Okay, mickey, you're wearing me down!

[emptysea]

I allowed a forum member in my area to ride my bike. Maybe there's someone near you that will let you ride their bike.

[VLJ_imp]

Ulvetanna just responded to what I posted to him here. As it was before, however, he still has his "receive PMs" blocked. I can't respond to him via PM, so, again, I'll post my response here...

"What's the story behind your 'Ulvetanna' nic?

Anyway, yeah, the FZ-09 did nothing for me. The only good thing on that bike besides the light weight was the motor, but the fueling was awful, as were the brakes, suspension, and overall look.

The XSR900 is a completely different kettle of fish. Much better, firmer suspension, sharper brakes (track-worthy brakes, once you throw on some braided steel lines and HH pads), and no SuperMotard riding position.

Coming from a similar performance background as you do, and with a similar appreciation for the retro thing, I'm surprised you didn't look into the XSR900.

I've read nothing but good things about the new Z900, but I just can't deal with its looks. It's not as bad as the Z1000 or the Yamaha FZ-10, but it's still an eyesore to me. I like the look of the steel trellis frame, but that's about it. Otherwise, the instrument cluster, the green accents, the Transformer headlight, etc.?

Just can't do it.

In terms of the CB1100, I have to admit, your experience with it scares me, for I fear it would likely mirror mine, were I to buy one. I suspect that I would quickly—if not immediately—find it too heavy, long, soft, and slow. It has a very long wheelbase to go with soft brakes and suspension, and the motor hits softly.

I fear that for as much enjoyment as I would get from looking at the thing, the ride would alternately bore and frustrate me. I also suspect that it would prove to be no more comfortable than my XSR900; so, in the end, all I'd be gaining by swapping would be a prettier bike with a greater tank range, and more pride of ownership.

It really is a well built, gorgeous piece, though. Even now, I still can't help but be drawn to it. It has a serious hold on me."

[Cormanus]

Thanks for the information about test rides.

In summary, then, you think the CB1100 is a beautiful looking bike, but you're as sure as you can be without actually riding one that riding it would quickly bore you to tears. Why not buy an excellent condition, lightly used, 2013 model, prove your thesis, then pop it in the corner of the garage to admire every time you walk in to ride your XSR900?

Or could you not bear to own it if you weren't riding it?

[pdedse]

My local dealer doesnt want to give test rides until you're fairly sure, but they told me if I have it narrowed down to 2 bikes and are serious about buying then they would allow it... maybe you could lay it out for them like that? I think I said simply, there's a good chance I'll buy uf I can test ride. but 0 chance if I cant,... they let me and I bought it.

[VLJ_imp]

Cormanus, I couldn't bear it, and can't afford it. I can only swing one bike at a time.

Anyway, I would only buy a red, six-speed CB1100, which, here in America, limits me to the unobtanium '14 Deluxe, or a new '17 EX. I seriously love the red CBs.

Oh, and the one thing missing from your summation of my feelings regarding the CB? The engineering/build quality. It isn't solely about the looks. It's also the fact that I worked for Honda for a good decade or so and have a great appreciation for Honda build quality and reliability. I've owned many Hondas, and they were all straight-up excellent. Honda is probably my favorite brand, along with Triumph and BMW, but I trust Honda more than any other brand. Their bikes just work. They're easy to ride, easy to get along with, well thought out, and very nicely finished.

Pride of ownership. It's a big thing to me.

My local dealer doesnt want to give test rides until you're fairly sure, but they told me if I have it narrowed down to 2 bikes and are serious about buying then they would allow it... maybe you could lay it out for them like that? I think I said simply, there's a good chance I'll buy uf I can test ride. but 0 chance if I cant,... they let me and I bought it.

Yep, that's how it is with my local Kawi/Yamaha dealer, and also the local Suzuki dealer.

The local Honda dealer won't do CB1100 test rides. They don't even service the bikes on the showroom. They leave them dry, with no battery or fluids. They might let my buy it and then take it for a test drive, and if I hated it they'd let me back out, but that's about it.

[Cormanus]

Yeah ... I get that, I think, although I'm a bit sceptical about the build quality. There are bits that start showing rust which shouldn't on a machine designed to be ridden in what nature chucks at it.

I'm also a one bike man so I know you do have to like what you ride.

I mentioned the 2013 model because it's red. However, it's not 6-speed, so, if that's a deal breaker, you're right about your choices.

I saw a 2014 EX (European DLX) side by side with a 2017 RS the other day and thought, in many ways, the 2014 bike was better looking. Although I do like the new tank.

Surely EmptySea's right: someone in California will give you a ride on a 6-speed. Surely riding one of the black ones would give you a sense of whether you're suspicions are correct.

Otherwise you'll have to go and visit the Ferret.

[VLJ_imp]

My local dealer has an unsold '14 Standard (black) on the showroom floor. As always, however, they won't service the bike until it's sold. No test rides available, excepting that one situation I described in which I buy it first.

As for Honda bits being susceptible to rust and corrosion, I suppose it's possible, but I can't speak to that issue. Nothing rusts or corrodes here in this hot and sunny part of California.



I would love to have multiple bikes. I'd have these four: R1200RT, Street Triple RS, CB1100, T120. Just can't afford it.

I agree with you on the '14 Deluxe vs the new '17 EX. I prefer the shape of the '14's tank, though I'd prefer it to be seamless like the '17's tank. I definitely prefer the '14's winged logo, with the stripes on top. I also prefer the '14 DLX's period-correct green color for the instruments, and its all-silver motor, rather than the '17's two-tone design.

[VLJ_imp]

Strange, how things work out....

For the past month or so, I've been going to my local Honda dealer to soak up the new '17 CB1100 EX, which is always sitting right next to their new leftover '14 Standard. No doubt, I prefer the '17 EX. Love that red color, love the chrome, love just about every piece on it except for the two-tone engine treatment, and the deletion of the green face for the instruments.

Regardless, I love it, and definitely prefer it to the black '14 Standard. All things being equal, I'd take that '17, for sure.

The thing is, I remain torn regarding the CB1100 vs the T120, with just the slightest lean now to the Honda. It's bad. I really can't decide.

That being the case, what I concluded is that since I can't decide, and since I don't like the '17 that much more than the black '14, as in nearly twice as much, why not let the dollars and sense be the determining factor? A brand-new black '14 for half the price of either the '17 Honda or Triumph seems like a good way to break the stalemate, right? I could at least somewhat justify that number, while keeping my Yamaha.

So, that's what I did. I went back to the Honda shop today to buy the leftover '14 for $7K OTD, factory heated grips included/installed.

AND THE DARN THING WAS GONE!

Someone bought it Saturday, the sales guy told me. The thing has sat there lo these many years, and when I finally decided to grab it, someone beat me to the punch.

Jeez.

[Cormanus]

Ma-a-ate! Wouldn't that rotate you?

[Ben70_imp]

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/images/smilies/huh.gif
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/images/smil...ecided.gif
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/images/smilies/sad.gif

Ben