Decisions, decisions...

[Rider_imp]

Decisions, decisions… Please bear with me. I’ll have an opportunity to test a brand new 2017, red, dual exhaust CB1100 on Friday and they’ll bring in a black 2016 later, for less money, if I like the ride. (I think the black looks awesome!)

I’m currently on a 2017 Triumph Street Twin and although it’s great around town, it lacks power and doesn’t like the freeway too much. I’ve toured on smaller bikes for sure and could with this I reckon, but that was at an age when I was pretty much oblivious to bodily comfort and cared mostly about the destination, rather than the journey. I might regret a long ride on this little bike, but keeping it is one option. Or, get something bigger.

The other option besides the CB is a 2017 Triumph T120 1200 (also black) for the same cost as the 2017 CB. Frankly, I’m much more drawn to the Triumph’s sound, un-buzzy engine and its low down torque which peaks at 3,100 RPM… But also puts me in a more expensive insurance bracket. CB is beautifully styled and no doubt reliable, a bit cheaper to insure, less costly initially (for the 2016), seems to have better accessory availability (Samurider)… but is an inline 4 with typical buzzy-ness. Buzzy-ness can be dealt with by using super heavy bar end weights + bar snake + Grip-puppies… so not too much of a big deal.

As I said, keeping the 900 is an option. It’s already paid for and has Rifle fairing and good hard luggage installed etc. I just miss having some good mid and low range grunt! Previous two bikes we’re an Aprilia Tuono 1000R and Triumph Tiger 1050… those bikes had power!

So now both the T120 and the CB1100 are appealing and somewhat comparable in general terms but the CB lacks that parallel twin “character” and the T120 costs considerably more… And now there’s rumours of a 2018 Triumph “Speed Twin”. Who knows what that might be all about??

I know nobody here can tell me the right thing to do and that’s not what I’m looking for anyway… I’m just bouncing my thoughts around and, fortunately, no one here has a vested interest one way or the other in what I decide.

Another factor is that no matter what bike one buys these days they ALL need suspension upgrades! What the heck's up with that? Maybe that’s always been the case but these days my body can’t tolerate the knocking around.

But either bike, including current one, will need some more money thrown at it for suspension. (At least the CB and T120 have some adjustability - unlike the Street Twin.

Being recently retired I also have to get used to the idea of not throwing money around like I used to…and that sucks! :-)

Anyway, I think I’ll go look at that T120 again this afternoon in preparation for Friday’s CB test.

Thanks for listening! ;-)

[Cormanus]

I think the Ferret's brother has the T120 and really likes it. The Ferret has ridden it and speaks well of it. See [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=9842&pid=155740#pid155740]here for a a brief comparative comment.

Some people just don't take to the CB1100. Fair enough. Mine's as near stock as makes no difference and I love it, but then I've never ridden one with greatly improved suspension. I can say that the stock seat is horrible, but I use an AirHawk to deal with that. I've identified it 65,000 kms since buying it late in 2013 and have enjoyed pretty much all of them.

Good luck with your ruminating.

[Lord Popgun]

Honda didn't seem to install the buzzyness in mine.

[Capo]

If you are sensitive to inline 4 buzziness (as I now know I am) the CB might be a problem, but only a ride will tell. Be sure to run it in the 3500- 5k rpm range in each gear to see. If you don't feel anything, you'll be good. If you do, don't talk yourself into thinking you'll get used to it. I've tried everything and it bugs me to no end.

As for the T120, I have a Thruxton R, aircooled 2006 Bonnie and a 2013 CB1100. All great bikes, but the Thrux R is exceptional. While the T120 is different in many ways, it has the same characterful twin. Both the T120 and the CB are more substantial bikes than the Street. As for accessories, I think you've got it backwards...Triumph and the aftermarket offer far more than are available for the CB.

You can't make a bad choice, and you'll no doubt get more nods for the CB in this excellent forum (a strong checkmark for buying one!) but best of luck on the decision.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[4 Paws_imp]

If you like Triumphs, stay with the brand.
Not a whole lot of difference in the two bikes, I've ridden both a fair bit. The water cooled and twin cylinders do make the T120 a desirable bike.
Check out the selection of used CB1100's, some excellent deals to be had.

[LongRanger_imp]

I second Capo's remarks. I think you'd be happier with the T120 based on your predilection against inline 4's. The Triumph is a fine bike.

[Stichill_imp]

I must be immune to engine vibration, or actually enjoy it. I rode ferret's CB1100 recently and it was so smooth and quiet, often the only way I knew it was running was the fact that the rear wheel wasn't locked up from the engine stalling. Whereas he, on my BMW F800GT, got off and said, "That thing is a rock crusher!"

[EarsOnWheels_imp]

CB1100 is better suited for cruising on the highway. Can't speak for the Twin, but compared to the Scrambler, the CB has no vibration/buzz. I can go all day.

[PowerDubs_imp]

I find my CB to pretty much do everything well.

That is not to say it can't be improved on- but the biggest thing (like most modern bikes) was the seat which is easily fixed.

[Rider_imp]

Thanks for the replies guys! And you're right - this an awesome forum. I've been lurking for a while... ;-)

I went and test drove the T120 this afternoon for about 15 minutes non-highway. I like it a lot... Feels much more natural to me than the Street Twin. T120 is more stable... Better brakes. Doesn't give the impression it wants to fall over in low speed turns as the Street tends to do. Easy to flat-foot. Overall the T120 feels much more planted and natural.

I like the hard luggage available from Samuriderr for CB. Haven't found anything comparable for the T120 so far although I think a couple of Samu's fairings will fit the T.

I thought the T dealer had a gloss black T120 but was mistaken; would have to transfer one in. They've got a dark burgundy ... it's nice but then my wife would notice I got a different bike! :-) Actually, it's not that big a deal but I would prefer black whether it's the T or the CB. I suppose if it'd save me a few bucks I might go burgundy though. Much harder to color match a new fairing to burgundy than basic gloss black.

So the plan is that Friday I'll test the CB1100... I realize the "buzzy-ness" thing is very subjective and varies from person to person depending on the way their wrists are built etc. Personally, I've had carpal tunnel surgery on both sides and know from experience with several I-4 engines from the past - 650, 850, 900 and 1100cc bikes I've owned ...that there's an inherent buzz and that I'll feel it. But as I said, heavy end weights and bar snake have proven to be a very effective solution for me. So although it might be an issue when I test ride it's not really a problem in the long run...