Honda CB1100 was not my first choice

[flynrider]

What exactly is the reason that Honda, Kawasaki and possibly others don't introduce a certain model to the U.S. market? For example, here in Europe we have the EX with spokes and ABS plus everything the DLX has (but it *does* cost more in the EU, of course). Why produce two different bikes when just one line would be cheaper (I assume)?

I mean they are aware of all the regulations and homology requirements, otherwise they wouldn't sell *any* bikes.

Can someone offer more than speculation? Just the facts ma'am! If you are a Honda representative, by all means, create an anonymous account and let us know.

It's all up to the marketing department. They decide what various markets want, and more importantly, what they'll be willing to pay.

The U.S. market has historically been more price sensitive than the Euro and Asian markets. That's one of the reasons that the '13 was offered in ABS and non-ABS versions in the U.S. last year, while ABS was standard everywhere else. I suspect that's the reason that the Euro/Asia markets got the spoke wheels this year and the U.S. got the cast wheels.

My other bike (CB750) is a good example of this. The U.S. model was a stripped down version, designed to come in at an MSRP below $4K (in '91), even to the point of making the centerstand optional. The Euro/Asia version was much more refined with upgraded suspension and brakes (and a centerstand). Another example is the little CB250. It sold for decades with a front drum brake in the U.S. and a front disk just about everywhere else in the world.

[Cormanus]

They both have gators and rear drum brakes.

Pity the CB1100 doesn't come with gaiters.

[Elipten_imp]

Easily solved if you want them.


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[rboe]

We have a very fickle market. Many a bike was screamed for, finally brought over and it sold like hot cakes in the desert. I'm a bit shocked they brought over the CB1100. In fact I figured they wouldn't so I bought a Griso instead. Luckily I was able to regroup.

[Guth_imp]

Honestly, I could understand how some might prefer a W800, or a SR400 over a CB1100. Yes, the CB1100 offers better performance, but in this category of motorcycles styling is a huge factor. The visual aspects of these other bikes will push all the right buttons for some people, enough to trump the performance differences, especially given how these bikes are ridden most of the time. Fortunately, the CB1100 was my first choice and still is.

[DAC]

I agree, Guth. When this bike came onto the show circuit several years ago I said it would be a "Bonneville killer". That may be a stretch, but I definitely think now it will suck all the oxygen out of the room for any new entrants. The parallel twins, in particular, will struggle against a smoother I4 that has just as much retro cred.

[Cormanus]

Easily solved if you want them.


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Yep. I guess that's right. I just need to figure out if I want them enough.

I agree, Guth. When this bike came onto the show circuit several years ago I said it would be a "Bonneville killer". That may be a stretch, but I definitely think now it will suck all the oxygen out of the room for any new entrants. The parallel twins, in particular, will struggle against a smoother I4 that has just as much retro cred.

Is that right? I thought the point was that some people will get off on an i4 while others will want be excited by the twins. I think the W800 is a lovely bike; so is the Bonneville, but they both remind me of bits of bike all over the garage floor and not enough riding time. Neither excites me the way the CB1100 does. Calamarichris, on the other hand, would probably prefer a W800 over the CB1100 if he could get his hands on one. It's what particular aesthetic lights you up I guess.

[redbirds_imp]

My wife wants a W800 and has written to Kawasaki about bringing in a US version. She likes my CB but thinks the W800 better looking. A better "Bonneville" than the new Bonneville, her comment.

[tomas_imp]

Here’s what tempted Thomas :



Another retro that has folks excited:

Thanks CB4ME for posting the pictures. That W800 sure is pretty. What are you trying to do, make me question my decision. That SR400 is also kick start only, talk about retro.

My wife wants a W800 and has written to Kawasaki about bringing in a US version. She likes my CB but thinks the W800 better looking. A better "Bonneville" than the new Bonneville, her comment.

That's the only thing about W800, it's not a retro of it's own brand. It's a Kawasaki being a retro of the Triumph Bonneville. How screwed up is that!

[the Ferret]

Actually the W 800 and the W 650 are retro copies of the Kawasaki W2 from the 60s which kawasaki inherited when they acquired Meguro Motorcycles of Japan which originally produced that version of the 650 twin.