first canyon ride

[Flynbulldog_imp]

Today brought beautiful weather and clean roads up the nearest canyon so I had to take a ride on my, less than 1 week old, CB1100.

I had to report how surprised I was/am at the nimble, lithe handling of the little red CB.
The road I was on is rather tight with lots of sharp turns but aside from one corner they are just short of switchbacks.
It opens up in a few spots enough to get some speed just to slow you back down into the tight twisties again.
I just watched a Japanese Gymkhana video so that was playing out in my head as I dipped hard into each corner and twisted the right grip to fire out of the exits.
I managed to completely erase any sign of a chicken strip on the new tires.

I didn't realize how much fun I was having and just how good the bike felt until I exited the canyon and slowed down - once I relaxed I just kept repeating "WOW" inside my helmet.

The bike is light, quick, fun, and surprisingly nimble with excellent feel under hard cornering (not track speed but street speed)

I'm very impressed and very happy with my new bike. It's so much better than I thought It would be.
What a kick.

[redReno_imp]

No pics?
Haha

Glad to hear you are enjoying your new ride!!!

[the Ferret]

It os an amazing motorcycle. Those who scoff at 89 hp have no idea the fun we are having

[Flynbulldog_imp]

No pics?
Haha

Glad to hear you are enjoying your new ride!!!

I didn't stop to take any pics, if I get out on it this weekend I'll be sure to take a camera

It os an amazing motorcycle. Those who scoff at 89 hp have no idea the fun we are having

Ferret I have a small collection of bikes including a couple with big HP.
While I do get a rush from the big power this bike is really very special, the handling and general riding characteristics just puts a smile on your face.

It's true that once in a while there's no substitute for insane power but it certainly isn't needed to enjoy this bike.

[BuffaloBill_imp]

Today brought beautiful weather and clean roads up the nearest canyon so I had to take a ride on my, less than 1 week old, CB1100.

I had to report how surprised I was/am at the nimble, lithe handling of the little red CB.
The road I was on is rather tight with lots of sharp turns but aside from one corner they are just short of switchbacks.
It opens up in a few spots enough to get some speed just to slow you back down into the tight twisties again.
I just watched a Japanese Gymkhana video so that was playing out in my head as I dipped hard into each corner and twisted the right grip to fire out of the exits.
I managed to completely erase any sign of a chicken strip on the new tires.

I didn't realize how much fun I was having and just how good the bike felt until I exited the canyon and slowed down - once I relaxed I just kept repeating "WOW" inside my helmet.

The bike is light, quick, fun, and surprisingly nimble with excellent feel under hard cornering (not track speed but street speed)

I'm very impressed and very happy with my new bike. It's so much better than I thought It would be.
What a kick.

I could not have said it better... Feel the same way!! New kids on the block won't get it. But those who lived and appreciated those early CB's can continue to enjoy the ride! Like we are! Thanks for the inspiring post!!

[old blue_imp]

Hey there, Flynbulldog.

I'm glad to read that someone is putting the bike through some real paces.

Over on the accessories area, they were talking about fork braces.

I suspect that from your ride, you did not find the forks lacking in stiffness, despite your exertions.

Perhaps you'd like to comment.

My experience was that the bike flicked easily and readily, was quite steady through turns [with gusto]
and I didn't see any need for a fork brace.

Your opinion ?

mike

[Flynbulldog_imp]

The corners in this particular canyon are rather tight so I was not hitting them with any real speed.
I did not feel the need for a fork brace but I would think that on higher speed sweepers you might feel the conventional fork's limitations once you get into sportbike territory.
I put a brace on my Thruxton and it was quite a bit more solid feeling so I know they do help.

I do trackdays several times a year and can push a bike pretty hard, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the CB felt, but I'll admit, my expectations were not high.

I'm not going to put a brace on my bike. So far I think it handles pretty good as is.
If I start riding it hard more often I may change my mind but I didn't buy this bike for sport riding.
It's a bonus that it handles so well and I think it well suited to spirited canyon rides.