Size and weight

[SportsterDoc]

Don't get me wrong. I love the size (dimensions) of my CB1100. For this reason alone I wish Honda would design more bikes primarily with the Japanese market in mind before eventually bringing them over here to the States. It's only the weight itself that I find somewhat disappointing. However I can, and do, live with it without much frustration. I would not personally change out anything on my bike purely for weight savings. I love the fact that the CB1100 has metal fenders of a design that I admire. I did lose some weight by replacing my stock muffler, but the weight loss was very low on my list of reasons for making the change. The bike purrs like a big cat out on the open road, but pushing it around in the garage it is no doubt a bit of a pig, lol.

When my wife's truck is not in the garage, I make a U turn under power = no pushing! It does take a good push on the center-stand to get it up to check oil level.

As the Hawk GT was the only other street bike I've over owned, the CB1100 is never going to feel lightweight to me. Featherweight is definitely not a term that I'll ever use to describe the bike, lol. But then I"ll never own a sports tourer or likely any bike heavier than the CB1100. I'd love it if the CB weighed under 500 pounds, but it is what it is.

In fairness, I definitely enjoy the build quality of the CB1100 which does contribute to the bike's overall weight. I don't notice the weight of the CB nearly as much once I'm rolling and I do like how stable the bike is on the open road.

Especially in cross-winds!

A chief factor in my decision to purchase the CB was its smaller size and weight compared to other mainstream offerings, and the lack of plastic.

There is a thread somewhere here detailing how a member significantly lightened his bike. Center stand went among other items.

I removed it from my 76 CB750F, along with the kick-start lever. However, It makes it so convenient to lubricate the chain. On the last two Yamahas, I had to use a jack under the right foot peg support to get the rear tire off the ground.

I think dropping 20 lbs off the rider (me) would be a lot less expensive than getting 20 lbs off the bike. But, I blame the CB1100 for the weight gain, anyway. Since acquiring her, I have ridden my bicycle a lot less. And, she keeps taking me to really good places to eat...

I can certainly identify with that!
But, yesterday, after an 80 mile ride to Overton, I decided to forgo the ice cream parlor. (I was so thirsty I was too full of water and Gatorade!)

Ferret's right. Climbing off a large and loaded sport-tourer (two-up) and onto the CB, it feels like a featherweight. I've always felt my DLX was a bit porky and didn't quite understand his perspective, but now I do. After a 4-day trip on the RT, my CB felt like a minibike today.

Well, in the space of 12 months, I went from a 278# TW200 to a 417# Moto Guzzi to a 293# XT250 to a 540# CB...so, no it does not feel light, below ~5 MPH. Once it is moving, it is great.

The stock tires are not the best for riding on pea gravel, but it is manageable.

[paulw_imp]

For moving my bikes around CB1100 and Triumph Sprint ST (which is lighter than the CB) I have two of these dollys from Harbor Freight. It makes it very easy.

https://www.harborfreight.com/low-profil...95896.html

[alprider]

cb1100 heavy ? i can not complain....i drive too the goldwing....LOL

[misterprofessionality]

well, I didn't mention the other half on account of it not being totally relevant, but the plan isn't just for the bike to lose 50 lbs. it's for me to lose 50 lbs. i figure if we both lose that much it's a really significant gain in horsepower.

also, the center stand was kind of on my list too...sometimes i get to thinking "couldn't i just get a cheap jack or dolly for chain work and oil changes? "

as for the exhaust, i first and foremost want to pick something for performance, but if i have to choose between black, steel, and titanium, i'd get the titanium version for the weight savings. also rainbow colors.

[the Ferret]

Ferret's right. Climbing off a large and loaded sport-tourer (two-up) and onto the CB, it feels like a featherweight. I've always felt my DLX was a bit porky and didn't quite understand his perspective, but now I do. After a 4-day trip on the RT, my CB felt like a minibike today.

My wife almost never says that lol

I think dropping 20 lbs off the rider (me) would be a lot less expensive than getting 20 lbs off the bike. But, I blame the CB1100 for the weight gain, anyway. Since acquiring her, I have ridden my bicycle a lot less. And, she keeps taking me to really good places to eat...

[PowerDubs_imp]

well, I didn't mention the other half on account of it not being totally relevant, but the plan isn't just for the bike to lose 50 lbs. it's for me to lose 50 lbs. i figure if we both lose that much it's a really significant gain in horsepower.

also, the center stand was kind of on my list too...sometimes i get to thinking "couldn't i just get a cheap jack or dolly for chain work and oil changes? "

as for the exhaust, i first and foremost want to pick something for performance, but if i have to choose between black, steel, and titanium, i'd get the titanium version for the weight savings. also rainbow colors.

I've had a few cars that I have stripped for weight. So I have been bitten by that bug before... be aware that it always comes with compromise, great cost if you chase it, and very little real world gain all said and done.

But lets discuss.

On this bike- not much will be easy and cheap.. honestly there isn't much low hanging fruit here.

For as much as the bike weighs, a lot is already weight conscious in design.

Ditch the tool pouch and the box it sits in.

Remove the heavy but super awesome center stand.

Take off the silly 'garnish' seat side trim pieces (I did- pointless and ugly)

Loose the horns and bracket- use finger!

Despite the rumor mill- the factory battery is pretty small and light. That being said it is easily replaced and li-po will save a few pounds.

Ditch the bar end weights.

Lighter mirrors are possible

Aluminum bars are possible.

Worthless, but light blinkers are possible.

Could take off one front caliper/rotor/run 1 brake line.

Sprockets are steel, 530 chain - go for drilled aluminum and 520

As mentioned- exhaust, both muffler and loosing the cat.

Smaller solo seat.

Ditch the chain guard.

Plastic fenders- tiny tailight to match the useless blinkers.

Delete rear axle 'adjusters'- use tape measure to set.

Aluminum gas tanks are available $$$$.

Swingarm is steel I think, aluminum available from Samurider is avail, but $$$$.

All that being said, once bought, installed- you would end up with an ugly bike that is *maybe* 25-30 pounds lighter if you did EVERYTHING for thousands of dollars. You would have a faster bike chasing hp.

[Roper_imp]

You could also just refuse to take anyone for a ride. That will potentially save you 100-200 lbs, depending. You can ride along by your sweet little self thinking how much lighter you are without the company. Plus it's free! (Well, not really, because then you have to pay for dinner out of your own pocket.)

[Cormanus]

If you really want more HP, why wouldn't you buy a different bike?

[Guth_imp]

Well guys, sadly for me stripping this bike of it's weight would also strip it of much of it's soul so to speak. In general so many of the components that tend to add weight are the things I like so much about the bike. So I live with the weight only somewhat grudgingly but still quite happily.

[alprider]

honest

if i think the bike is to heavy bcos the handling , as first : i buy an other.....

and if i want a better power Performance so i look by my own weight....or who is already by the BMI (body mass index) at the lower limit (or ok , who is bodybuilder) ? self my person has a potential for over 10kg until i would be underweight....or current : 74kg by 172cm

why have the jockeys that look/shape ?