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(06-05-2020, 09:04 PM)Johnshiro_imp Wrote: Wow, thanks for all the replies guys, it certainly has given me some useful information. I’m hoping test rides will be possible in the next few weeks and if I like the ride (which I think I will), I will buy it.
One more thing, I’ve always fitted a top box to my bikes but seem reluctant to do so with the CB1100EX for fear of damaging its stunning good looks.
Cheers once again,
John
I had the thought, until a forum member pictured his EMGO top box. It is small and inexpensive, but big enough to hold either of my helmets, spare gloves, ear plugs and other small items. It was also easy to install on my Honda rear rack.
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Thanks once again guys, I’m overwhelmed with the response to my questions. My plan is to give it a few weeks for the showroom to open for test rides, I’m almost certain to buy one but I really do need to try the bike. With the top box, I think I’ll fit a rear carrier which will give me the option later on to fit a box or just strap a bag on it.
Keep safe guys, on the road and otherwise, cheers,
John
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Probably a wise decision, Johnshiro. Keep us posted?
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Welcome to the forum Johnshiro. I bought my CB1100 without test riding it first, hadn’t even started the engine, but when I sat on it at the dealer I knew it was for me. When I fired it up the first time for the ride home I couldn’t believe how quiet and smooth it was...and then the 20 mile ride home turned into a 95 mile detour with a big smile on my face the whole time. 
Good luck with your decision, but guaranteed, you’ll love this bike.
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Update: dealer has offered for me to go to the showroom, sit on the bike and have a go manoeuvring it about etc but no actual test ride until the lockdown is over (maybe a few weeks in Wales). What you guys think? I’m very keen to get it sorted because I have a week leave booked for June 22nd, many thanks for this great support, best regards,
John
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Interesting discussion here about test rides at dealerships. I've encountered dealers who don't allow test rides at all, making your first ride the one you take home, and dealers who almost insist that you take a test ride. The dealer I bought my BMW from had loaner helmets and Roadcrafter suits for those who showed up unprepared.
I guess it depends on where you shop. As for a rack and luggage, that also depends on how important keeping the uncluttered look of the bike is to you. I'm a daily commuter, and much as I hate having something stick off the back of my bike, there's nothing more convenient than clicking a button and carrying my trunk in to the office with me.
I get more grief for a trunk on my Bonneville than the CB1100, but I don't care what someone else thinks, it's my bike.
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Actually, Long Beach BMW. I walked in wearing shorts and a T-shirt. When they suited me up to take a test ride on an R1200R, it was hard to say no afterward. Good sales tool.
I did have Irv Seaver do some warranty and recall work, however. Repeated warranty and recall work is one reason I no longer own a BMW...
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(06-08-2020, 02:57 AM)Johnshiro_imp Wrote: Update: dealer has offered for me to go to the showroom, sit on the bike and have a go manoeuvring it about etc but no actual test ride until the lockdown is over (maybe a few weeks in Wales). What you guys think? I’m very keen to get it sorted because I have a week leave booked for June 22nd, many thanks for this great support, best regards,
John
Sitting on bike, that will make you want to purchase. "Manoeuvring it about"--if by that you mean walking it back and forth as if in garage--then that may make you think twice. It really shouldn't. Sometimes instead of walking the bike into my garage like I would lighter bikes I've had, I simply start it up and let the bike do the "manoeuvring" bit.
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(06-08-2020, 06:16 AM)pdedse_imp Wrote: (06-08-2020, 02:57 AM)Johnshiro_imp Wrote: Update: dealer has offered for me to go to the showroom, sit on the bike and have a go manoeuvring it about etc but no actual test ride until the lockdown is over (maybe a few weeks in Wales). What you guys think? I’m very keen to get it sorted because I have a week leave booked for June 22nd, many thanks for this great support, best regards,
John
Sitting on bike, that will make you want to purchase. "Manoeuvring it about"--if by that you mean walking it back and forth as if in garage--then that may make you think twice. It really shouldn't. Sometimes instead of walking the bike into my garage like I would lighter bikes I've had, I simply start it up and let the bike do the "manoeuvring" bit.
Sitting on bike, that will make you want to purchase. "Manoeuvring it about"--if by that you mean walking it back and forth as if in garage--then that may make you think twice. It really shouldn't. Sometimes instead of walking the bike into my garage like I would lighter bikes I've had, I simply start it up and let the bike do the "manoeuvring" bit.
^^ +1
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