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New member, old rider here.
Let's start this off by saying, I want a red one. To me, there's just something about those Honda candy colors, and I've owned too many black bikes through the years.
Considering trading my Versys on a nice used 2013. (Yes, they are very different bikes, it's just time for something else.) I know there were some changes made on the 2014 deluxe model that sound rather appealing to me (except I think I prefer the 4-into-1, reminds me of my 400F a bit.) My riding is primarily PA backroads; 45-55 mph stuff... if I'm doing highway, it's just a way to get to work or between the roads I want to be on (or to get home before dark.) I know it's a personal decision, but, was the '14 really that much better?
My other bike right now is a CTX700. Don't hate me, it's DCT.
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Having had both, I think it really just depends on the condition of used bike you will find. Since your riding is below highway speed, the 6th gear won’t make that big of a difference to you.
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A decent '13 will likely be easier to find than a '14dlx, and the price of the latter will probably be 1-2k more than a '13 for bikes in similar condition and miles.
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I've had both a 2013 and a 2017. There is nothing wrong with the 2013 model. I racked up 52k miles in mine between commuting and cross country trips. It handled all of it well.
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I've owned both a 2013 and 2014. I typically ride on two lane roads at 55 mph and so the sixth gear of the 2014 isn't the huge advantage I thought it would be. I also like the red better. But both bikes are great!
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Colbrt, I ride a 2013 and most of my riding is on the backroads. I've also done the interstate from Arizona to Oregon with no problem. Honda tuned this motor for the mid range where we ride. Just twist the fun control and away you go with a big grin on your face! For me, 5 speeds is just right. Good luck on your search.
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I used to commute on the freeway on my 2013 and there is no issue on the freeway. I have no clue why people get so hung up on having a 6th gear. This bike has a ton of torque and is not laboring AT ALL (even with my big butt on it).
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The sixth gear on the 2014-and-newer CB1100s has nothing to do with preventing the motor from laboring. It's in overdrive gear. Its sole purpose is to reduce the RPM and make for a smoother, less buzzy ride at highway speeds. As such, it's a fantastic addition. The bike and overall ride experience only benefit from having that extra gear.
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The 1100 is a classic just like it's ancestor to '69 750...I'd hang on to it or add another to the stable.
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(06-27-2019, 06:06 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: The sixth gear on the 2014-and-newer CB1100s has nothing to do with preventing the motor from laboring. It's in overdrive gear. Its sole purpose is to reduce the RPM and make for a smoother, less buzzy ride at highway speeds. As such, it's a fantastic addition. The bike and overall ride experience only benefit from having that extra gear.
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