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Review: '19 CB 1100 EX vs '23 BMW R nine T Scrambler
#1
dear all,

i want to add my voice on the challenge between these 2 beauties.

i will be very simple: my opinion is that the BMW, purely product-wise (perceived quality, design, materials, project exclusivity) should really cost half the RRP of the Honda, while in reality it's nearly double in price (at least in the version I had in my test, which was full of options).

BMW is slightly more refined in ride quality, having better wheels, better tyres, less weight, lower center of gravity and a rear mono shock: exactly, SLIGHTLY better, while with all those differences on paper the difference should be like from black and white.

The throttle response is way less precise, rear brake is as non existent as the CB but even in a worse way, forks are awful, engine is way too powerful and behaves too raw for the kind of motorcycle it is (a refined modern classic).
Engine note is non-emotional and looks are "meh".

Best point: front brakes are really really good.

Not to mention the fact that the BMW is a mass-produced motorcycle with scale economies in a lot of components, engine being the biggest one, while the Honda is a standalone project itself without cost cutting as the main voice, and it shows in every single detail; basically, it's like comparing a unicorn with a donkey.


was I too crude? maybe, but I really had high expectations from the BMW and I hated every second I rode the bike, it felt absolutely deceiving.

going back to ride my CB felt like fresh water, and this is all that matters.
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#2
Always liked the looks of BMW's. Usually disappointed when I ride one. The only one that came close to making me happy was the new 2010 R1200R I rented in Europe for 9 days. Fantastic bike, except for the way too tall gearing.

I have the same issues with Moto Guzzi's lol. Love looking at them, usually disappointed after a ride.

Love riding my CB 1100.
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#3
I'd like to try whatever that hot new Guzz with the tank wings are for a ride...

That being said- I also bought a new Aprilia 660 factory last fall and can tell that although very light weight, lots of tech features- the build quality is NOWHERE near what the CB is. It's similar to my Kia Soul commuter- great at what it does- but fit / finish nowhere near what my Phaeton is.

So- Guzz and Ape being the same owner- I'd expect same lack of detail minutia.... same lack of dealer support- and worse- same lack of manufacturer parts.

There are guys w/ Apes that have been waiting many many months for parts to repair bikes that are broke under warranty w/ less than 1,000 miles on them.

Mine (winter) has about 60 miles on it- so I guess I'll see how it plays out.
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#4
I'd like to try out the new Mandello as well, even though It probably wont suit me, but it sure looks good
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#5
(03-21-2023, 09:47 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: I'd like to try out the new Mandello as well, even though It probably wont suit me, but it sure looks good

Agreed.

I'd ride any bike, especially a Guzzi, at least for the experience.
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#6
CB over the BMW anyday
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