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i have an 013 cb1100 and my buddy has an 013 bonnie standard. we ride 200+ miles together on afternoons regularly here in md. aside from make/looks personal preferences, here are the differences that i have noticed:
honda gets better fuel mpg (despite larger displacement)
honda is noticeably quicker up to 100 mph (we never go past that)
honda is smoother and starts easier (his bonnie is hard to start sometimes and has stalled several times in stop/go traffic)
honda seat opens and has helmet locks
honda feels and sits higher than the bonnie
overall both bikes handle and perform well and are a matter of personal taste. i have owned both types (former 07 bonnie) but i personally prefer the honda.
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(07-27-2014, 09:00 PM)Capo_imp Wrote: This is a common thread subject across many forums. As an owner of both bikes, simultaneously, I can answer with subjective perspective. The CB is a 'better' bike based on the spec sheet and measured performance. I love it. But a CB1000R is a 'better' bike than the CB1100 on both counts. And so on. There is always a 'better.' But I can't honestly say that, if forced to, I would keep the CB over the Bonnie. I just find the Triumph to be an almost perfect motorbike that is loaded with imperfections. There's that 'character' thing again.
Retro bikes are often bought based on a good dose of the rider's personal taste, self- image, nostalgia, and perceived character of the steed. Of course performance, componentry, and comfort weigh in, but a good number of retro/ standard riders overlook significant demerits in those criteria if they fall in lust with a certain bike.
Bottom line is, as always, if you love a particular bike, don't waste time or create angst by comparing it to something else or rationalizing your decision to buy a bike by pointing out it's perceived superiority to the bike you didn't buy. I'll guarantee you there are Bonnie owners on forums flaming the 'fat, chromed, characterless' CB1100 right now. Hey, let's go kick their asses!
Sign me up. Those "puddin' bowl helmeted, scarf-wearing, jeans-cuffed up, hipster-British wannabes need an ass whipping. Problem is, they'd probably like it. Hairdressers, every one.
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(07-28-2014, 02:59 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Rboe..it may have come down to you originally tested a 790 cc Bonnie with carbs and your gal pal had the newer 865 cc Bonnie with fuel injection
Not a bad guess, but this was a new demo with the injection.
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(07-28-2014, 05:10 AM)The Spaceman_imp Wrote: (07-27-2014, 09:00 PM)Capo_imp Wrote: This is a common thread subject across many forums. As an owner of both bikes, simultaneously, I can answer with subjective perspective. The CB is a 'better' bike based on the spec sheet and measured performance. I love it. But a CB1000R is a 'better' bike than the CB1100 on both counts. And so on. There is always a 'better.' But I can't honestly say that, if forced to, I would keep the CB over the Bonnie. I just find the Triumph to be an almost perfect motorbike that is loaded with imperfections. There's that 'character' thing again.
Retro bikes are often bought based on a good dose of the rider's personal taste, self- image, nostalgia, and perceived character of the steed. Of course performance, componentry, and comfort weigh in, but a good number of retro/ standard riders overlook significant demerits in those criteria if they fall in lust with a certain bike.
Bottom line is, as always, if you love a particular bike, don't waste time or create angst by comparing it to something else or rationalizing your decision to buy a bike by pointing out it's perceived superiority to the bike you didn't buy. I'll guarantee you there are Bonnie owners on forums flaming the 'fat, chromed, characterless' CB1100 right now. Hey, let's go kick their asses!
Sign me up. Those "puddin' bowl helmeted, scarf-wearing, jeans-cuffed up, hipster-British wannabes need an ass whipping. Problem is, they'd probably like it. Hairdressers, every one.
Sign me up. Those "puddin' bowl helmeted, scarf-wearing, jeans-cuffed up, hipster-British wannabes need an ass whipping. Problem is, they'd probably like it. Hairdressers, every one.
Don't you dare call me a HAIRDRESSER!
Cheers
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(07-28-2014, 05:10 AM)The Spaceman_imp Wrote: (07-27-2014, 09:00 PM)Capo_imp Wrote: This is a common thread subject across many forums. As an owner of both bikes, simultaneously, I can answer with subjective perspective. The CB is a 'better' bike based on the spec sheet and measured performance. I love it. But a CB1000R is a 'better' bike than the CB1100 on both counts. And so on. There is always a 'better.' But I can't honestly say that, if forced to, I would keep the CB over the Bonnie. I just find the Triumph to be an almost perfect motorbike that is loaded with imperfections. There's that 'character' thing again.
Retro bikes are often bought based on a good dose of the rider's personal taste, self- image, nostalgia, and perceived character of the steed. Of course performance, componentry, and comfort weigh in, but a good number of retro/ standard riders overlook significant demerits in those criteria if they fall in lust with a certain bike.
Bottom line is, as always, if you love a particular bike, don't waste time or create angst by comparing it to something else or rationalizing your decision to buy a bike by pointing out it's perceived superiority to the bike you didn't buy. I'll guarantee you there are Bonnie owners on forums flaming the 'fat, chromed, characterless' CB1100 right now. Hey, let's go kick their asses!
Sign me up. Those "puddin' bowl helmeted, scarf-wearing, jeans-cuffed up, hipster-British wannabes need an ass whipping. Problem is, they'd probably like it. Hairdressers, every one.
Sign me up. Those "puddin' bowl helmeted, scarf-wearing, jeans-cuffed up, hipster-British wannabes need an ass whipping. Problem is, they'd probably like it. Hairdressers, every one.
I dunno, the bike in post#11 looks awfully bulbous, especially the tank - it looks like it was left in the sun with the vent plugged.
For sure, I'd take a Bonnie if you gave it to me, and probably enjoy it for what it is, but I'm very glad the CB came along just at the right moment, so I didn't end up buying one and regret it. 
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Thanks for all your great comments. I'm really leaning to a new 2014 Cb1100!!
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(07-28-2014, 12:11 PM)Dvassino_imp Wrote: Thanks for all your great comments. I'm really leaning to a new 2014 Cb1100!!
Dvassino,
I really like the Bonneville. But it's a bike I would add to a collection of bikes. I wouldn't want it to be my only or my primary bike. I enjoyed riding my Bonneville once in a while as a change of pace. My CB1100 could be my only bike and if I'm not traveling several hundred miles it is my primary bike. The HD Road King is still my choice for long distance travel. But if I only had one motorcycle it would be the CB11. Cheers.
Chip
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I've had them both. I certainly don't think the Bonnie was underpowered. Personally I preferred the Bonnie over the Honda CB1100 just because of it's lighter and smaller frame (size). I agree the Honda is probably a bit better built but I think that's academic for the most part.
Want a nice bike? Triumph Thunderbird? Better then the CB? I don't know but you can pick up a used Bird for about $7500 bucks about the same as a used CB. I'd suggest riding all three bikes and picking the one you PERSONALLY LIKE. And don't buy an new anything. Save THOUSANDS and buy one with a couple miles on it.
I would suggest that if you had three bikes a CB1100 a Bonnie and a Bird and we all rode them back to back a majority would pick the Thunderbird.
I sold them all and bought a CTX700 so what do I know? I am old and fat and weak and that CTX fits my riding style best for right now. Don't knock any of them. Best is subjective. They are all good and I know you guys will not accept this but my Harley Sportster 1200 custom is also a nice bike. Probably not as nice as the other three mentioned but it's kinda sexy in it's own way.
I am just glad I can still ride a two wheeler. And fortunate to have been able to play with a bunch of them over the years.
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Too many good bikes out there to choose from to not get a bike you like. Luckily most if not all are of very good quality no matter what the brand. Find what fits you, scratches the most itches as far as bikes go and go enjoy yourself. Life is short!
Share with us what you decided on too. Even if it's not the CB.
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