recommendations on upgrades

[boatdetective_imp]

Hello there- I'm clearing out the stable and will have an empty garage. That vacuum could be filled with a red CB1100. Could you folks please chime in on the following?

Suspension. I want to make sure my next bike has very good suspension. What would you recommend front and rear? Is there a drop in cartridge unit? A set of rear shocks that work well?

Exhaust- I've seen the 4:1 Ryujin (sp) retro race type. Can you actually tune the bike so these work well without popping? is it looks, or will a map and these pipes add any power?

fairing- The road comet looks pretty. Are there opinions on what is most effective?

Thanks

[the Ferret]

Howdy and welcome to the forum.

[boatdetective_imp]

Thx ferret. Now please talk me out of buying a CB

[rboe]

You look familiar boatdetective........

I have a Comet I with the touring windscreen (has a nice up turned lip, works pretty good, but have a Slipstreamer for those cold AZ months where a full barn door is called for).

Mapping is for the pro's, as far as I know, civilians don't have a tool like guzzidiag to play with maps.

I have not messed with the suspension (forks have some adjustments, rear shocks only have preload - I'm 164 or so and it works just handy dandy for me). Others have upgraded the rear shocks and they seem to love 'em.

I've seen the four into four systems, oh man, look and sound so nice. With the cat, unless you change out the headers you can do pretty much anything with little affect (not zero, not impressive).

Bike loosens up as she breaks in. More like a sweet running Thunderbird than a SHO Mustang.

[boatdetective_imp]

Hey rboe- what's happening?

I've always had a thing for hondas- and thought this might be the time to go through that phase.

The 2013/14 version seems more "authentic" than the 2017. If i can tune up the suspension- that would be great. I've checked the used market and they are selling for short money.

I like the fact that the model is reasonably simple and what's there is made with real build integrity. To be honest- I think I need a break from Italian "soul". Perfect manners, reliability, and pleasant around town manners would be nice.

As a side light- I'm wondering why this model did no sell well. I've seen them in the flesh and they are stunning. This makes me think of the GB500TT and the Ducati sport classics- some short run models that get pulled from the market become collectable in five years.

[rboe]

When they first came out I had a gut feeling (or connected dots that perhaps weren't really there) it was a small niche and would quickly fill it. But like the GB and W650, it would be appreciated down the road. But it has turned into the bike I'lll probably keep very long term.

It has character; just not much Italian character - both good and bad. So much easier to ride in town than the Griso. I still like the Griso, Now a fellow on the Facebook Guzzi site didn't think much about the handling of the CB; grinds the footpegs way too easily and he prefers the Griso because of the sporty handling. I don't ride that aggresive, especially on the CB, so it's not an issue for me.

I like the new CB (but unsure if it will come here) but for that classic retro look I think the 2013-14 was done better. If I had the room, and the cash flow I'd consider getting a new CB if they import it. But I'm a firm believer in diversity so some thing like a cruiser or a CB500X would make more sense.

While she is perfect in town, I took her Death Valley last year for a Guzzi gathering. I knew the Griso needed the roller kit so I kept her off the road until she had been upgraded and took the CB instead. She toured better than I suspected. For some reason I didn't expect much (I used to tour on a KZ550 Ltd so it should have been a no brainer - especially with the better seat). Some of the guys here have done some serious tours with her. My only ding, she sucks gas in a head wind. sigh...

We've had several Guzzi guys (oddly enough, mostly Griso owners) also got CB1100. It must hit similar buttons that Guzzi's hit. So you're in good company here. Welcome aboard and good luck finding your new ride.

[LongRanger_imp]

The typical gripe is "it's only 85 hp! If an 1100 doesn't put out at least 110 hp, I'm not interested!" These folks write off the bike without even riding it. It's not unlike the market reaction to the "only" 39 hp of the V7 Guzzi. They don't know what they're missing. Meanwhile, sales suffer.

[Ron in MO_imp]

Most of us here on the forum enjoy owning a great motorcycle that is very unique and that you don't see a lot of on the road. I know it makes me feel special!

I also wanted to chime in on your upgrade questions. Like Rboe, I have the Chic Design Road Comet fairing with the touring screen which does a great job with wind control and I use it all year long. I handle cooler weather with heated grips, hand guards and the right riding gear.

As for the suspension, I have found the front suspension to be pretty good, but there are several companies that offer spring replacements if you want more feel. The rear shocks need some help if you are over 200 pounds and can get pretty expensive quickly! I swapped mine to Ikon units from Australia and have been very happy. Especially with the price!

Exhaust is very subjective since you have four into four, two or one systems in chrome or black to choose from. I went with a OEM for into two Header pipes and added Over Racing mufflers. No changes to the tuning was needed and I think quite a few others here on the forum have also made exhaust system changes without tuning changes, but I'll let others comment from their experiences.

Have fun with your search for the bike and with making it into your own vision!

[Cormanus]

Welcome boatdetective. I have a largely un-modded CB1100, so I can't help much. The Staintune slip on is popular and lot have the Road Comet. Good luck.

[4 Paws_imp]

Yes, you can tune the suspension to your hearts delight and wallets limit. Several companies make everything from upgrades, drop in components, and direct replacements. Ohlins, Ikon, and Cogent dynamics are the companies I have researched. My personal riding skills don't warrant suspension upgrades. I'll never exceed the theoretical 80% of bikes capabilities limitations threshold to warrant taking the jump.

The bike runs decent but will never be the fastest thing in a straight line. With a bit of tuning the bike will blast through any canyon you are likely to find and look good doing it.