Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike

[Guth_imp]

Good stuff omarj — congratulations on your decision and subsequent purchase. I hope that you'll stick around and let us know how you're getting on with the new bike.

[Frulk_imp]

Omarj. You have a HONDA and are in the family. We have the other bikes section and I really would like to hear now and then what you think of the bike. I have a family member that keeps kicking around possibly wanting to learn how to ride. About three weeks or so back I was at the dealer in Ogden UTAH and looked very hard at your bike. Was pretty impressed. Plus I'd really like to see a pic of SF now and then. The wife and I enjoy our weekend vacations we take there.

[CARUZIN_imp]

Welcome !

Riding the CB1100 fast out there on the open road and not crowded is not that hard. It is when you have ride a heavy bike at slow speed then things get more difficult. Knowing how to stop a fast and heavy bike when you encounter a dangerous situation is a different story.

It's hard to ride a CB1100 in crowded areas with cars, pedestrians, dogs, deers, bicyclists ... crossing your path. If you add gravels, blind turns, oil, pot holes, ...

I would suggest to start with something like the Rebel like others have already mentioned or the Suzuki S40 ( http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Li...7/S40.aspx ) to gain experience, and learn to anticipate dangerous road conditions to avoid them. The Rebel or S40 will be a lot more forgiving.

There is a LOT of wisdom on this thread. I would concur with the above two suggested starter motorcycles and especially the Suzuki which is the closest to being a bicycle with a motor on it. Few bikes will come up off the kickstand SO easily and that is an indication of easy/forgiveable low speed maneuverability. However, it is a 650 and has some reasonable grunt when called upon. As a bonus, it is belt drive and thus requires no chain maintenance. The Suzuki S40 was formerly known as the Savage and there are plenty of them available used and inexpensive.

In MY mind, WHATEVER you choose, you MUST be able to "Flat Foot" the bike with both feet when stopped. The CB1100 has a relatively high seat and a fairly big gas tank, both of which raise the center of gravity, especially when topped up with fuel. That weight can come on in a hurry as the lean angle increases.

Coming off a 2009 Goldwing, I find my 2017 CB1100 a lightweight, BUT it's not for a beginner. It is however, an amazing machine to aspire to as you pick up some practice miles and road smarts.

Happy CURUZIN

[bryannevasr_imp]

Omar:
I grew up riding bikes in the 1970s and had been out of the game for over 30 years. In 2014 I bought a CB1100 DX because of the nostalgic look. The CB1100 is so easy to ride and the transmission is so smooth. It's heavy enough to handle the windy freeway and agile enough to handle the twisties. The CB1100 is really engineered and built well and you're really going to appreciate it. The drawbacks of a CB1100 is that it's a heavy bike at about 550 lbs with a high center of gravity (COG). But then again, that's about on par with most bikes in the 1000cc segment. Also, the seat is not good for long rides. If you're planning a long trip, buy a better seat (your butt will thank you). Putting the CB1100 up on its center stand is a challenge too as the bike is heavy; watch some youtube videos to learn how to do it. I highly recommend you take a course first on how to ride a motorcycle and outfit yourself with all the protective gear. I shudder every time I see a rider out there with nothing but a skull helmet; those guys are taking too much risk with their lives. The hardest thing to do on a heavy motorcycle is low-speed maneuvering; that's most like where you'll drop the bike. Anyway, I think you're making a wise choice.
Best Wishes,
Bryan