Bonneville vs CB1100

[Dvassino_imp]

I know this must have been a topic before, but can anyone who has some experience with both of these bikes give a comparison. I love the look of both of these bikes and need to make a decision next week. 2014 CB1100 Dlx or 2014 Triumph Bonneville.

Thanks,

Dino

[DAC]

....calling The Ferret.

[Randy B]

From everything I have read the Bonnie is a nice bike, but under powered. It is also not as smooth as the CB nor as refined of a machine.
Again...all from what I've read.

[the Ferret]

Had both, and although they are both naked standard retros there isn't much comparison, the CB is smoother, faster, stops better, and is more comfortable. 88 hp vs 58, triple disc brakes vs dual discs, the dlx has ABS not even available as an option on the Triumph, the Honda also has a 6 speed trans vs 5 speed, Has a lot more gas capacity, and is physically larger. The Honda also has chrome head pipes vs stainless on the Triumph which blues badly quickly. The seat is a lot more comfortable on the Honda as well.

Thought of more...the basic Bonnie is one color, no tach, spoke wheels. In order to get two tone paint with typical Triumph scallops with knee pads, a tach, and mag wheels you have to upgrade to the SE model

ahh thought of something else... center stand is standard on the CB, a $250 option on the Triumph.

Honda has a much larger dealer network.

The Triumph was a nice motorcycle. The CB is a great motorcycle.

My 14 DLX and my Bonnie which I sold to my younger brother ( noticed the blued pipes and the gel pad on the seat of the Bonnie which makes the seat tolerable.)

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/classics006_zpsf102fd2c.jpg.html]

[Jayimpalaman_imp]

You will have to spend a lot of money on the Triumph for it to be a Triumph. Pipe, air filter, seat, etc...... It will end up costing more than the Honda. The CB only needs a better seat. But remember, I have owned a Bonny and have rode a 2013 model also. For me it was the Honda in a second. Good Luck and God Bless...




Jayimpalaman

[INTP_imp]

I had an 07 Bonnie Black. After pipes, jetting, desnorkling, it had a slipping clutch. After putting in Barnett clutch springs, it broke spokes, while replacing spokes, I noticed the rims were rusty.

It kept its value well. But the CB is in its own class.

[Guth_imp]

I love the CB (big surprise), but honestly, I think it comes down to your sense of style when making a choice between these two bikes. You can find more modern designs that will outperform either bike in just about any category you could think of — with the exception of looks.

I'd say buy the one with the design that best floats your boat. The looks of one is bound to appeal to you more than the other.

[pekingduck]

I must agree in large part with the Ferret. Many CB1100 owners owned or still own Bonnevilles. At one time, I had 3 Bonnies/Thruxtons, didn't like the fuel injected 2009 as much, and kept the 2004 T100.
Although they may appeal to similar buyers, they are very different. In my opinion, the Bonnie's sweet spot lies below 70mph, the CB is composed at much higher speeds, never seems stressed. The Bonnie does nothing wrong, but jumping from it to the CB, the Honda just feels more naturally responsive, more refined, more forgiving, and does everything with so much ease.
Most remarkable to me is the handling - going into corners, you can pretty much pick any line, change lines, it complies, with no complaint. My only real complaint is vibration at highway speeds, which is simply not a factor on 2014 models.
Still, after all that, my usual first choice for a casual ride is the Bonnie, and likely the one I'd sell last. I've got a new car and an old truck, and I always take the truck.

[Houtman_imp]

If in doubt always buy a Honda .

[CB4ME_imp]

My 2010 Bonne SE was sold to purchase a CB1100.

There is no comparison power wise. The bike is definitely underpowered. The Bonne has a 7000 rpm redline but is straining and buzzy when it gets there. A lot of folks do airbox mods, remover the 02 sensor and add aftermarket pipes to give it more pep. The 17" wheels allow you to flick the bike around quickly (and scrapes pegs easily) but handling gets a bit iffy at high speeds. And doing a 100 mph on a Bonne takes a bit of work.

There are a few idiosyncrasies such as the key on the left side of the steering assembly and a seperate key to lock the bike - on the opposite side. The seat, which is ok for short rides - is a real pain to remove. You have to pull a side panel to access the tool and then strain to remove to bolts at the rear of the seat. The bike does sit comfortably low.

The engine may still be made in England but the rest of the bike is made and assembled in Thailand.

Don't get me wrong. I really liked the Bonneville (loved the looks) and was a bit sad to let it go. But the Honda is superior in practically every respect.