Good article comparing the CB with the BMW R nine T Pure

[pittycheria_imp]

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/08...y-classic/


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[the Ferret]

Good read. Thanks for posting.

[cbkev_imp]

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/08...y-classic/


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Nice, thanks. I chose between these two bikes, and although it's hard to know if I made the right choice occasionally, I'm extremely happy with my CB!
I must admit the article has reminded me I'm tempted by the idea of fitting the lower version of the Honda handlebars available on Samurider...

[redbirds_imp]

At last, a well balanced view on these two fine motorcycles.

[Macduff_imp]

I had looked at the R9T series bikes when considering the CB11RS as a potential purchase. However whilst I think BM got the styling exercise on these spot on if a little too hipsterish. I couldnt face the issues that comes with BMW build quirks (quality or lack of) and the historical designed in issues the engine gearbox/clutch/driveline have that never seems to be far from potential wallet emptying incidents. I'm speaking as an ex aircooled 1150 BMW owner so maybe that biases my opinion a tad. Though it is reinforced (unprompted) by my local independent M/C tech who hates having to fix BM's with a vengeance 2nd only to his dislike of KTMs 690 grenades.

[olekzap_imp]

It was nice to finally read an article that didn't constantly call the CB slow.

[pdedse]

Great photos of the exhaust system for the CB1100. I have the '14 std and don't get appreciate the 4->2 look much.

[rotor]

There is not much to compare, IMHO.

The only similarity is the styling. But the substantial differences are so great that I just don't see how one would not have a clear preference for one or the other, based on:

2-cylinder vs. 4 cylinder engine.
Shaft drive vs. chain.

(I would not consider a motorcycle with less than 4 cylinders. And I find the reliability, effectiveness and cost of chain to be superior to shaft, and I consider oiling the chain to be an entirely enjoyable activity. But that's me; others will have different opinion).

BTW, whats with the R-9-T's exhaust on the wrong (left-hand) side of the motorcycle? Sure, one does not need to deal with chain next to a hot pipe, but still; each time I look at one, I have a feeling I'm looking at a mirror-image...

[the Ferret]

There is not much to compare, IMHO.

The only similarity is the styling. But the substantial differences are so great that I just don't see how one would not have a clear preference for one or the other, based on:

2-cylinder vs. 4 cylinder engine.
Shaft drive vs. chain.

(I would not consider a motorcycle with less than 4 cylinders. And I find the reliability, effectiveness and cost of chain to be superior to shaft, and I consider oiling the chain to be an entirely enjoyable activity. But that's me; others will have different opinion).

BTW, whats with the R-9-T's exhaust on the wrong (left-hand) side of the motorcycle? Sure, one does not need to deal with chain next to a hot pipe, but still; each time I look at one, I have a feeling I'm looking at a mirror-image...

Yea, I have a different opinion lol. Care if I express it?

Don't enjoy maintaining chains and the reliability, cleanliness, and cost of maintaining the shaft is nearly nothing compared to a chain. I own both. Both Hondas.

My shaft drive Honda has 94K miles on it, has only required 5.2oz of 80 wt gear oil once a year which takes 5 minutes to change. Other than that nada.. no cleaning, no adjustment, no replacement. Maybe smear some moly lube on the drive gear when you have the wheel off to replace the back tire. Probably the most famous shaft drive bike, the Honda Goldwing has a tremendous reliability record for their shaft drive systems over billions of miles over the last 47 years. BMW, and Moto Guzzi have had pretty good success with theirs over the years as well. BMW had some final drive issues when they tried to go to final drives that required no maintenance at all, but overall they have had an outstanding reliability record since 1923, and Guzzi since the 60's.

My chain drive Honda has 35K miles (1/3 the mileage), needs a new chain and sprockets ($400 plus labor) and has gone thru probably 4 cans of chain lube at $15.99 each (that's not supposed to fling off and get the back wheel, swing arm, and center stand grungy but it does anyway) and requires periodic inspection/adjustments. Most people get between 20K and 25K out of a chain and sprockets. At 94K I will be ready for my 4th set of chain and sprockets on it.

A chain is "slightly" more efficient when new and lubed and adjusted properly. If it's dry, if it has tight spots, if it is out of a narrow adjustment band ie: too tight or too loose, then it's efficiency is reduced. It is lighter, cheaper to produce and does allow for gearing changes, which makes them better for manufacturers,racers or riders who do not put on a lot of miles on their bikes.

A shaft has the same efficiency it's whole life, which is normally a considerable amount of time. It is heavier, more costly to manufacture and impossible to re-gear however. Now, generally speaking, only top of the line touring bikes get shaft drive systems meant for riders who will pay the premium and expect to put on a lot of miles on their bikes.

IMO a belt is superior to a chain, but not as good as a shaft, for street driven motorcycles.

If chains were superior drive systems they would have them on cars, but none of them do. Honda DID have a chain drive sports car called the S600 back in 1964, 65 and 66,(only sold in Japan I believe) but they soon switched to shaft drive like everyone else.

[Cormanus]

Quote:Truth is, although going by a machine’s spec sheet can be a useful indicator of outright performance, it can just as equally be misleading if you’re trying to assess the real enjoyment potential of a motorcycle.
A wise man! And a good review.

Ferret, the S600 was sold in Australia. I had a friend who had one. I didn't drive it, but I was a passenger.