This bike slows me down

[RLS_imp]

Olof, great photos and write up. Couldn't agree more. I love how smooth this bike is and the transition of power.

[Cormanus]

Nicely put, Olof.

[PowerDubs_imp]

I so agree with this! When I first bought mine six years ago, I bought it because I wanted to slow down a bit, and the test ride just brought a huge smile to face.

To be honest, at the time I did not think I would keep it for that long. Riding home from work today, I again kept telling myself that the more I ride this bike, the more I like it. And yes, it is perfect out of the crate. Any modification in my mind just upsets the perfection Honda achieved.

Then you haven't tried the right modifications.

I'd happily let someone ride my bike and then honestly tell me stock is better in any quantifiable way.

[jazzmans_imp]

So, this post contains nothing new for you guys but I figure I’d share anyway: Four decades of frustrated speeding, overtaking and filtering has suddenly come to a stop, or so it seems. A string of Euro sportsbikes ended when I traded my R NineT Racer for a CB1100RS. Unsure why, maybe a nostalgic notion, but the great looks certainly played a part. The first week I seriously questioned my sanity – this lumbering barge with rubber band acceleration, zero wind protection and without gadgets was so not me. And two overdrive gears, what were they thinking? I spent the second week sifting through hundreds of posts and pages on performance mods. The third week I began to shortshift, exploring the range below 3000 rpm, steering through the pegs. To my surprise, I started to relax, ease up and enjoy the scenery more. A gap in traffic no longer equals overtaking; the need for speed is gone. Now I’m more impressed by this bike than I ever thought I’d be – it’s simply brilliant straight from the crate. No mods needed. This bike slows me down and it feels good. Never ever thought I’d say that.

YEah, I named my 2013 my 'Geezer Glide' because I ride her slower, and don't 'idiot' so much on her, although she's always got all the power I need in any gear, at any speed. Whenever I ride with my harley friends, I bring my Geezer Glide instead of my FZ-09.

I agree, it's a perfect bike out the crate. My original mirrors plastic housing split/cracked from vegas sun/heat (kept in the garage, of course), so I've got vintage (not sure which) 79 CX500 or 79-81 CB750 (F or K, not sure) mirrors on her. They work great, and Look great! they're chrome circles with the 'bullet' shape on the windward side.

I still filter at lights, though, Hate being trapped in traffic where morons can rear end me.

[Gone in 60]

That's a very nice sentiment. I traded a BMW for my CB as well, and thought I'd miss the bells and whistles, but I don't in the least, and enjoy having a simple, classically styled bike. It hasn't slowed me down, however. It performs the same task the BMW did, taking me to work and back. But, I'm happier now than I was then!

[TXBikerGuy]

Perfect capture of why I added this bike to the garage. If I just ride at a comfortable pace, I'm almost always going just under the speed limit. It doesn't make me want to ride fast like the GTL and even the 1190 do. Couldn't agree more with the "keep it stock" sentiment. I did a few safety mods (lights), but love that the rest is pure stock.

Nice to know others are having the same type of enjoyment from this bike. Thanks for the write up!

[Henrik_imp]

I so agree with this! When I first bought mine six years ago, I bought it because I wanted to slow down a bit, and the test ride just brought a huge smile to face.

To be honest, at the time I did not think I would keep it for that long. Riding home from work today, I again kept telling myself that the more I ride this bike, the more I like it. And yes, it is perfect out of the crate. Any modification in my mind just upsets the perfection Honda achieved.

Then you haven't tried the right modifications.

I'd happily let someone ride my bike and then honestly tell me stock is better in any quantifiable way.

Then you haven't tried the right modifications.

I'd happily let someone ride my bike and then honestly tell me stock is better in any quantifiable way.
To each his own.

If I wanted a bike that handles better, or goes faster, or that can carry more luggage etc. I would get another one. There are many available.

To me it is exactly as it should be.

[Obliviontoad]

Are we saying, better to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow? I find my bike to be very planted, power more than adequate. and barring any ineptitude, very controlled. And if so asked for, there is the possibility that it will exceed its intended design expectations. A slight possibility of hooliganism. Not recommended, but certainly, a surprise to anyone who underestimates this machine. Ridden responsibly, it is a well behaved creature, pushed or modified, it can surprise.

[PowerDubs_imp]

I so agree with this! When I first bought mine six years ago, I bought it because I wanted to slow down a bit, and the test ride just brought a huge smile to face.

To be honest, at the time I did not think I would keep it for that long. Riding home from work today, I again kept telling myself that the more I ride this bike, the more I like it. And yes, it is perfect out of the crate. Any modification in my mind just upsets the perfection Honda achieved.

Then you haven't tried the right modifications.

I'd happily let someone ride my bike and then honestly tell me stock is better in any quantifiable way.

Then you haven't tried the right modifications.

I'd happily let someone ride my bike and then honestly tell me stock is better in any quantifiable way.
To each his own.

If I wanted a bike that handles better, or goes faster, or that can carry more luggage etc. I would get another one. There are many available.

To me it is exactly as it should be.

I didn’t tell you to get a different bike.

I said I have the same bike as you- yet the suspension is less jarring on road imperfections, the seat more plush, the engine not only smoother in response, with no glitches, but delivers substantially more torque all the way from idle to redline.

None of those are subjective like my choice of handlebars or mirrors, or muffler. They are quantifiable facts.

All improvements with no downsides.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Roper_imp]

And then there's Jon...

[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHhXbyiIlT8]How to wheelie your CB1100