CB1100 or Harley?

[mininsx_imp]

Personally, I have never understood the Harley "mystique." They're heavy, under-powered, overpriced, low-tech and the owners all dress alike.
For the type of riding you're planning on doing the CB would be a better choice, IMO. After you ride one you'll see.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

I own a couple Harley's today and have owned several in the past. Never had a problem with any service related issues however I'll admit I put very low mileage on my bikes.

Look guys Harley sells tons of motorcycles so obviously they are doing something right.

I can't see comparing a Harley to a CB it's like to me comparing a Chevy Tahoe to a Honda Accord. You could do it but what's the point?

The CB 1100 really isn't directly comparable to any other bike but the Triumph Bonnieville might be the best candidate. Harley? Maybe a sportster just be cause of the similarity in size only.

Every one seems to have an ax to grind with one brand of machine due to bad experiences. For me BMW is the one. Only based on cost of parts and repairs. Not worth it to me I'll take a Harley any time over a BMW. Just me.

ACTUALLY I LIKE THE TRIUMPH BIKES.

I am lucky enough to be able to have some of each.
I might also respond a little more about the Harley Bikes.

Heavy- Relative to what? Certainly not heavier then any other bike in their class. I find them easier to manage mainly due to the lower seat height.
Under power? Yes when compared to other's in their displacement but they have plenty of power for any one other then the fool hardy.

Low Tech. Yep and that's what the "typical" owner wants. That old school loping engine sound. With antilock brakes and fuel injection? Not all that low tech today.
Owners Dressed the same. There is that and the Tattoos but not everyone buys into that, I certainly don't. Can't fault the bikes for the way the owners look.

To me the only real issue is the Harley Engine. Not as smooth as I think they should be BUT I am convinced that engine and it's sound especially with the custom pipes (I am one of the very few who rides my Harley's with the stock pipes) is what sells them. They are absolutely beautiful looking bikes in the show room.

Set a Harley Street Glide next to a Honda Goldwing. We know the Honda out techs the Harley but the Harley seems to have that "something" which just shouts out buy me in spite of my short comings and greater cost. Is the Goldwing a better bike? Absolutely by the numbers but lots and lots see the Harley as more of what a motorcycle should be.

I think sex sells and lets face it folks find Harley's sexy (and while it's hard for many of us to understand myself included) the owners as well. Long hair and tattoo's? Not for me but live and let live.

Be happy for the other guy and what he chooses to do with his money and spare time.

[Buffalohead_imp]

I own a couple Harley's today and have owned several in the past. Never had a problem with any service related issues however I'll admit I put very low mileage on my bikes.

Look guys Harley sells tons of motorcycles so obviously they are doing something right.

I can't see comparing a Harley to a CB it's like to me comparing a Chevy Tahoe to a Honda Accord. You could do it but what's the point?

The CB 1100 really isn't directly comparable to any other bike but the Triumph Bonnieville might be the best candidate. Harley? Maybe a sportster just be cause of the similarity in size only.

Every one seems to have an ax to grind with one brand of machine due to bad experiences. For me BMW is the one. Only based on cost of parts and repairs. Not worth it to me I'll take a Harley any time over a BMW. Just me.

ACTUALLY I LIKE THE TRIUMPH BIKES.

I am lucky enough to be able to have some of each.
I might also respond a little more about the Harley Bikes.

Heavy- Relative to what? Certainly not heavier then any other bike in their class. I find them easier to manage mainly due to the lower seat height.
Under power? Yes when compared to other's in their displacement but they have plenty of power for any one other then the fool hardy.

Low Tech. Yep and that's what the "typical" owner wants. That old school loping engine sound. With antilock brakes and fuel injection? Not all that low tech today.
Owners Dressed the same. There is that and the Tattoos but not everyone buys into that, I certainly don't. Can't fault the bikes for the way the owners look.

To me the only real issue is the Harley Engine. Not as smooth as I think they should be BUT I am convinced that engine and it's sound especially with the custom pipes (I am one of the very few who rides my Harley's with the stock pipes) is what sells them. They are absolutely beautiful looking bikes in the show room.

Set a Harley Street Glide next to a Honda Goldwing. We know the Honda out techs the Harley but the Harley seems to have that "something" which just shouts out buy me in spite of my short comings and greater cost. Is the Goldwing a better bike? Absolutely by the numbers but lots and lots see the Harley as more of what a motorcycle should be.

I think sex sells and lets face it folks find Harley's sexy (and while it's hard for many of us to understand myself included) the owners as well. Long hair and tattoo's? Not for me but live and let live.

Be happy for the other guy and what he chooses to do with his money and spare time.

Absolutely. Comparing the CB to an HD is apples and kumquats. FWIW, I was a BMW guy too and they're not what they used to be. BTW, BMW was below HD in Consumer Reports reliability data.

[thumper_imp]

ARMike--

When you go to bed at night, which bike are you still thinking of when you're just about to nod off to sleep?

That's the one you really want.

[Mike Bee_imp]

Yeah, I agree! But:

Fact: Out of the box, Harleys are louder than any other motorcycle.

Fact: Consumer Reports lists them near the bottom of reliability data.

Fact: Harleys don't get the fuel mileage the Honda CB does.

Fact: It's not totally made in the U.S. either.

Fact: From my experience (I've been on both) The CB1100 has MUCH less vibration than a Harley.

But, the Harley does have a low seat though.

And, if you want an opinion from someone who has ridden both, feel free to ask. Oh yeah, you did!
I own a CB1100, Harley Electra Glide, and a BMW K1600. The hog has the most comfortable ride and the best seat. It shakes at idle but this isn't a factor at speed, gets 47 mpg and has been stone reliable. Had a Sportster 883 that got 62 mpg. All my bikes are fun to ride in their own way, and making direct comparisons are difficult. Buy what you like - get one of each!

~ The Bee

P.S. I use Consumer Reports for shopping for lawn mowers and such, but read the motorcycle mags & forums for advice on bikes...

[bubblerboy64_imp]

I think Consumers Report is a good guide but I don't allow it to influence my decisions concerning things that I have some passion for. Motorcycles and cars come to mind.

Frankly while I've had some "bad" cars back in the seventies and eighties the cars and trucks I've owned in the last 15 years or so have all been basically pullet proof. I don't run cars beyond about 60 thousand miles or so but in my early buying days I had lots of trouble with cars in the first year or so of ownership. So right out of the showroom. Much improved today.

Bikes the same. Nothing to complain about with Honda, Harley or Triumph. Never owned a new BMW so I can't comment there. My used low mileage BMW's cost me some money, more then I think justified.

I like the older BMW's but I've decided not to buy anything with Carbs. Fuel injection just works so much better. Especially with the lousy gas we have to use today.

[PowderToastMan_imp]

I would like to try riding a Harley some time, at least once, to see what it's all about.. I will probably rent one some time for the heck of it.
But for me it was a no-brainer to go with this Honda. The bike will certainly last as long as I want it to and there will be lots of good times to be had, and it's such a smooth ride. There's a tiny bit of vibration above 4k RPM but once you get used to it you don't even really notice it anymore.

I was talking with a Harley rider about my bike not too long ago and he seemed pretty impressed about the fuel range and efficiency I was getting. He said he had a larger tank but certainly couldn't get as many miles per tank as I said I was doing.. and honestly our fuel range doesn't evem come close to some of the other bikes out there.

[ARMike_imp]

I really appreciate the input and the spirited conversation. I have always been a Honda guy and like the old school bikes like the CB, Triumphs, BSA's, Royal Enfield, etc. Probably why I just haven't been able to pull the trigger on a Harley. Anyway, keep the comments coming as they are helpful. You all have me more excited about test riding.

Thanks again!!

[rboe]

Ideally you would have one of each. If you can't; I think randomly choosing one would be about as accurate as asking us. As pointed out earlier, some Harley models would be a better choice than others so if you take that advise I don't think you could really go wrong with either bike. I think they scratch totally different itches so once buy one I think you'll still be wanting the other. What to do!?

The manufactures are making a ton of good bikes today so it can make the buying decision rather tough; which one should you get? Unless the bike does not fit you or is just a poor fit for your riding style (CB's and Harleys make for poor dirt bikes and CRF250's are not ideal to tour on) it is really hard to go wrong with your choice. Shoot; from the reading here, as long as you pick the right colour you are golden!

[gcarper_imp]

I really appreciate the input and the spirited conversation. I have always been a Honda guy and like the old school bikes like the CB, Triumphs, BSA's, Royal Enfield, etc. Probably why I just haven't been able to pull the trigger on a Harley. Anyway, keep the comments coming as they are helpful. You all have me more excited about test riding.

Thanks again!!

I just recently sold my Harley XR1200. I seen one and it took me back to the early 60s when a friend bought a Sportster and let me ride it. WOW, but---have had Brit bikes and a ton of Hondas since. When I seen the XR on ebay and it was close by I went over and rode it and bought it. That big thumping engine!!! 6 months later and Honda brings the CB to America. Went to Shelby NC Honda and test rode one . Went back home, put the Harley and my Vstrom on Ebay! Now I have the CB and enjoy it more every day, it is one sweet machine. One of the best bikes I've owned in 58 years of riding.