Coming Back to CB1100

[Frulk_imp]

You already owned the 2014 version of the CB so there isn't much I could advise you on there. At one time you had multiple bikes and made the decision to let the CB go instead of something else. That should tell you something. I like the R9T and have sat on the Scrambler/Café/ and a couple of other versions/derivatives they currently crank out (but have never ridden one). Chances are I'd like it, a lot, as I like all brands and styles of motorcycles in general (and air cooled motors in particular).

I would just point out the following:

1) Whatever version you would get would you leave it stock? If not...
2) Would the aftermarket support turning it into whatever vision you have?
3) Have you looked at the ownership cost difference in maintenance? You may or may not care about this.
4) Ease of accessing that maintenance when required (location/distance availability of a BMW dealer). Say you have a falling out....what's the NEXT nearest BMW dealer?

I like this paint scheme a lot and mentioned in another thread had this a painted to match bullet (café) style fairing on it I might have done something very impulsive. Also liked the bone stock version from a year or two ago of the R9T with the old BMW throw back grey paint.

[Cormanus]

The 2017 has a new, slipper clutch too, but it seems to me there is no substitute for taking them both for a ride and seeing which you prefer. It’s only tough if you like them both equally.

[DBM_imp]

The 2017 has a new, slipper clutch too, but it seems to me there is no substitute for taking them both for a ride and seeing which you prefer. It’s only tough if you like them both equally.

Im guessing you could buy 2 or 3 CB1100s for the price of the BMW?

[Toro5xi_imp]

Frulk raises a good point that I had a CB before and sold it. I have thought about that but it wouldn’t be the first bike I have done that with. I have had 2 Dr650’s, 2 Bandits, 1 air cooled 1 liquid cooled, mutltiple Hawk GT’s etc. I know I have wasted lots of money buying bikes and flipping them but what can I say? It’s an addiction.
If cost and practicality were the only considerations I think the CB is a no brainer but really struggling with this one.
1 thing I have always liked about this forum is the openness to different opinions and knowledge levels. Some guys like to restore, some guys like to customize, some guys like horsepower. There really is no right or wrong.

[Houtman_imp]

I would strongly advise to test a 2017 , even better than the earlier ones although perhaps the 2014 DLX is the best looking one.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I think today if owning none of them I would have the same dilemma. What a great place to be, eh?

[tommymck_imp]

For what it's worth, I have both a 2017 CB1100EX and a 2018 R Nine T Urban GS. I tried out all of the R Nine T variants (standard, pure, scrambler, Urban GS and racer). Of the variants, I prefer the Urban GS and pure. The racer was just not practical with its riding position, the scrambler just felt wrong and for whatever reason and the standard didn't have soul to me.... But that's just personal preference.

I love my Urban GS and I'm never getting rid of it, but if I had to have just a single bike, it'd be the 2017 CB100EX hands down. For me, it's the better all around bike.

Regarding the clutch though, I never thought much about the technology, but the CB100 and the R Nine T clutches seem pretty equivalent in real world operation....

[GoldOxide_imp]

Toro5xi: That sounds like a solid endorsement from tommymck. Enjoy and have lots of fun choosing!

[rboe]

For me, the bike that fits me better regardless of shaft vs chain, wet vs dry clutch, inline four vs a twin of some sort. On the subjective side, the bikes' looks have to speak to me. Totally irrational of course and it's probably based on models you grew up with and in many cases I think it holds the number one spot in our list of why we buy a particular bike over another.

So get the bike that ticks most of your boxes; if that means you have to have the R nine T AND the CB so be it. I'll add, it sounds like you may be a Moto Guzzi Griso kinda guy - no longer made but new old stock is out there as well as very nice used models.

[Toro5xi_imp]

I have looked at the Griso several times. Something about the exposed cylinders on both the Guzzi and the BMW.
I couldn’t agree more that the bikes we grew up with seem to have the greatest appeal. I can barely ride a sport bike anymore without looking like an old fat guy in biker shorts at the Golden Corral but any time I see Interceptor 500 on eBay its all I can do not to put in a bid.