Touring: CB1100 vs. F800GT

[Stichill_imp]

This may strike some of you as hilarious but my current (and first) bike is a 2012 CBR250R that I have set up for touring. It fulfills its role nicely for the most part. Where it falls short is on the interstate (not speed; it will hold 85 mph but it simply wears you out after a couple of hours due to high revs and getting pushed around by vortexes near semis), passing power on two-lane highways, and heading up long grades and/or into a strong headwind. 98% of the time these shortcomings are of no consequence as I ride the deserted twisty backroads of Kentucky, but I take longer tours a couple weeks a year. My riding pals sometimes consider destination more than the ride and want to bust off interstate or highway miles at high speed.







Anyhoo...entering my fourth riding season with the CBR250R, the finance minister has approved the acquisition of an additional bike.

Here's where my heart/head is at:

The CB1100 really pulls at my heartstrings and is just so unbelievably beautiful. I think it is the best-looking bike ever made except for the classic British twins. It is also a pleasure to ride despite its excessive weight. It does not come equipped for touring but I imagine effective aftermarket windshields/fairings and hardbags are available. I have one dealer close to where I work and another (larger, more professional) one about an hour away. My reservations for touring mainly revolve around the chain (however I can live with it), the valve clearance inspection interval (7,000 miles), and potential cost and pitfalls (mechanic botching) of adjusting shim-under-bucket considering cam removal is required. Also I worry about air cooling in summer traffic. On the plus side, I think I would yank the fairing and bags and really enjoy the CB1100 on a daily basis.

The BMW F800GT appeals to my intellect. Very similar rake and trail to my CBR250R, with a similar riding position (I have Helibars on my bike). Equipping it for touring is an exercise in optional adders. I fear for my wallet and my closest dealer is two hours' ride away. However it is very light (only 100 lbs. more than my 250) and promises potential for spirited rather than relaxed riding in the twisties. On the downside...the bike is sporty but somewhat odd-looking and just doesn't seem like a bike that inspires passion. It seems like a bike intended to hold you over until you "upgrade" to an R1200RT. That being said, I could see this bike being a great weekend day-tripper or two-day-tripper.

Another draw to the BMW is the low and ultra-low seat options as I have a 29" inseam. Suffice to say that I am on the balls or toes of my feet even on the CBR250R. The CB1100 puts me a little higher (still manageable) but I have a Japanese friend who told me that lower seats are sold in Japan. These can be seen in some of the early CB1100 pictures of bikes sold outside of the US.

If funds were no object...I'd take both bikes. But I would like to solicit experiences and opinions from those here who do lay down serious miles on their CB1100 and can report objectively on its suitability as a touring machine.

[JustPassinThru_imp]

Those are three different bikes - with three different purposes.

Your Honda 250, although you can tour with it...it's no highway machine. As you note. What's worth thinking about is that these others are very-different in terms of what they offer and what they do not.

I never rode a BMW F series. The F GSs look like mini-me R1200GSs...and a lot of what to me is the BMW draw wasn't there. Conventional engine, contracted out to Rotax; chain drive. But hey! you get a BMW roundel; and STYLING that looks like the R GS...

Is it a good bike in its own right? That is for others to decide. It IS a dual-sport; which means it's a compromise. You are not shielded from the elements so much; and you are higher up. Good for spring rates. Bad for crosswinds. The saddle height is lower? That IS a surprise; because the R1200GS was so much HIGHER.

The CB1100 is a day-cruiser. It is not, without a lot of aftermarket parts, a touring bike. Naked bikes are hard on the body; and are not much fun above 70 mph - and in this case, with the breadloaf saddle, there's the real fear of getting blown right off.

The engine, big as it is, is happiest at about 65. It'll go much faster; but the buzzing starts, while the wind assaults. Nope, no death wobble.

To tour, you would have to find a fairing setup; fit it for saddlebags - and blending them with the styling will be a challenge. A better seat is recommended; but I don't know what's worth buying. One thing is for sure...it'll tote the lading.

Frankly, to me, much of the appeal of this machine is its throwback UJM styling. Wrap it all up in fairings and panniers and it's just another bike...and probably not as good a road machine as one more designed for this in mind.

I am not trying to talk you out of it - just be aware, what you buy here is the retro package. You can get a big engine on other machines...perhaps even secondhand and much cheaper.

[jerrycon_imp]

Your CBR250R is an excellent machine. I would be proud to have one myself.

Regarding your decision between a CB1100 and an F 800 GT, I don't understand being limited to those two choices.

I have considerable familiarity with the roads of Kentucky and Kentucky-like places. I would also be considering the Honda NC700X and the BMW F 700 GS.

I like my CB1100 a lot, but it lacks the rough road capability that I swore my next bike would have. (Umm. I hope a certain rider named Pterodactyl doesn't read this line...)

I do understand your need to go bigger than your 250. Good luck finding the bike that's right for you. There are so many good choices out there these days. (Did I mention the Ducati Scrambler...)

[the Ferret]

Whenever I wonder about another motorcycle, I google " issues with X bike" and usually an owners forum pops up, like ours. They are the ones living with a bike day in and day out. I just did it for the BMW F800 GT. being a man made machine of course there will be some issues ( we see a few as well). I have to assume you have done the same as research. There is an F800 riders forum

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=bmw...es&start=0

I have taken 2 multi day, multi state trips on my Cb1100s ( and I am about to take another one in a couple weeks) and they did great. Chain was not an issue. Never needed adjustment, just a lube mid week. Shields are available as are hard and soft luggage. Since I have a dedicated touring bike, I prefer to set up my CB as more a sport tourer with soft luggage, easily removed when not on a trip.However excellent hard luggage is available for it.

Btw have you read any of the reports of the Belgian couple traveling the world on a pair of CB1100s?

Here are a couple of my ride reports

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4083]http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4083


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1312


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=836


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=839


And might I suggest Reading ANY of the awesome ride reports By Empty Sea, Cormanus or Pterodactyl in the seat time section of the forum.

I can't tell you how good of a middle weight tourer the BMW F800 GT , but I can tell you the CB1100 will do the job day after day, mile after mile, year after year, without even breathing hard.

[emptysea]

First off..BS on the 250 not being a highway machine. It's not without drawbacks as noted, but it works just fine on the highway. I rode mine all over the place before I got my CB. While we're at it, BS on screens, fairings, saddlebags, as requirements to tour on the CB. Oh, and one more thing, never noticed buzzing over 65, never felt like I was being blown off it, and I got used to the seat. I have 15,000 miles on mine with no windscreen. Two week long trips to NC/Tenn, Two weekend trips to Wisconsin, and another week planned to the Ozarks. Most folks like a screen for touring, but it's fine without it. I'll let someone else comment on the ergos, the chain, and the maintence, but none of them have been a barrier to my travels.

I'm not trying to talk you into it, but it's a wonderfully versatile bike. Strap a good sized waterproof duffle on the back and take off for a week. There are better touring bikes and you may already be riding a better around-town bike right now. Someone said of this bike that it's not great at anything (except turning heads), but it's very good at almost everything and isn't bad at whatever's left.

I hope you're keeping the CBR. Love that bike.

[Stichill_imp]

Those are three different bikes - with three different purposes.

Your Honda 250, although you can tour with it...it's no highway machine. As you note. What's worth thinking about is that these others are very-different in terms of what they offer and what they do not.

I never rode a BMW F series. The F GSs look like mini-me R1200GSs...and a lot of what to me is the BMW draw wasn't there. Conventional engine, contracted out to Rotax; chain drive. But hey! you get a BMW roundel; and STYLING that looks like the R GS...

Is it a good bike in its own right? That is for others to decide. It IS a dual-sport; which means it's a compromise. You are not shielded from the elements so much; and you are higher up. Good for spring rates. Bad for crosswinds. The saddle height is lower? That IS a surprise; because the R1200GS was so much HIGHER.

The CB1100 is a day-cruiser. It is not, without a lot of aftermarket parts, a touring bike. Naked bikes are hard on the body; and are not much fun above 70 mph - and in this case, with the breadloaf saddle, there's the real fear of getting blown right off.

The engine, big as it is, is happiest at about 65. It'll go much faster; but the buzzing starts, while the wind assaults. Nope, no death wobble.

To tour, you would have to find a fairing setup; fit it for saddlebags - and blending them with the styling will be a challenge. A better seat is recommended; but I don't know what's worth buying. One thing is for sure...it'll tote the lading.

Frankly, to me, much of the appeal of this machine is its throwback UJM styling. Wrap it all up in fairings and panniers and it's just another bike...and probably not as good a road machine as one more designed for this in mind.

I am not trying to talk you out of it - just be aware, what you buy here is the retro package. You can get a big engine on other machines...perhaps even secondhand and much cheaper.

The F800GT is a sport tourer...I'm not at all a fan of "beak bikes" no matter how capable they might be!

Those are three different bikes - with three different purposes.

Your Honda 250, although you can tour with it...it's no highway machine. As you note. What's worth thinking about is that these others are very-different in terms of what they offer and what they do not.

I never rode a BMW F series. The F GSs look like mini-me R1200GSs...and a lot of what to me is the BMW draw wasn't there. Conventional engine, contracted out to Rotax; chain drive. But hey! you get a BMW roundel; and STYLING that looks like the R GS...

Is it a good bike in its own right? That is for others to decide. It IS a dual-sport; which means it's a compromise. You are not shielded from the elements so much; and you are higher up. Good for spring rates. Bad for crosswinds. The saddle height is lower? That IS a surprise; because the R1200GS was so much HIGHER.

The CB1100 is a day-cruiser. It is not, without a lot of aftermarket parts, a touring bike. Naked bikes are hard on the body; and are not much fun above 70 mph - and in this case, with the breadloaf saddle, there's the real fear of getting blown right off.

The engine, big as it is, is happiest at about 65. It'll go much faster; but the buzzing starts, while the wind assaults. Nope, no death wobble.

To tour, you would have to find a fairing setup; fit it for saddlebags - and blending them with the styling will be a challenge. A better seat is recommended; but I don't know what's worth buying. One thing is for sure...it'll tote the lading.

Frankly, to me, much of the appeal of this machine is its throwback UJM styling. Wrap it all up in fairings and panniers and it's just another bike...and probably not as good a road machine as one more designed for this in mind.

I am not trying to talk you out of it - just be aware, what you buy here is the retro package. You can get a big engine on other machines...perhaps even secondhand and much cheaper.

Says a LOT right there. I would spend as much as I need to equip a bike as I want...but there's no sense making a bike into something it is not.

[emptysea]

It says a lot, but the person who said it has owned his CB1100 for a little over a month. Read Ferret's comments and the ride reports from those of us who actually tour on this bike before you think you have to make extreme change and compromises to use this bike in the manner in which you would like.

[flynrider]

My CB1100 works great on long haul trips. I may be somewhat biased since all my bikes have always been UJM types. Never really had anything that would be considered a proper touring bike.

I like being able to pop a big windshield on the CB11, toss some soft bags over the rear seat and hit the road. It's got excellent road manners and the inline 4 makes for a smooth ride as fast as you care to go on the slab.

I've got a 30" inseam and I can flatfoot it easily. In addition to the lower Japanese seat there are also low aftermarket seats available.

Don't worry about air cooling. I've spent 30 yrs. riding air cooled bikes in the blistering AZ heat and it's not a problem as long as you keep moving.

[Stichill_imp]

Your CBR250R is an excellent machine. I would be proud to have one myself.

Regarding your decision between a CB1100 and an F 800 GT, I don't understand being limited to those two choices.

I have considerable familiarity with the roads of Kentucky and Kentucky-like places. I would also be considering the Honda NC700X and the BMW F 700 GS.

I like my CB1100 a lot, but it lacks the rough road capability that I swore my next bike would have. (Umm. I hope a certain rider named Pterodactyl doesn't read this line...)

I do understand your need to go bigger than your 250. Good luck finding the bike that's right for you. There are so many good choices out there these days. (Did I mention the Ducati Scrambler...)

Thank you. Few are so enlightened.

Your CBR250R is an excellent machine. I would be proud to have one myself.

Regarding your decision between a CB1100 and an F 800 GT, I don't understand being limited to those two choices.

I have considerable familiarity with the roads of Kentucky and Kentucky-like places. I would also be considering the Honda NC700X and the BMW F 700 GS.

I like my CB1100 a lot, but it lacks the rough road capability that I swore my next bike would have. (Umm. I hope a certain rider named Pterodactyl doesn't read this line...)

I do understand your need to go bigger than your 250. Good luck finding the bike that's right for you. There are so many good choices out there these days. (Did I mention the Ducati Scrambler...)

These are my leading contenders. There are others, e.g. Moto Guzzi Norge.

Your CBR250R is an excellent machine. I would be proud to have one myself.

Regarding your decision between a CB1100 and an F 800 GT, I don't understand being limited to those two choices.

I have considerable familiarity with the roads of Kentucky and Kentucky-like places. I would also be considering the Honda NC700X and the BMW F 700 GS.

I like my CB1100 a lot, but it lacks the rough road capability that I swore my next bike would have. (Umm. I hope a certain rider named Pterodactyl doesn't read this line...)

I do understand your need to go bigger than your 250. Good luck finding the bike that's right for you. There are so many good choices out there these days. (Did I mention the Ducati Scrambler...)

I rode an NC750S in Germany and Switzerland...it was soulless...appliance-like...like a little tractor. I did enjoy the front trunk however, since I only brought one drybag in my airline luggage. The gas filler under the pillion was...terrible. I had to remove my pack to fill up. The F700GS has crossed my mind. I will take a closer look...it seems to be marketed a little toward women but as a 250 rider I am secure in my manhood.

Your CBR250R is an excellent machine. I would be proud to have one myself.

Regarding your decision between a CB1100 and an F 800 GT, I don't understand being limited to those two choices.

I have considerable familiarity with the roads of Kentucky and Kentucky-like places. I would also be considering the Honda NC700X and the BMW F 700 GS.

I like my CB1100 a lot, but it lacks the rough road capability that I swore my next bike would have. (Umm. I hope a certain rider named Pterodactyl doesn't read this line...)

I do understand your need to go bigger than your 250. Good luck finding the bike that's right for you. There are so many good choices out there these days. (Did I mention the Ducati Scrambler...)

I saw the Scrambler in Germany last month. Cool bike but not a touring machine in any way.

Whenever I wonder about another motorcycle, I google " issues with X bike" and usually an owners forum pops up, like ours. They are the ones living with a bike day in and day out. I just did it for the BMW F800 GT. being a man made machine of course there will be some issues ( we see a few as well). I have to assume you have done the same as research. There is an F800 riders forum

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=bmw...es&start=0

I have taken 2 multi day, multi state trips on my Cb1100s ( and I am about to take another one in a couple weeks) and they did great. Chain was not an issue. Never needed adjustment, just a lube mid week. Shields are available as are hard and soft luggage. Since I have a dedicated touring bike, I prefer to set up my CB as more a sport tourer with soft luggage, easily removed when not on a trip.However excellent hard luggage is available for it.

Btw have you read any of the reports of the Belgian couple traveling the world on a pair of CB1100s?

Here are a couple of my ride reports

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4083]http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4083


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1312


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=836


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=839


And might I suggest Reading ANY of the awesome ride reports By Empty Sea, Cormanus or Pterodactyl in the seat time section of the forum.

I can't tell you how good of a middle weight tourer the BMW F800 GT , but I can tell you the CB1100 will do the job day after day, mile after mile, year after year, without even breathing hard.

My biggest fear with BMW. Also: I am not really interested in being associated with a pre-defined biking culture ala HD or BMW.

Whenever I wonder about another motorcycle, I google " issues with X bike" and usually an owners forum pops up, like ours. They are the ones living with a bike day in and day out. I just did it for the BMW F800 GT. being a man made machine of course there will be some issues ( we see a few as well). I have to assume you have done the same as research. There is an F800 riders forum

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=bmw...es&start=0

I have taken 2 multi day, multi state trips on my Cb1100s ( and I am about to take another one in a couple weeks) and they did great. Chain was not an issue. Never needed adjustment, just a lube mid week. Shields are available as are hard and soft luggage. Since I have a dedicated touring bike, I prefer to set up my CB as more a sport tourer with soft luggage, easily removed when not on a trip.However excellent hard luggage is available for it.

Btw have you read any of the reports of the Belgian couple traveling the world on a pair of CB1100s?

Here are a couple of my ride reports

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4083]http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4083


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1312


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=836


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=839


And might I suggest Reading ANY of the awesome ride reports By Empty Sea, Cormanus or Pterodactyl in the seat time section of the forum.

I can't tell you how good of a middle weight tourer the BMW F800 GT , but I can tell you the CB1100 will do the job day after day, mile after mile, year after year, without even breathing hard.

A man after my own heart! This is very inspiring testimony! I will absolutely check out your RRs and those of others.

Whenever I wonder about another motorcycle, I google " issues with X bike" and usually an owners forum pops up, like ours. They are the ones living with a bike day in and day out. I just did it for the BMW F800 GT. being a man made machine of course there will be some issues ( we see a few as well). I have to assume you have done the same as research. There is an F800 riders forum

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=bmw...es&start=0

I have taken 2 multi day, multi state trips on my Cb1100s ( and I am about to take another one in a couple weeks) and they did great. Chain was not an issue. Never needed adjustment, just a lube mid week. Shields are available as are hard and soft luggage. Since I have a dedicated touring bike, I prefer to set up my CB as more a sport tourer with soft luggage, easily removed when not on a trip.However excellent hard luggage is available for it.

Btw have you read any of the reports of the Belgian couple traveling the world on a pair of CB1100s?

Here are a couple of my ride reports

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4083]http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4083


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1312


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=836


http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=839


And might I suggest Reading ANY of the awesome ride reports By Empty Sea, Cormanus or Pterodactyl in the seat time section of the forum.

I can't tell you how good of a middle weight tourer the BMW F800 GT , but I can tell you the CB1100 will do the job day after day, mile after mile, year after year, without even breathing hard.

I believe you! I spent eight hours on one in Europe and other than the smallish fuel tank it really floated my boat!

It says a lot, but the person who said it has owned his CB1100 for a little over a month. Read Ferret's comments and the ride reports from those of us who actually tour on this bike before you think you have to make extreme change and compromises to use this bike in the manner in which you would like.

EmptySea, I respect your opinion tremendously. I very much recall your participation in the 250 forum and always trusted your perspectives.

First off..BS on the 250 not being a highway machine. It's not without drawbacks as noted, but it works just fine on the highway. I rode mine all over the place before I got my CB. While we're at it, BS on screens, fairings, saddlebags, as requirements to tour on the CB. Oh, and one more thing, never noticed buzzing over 65, never felt like I was being blown off it, and I got used to the seat. I have 15,000 miles on mine with no windscreen. Two week long trips to NC/Tenn, Two weekend trips to Wisconsin, and another week planned to the Ozarks. Most folks like a screen for touring, but it's fine without it. I'll let someone else comment on the ergos, the chain, and the maintence, but none of them have been a barrier to my travels.

I'm not trying to talk you into it, but it's a wonderfully versatile bike. Strap a good sized waterproof duffle on the back and take off for a week. There are better touring bikes and you may already be riding a better around-town bike right now. Someone said of this bike that it's not great at anything (except turning heads), but it's very good at almost everything and isn't bad at whatever's left.

I hope you're keeping the CBR. Love that bike.

Exactly the kind of comment I'm looking for! I am in no way a lightweight when it comes to physical adversity in the saddle, nor do I shirk from chain maintenance. I don't need to be ensconced in a $26,000 rolling La-Z-Boy to be happy on a bike; in fact that is what I do not want.

And yes, I am definitely keeping the CBR250R. It is simply too good to ever let go. I have added about $2000 in functional accessories and most would not believe just how capable this bike is. When touring alone...I would choose it first. It truly lacks nothing for my individual purposes.

BTW, my gang went to the Southern Appalachians (TN/NC) in 2013, to western Virginia (Blue Ridge Highlands) in 2014, and are bound for the Ozarks in 2015!

My CB1100 works great on long haul trips. I may be somewhat biased since all my bikes have always been UJM types. Never really had anything that would be considered a proper touring bike.

I like being able to pop a big windshield on the CB11, toss some soft bags over the rear seat and hit the road. It's got excellent road manners and the inline 4 makes for a smooth ride as fast as you care to go on the slab.

I've got a 30" inseam and I can flatfoot it easily. In addition to the lower Japanese seat there are also low aftermarket seats available.

Don't worry about air cooling. I've spent 30 yrs. riding air cooled bikes in the blistering AZ heat and it's not a problem as long as you keep moving.

Excellent comments, Flynrider - thank you.

[Django]

I rode a SaddleSore (1,000 miles in 24 hours) few weeks ago:
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5472

We were unlucky, it was cold and 70% of the ride it was raining. But doing the trip was a smooth ride, no problems at all.

I'm tall (1.82 meters) but had no issues with the original seat. It's not too soft, but fits well to my butt and supports good body control of the bike.

I wouldn't go out for a tour without a windshield. However, that's easily mounted to the CB. Then I need a rack and my touring bike is ready.

This is my CB, ready for a one week trip:


For longer trips, I could mount saddlebags and a second bag on the rear. Those I would mount across the seat, instead of along.

However, I think, if you're really in a lot of touring, the F800GT may be the better bike. Afaik, it's less weight and it is ready from factory for traveling. Mpg may be better and the belt drive saves you from chain wear issues and fiddling around with oiling the chain.

But then, BMW may design more for function and technology, and not so much for beauty and character...