CB1100EX for a new rider? (my daughter)

[will866_imp]

I had a 2010 Honda Shadow RS 750 that I absolutely loved before getting my DLX. You can pick them up cheap with low mileage and they are pretty solid. I think the height of the cb1100 might be an issue for her.

[rotor]

I'd opt for a bike weighing between 350 to 475 lbs (160 kg to 215 kg) with around 23 to 45 HP, a short wheelbase, mid-mounted foot controls, and appropriate seat height to allow ground contact with the balls of the feet (or better). Opt for some wind protection if any riding is expected at highway speeds (65 mph and up).

Succinct and 100% correct!
There is only one item I'd add: rake (front fork angle) closer to 25 than to 30 degrees. This is somewhat dependent on where/why will the bile be used, and is based strictly on my experience; I realize there might be different opinions on this particular factor.

[the Ferret]

LOL I don't know that I've ever even KNOWN the rake on a bike I have ridden (certainly couldn't tell you what it is on the CB), much less chosen a bike based on that. That goes for weight or horsepower either. I know I have NOT chosen bikes due to weight.

[SportsterDoc]

For the Ferret:
A bike needs to just feel right.
Sit on it and feel comfortable...handlebar grips are where you expect.
Foot controls are where you expect.

But before checking out a bike, I do like to review the stats...also helps evaluate if sales person is truly knowledgeable about the model (start by asking questions that I already know answers to).

2014 CB1100 SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine Type 1140cc air- and oil-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke 73.5mm x 67.2mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 32mm throttle bodies
Ignition Digital transistorized with electronic advance

DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive #530 O-ring-sealed chain

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Front Suspension 41mm fork with spring-preload adjustability; 4.2 inches travel
Rear Suspension Dual shocks with spring-preload adjustability; 4.5 inches travel
Front Brake Dual four-piston calipers with full-floating 296mm discs
Rear Brake Single-caliper 256mm disc
Front Tire 110/80-18
Rear Tire 140/70-18

DIMENSIONS
Rake (caster angle) 27.0°
Trail 114mm (4.4 inches)
Wheelbase 58.7 inches
Seat Height 31.2 inches
Curb Weight 540 pounds. Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Fuel Capacity 3.9 gallons

https://www.cycleworld.com/2015/05/22/cy...-and-trail

[Flytech99_imp]

I think for most new riders (regardless of their sex), confidently being able to handle the size, seat height and weight of a street bike is more important than arbitrary restrictions on engine size or HP. That being said, the CB1100 probably won’t scare anyone with its acceleration, but at 550’ish lbs, it does require some effort to push around the garage or back up while straddling the seat.

If a retro-standard is a must for styling, then perhaps one of the smaller Triumph Bonneville based bikes like the Street Twin is a better option.... I think it has a wet weight around 475 lbs with a slightly lower seat than the CB with good power for the street.

[SportsterDoc]

This thread is very subjective.

Some years ago, my middle daughter, 5' 2" (110"?), commuted in the Denver area on a Yamaha XS650 twin, 50 HP, 450#. Never a problem for her to handle it, although she did not like hail storms!

My dad, until his declining years, was 6' 0", but only a 29" inseam. So, height alone may not be sufficient.

I have only ridden a couple bikes on which I felt the weight more, in respect to it being stopped and how far I could lean to the side and bring it back upright.

One was a 2012 BMW R1200R, which is 491# dry. Add 4.8 gallons of fuel, oil and it is about the same as my 2014 CB standard...but the weight felt higher.

The other is my eldest son-in-laws 2006 Road King at 723# dry. Comfortable bike, but I do not like forward controls.

My 2016 Moto Guzzi V7II was lightweight (417#?) and handled extremely well, but I did not trust its electrics.

My 2012 Triumph Bonneville accelerated and cornered very well, but at 495# wet, was not a lightweight.

[the Ferret]

LOL thanks Doc, but specs aren't my thing. Especially things like rake, trail, wheelbase, bore and stroke, compression ratio, what size throttle bodies it has,the size of the discs, suspension travel, and exact displacement ...even wheel size

I agree with this part though

A bike needs to just feel right.
Sit on it and feel comfortable...handlebar grips are where you expect.
Foot controls are where you expect.

in addition it can't be gutless (I put more stock in torque than horsepower)

or a barge when it comes to weight, (I have to be able to pull it off the side stand and put it on the centerstand)

plus I have to be able to get the balls of both feet down at a stop

and it's important that it looks good to me.

I have never bought a bike on specs, and I "expect" salesmen to know less than I do on a bike I am considering purchasing. I'm concentrating on 1 bike, they have to know a little bit about dozens or a hundreds for a multi line dealership.

[SportsterDoc]

LOL thanks Doc, but specs aren't my thing. Especially things like rake, trail, wheelbase, bore and stroke, compression ratio, what size throttle bodies it has,the size of the discs, suspension travel, and exact displacement ...even wheel size

I agree with this part though

A bike needs to just feel right.
Sit on it and feel comfortable...handlebar grips are where you expect.
Foot controls are where you expect.

in addition it can't be gutless (I put more stock in torque than horsepower)

or a barge when it comes to weight, (I have to be able to pull it off the side stand and put it on the centerstand)

plus I have to be able to get the balls of both feet down at a stop

and it's important that it looks good to me.

I have never bought a bike on specs, and I "expect" salesmen to know less than I do on a bike I am considering purchasing. I'm concentrating on 1 bike, they have to know a little bit about dozens or a hundreds for a multi line dealership.

Does not stop your immersion in them!

LOL thanks Doc, but specs aren't my thing. Especially things like rake, trail, wheelbase, bore and stroke, compression ratio, what size throttle bodies it has,the size of the discs, suspension travel, and exact displacement ...even wheel size

I agree with this part though

A bike needs to just feel right.
Sit on it and feel comfortable...handlebar grips are where you expect.
Foot controls are where you expect.

in addition it can't be gutless (I put more stock in torque than horsepower)

or a barge when it comes to weight, (I have to be able to pull it off the side stand and put it on the centerstand)

plus I have to be able to get the balls of both feet down at a stop

and it's important that it looks good to me.

I have never bought a bike on specs, and I "expect" salesmen to know less than I do on a bike I am considering purchasing. I'm concentrating on 1 bike, they have to know a little bit about dozens or a hundreds for a multi line dealership.

Specs may not be your thing, although you are good at "ferreting out" information; but they do mean something to you:

Bore size is related to power.

Stroke relates to torque and efficiency. Longer stroke = more burn time. Shorter stroke = higher RPM and more HP. It is a balance.

Higher compression = more power, but may also require premium fuel.

Size of throttle body (or carb) is proportionate to CFM, which is needed with higher RPMs.

Larger discs is a mechanical advantage for stopping ability.

Suspension travel = comfort (rather short on my V7II = harsher ride).

Displacement is usually proportionate to power.

Wheel size affects handling. My Bonneville was 16" wheels and it really liked the canyons.

They all help focus on what bike is best for you.

[LongRanger_imp]

I'll pile on. CB1100? Could she? Sure. Should she? Probably not. Regardless of gender, lighter is better and safer for new riders. I think the Street Twin is a perfect recommendation, as is the CB500 or SV650. Even the new NC750X if she can swallow the styling.

[Cormanus]

I'll pile on. CB1100? Could she? Sure. Should she? Probably not. Regardless of gender, lighter is better and safer for new riders. I think the Street Twin is a perfect recommendation, as is the CB500 or SV650. Even the new NC750X if she can swallow the styling.

Well said, LR.