Bummed by a test ride

[co6aka_imp]

Hi all, I took a '13 CB1100 for a quick spin. While I quite liked the bike, there was something that bummed me out. At the time I could not quite point a finger at it, but after the ride it eventually crystallized for me. It was the engine. I loved the bike's looks, the street presence, the handling, but I did not quite like the engine. It spools up quite fast and pulls quite nicely but it seemed not very happy swinging into higher RPMs. Sound was probably the only cue: it didn't sound quite strained, but sorta unhappy. Throttle roll-ons or downshifts were gently but surely hinting me at the magic number of about 3K RPM, where the engine appeared happiest. Thus i spent most of the ride at 3K RPM, out of the ~9K available on tach. I find that very odd, given that it's a four-banger.

I read about the bike a lot, including the fascinating discussion by the bike's designers and a review by Kevin Ash, where he simply adores the powerplant:
http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/honda-...013-review

I also watched a bunch of YouTube videos which show the same engine behavior. So it seems there was a clear design intention for this. Is that what is meant to give the bike a 'character'? Frankly, i found it annoying and would much prefer an engine that sounds smooth and happy as it revs up.

Maybe someone could chime in on the subject. Thanks!

[the Ferret]

Doesn't sound like the bike for you. It is what it is, a bike never DESIGNED to run like you are suggesting, designed to ride around leisurely at about 3000 rpms.

Sounds like a 1000cc supersport like a GSXR or ZX14 would make you happier.

[CIP57_imp]

You most be coming off a sportbike. The CB has a very level torque curve from 2500 through 7500rpm's and has the same feel through that range. There is no HP bang at the 6000 rpm range.

My bike is happiest and puts out top HP in the 6.5 to 8K range but that's not what the bikes about. 3K is a bit lower than where i find the sweet spot to be.

[gossman_imp]

Having owned the older SOHC CB models in my youth I found that this CB does everything I want and need and it does it extremely well. But I can understand that it isn't a sportbike, which is good because I didn't want a sport bike. You probably wouldn't be happy with it so perhaps take a look at the CBR1000.

[HikerToo_imp]

Yep, mine runs like a turbine or generator at 2.5 to 3.5K RPM's, loves it there.
Every once in a while I'll do some close to redline shifts, but not like on my 900 Ninja
Was not sure if it was me getting older or the bike not liking it.....
It did notice with my flashed ECU I was up around 4K more than before

[Rick Froscheiser_imp]

I have to agree that the new CB is not the bike for you. The bike has the feel of the old 1970's bikes that I grew up riding.

[ClassicVW_imp]

My '13 is very smooth, and seems very happy wherever I put it. And it pulls forcefully waaaay past 3,000. I spent about 5 hours last weekend all on secondary roads with continuous turns and elevation changes at 35-55 MPH and kept it at 4,000 RPM whatever gear I was using and it all went smoothly. I was still able to put more power on or take it off and go from 4,000 to 5,000 to 3,000 and back and still stay in that gear.

The weekend before, on very similar roads I tried to stay around 3,000-3,500 and I was up and down shifting much too often. Yes, the 3,000 "sweet spot" is there, but IMO, better to be at that RPM for steady cruising and it's too low if you're going to be speeding up and slowing down a lot.

[redbirds_imp]

Mine is smooth and revs easily to the red line. It doesn't pull as hard as the engine in a sport bike but then, it's not a sport bike. More like a "gentleman's express" with good torque throughout the rev range. Long rides on the interstate at a sustained 85+ are a piece of cake, the only downer being limited wind protection at that speed. I've owned bikes that had far more power but none as overall satisfying to ride. If you don't like the engine's unique character then it's not the bike for you.

[Aussie_imp]

IMO, It's not really designed to be wrung out in the higher revs like a sports bike. I recently rode a GSX-R 750, now that bike liked to be revved!


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[furious_blue_imp]

It's a good thing that you found this out BEFORE buying one and being disappointed.
Just yesterday I saw a used '13 CB1100 listed with only 11 miles on it.
I figure either someone found out quickly that they didn't like it, or some significant other found out about the purchase made on the sly and laid down the law (joke !)..

I had a 2006 Speed Triple that I really wanted to love, but it never jelled. Sold it and used the funds as part of the CB1100 purchase. Now the CB1100 I'm thrilled with !