Tall riders, exhaust etc. questions (looking for my 2nd bike)

[chrisacchi_imp]

Hi Justilself, I also have a KLR650, I did the Great Divide 2 years ago (from Canada to Mexico over the rocky mountains), extremely confortable bike, I have been riding the KLR for many years.
Last week I went to pick up my CB1100A in Kansas City, MO and came all the way to Miami, FL.
I did 1680 miles in 2 1/2 days. One day I did 720 miles from West planes, MO to Tallahassee, FL.
I did the trip without windshield, I found that over 65-70 miles speed it is not confortable. I decided to install after reading many post here the Puig windshield, it is not too tall but is good enough.
I got the bike with a few extras, Staintune exhaust (Made in Australia) I really love the sound, it is perfect but after a few hours riding its also not confortable, you better use ear plugs, I did just last day and was a huge diferent. I am agree with you, I didn't like the sound of the original exhaust, its like a VW Jetta!
The bike also have the cargo rack and the engine guards.
I can tell you that the CB1100 is one of the must amazing bike that I ever ride, I just love it!
It is pretty, powerful and funny. I still love to ride my 1978 CB750 Four but this one is in another level.
If you like the CB you will be a fan forever!
Hope it help you on your decision.

[justinlself_imp]

Sorry I haven't replied, been lurking while doing life etc!

I do appreciate all the insight. I just recently test rode a Ducati Scrambler, but didn't come back with a grin like the CB1100 gave me. It's staying on my list of consideration I think my biggest concern with the CB is the ground clearance from the pipes! I wouldn't mind fabbing up a skid plate (again, this isn't meant to go entirely offroad, but why not add another protection measure?).

I'd also like to rid the chrome handlebars and go with a flat black, maybe. Lower rise/rake (one of the two I can't remember) but possibly with bar risers. I like the lower bar look, but not cafe so much.

BTW, I have been messing around in Photoshop, here is a preliminary. I need side shots of bar-end mirrors and windscreens to add though. If anyone would like to help me out there, I'll end up providing a PSD template for all.

[the Ferret]

Well that's a crazy enough paint job lol

[EarsOnWheels_imp]

Cool!

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Well that's a crazy enough paint job lol

...what he said.

[Roper_imp]

34" inseam here. I have the Corbin seat with an extra 1" of foam. Legs bend more than a KLR or a BMW GS, but I've never experienced leg cramps. Stops for fuel seem to be at just the right intervals for stretches. I originally had risers which brought the bars up and back. I went back to stock because I like the position better.

As far as luggage: If you like the adventure look, and don't mind a more "permanent" solution, you can attach any aluminum top box to the standard OEM rear rack with bolts/nuts/silicone. You can do the same with panniers and the right mounts. If you like that look, check out happy-trail.com. They're based in my former hometown of Boise, ID, and they have the best service I've experienced in motorcycle stuff.

If you ride over 50mph, you'll probably want to add a windshield or small fairing to take at least some of the wind blast off your chest. Over an hour at 75mph can be a beating.

Planning a long riding/camping trip to Big Bend this spring. Can't think of a bike I'd rather do that trip on.

[justinlself_imp]

34" inseam here. I have the Corbin seat with an extra 1" of foam. Legs bend more than a KLR or a BMW GS, but I've never experienced leg cramps. Stops for fuel seem to be at just the right intervals for stretches. I originally had risers which brought the bars up and back. I went back to stock because I like the position better.

As far as luggage: If you like the adventure look, and don't mind a more "permanent" solution, you can attach any aluminum top box to the standard OEM rear rack with bolts/nuts/silicone. You can do the same with panniers and the right mounts. If you like that look, check out happy-trail.com. They're based in my former hometown of Boise, ID, and they have the best service I've experienced in motorcycle stuff.

If you ride over 50mph, you'll probably want to add a windshield or small fairing to take at least some of the wind blast off your chest. Over an hour at 75mph can be a beating.

Planning a long riding/camping trip to Big Bend this spring. Can't think of a bike I'd rather do that trip on.

I had waited and waited for happy trails to ship something out couple years ago and gave up. Are they notoriously slow or back ordering?

Sent from my Z963U using Tapatalk

[pdedse]

I'm 6'3" with 34" inseam, 53 years of age, 180 lbs and in good shape. I've had a KLR for about 8 years, ridden it long distances to Central America and back to Oregon, to Mexico a couple of times, so I know what you mean when you talk about how easy the KLR can be on one's knees and hips. I had that concern for the CB1100...and I was right to have it.

After an hour or two, I feel a little stiff in the right hip, the need to extend the knees and shake 'em a bit. I don't feel that hip tightness at all on the KLR...but it's there on the CB. Still, I like the bike (I'm beginning to "appreciate" its quiet nature).

So for a recent 5500 mile trip from OR to Illinois, I put on SW Motech engine guards, and then a $20 pair of forward pegs on the guards. I only used the pegs maybe 3% of the trip, but it was nice to have that other position when my knees would get tired. I left the seat stock, but I put on two 1" seat pads, and then another one half way through the trip. That really helped, leading me to think I should spring for a taller seat, lower pegs...but I'm a cheap KLR owner and the pads cost $20 for all three.

The saddle bags are a $70 pair and I have an old HD leather bag that rests on the passenger seat and doubles as a back rest. Simple tie-downs to secure everything, it worked fine.



If you want to look at the road report go here, p2:
[url=http://m.cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=9376&page=2]http://m.cb1100forum.com/forum/showthrea...376&page=2

I've test ridden the Ducatti Srambler and the Street Twin. I could have bought either bike and I think I would have liked both just fine, and I would have had similar ergo issues. Maybe in time I splurge for a seat and lower the pegs, but riding around town I don't have any issues.

Good luck!

[Roper_imp]

To Justinlself: They're a small company. I know they were doing all of their production locally. They got some good reviews on ADVrider and were suddenly flooded with orders. It took them a while to increase production capacity. I think their biggest challenge was finding welders who could meet their quality requirements. I haven't waited for more than two weeks. I don't mind waiting or paying a bit more. They contribute a lot to the local economy.

[4 Paws_imp]

I routinely ride gravel with my CB and it handles it fine as long as you don't get stupid. We used to have a forum member in Alaska who outfitted his bike as a "scrambler" and ran 80/20 tires with no problems. Several folks here have switched out handlebars and done extensive write-ups detailing the changes.
Previously owned a T100 and understand that bikes limitations, oly thing it has over the Honda is the panache associated with the Triumph name. Lots of luggage options available, I prefer soft luggage and know of at least a half dozen vendors, among the ones I like is RKA - good quality American made. Also lots of threads here by folks who have already done the luggage research and mounting. I did go the Corbin route, 8 hour days no problem after breaking in seat and butt.

Honda builds a solid inexpensive bike, give it a test ride. Not sexy but built for the long haul.