Advice on buying

[Beerman_imp]

I'm new to this forum - but would be very grateful for some advice.

I'm looking at a 2013 CB1100 (but new: genuine 20 miles on the clock). I love the look of the bike - I've been looking at the Triumph range, and to me this looks better, the build looks fantastic, and it researches really well.

I am somewhat concerned that it is my first 'big bike' (even though I'm an old bloke) and it will be too much - but I'm not buying for speed. I ride every day, but a much smaller bike, and got my license recently on a Suzuki Bandit 600 (which was absolutely fine).

Should I be concerned? As I say, all advice appreciated!

Beerman

[a1walt_imp]

The cb was my 1st bike after I took th motorcycle training course and got my license.
After 1500 miles it has been a real great ride.

[redbirds_imp]

Welcome Beerman.

I understand your concerns but I think you would be fine on the CB. If you are comfortable on the Suzuki you should quickly adjust to the Honda. It is a bit heavier but the weight is carried low and gives the feeling of a much lighter bike when underway.

[Lord Popgun]

Welcome Beerman!

+1 on what Redbirds says.

I see you are in the UK. You can ride this bike like a fine English gentleman or even a hooligan in the upper rev range (so we are told by members here). I have average skills and have no problem with this bike (sorry I have no hooligan skills). Fueling is great on the bike and the torque and HP curves are nice and flat. Easy to ride, pretty easy to work on if you like and lots of farkles to make it yours. Disclaimer: I am biased.

[J.W._imp]

You will love it - don't hesitate..

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Redbirds has got it right. But I have to add, before you go too far work on your low speed manoeuvring skills. After the Bandit, it will be different; nice while you have it under control, but if it starts to lean over it is not easy to stop the drop. Teaching you to suck eggs I'm sure but at slow speed, in driveways and tight spots, learn to use your body on the outside of the turn and the rear brake, the front brake is a "biter" and can cause you to lose it.

Don't be put off by that, once again, 'Birds is right, this bike is easy and feels light on the go.

Cheers

[Rocky_imp]

Redbirds has got it right. But I have to add, before you go too far work on your low speed manoeuvring skills. After the Bandit, it will be different; nice while you have it under control, but if it starts to lean over it is not easy to stop the drop. Teaching you to suck eggs I'm sure but at slow speed, in driveways and tight spots, learn to use your body on the outside of the turn and the rear brake, the front brake is a "biter" and can cause you to lose it.

Don't be put off by that, once again, 'Birds is right, this bike is easy and feels light on the go.

Cheers

Excellent advice
Although I've been riding for over 20 years the CB is the heaviest bike I have owned and it took me a bit of time to get used to the weight in slow manoeuvers.
Proceed at your own pace and you should be fine.
The CB is a great bike!!

[Nemo_imp]

I'm also an old bloke. I turned 50 last year and decided that after 25 years of marriage it was time for that beautiful petite Puerto Rican woman I'm married to stop telling me what I can or cannot do, so I bought my first motorbike: a Honda NC700.

I was so happy that day BUT, as I was closing the deal at the Honda place, I saw a brand new CB1100 Deluxe on the dealer floor and it called to me. I thought that was the bike I was supposed to be buying BUT, although I knew nothing about the CB, I immediately justified finishing the NC purchase because the CB was probably too big, too heavy, too fast and too much bike for me. After all, the NC700 reviews were great in saying that it's not too fast, it's not too heavy, it's easy to ride, etc. and it's all true, it is a really good bike. However, after about 6 months of owning it, I wanted more.

So again, being the rebel that I am, without asking the wife I traded my NC for my 2014 CB standard. With the CB deal done when I got on the road I was a little intimidated by that big motor and all those exhaust pipes and all that chrome and the 66 pounds heavier, for about 30 seconds. The CB immediately turned into a lot of fun to ride as it is a refined machine that rides like a motorcycle should and if you are an able-bodied person you will have no problem in handling and riding this engineering and design wonder.

Enjoy your CB!

P.S. The wife still tells me what to do

[JustCruising_imp]

Hi Beerman.
I am new to this forum also, having recently traded my Bonnie for a CB1100EX.
Great advice above. I have been riding for over 30 years and learned that with any new bike there is always a learning curve of some sort. The CB's are a classic style and have great handling characteristics. As said above, don't use the front brake at slow speed when manoeuvring. They balance well because although quite heavy the centre of gravity is low.
Ultimately you will get on fine, just take your time initially. You'll soon forget your apprehensions.

Where in the UK are you ?

[Beerman_imp]

Thank's all for this very helpful advice.

You have reassured me on the 'rideability' of this great looking bike. This may sound an odd question - but how do you find handling the bike out of the garage, on the drive etc - am I making more of this bike's weight than I need to? I might be an old bloke, but I'm pretty fit!

JustCruising - I'm in Wolverhampton. You?

Thanks again,

Beerman
Memo - my wife also tells me what to do. She says it won't fit in the garage next to my various road bikes, scooter, car stuff and everything else...she clearly has a blind spot; I can see where it would go just fine!

Beerman
Sorry Nemo (not Memo): a couple of beers have affected my typing finger...