CB vs. Triumph Speedmaster vs. BMW Cruiser

[tommymck_imp]

The comparison doesn’t necessarily make any sense, but since I bought the Speedmaster as a compliment to the CB1100EX, I thought that it might be interesting to some folks….
I’ve had my ’17 CB1100EX for roughly 2 months and 900 miles. Longest trip was 2 hours, so not a ton of long term time in the saddle. Originally, I bought the CB as a compliment to my ’98 BMW R1200C. I’ve had that thing since new, and for better or worse, the BMW has defined what I want in a multi-purpose bike. Comfortable enough for multi-hour rides, big and stable enough for highway riding, nimble enough to be comfortable in tight spaces.

Being over 20 years old (the bike, not me), I was spending more time turning wrenches on the BMW than I was riding it. That’s what motivated me to get the CB1100EX. It just plain works whenever you start it and it's a joy to ride. My initial and continuing impression is that the CB is just fantastic around town and commuting. I did find that it lacked in comparison with the BMW on the highway though. I chalked it up to riding position.

In parallel, I had been coveting the looks and vibe of the ’18 Triumph Speedmaster. Gave it a couple of test rides, and my thinking was that it could be the replacement for the BMW for long term cruising needs and the CB would be the perfect around-town bike. After a few weeks, that concept has turned itself on its head.

First, I have no complaints whatsoever with the Triumph. Around town, with the riding position, it’s just fantastic. The low-end torque is astounding, and the sound of the thing is better than any bike I have ever touched. The bike carries its weight super low and it’s a dream at low speeds. It’s like riding around on an easy chair that looks and sounds super cool.
The CB kills it (in my opinion) on longer rides though. It’s more comfortable on longer rides and is more stable on the highway. Not sure why, but that’s the way I find it anyway. It’s also way more nimble.

So, against all pre-conceived notions, if it’s a local Sunday ride, or a quick trip to the corner store, the Triumph gets the nod. If it’s commuting to work, or an hour ride to meet up with friends, or a trip to explore parts unknown, the CB is the choice.

It’s not entirely accurate to say that the CB is “better” on the highway….but to me at least, it’s more comfortable than the Triumph for anything but short rides. And the handling of the CB just inspires confidence.

And the really interesting part to me is that I recently took the BMW for a 4-hour round trip spin to Western Maryland. I found myself immediately missing the CB1100. It just goes to show that there is more to a bike than initial impressions.

All in all, here is my general take on the three…..
1. CB is a better all-around bike as a one-size-fits all situation.
2. Low speed handling and overall ease of use on short jaunts goes to the Triumph.
3. The BMW sort of splits the difference, but it’s hard for it to really compete against the modern bikes.
4. Of the three, although I love the looks of each, the CB is the one I enjoy “just looking at” the most. It’s pretty close though. That doesn’t stop me from trying to optimize…. Looking forward to a care package from Samurider….

06/13/2018 15:21 Posting/Collection KAMATA TOKYO
144-8799
06/14/2018 02:14 Arrival at outward office of exchange TOKYO INT TOKYO
138-8799
06/14/2018 02:16 Held by export Customs TOKYO INT TOKYO
138-8799
06/15/2018 06:20 Dispatch from outward office of exchange TOKYO INT TOKYO
138-8799

[emullick_imp]

The comparison doesn’t necessarily make any sense, but since I bought the Speedmaster as a compliment to the CB1100EX, I thought that it might be interesting to some folks….
I’ve had my ’17 CB1100EX for roughly 2 months and 900 miles. Longest trip was 2 hours, so not a ton of long term time in the saddle. Originally, I bought the CB as a compliment to my ’98 BMW R1200C. I’ve had that thing since new, and for better or worse, the BMW has defined what I want in a multi-purpose bike. Comfortable enough for multi-hour rides, big and stable enough for highway riding, nimble enough to be comfortable in tight spaces.

Being over 20 years old (the bike, not me), I was spending more time turning wrenches on the BMW than I was riding it. That’s what motivated me to get the CB1100EX. It just plain works whenever you start it and it's a joy to ride. My initial and continuing impression is that the CB is just fantastic around town and commuting. I did find that it lacked in comparison with the BMW on the highway though. I chalked it up to riding position.

In parallel, I had been coveting the looks and vibe of the ’18 Triumph Speedmaster. Gave it a couple of test rides, and my thinking was that it could be the replacement for the BMW for long term cruising needs and the CB would be the perfect around-town bike. After a few weeks, that concept has turned itself on its head.

First, I have no complaints whatsoever with the Triumph. Around town, with the riding position, it’s just fantastic. The low-end torque is astounding, and the sound of the thing is better than any bike I have ever touched. The bike carries its weight super low and it’s a dream at low speeds. It’s like riding around on an easy chair that looks and sounds super cool.
The CB kills it (in my opinion) on longer rides though. It’s more comfortable on longer rides and is more stable on the highway. Not sure why, but that’s the way I find it anyway. It’s also way more nimble.

So, against all pre-conceived notions, if it’s a local Sunday ride, or a quick trip to the corner store, the Triumph gets the nod. If it’s commuting to work, or an hour ride to meet up with friends, or a trip to explore parts unknown, the CB is the choice.

It’s not entirely accurate to say that the CB is “better” on the highway….but to me at least, it’s more comfortable than the Triumph for anything but short rides. And the handling of the CB just inspires confidence.

And the really interesting part to me is that I recently took the BMW for a 4-hour round trip spin to Western Maryland. I found myself immediately missing the CB1100. It just goes to show that there is more to a bike than initial impressions.

All in all, here is my general take on the three…..
1. CB is a better all-around bike as a one-size-fits all situation.
2. Low speed handling and overall ease of use on short jaunts goes to the Triumph.
3. The BMW sort of splits the difference, but it’s hard for it to really compete against the modern bikes.
4. Of the three, although I love the looks of each, the CB is the one I enjoy “just looking at” the most. It’s pretty close though. That doesn’t stop me from trying to optimize…. Looking forward to a care package from Samurider….

06/13/2018 15:21 Posting/Collection KAMATA TOKYO
144-8799
06/14/2018 02:14 Arrival at outward office of exchange TOKYO INT TOKYO
138-8799
06/14/2018 02:16 Held by export Customs TOKYO INT TOKYO
138-8799
06/15/2018 06:20 Dispatch from outward office of exchange TOKYO INT TOKYO
138-8799

Very interesting observations and impressions, so much better than magazine "road tests".

[riggies_imp]

Those Speedmasters look and sound awesome. I find myself wanting to buy a cruiser and that would be near the top of the list.

[rboe]

Love the looks on the Bobber and Speedmaster, but I fit the T200's better.

My practical side says get a NC750X - if I fit it. But the big DL1000 XT V-Strom and Africa Twin keep calling. Being a lanky guy I just fit those better. The V-Strom seems to tick more boxes but the AT looks better. I bought the Griso because it looked to good - but it's been a bear to fit it me.

[Stichill_imp]

Thanks for the write-up tommymck. I've also been thinking that the Speedmaster seems to be a natural competitor to the CB1100 even though they have different riding positions.

Some of the online reviews have mentioned that you can put mid-mount controls on the Speedmaster because it's on the Bonneville platform. Have you entertained that thought or do you think it would compromise leg comfort?

What are your thoughts on the "beach cruiser" style wide handlebars on the Speedmaster? Are they comfortable at the expense of confident handling?

[tommymck_imp]

Thanks for the write-up tommymck. I've also been thinking that the Speedmaster seems to be a natural competitor to the CB1100 even though they have different riding positions.

Some of the online reviews have mentioned that you can put mid-mount controls on the Speedmaster because it's on the Bonneville platform. Have you entertained that thought or do you think it would compromise leg comfort?

What are your thoughts on the "beach cruiser" style wide handlebars on the Speedmaster? Are they comfortable at the expense of confident handling?

I don't think that it would compromise comfort (it may even be more comfortable for all I know) but it would compromise the overall feel and vibe, which is a good part of why I was interested in it in the first place.

So far as the "beach cruiser" bars are concerned, I'm not even sure what the term means. So far as I can tell, the bars are no wider than is typical. Maybe even narrower. I think maybe the term refers to the fact that the bars bend towards the rider so you don't have to reach forward very much. That's sort of essential I guess because otherwise you'd have your legs and body both forward and the bend would be too much. In any case, they are fine in terms of handing. The bike really makes you want to sit back and take it all in though, and I really haven't pushed it at all.

[Roper_imp]

Love the looks on the Bobber and Speedmaster, but I fit the T200's better.

My practical side says get a NC750X - if I fit it. But the big DL1000 XT V-Strom and Africa Twin keep calling. Being a lanky guy I just fit those better. The V-Strom seems to tick more boxes but the AT looks better. I bought the Griso because it looked to good - but it's been a bear to fit it me.

The thing I like best about the AT styling: NO BEAK! The new AT Adventure Sports model is gorgeous in red, white, and blue.

[rboe]

I got to see one in person today - it's a big bike with a big price tag. I fear I may not be able to pick it up if it took a nap.

Suzuki invented the beak with its' big single. So it's gets a pass (I don't hate it or like it). The DL1000 is about 50+ lbs lighter than the big AT too. Still, that AT is dang pretty. So is the CB1100ES

[DaSwami_imp]

A quick trip to the corner store I liked my Tu250x or currently my TW200. Why such a big bike for short trips?

[LongRanger_imp]

I think the TW would make an ideal around-town two-wheeler, but with its carburetor it wouldn't be ideal where I live. The Van-Van 200 has fuel injection but wow is it a small bike.