08-28-2017, 05:31 AM
I thought you all might enjoy some of this report. I traded in a black '14 1100 for a '16 CB1000R and am offering a report of the differences between the two. First let me say that I put 2100 miles on the 'R' in about 5 days. I had not been in the saddle of the 1100 for that many miles at one time.
A friend and myself set out to Nebraska to view the Great American Eclipse in totality. He rode a newer SV650 and I had the new to me 1000R. On the backroads of Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, the 1100 would have been great. Big, heavier and longer, would have made a nice combo on the highways. We have some really nice wide two lane highways in those states. I then proceeded to Arkansas for some, um, scenic and twisty terrain.
1st. I like the 1100 better. I don't think the 1100 could have handled some of the corners that I threw at the 1000R in Arkansas between Hwy 7 and Hwy 23, but it's not that kind of bike. The 1100 isn't meant to turn with one of your knees slightly off of the ground and it may have been a bit scary coaxing the 1100 through some of the canyon switchbacks. The R was right at home with this and just begged for more. With better tires, maybe. I've noticed a front end push on the 1100, so I wouldn't push it too hard in that respect. Also the 1000R has a very cool list of details, single-sided swingarm, great suspension, great seat (actually all day comfortable), big power at 6K (and I mean big) and cool looks. But still...
2nd. The long two lane highways filled with corn fields on both sides...the 1100 would have been right at home...all day, and more fun. There's just something about riding that big, nice sounding bike in a long straight line that appeals to me and the older I get the slower I go through the mountains. i'll probably, in a couple of years trade the 1000R in on a newer 1100 and keep it.
I know some of you will say that the 1100 handles just fine in the mountains and I would agree but I tend to lay it on a bit thick when I get to very twisty roads. I carried a CMRA roadracing license for 2 years so I do understand what a bike is trying to do underneath me. I'm not pointing that out to be a richard, it's just part of my riding history and I've been riding motorcycles since I was 7 (I'm 58 now).
I just like the 1100 better. There, are ya happy?
Oh and the eclipse was very inspiring. No, it was life changing. Weirdest thing I've ever experienced.
A friend and myself set out to Nebraska to view the Great American Eclipse in totality. He rode a newer SV650 and I had the new to me 1000R. On the backroads of Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, the 1100 would have been great. Big, heavier and longer, would have made a nice combo on the highways. We have some really nice wide two lane highways in those states. I then proceeded to Arkansas for some, um, scenic and twisty terrain.
1st. I like the 1100 better. I don't think the 1100 could have handled some of the corners that I threw at the 1000R in Arkansas between Hwy 7 and Hwy 23, but it's not that kind of bike. The 1100 isn't meant to turn with one of your knees slightly off of the ground and it may have been a bit scary coaxing the 1100 through some of the canyon switchbacks. The R was right at home with this and just begged for more. With better tires, maybe. I've noticed a front end push on the 1100, so I wouldn't push it too hard in that respect. Also the 1000R has a very cool list of details, single-sided swingarm, great suspension, great seat (actually all day comfortable), big power at 6K (and I mean big) and cool looks. But still...
2nd. The long two lane highways filled with corn fields on both sides...the 1100 would have been right at home...all day, and more fun. There's just something about riding that big, nice sounding bike in a long straight line that appeals to me and the older I get the slower I go through the mountains. i'll probably, in a couple of years trade the 1000R in on a newer 1100 and keep it.
I know some of you will say that the 1100 handles just fine in the mountains and I would agree but I tend to lay it on a bit thick when I get to very twisty roads. I carried a CMRA roadracing license for 2 years so I do understand what a bike is trying to do underneath me. I'm not pointing that out to be a richard, it's just part of my riding history and I've been riding motorcycles since I was 7 (I'm 58 now).
I just like the 1100 better. There, are ya happy?
Oh and the eclipse was very inspiring. No, it was life changing. Weirdest thing I've ever experienced.
