If the CB1100 didn't exist

[Toddman_imp]

1200 ZRX

I had a '99 1100 and I do miss it. The 1200 is stronger.

...the other, Busa, is in the garage already....haha.

[Alwin_imp]

Yamaha XJR 1300 or the new XSR900

[DAC]

As above, it would be the R1200RT for touring or the KTM 1290 Super Duke for fun. Also possible for both needs is the 1290 Super Adventure.

[ride4now_imp]

Before I bought my first CB I was thinking about buying Harley's XR1200. I've liked them ever since I saw the first one at the 105th. celebration in 2008 in Milwaukee. I thought one would be perfect as a smaller, albeit fun, bike to keep in Florida. Fast forward to 2012, and I find they've been discontinued due to slow sales. I even half heartedly called around, and I visited a few dealers in Florida and Georgia looking for a used one and no dice... none to be had. Then in January 2013 I saw an article about the CB in Motorcyclist and was hooked... and there was no going back.

And if the VFR 800 didn't exist then maybe a GSX1400. If the GSX didn't exist .........

Oh no. In the fortieth iteration I ended up with a Prius. Or was it a Road King? AAAARGH!!!!!!!

Cheers

Now, that's some spread... Prius? or Road King? 4 wheels or 2? Hmmm...

[the_undecider_imp]

Probably the FZ09. I wasn't married to the retro bike, but the CB struck a chord. So much so that I am willing to tolerate and spending lots of money to improve less than ideal ergos. I also know that other bikes would offer better performance, but the CB just does it for me.

I just realized that my answer greatly depends on when I was buying the bike. So, my previous answer was based on when I was originally in the market for a bike. There are now some other interesting bikes available or soon to be. The newly unveiled Yamaha XSR900 is interesting. I also like the Suzuki GSX-S1000F. The Kawi Ninja 1000 is very cool, too.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Before I bought my first CB I was thinking about buying Harley's XR1200. I've liked them ever since I saw the first one at the 105th. celebration in 2008 in Milwaukee. I thought one would be perfect as a smaller, albeit fun, bike to keep in Florida. Fast forward to 2012, and I find they've been discontinued due to slow sales. I even half heartedly called around, and I visited a few dealers in Florida and Georgia looking for a used one and no dice... none to be had. Then in January 2013 I saw an article about the CB in Motorcyclist and was hooked... and there was no going back.

And if the VFR 800 didn't exist then maybe a GSX1400. If the GSX didn't exist .........

Oh no. In the fortieth iteration I ended up with a Prius. Or was it a Road King? AAAARGH!!!!!!!

Cheers

Now, that's some spread... Prius? or Road King? 4 wheels or 2? Hmmm...

Now, that's some spread... Prius? or Road King? 4 wheels or 2? Hmmm...
Ya got me mate. The fortieth iteration arrived in that area of brilliant, but sometimes confused, ideas that exists in an ill-defined zone between the first and second bottle of full bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Cheers

[Darmie_imp]

I have it. A 2009 Moto Guzzi v7 Classic.

If it was available, a Kawasaki W800 would be nice.

How do you like that Guzzi. I was looking at them but now that the CB is out. Not sure..

[MikeOxbig_imp]

I would still have my Tuono, but if the CB1100 didn't exist I would perhaps be interested in the new Thruxton or a BMW R9T (although it's more than I'd want to spend). Maybe even a (low mileage) Duc Monster 1100 EVO; I've always loved that 2-valve, air-cooled twin.

This all goes back to why I love the CB so much. It's not the fastest bike or the most high tech, but it has the perfect blend of classic design, modern performance/technology, build quality, reliability, price etc. Plus it is also a great platform for customizing into a cafe racer if that's your style. The fact is I could have purchased the above bikes mentioned, but I chose to get the CB1100.

[LongRanger_imp]

I'll chime in. I owned two V7 Classics. By far my favorite bikes in 40+ years of riding, but with limitations. Very fun, plenty of power unless you are not well endowed, very soulful, excellent handling, all sullied by a lousy US dealership situation. The CB is appliance-like by comparison but much more capable, worlds smoother, more stable, a bit roomier, and probably better built. It really depends on how you intend to use the bike. I suppose I could attempt a 600-mile day on my CB. On the V7, there's no way. But for a fun 200-300 mile day on twisty backroads, it's a revelation. Just plain FUN.

[MikeOxbig_imp]

LoneRanger, you brought up a great point when you mention "It really depends on how you intend to use the bike."

My situation may be different from others. I use the CB as my daily commuter to work as well as running errands, local casual riding etc.

My Tuono is mainly for the weekends (though I ride it into work every Friday). It prefers to stretch it's legs on windy open roads/canyons; riding around downtown LA rush hour is like 95% clutch action, not fun at all.

As for long distance/touring rides, CB1100 for sure.

And I also agree with your comment above, the Tuono' s V4 engine has the most intense, raw and rough sound (like evil and angry). The CB's exhaust is way different but that's how l like my daily (and long distance) ride to be.