Is your CB a keeper?

[dave]

Yikes, use2b. Stay well and ride on.

Dave: we all hope you solve your idle problem. Heaven knows you've worked long, hard and patiently on it. I'm full of admiration, and for max, peterbaron, sportsterdoc and popgun who have hung in there with you.

Thank you Cormanus.

[2017EX_imp]

I read this entire thread with interest, and think that whether or not any bike is a keeper is influenced by personal taste, and a large number of other factors. I started out riding motorcycles in 1966 at age 17. Like most back then, I started out with small displacement and up graded to more power when I could afford it. See my "Blast from the past" post. From 1966 to now I have owned roughly 12 different bikes, and all were "naked bikes.

Out of all the bikes I owned and rode in the past, my all time favorite was a 1974 CB750 Four in Freedom Green, purchased new back then. For years I hoped that Honda would bring that bike back, and thought if it was resurrected in modern form, it would be a winner. To my dismay, for many years the so called Honda retro bikes were ( in my opinion ) nothing more than Harley styled clones. Then too the "crotch rocket" type bikes, more suited to the track than enjoyment riding, was all the rage.

In 2007, after being out of the saddle for a few years, I fell into the Harley mystique, and bought a CVO Softail Springer. It was fine in a straight line on the highway, but not very slow speed around town friendly. This was due to weight, and feet forward controls. Harley sets up all their bikes to satisfy California emissions, lean, and consequently they run HOT. Even after a Dyno tune with a richer mixture, it still ran hot ( nature of the beast ). I kept that bike for 10 years, until the 2017 CB110EX, came to my attention. I traded the Harley on a new 2017 CB1100EX, after doing considerable research.

Almost immediately, I found the CB a joy to ride, in town, and on the highway. It felt natural, and reminiscent of my beloved CB750 Four, albeit a modernized version. The spoke wheels, styling, and riding characteristics all had a very comfortable familiar feel, as well as nostalgia for me. The weight is just slightly heavier than my old CB750, but over 200 lbs. less than the Harley weighed. I once hit the rear binder on the Harley a little too hard, and the rear end started a fish tail. Scared the fool out of me. Now the ABS on the CB, is a comforting tool to have in reserve, but obviously not a replacement for proper riding and braking techniques. Unlike my old CB750, no points and condensers to mess with, and no having to sync and tune 4 individual carbs.

Some have commented about difficulties getting the CB1100 on the center stand. Whether it was my old CB750, or the CB1100, I found that it is not just a brute strength thing, but more a matter of technique and body english, combined with a little bit of strength ( I am now age 66, and weigh about 190 ).

Considering the age I am at now this may be my last bike, unless someone comes out with something that has the same flavor, but vastly improved over my 1100EX in the next year or two. Until then, the familiar feel, handling, styling, nostalgia, and pure joy of riding this machine, makes it a keeper for me.

[teamvisegrip_imp]

2017EX you kind of beat me to what I was going to say... but here it is anyhow! LOL!

My list of Keeper Bikes is up to 8 with a wide variety of bikes and riding styles. Variety is the spice of life right! With the addition of the CB1100 to this list my collection for the most part is complete. BTW I have owned 43 bikes in my life time so far. Most were Flip Bikes searching for my Keepers.

As I read through all the posts one thing is obvious, we bought it on looks and fell in love with the quality and performance. Those that bought it for the most part were young when the Honda fours were king. Most of us longed for these bikes and now we have a modern version of them.

Other than the few Harley guys this bike is just what people wanted. To this day I do not understand why it never sold better. It is a Jack-Of-All-Trades but a Master-Of-None. It is a standard bike that a person can commute on, take a trip on, simple in town rides, 2 up riding and so much more with a retro look that was ahead of it’s time. It is easy to handle and requires just simple maintenance.

Me I needed a bike for 2 up riding for my wife and I. No cross-country rides just short rides in the area. This was the only new option that I fell in love with. No other new bike interested me at all but the 2014 CB1100. I wanted one so bad in 2014… then in December 2017 I ran across a deal I could not refuse. I think I have the record for the lowest price paid out the door of $5,700 for a 0 miles bike.

It was crazy when I picked it up. Here is this beautiful black bike with classical good looks and an impressive 1100cc air cooled engine. As I am walking around waiting for the salesman, I see a Honda Grom 125cc for $4,800? For just $900 more I am walking out with an 1100cc bike that can do so much more than the Grom. Crazy right?

For those that are interested… My list of Keeper Bikes and categories.
LONG DISTANCE BIKE (needs to be an in-line 4)
2014 Honda CB1100: Well what can I say! A beautiful bike that will do most things very well, all but trail riding! LOL!

SHOW BIKE (Yup I have two for this category got carried away)
1967 Suzuki T-20 Street Racer: My first attempt at a custom bike. Almost doubled the HP of it.
1974 Kawasaki H2 Denco with Tracy Body: My last custom bike still in progress.

SPORT BIKE
1986 Honda VFR 750: My first new bike I bought. OK second as I totaled my first one a 1986 Honda VF500 then bought this one. LOL!

TRAIL BIKE (Two with this one for now)
1971 CZ 175 Trail: I wanted a different trail bike and I fell in love with this one after so many others before. If the XL600 works out the way I hope I will sell this one.
1985 Honda XL600R: Needed a larger displacement trail bike and decided on this one.

FIRST BIKE EVER
1970 Honda CL100: Exact Copy of the first bike I had as a kid.

MOPED
1967 Honda P50: My cool and very different Keeper Moped!

[Frulk_imp]

Yes, its a keeper.

[LongRanger_imp]

2017EX you kind of beat me to what I was going to say... but here it is anyhow! LOL!

My list of Keeper Bikes is up to 8 with a wide variety of bikes and riding styles. Variety is the spice of life right! With the addition of the CB1100 to this list my collection for the most part is complete. BTW I have owned 43 bikes in my life time so far. Most were Flip Bikes searching for my Keepers.

As I read through all the posts one thing is obvious, we bought it on looks and fell in love with the quality and performance. Those that bought it for the most part were young when the Honda fours were king. Most of us longed for these bikes and now we have a modern version of them.

Other than the few Harley guys this bike is just what people wanted. To this day I do not understand why it never sold better. It is a Jack-Of-All-Trades but a Master-Of-None. It is a standard bike that a person can commute on, take a trip on, simple in town rides, 2 up riding and so much more with a retro look that was ahead of it’s time. It is easy to handle and requires just simple maintenance.

Me I needed a bike for 2 up riding for my wife and I. No cross-country rides just short rides in the area. This was the only new option that I fell in love with. No other new bike interested me at all but the 2014 CB1100. I wanted one so bad in 2014… then in December 2017 I ran across a deal I could not refuse. I think I have the record for the lowest price paid out the door of $5,700 for a 0 miles bike.

It was crazy when I picked it up. Here is this beautiful black bike with classical good looks and an impressive 1100cc air cooled engine. As I am walking around waiting for the salesman, I see a Honda Grom 125cc for $4,800? For just $900 more I am walking out with an 1100cc bike that can do so much more than the Grom. Crazy right?

For those that are interested… My list of Keeper Bikes and categories.
LONG DISTANCE BIKE (needs to be an in-line 4)
2014 Honda CB1100: Well what can I say! A beautiful bike that will do most things very well, all but trail riding! LOL!

SHOW BIKE (Yup I have two for this category got carried away)
1967 Suzuki T-20 Street Racer: My first attempt at a custom bike. Almost doubled the HP of it.
1974 Kawasaki H2 Denco with Tracy Body: My last custom bike still in progress.

SPORT BIKE
1986 Honda VFR 750: My first new bike I bought. OK second as I totaled my first one a 1986 Honda VF500 then bought this one. LOL!

TRAIL BIKE (Two with this one for now)
1971 CZ 175 Trail: I wanted a different trail bike and I fell in love with this one after so many others before. If the XL600 works out the way I hope I will sell this one.
1985 Honda XL600R: Needed a larger displacement trail bike and decided on this one.

FIRST BIKE EVER
1970 Honda CL100: Exact Copy of the first bike I had as a kid.

MOPED
1967 Honda P50: My cool and very different Keeper Moped!

Yes. YES. YES! This is me to a "T" and I think many folks here agree. Thanks for stating it so concisely!

[SportsterDoc]

I read this entire thread with interest, and think that whether or not any bike is a keeper is influenced by personal taste, and a large number of other factors. I started out riding motorcycles in 1966 at age 17. Like most back then, I started out with small displacement and up graded to more power when I could afford it. See my "Blast from the past" post. From 1966 to now I have owned roughly 12 different bikes, and all were "naked bikes.

Out of all the bikes I owned and rode in the past, my all time favorite was a 1974 CB750 Four in Freedom Green, purchased new back then. For years I hoped that Honda would bring that bike back, and thought if it was resurrected in modern form, it would be a winner. To my dismay, for many years the so called Honda retro bikes were ( in my opinion ) nothing more than Harley styled clones. Then too the "crotch rocket" type bikes, more suited to the track than enjoyment riding, was all the rage.

In 2007, after being out of the saddle for a few years, I fell into the Harley mystique, and bought a CVO Softail Springer. It was fine in a straight line on the highway, but not very slow speed around town friendly. This was due to weight, and feet forward controls. Harley sets up all their bikes to satisfy California emissions, lean, and consequently they run HOT. Even after a Dyno tune with a richer mixture, it still ran hot ( nature of the beast ). I kept that bike for 10 years, until the 2017 CB110EX, came to my attention. I traded the Harley on a new 2017 CB1100EX, after doing considerable research.

Almost immediately, I found the CB a joy to ride, in town, and on the highway. It felt natural, and reminiscent of my beloved CB750 Four, albeit a modernized version. The spoke wheels, styling, and riding characteristics all had a very comfortable familiar feel, as well as nostalgia for me. The weight is just slightly heavier than my old CB750, but over 200 lbs. less than the Harley weighed. I once hit the rear binder on the Harley a little too hard, and the rear end started a fish tail. Scared the fool out of me. Now the ABS on the CB, is a comforting tool to have in reserve, but obviously not a replacement for proper riding and braking techniques. Unlike my old CB750, no points and condensers to mess with, and no having to sync and tune 4 individual carbs.

Some have commented about difficulties getting the CB1100 on the center stand. Whether it was my old CB750, or the CB1100, I found that it is not just a brute strength thing, but more a matter of technique and body english, combined with a little bit of strength ( I am now age 66, and weigh about 190 ).

Considering the age I am at now this may be my last bike, unless someone comes out with something that has the same flavor, but vastly improved over my 1100EX in the next year or two. Until then, the familiar feel, handling, styling, nostalgia, and pure joy of riding this machine, makes it a keeper for me.

The center stand does put the CB up farther from the ground than other street bikes I have owned. For example, when I replaced the rear tire on my 2012 Triumph, the tire size was the same numerically, but actual diameter a bit larger and the tire would no longer spin easily for chain lubrication.

I am 71, weigh 180 and have no problem using the center stand. I use it most every time I refuel. Lift on the shock support bar under the seat and push vigorously on the center stand bar with right foot. The front wheel usually comes off the ground for a moment.

[suhawk305]

2017EX you kind of beat me to what I was going to say... but here it is anyhow! LOL!

My list of Keeper Bikes is up to 8 with a wide variety of bikes and riding styles. Variety is the spice of life right! With the addition of the CB1100 to this list my collection for the most part is complete. BTW I have owned 43 bikes in my life time so far. Most were Flip Bikes searching for my Keepers.

As I read through all the posts one thing is obvious, we bought it on looks and fell in love with the quality and performance. Those that bought it for the most part were young when the Honda fours were king. Most of us longed for these bikes and now we have a modern version of them.

Other than the few Harley guys this bike is just what people wanted. To this day I do not understand why it never sold better. It is a Jack-Of-All-Trades but a Master-Of-None. It is a standard bike that a person can commute on, take a trip on, simple in town rides, 2 up riding and so much more with a retro look that was ahead of it’s time. It is easy to handle and requires just simple maintenance.

Me I needed a bike for 2 up riding for my wife and I. No cross-country rides just short rides in the area. This was the only new option that I fell in love with. No other new bike interested me at all but the 2014 CB1100. I wanted one so bad in 2014… then in December 2017 I ran across a deal I could not refuse. I think I have the record for the lowest price paid out the door of $5,700 for a 0 miles bike.

It was crazy when I picked it up. Here is this beautiful black bike with classical good looks and an impressive 1100cc air cooled engine. As I am walking around waiting for the salesman, I see a Honda Grom 125cc for $4,800? For just $900 more I am walking out with an 1100cc bike that can do so much more than the Grom. Crazy right?

For those that are interested… My list of Keeper Bikes and categories.
LONG DISTANCE BIKE (needs to be an in-line 4)
2014 Honda CB1100: Well what can I say! A beautiful bike that will do most things very well, all but trail riding! LOL!

SHOW BIKE (Yup I have two for this category got carried away)
1967 Suzuki T-20 Street Racer: My first attempt at a custom bike. Almost doubled the HP of it.
1974 Kawasaki H2 Denco with Tracy Body: My last custom bike still in progress.

SPORT BIKE
1986 Honda VFR 750: My first new bike I bought. OK second as I totaled my first one a 1986 Honda VF500 then bought this one. LOL!

TRAIL BIKE (Two with this one for now)
1971 CZ 175 Trail: I wanted a different trail bike and I fell in love with this one after so many others before. If the XL600 works out the way I hope I will sell this one.
1985 Honda XL600R: Needed a larger displacement trail bike and decided on this one.

FIRST BIKE EVER
1970 Honda CL100: Exact Copy of the first bike I had as a kid.

MOPED
1967 Honda P50: My cool and very different Keeper Moped!

Yes. YES. YES! This is me to a "T" and I think many folks here agree. Thanks for stating it so concisely!

Yes. YES. YES! This is me to a "T" and I think many folks here agree. Thanks for stating it so concisely!


That’s a big +1 with me!

[Retsel_imp]

I have been a large two cylinder fan since I was 16 years old. After building and owning several, I ran into a friend that had a source on totaled bikes. Most were in-line fours. I bought a totaled 1983 Suzuki GS750ES. After restoring that bike I was sold on in-line fours. I had several twos, a couple of 6's since but, went I saw the CB come back, with an air cooled engine, I was sold. I bought mine in 2015 and have never regretted it. Love the looks and love the ride. It does everything I want and more while never complaining. What else does an old man need?

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

[mechanic58_imp]

I’m with the op, I plan on keeping mine indefinitely. I cannot stress how much I love this motorcycle.

[Sprout_imp]

Most definitely! My favorite.