Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike

[Nortoon_imp]

At 20 years of age I started on a Yamaha 100cc Twin Jet. Not much of jet really, but it was capable of 60 MPH downhill. I was 6'2" tall and weighed 163 pounds at the time. There were no motorcycle courses available, helmets were not mandatory or worn, and there was no motorcycle testing required for a licence.

I learned by myself how to use a clutch to change gears, a throttle enough to launch without stalling, and all the other things required to ride a motorcycle without getting killed. This bike was almost light enough to pick up.

Traded it in for a Yamaha 305cc twin three months later. Dropped it on a gravel road the first week I had it. Broken headlight, torn elbows on my shirt and knees on my jeans. I was scratched up, but that all healed.

Over the years I rode a BSA 650cc Lightning and dropped it a field horsing around with some biking buddies. Yes alcohol was involved. No damage done. Bought a Kawasaki 750cc triple 2-stroke, AKA the widow maker. Learned about high speed wobble racing a muscle car. Almost filled my pants, but survived without damage Downsized to a Yamaha 350cc R5 twin. Light and great handling motorcycle. Dropped it at low speed in a corner by grounding the foot pegs. No damage done except my pride as all my riding buddies were there to see it. Dropped my Aspencade (Goldwing) and my wife leaving a parking space when my foot slipped on some sand. After 26 years of riding experience dropped my brand new CB1100 EX when my foot slipped in the sand of a soft shoulder.

So when I see people telling this guy to buy an CB1100 as a first bike, it infuriates me.

He should take the motorcycle courses on the small bikes provided. Then buy one to practice the basics and learn the hazards of riding without injuring himself. To encourage him to start on a 84 horsepower, 560 pound top heavy porker is ludicrous and dangerous.

I know, as I have been told before, "Don't hold back Nortie, tell us how you really feel."

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

Not to get too far off topic but this bike is $12K without any "features" because of engineering, materials, and workmanship. I would say the fit and finish of the CB1100 has no rival at its price point. If any bike with all the factory extras were made to the CB's build quality it would be $20K. I bought one because I did not want all the extra electronic aids. I would have preferred not to even have ABS. FI for smooth running is all I need in the electronics dept. I have had bikes with all the goodies and corners were cut everywhere to build them at a price point. Even the big dollar Euro bikes sacrifice reliability to add upgrades we do not "need". Alas, these are just my opinions. Let the flames begin.

[Cormanus]

No flames, please. Respectful discussion of the points raised, on the other hand, will be welcome.

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

To get back on topic, the CB1100 is a fine starter bike but smaller would be better. Less risk for sure.

[omarj_imp]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for the welcoming me in, and also all the different perspectives that you all have given me.

First and foremost, my reason on posing the question if the CB1100 was an okay starter bike specifically in this thread was I wanted the opinions of owners, and potentially of those that actually had the experience of it as a first bike. See what their thoughts was, and if they had to do it all over again if they would.

In addition to that the reason why I sought out going for the CB1100 straight off the bat was because I don't like the idea of buying used, at least with motorcycles. As my knowledge in the area is very little any machine I was going to buy I plan to buy new. I figured I'd get engine guards if anything were to go wrong, and have spare cash for repairs. For me fixing damages isn't a big issue.

However after going through all the feedback, it sounds as if my original plan was probably the best laid out. Which is to buy a smaller one(most likely the rebel 500), and then upgrade to the CB1100 in a couple years.

Again thank you everyone for the feedback, I really do appreciate you taking the time out of your day giving it to me.

Best.

[LikeAfox_imp]

Good luck and godspeed, buddy. Happy to see a new rider thinking clearly.

[Cormanus]

Let us know what you get omarj, and post a picture.

[Nortoon_imp]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for the welcoming me in, and also all the different perspectives that you all have given me.

First and foremost, my reason on posing the question if the CB1100 was an okay starter bike specifically in this thread was I wanted the opinions of owners, and potentially of those that actually had the experience of it as a first bike. See what their thoughts was, and if they had to do it all over again if they would.

In addition to that the reason why I sought out going for the CB1100 straight off the bat was because I don't like the idea of buying used, at least with motorcycles. As my knowledge in the area is very little any machine I was going to buy I plan to buy new. I figured I'd get engine guards if anything were to go wrong, and have spare cash for repairs. For me fixing damages isn't a big issue.

However after going through all the feedback, it sounds as if my original plan was probably the best laid out. Which is to buy a smaller one(most likely the rebel 500), and then upgrade to the CB1100 in a couple years.

Again thank you everyone for the feedback, I really do appreciate you taking the time out of your day giving it to me.

Best.

I think you will enjoy the CB500. It was designed to meet the 48 horsepower restrictions for new motorcyclists in Europe and Asia. I put over 33,000 kilometers on my CB500XA over the previous three summers and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The motor is quite capable because of it's excellent fuel injection and 6-speed transmission. ABS brakes are a great safety feature. I had to use them a number of times avoiding deer and other critters jumping out of the bush in front of me.

I hope that you enjoy your new bike and ride safe. Perhaps we will see back here in a few years.

[hb9400_imp]

Omarj,

How tall are you? That's the first question I have and the reason being there are other options as a first bike that would work if you're not too short. There are a few 650/700cc adventure bikes that are not too expensive or too powerful and can be equipped with protection to take a spill or 2.
Suzuki VStrom 650/Kawasaki Versys 650/Honda NC700x are the models that stand out. None of them have the classic retro look but all of them will do it all like a pickup truck. You may find out as I have that there are more than 1 style that's appealing.

[buckwheat_imp]

The new style Rebels look cool. I've seen a few riding around town.