What's the buzz...

[Pterodactyl_imp]

You are right Flynrider. It's what you are used to, and what your expectations are. I've only had anything to do with two touring/cruising bikes. A VFR 750 and an FJR 1300. They both had their good points, and weak points. I don't find the CB as quite as "comfortable" as either, but not so that it is "uncomfortable". Very subjective. I don't mind highway cruising at speed on the CB but I don't like being on the highway anyway, even on four wheels, and plan my touring accordingly. After over 63,000kms on this bike maybe I've become innured to the hardships of CB ownership. Or maybe, as the man said, "One good thing about beating your head against a brick wall is the that it feels good when you stop".

Cheers

[quietguy_imp]

I also had the FJR1300... great motor, power. But the riding position (bent over, head tilted up) killed that for me. Did a 1,100 mile weekend ride and good heavens, took me 3 days to unkink my neck and elbows, lol.

I would think the CB is a tad more comfy, riding position wise - more upright and feet position not quite so far rearward.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

FJR riding position didn't worry me. Despite my advanced years I'm relatively supple. I loved the OEM hard side cases, very convenient. I didn't like the adjustable screen. After persevering with it for some time I gave up, put it fully retracted and enjoyed the fresh air and the view not being hindered by a vibrating screen rim. Good in light rain though. Power was nice but it was a tank in the corners. I rode it to the CB rally in NC and spent most of the time wishing I was on Ferret's DLX.

Cheers

[the_undecider_imp]

I find mine 2013 pretty smooth. At around 5k, I get some vibes through the saddle. Likely, it is a result of the aftermarket saddle with a stiffer seat pan and higher density foam. With the exception of running it through the gears once in a while, it lives below 5k. Unless I'm running with a nice tail wind, I rarely cruise faster than 70-75 because of the wind blast and that keeps me well under 5k.

My FJR is somewhat missed. That engine was the finest I have owned. Powerful, smooth, and would still knock down close to 50 mpg. Mine had 3/4 inch bar risers and a Corbin seat and I could ride for hours.

Like Ptero said, it was a tank in the corners. It had narrowish bars and a wide rear tire (came with a 180mm section, but someone talked me into putting a 190 on it claiming the OEM Bridgestone measures out to 187 mm wide. Only reason that wider tire felt better because it wasn't squared off like my old tire. Also, 630 lbs wet weight isn't exactly light (lighter than the Concours 14 at least).

Wow, I really got off topic. Yep, so lots of folks can ride the same bike and get an entirely different experience. Makes it hard to know whether something is wrong. The desk chair diagnosis is just about impossible. Best you can do is try to ride a other and see if it's the same or different feeling.

[Desert viper_imp]

I have a 1999 ZRX 1100, bought it new, and my 14 Deluxe is definitely smoother.....it has me grinning inside my helmet.

[quietguy_imp]

I find mine 2013 pretty smooth. At around 5k, I get some vibes through the saddle. Likely, it is a result of the aftermarket saddle with a stiffer seat pan and higher density foam. With the exception of running it through the gears once in a while, it lives below 5k. Unless I'm running with a nice tail wind, I rarely cruise faster than 70-75 because of the wind blast and that keeps me well under 5k.

My FJR is somewhat missed. That engine was the finest I have owned. Powerful, smooth, and would still knock down close to 50 mpg. Mine had 3/4 inch bar risers and a Corbin seat and I could ride for hours.

Like Ptero said, it was a tank in the corners. It had narrowish bars and a wide rear tire (came with a 180mm section, but someone talked me into putting a 190 on it claiming the OEM Bridgestone measures out to 187 mm wide. Only reason that wider tire felt better because it wasn't squared off like my old tire. Also, 630 lbs wet weight isn't exactly light (lighter than the Concours 14 at least).

Wow, I really got off topic. Yep, so lots of folks can ride the same bike and get an entirely different experience. Makes it hard to know whether something is wrong. The desk chair diagnosis is just about impossible. Best you can do is try to ride a other and see if it's the same or different feeling.

Very WELL composed post, thanks. The comparison to the FJR really helps me compare mentally.

O/T also, but where on planet Texas is your teepee? I'm up near the Red River...

[rbike_imp]

I noticed the uncharacteristic for Honda a vibration/buzz starting in the low to mid 3K rpm range in 5th on my 2013. A pair ($19) of Strada sponge type over grips eliminated 50-75% - subjective.

I'll have to modify them (remove interior 1/2") to work properly with the omnicruise - too much inherent play by design of the grips. The Omni cruise needs firm base to function properly or I will need to overtighten the omnicruise to prevent slippage.

That with other factors led to my sprocket redesign This item will have all kinds of benefits and solve the vibe problem because all cruising will now be below 3.5K at Interstate speeds even when "going with the flow" - Honest officer, I was just following everybody else - lol.

[the_undecider_imp]

I find mine 2013 pretty smooth. At around 5k, I get some vibes through the saddle. Likely, it is a result of the aftermarket saddle with a stiffer seat pan and higher density foam. With the exception of running it through the gears once in a while, it lives below 5k. Unless I'm running with a nice tail wind, I rarely cruise faster than 70-75 because of the wind blast and that keeps me well under 5k.

My FJR is somewhat missed. That engine was the finest I have owned. Powerful, smooth, and would still knock down close to 50 mpg. Mine had 3/4 inch bar risers and a Corbin seat and I could ride for hours.

Like Ptero said, it was a tank in the corners. It had narrowish bars and a wide rear tire (came with a 180mm section, but someone talked me into putting a 190 on it claiming the OEM Bridgestone measures out to 187 mm wide. Only reason that wider tire felt better because it wasn't squared off like my old tire. Also, 630 lbs wet weight isn't exactly light (lighter than the Concours 14 at least).

Wow, I really got off topic. Yep, so lots of folks can ride the same bike and get an entirely different experience. Makes it hard to know whether something is wrong. The desk chair diagnosis is just about impossible. Best you can do is try to ride a other and see if it's the same or different feeling.

Very WELL composed post, thanks. The comparison to the FJR really helps me compare mentally.

O/T also, but where on planet Texas is your teepee? I'm up near the Red River...

I am just outside of Austin.

[Capo]

I am one who finds the CB buzzy, and in a way that disagrees with me more than I wish. A high pitched but fairly powerful vibration, tingling, begins at around 3500 rpm, and worsens through 5500 until it settles down. Felt in the bars and pegs, Particularly bad in the seat and tank, and it really doesn't agree with my gentleman's region.

I know how to get by it, by short shifting, which I do not enjoy as a riding style. One can make the excuse that 'it's not meant to be wound out, it's not that kind of bike' but that's an excuse I don't buy...it's a modern, 1100cc new design from the ground up, and it's a Honda. I can compare vibrational effects of the V twin, vertical twin and Triple motors, as I own them all, and none of my other bikes bother me anywhere near how the CB does.

I imagine that aftermarket exhaust, seat, flyscreen, etc might contribute, but I've done those mods to other bikes with no such effect.

I know it's a personal thing, bikes shake, rattle and roll, and everyone's results will vary, but that's my experience. Please don't take this as a point of argument, I'm not demeaning the CB...it's just a report based on my ownership.



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[the_undecider_imp]

I am one who finds the CB buzzy, and in a way that disagrees with me more than I wish. A high pitched but fairly powerful vibration, tingling, begins at around 3500 rpm, and worsens through 5500 until it settles down. Felt in the bars and pegs, Particularly bad in the seat and tank, and it really doesn't agree with my gentleman's region.

I know how to get by it, by short shifting, which I do not enjoy as a riding style. One can make the excuse that 'it's not meant to be wound out, it's not that kind of bike' but that's an excuse I don't buy...it's a modern, 1100cc new design from the ground up, and it's a Honda. I can compare vibrational effects of the V twin, vertical twin and Triple motors, as I own them all, and none of my other bikes bother me anywhere near how the CB does.

I imagine that aftermarket exhaust, seat, flyscreen, etc might contribute, but I've done those mods to other bikes with no such effect.

I know it's a personal thing, bikes shake, rattle and roll, and everyone's results will vary, but that's my experience. Please don't take this as a point of argument, I'm not demeaning the CB...it's just a report based on my ownership.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I always believed there were "factory freaks" where certain engines make more horsepower, use less fuel, or run smoother. I suppose if you believe in this, it works the other way where you might have a less powerful, thirstier, or more vibey engine. It could also have something to do with how well the entire bike is bolted together. Given Honda's reputation for quality, this might be a harder to believe theory.

You mention the aftermarket parts and I think that might contribute. I have heard that the extra weight of a factory exhaust helps to dampen buzz and vibration. I didn't notice a difference on my Staintune, but out exhaust cans are rubber mounted.

Ultimately, it comes down to individual tolerances and preferences.