wife) Of the bikes I own right now the Thunderbird is probably the one I'd take for a long haul. It's smoother then the Harley Fatboy at any speed. Not by large amounts. I think I'll sell the Fatboy and the Sportster in the spring. Just because I can't possibly justify or use 6 motorcycles and a scooter. The Thunderbird is just a better Harley then the Harley is if that makes any sense. Very similar but smoother. I am convinced however that I am a very atypical buyer. Most would take the Harley over the Thunderbird. I'd like to see a blind study done. Where the rider didn't know the brand. You say Harley and that's the bike I want is the answer.

I've had new goldwings and have been tempted with the Streetglide. The gold wing is a real smooth runner and handling is rather remarkable for a large bike. The problem for me was the saddle height with the goldwing I felt like it was just too much bike for me so I sold it and bought the Fatboy. Sort of a bucket list thing. And don't get me wrong the Fatboy is a fine machine (we are talking comparisons here and pluses and minus's) Honda doesn't make anything which I think is a direct competitor to the Softail bikes.

At my age I am tending toward smaller and lighter bikes for short distance riding. I am attracted to what I can't (or shouldn't have of course) The new 2014 Streetglides are impressive bikes. About 3 grand more then a goldwing. Think that will affect their sales? I don't.

It is interesting to speculate on what motivates buyers

[rboe]

I ran into a test engineer for Indian out on an Indian a week after the unveiling in Stugis and got to talking to him. Back at the factory they had a bunch of different bikes and his favorite was the Thunderbird because of the sheer power. He was seduced.

I ran into a local guy at the dealership that had one and he was raving about it. That said, you don't see too many around (this is not really a bad thing). I've been tempted myself.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

I bought a used Thunderbird (blue and white a beautiful bike) with under 2000 miles on it for $8500 I think a person would be hard pressed to buy more bike for less money. It even had a couple rather expensive original Triumph accessories on it.

Some times I get the crazy idea I should get a Rocket lll just to complete the quartet. Problem is I've sat on Rockets in the show room and I can't get the damned things up off their side stands. If I bought one I'd have to just look at it.

The three Triumphs and the CB1100 are decidedly the best of ALL the motorcycles I've owned.

My real desire in motorcycles is an up dated Honda Magna. Fuel injection and more updated cosmetics. I'd be first in line for that one. I've mentioned that to several dealers and all have agreed that the Magna was one of Honda's best bikes ever. I've had several used and while they are very nice they are dated in some respects. Carbs just don't cut it today. It would be a bike like the CB1100 modest sales to the faithful. V twins seem to be the sellers in the standards and cruisers. Sport bikes it's pure HP but in anything else go with anything other then a V twin at your peril.

[furious_blue_imp]

I have the CB1100 and a 2007 Harley Softail Custom. I like them both. Except for them each having 2 wheels, there's really no way to compare them. If you get one, you will miss something that the other one has...

If you can only have 1, then I'd go with the one that makes *you* feel better. This is not a rational purchase. If it's a rational purchase one's after, I'd get a Hyundai car instead. Way more low maintenance transportation value for the money :-).

The only thing I don't look forward to on the Harley is the day that the drive belt or the balancer weight systems need to be replaced (that won't be for quite a while though).

Not any worse than pulling the cams to replace valve shims.

Not any worse than pulling the cams to replace valve shims.
I won't be the one doing it, I'll be the one *paying* to have it done.. that's what I'm not looking forward to :-) Of the 2: belt change or refurbish the balancer system, I guess the belt change is the most onerous...

[Firstfour_imp]

Not the Harley. Too big, heavy, slow. Not the riders, just the bikes.

[lola_imp]

I do not have any experience with Harley Davidsons but two that appeals to me is the Old XR750 Flat trackers and the not so new anymore XR1200. To Bad HD pulled the Plug on XR'S though love watching there Race Series. Anyway The only way to really get the feel of what you want is to Ride it, the CB. Like you I ride solo and love to ride through the many canyons here in southern california and this past weekend went up Angeles Crest to Newcombs Ranch. The Cb is a Capable Canyon Carver and the only real downside for me is Front Fork Compression Damping since the Brakes are so good that the Front suspension has a hard time keeping up resulting in front dive if youre too aggressive . My Remedy to this was to be real smooth and to keep weight transfer at a minimum through turns for better corner exits. I tend to ride a faster than normal pace so other riders are amazed how capable the CB is once they see it in there mirrors. Got to Newcombs Ranch got of the CB and walk a distance and just watch a crowd gather around the bike from harley riders to Sportbike and Adventure Riders, it was a hoot. Even just riding & enjoying the scenery with the Cb the experience can't be beat. You won't be Riding this bike on a daily commute so less to worry about. I do commute on the CB on a daily and to me it is very comfortable and manuverable even in tight spaces and love the turning radius that it feels really light. Also The aftermarket industry is already catching on and finding a windscreen for your intended use wont be hard to find.

Vibration tolerance tend to differ between us Riders form Riding Position,Past Injuries,Health,Age and so on and so forth. I have Low Renthal Bars with 150 Grams Motovation barends and I have no vibration from 0 miles to 70mph and from 70mph very little to not even bother me.

Goodluck on your purchase whatever it is! here is a pic from this past weekend...

[url=http://s964.photobucket.com/user/jdcmendiola/media/cbcrest1of1_zps53c1a007.jpg.html]

[Buffalohead_imp]

ARMike, there have been a lot of pro's and cons offered on this thread and I can see merits in both bikes, even though it is likely that one probably IS better than the other. There is one suggestion (that may have already been mentioned here & I may have missed it) I have decided to solve my own dilemma. I'm going to buy both. Of course I realize that the $ issue is the problem and one would need a VERY understanding wife or, in my case, a recent divorce (one of the positive aspects of the split).

I have decided to continue with my goal of acquiring a black CB (however I can) and I am buying a new Indian Chief Classic as well. I usually don't buy anything in the first year of production but I'm taking a chance this time. A 5 year warrantee (essentially) coupled with Polaris being behind it (with successes such as the Victory chosen #1 by J.D. Power) makes me feel better about it., Besides, they look so good I can hardly stand it. I've never been a V-twin kinda guy but I feel it coming on. The reviews certainly have been encouraging so far.

Anyway, since I sold my last two BMW money pits, I am looking forward to seeing a CB and an Indian sitting together in my garage. Both will have sidecars (which I already have) due to my handicap. I've never cared for trikes. I'm sure both will be an adventure! Right now though, I'm still waiting to see if 2014 will bring us a black CB in the U.S.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

I think an Indian would be a real nice bike to own. I hope they can keep it going this time. You've got to give them a lot of credit for hanging in there and trying. Local dealer not to far away. I'll have to at least look at them some time. Sure different then a CB 1100. They would look good in any garage for sure.