Touring: CB1100 vs. F800GT

[emptysea]

Django is probably correct that the BMW might be the better bike for pure touring. I like the F800GT a lot (I've tried to convince my wife to look at it, but she likes her cruiser-tourer hybrid CTX700 for now). It's just that the CB is such a great all around bike, you're already used to nudging your bike beyond its intended purpose (if there even is such a thing as " intended purpose" for this bike), plus it sounds like you'll physically fit on the CB better. One thing, though, when you mentioned "touring alone" did you mean that in contrast to two-up touring or in contrast to riding in a group?

I don't recognize your handle/nickname from the 250 forum, but it has been a couple of years. I so wanted to ride my CBR250 on the Dragon, but it was still tons of fun on the CB. When are you traveling to the Ozarks?
Oh and one final thought from me, and kind of a silly one at that -- When I was much younger, the guys that I knew that toured on motorcycles did so on bikes that looked and felt like the CB1100 and I get a certain feeling of connection to those guys when I ride this bike, especially when I tour on it.

[CIP57_imp]

First, welcome to the site. I'm also 5'6" and seat height is a large part of the decision when i buy a bike. You should have a good feel of the CB1100 having spent hours on one in Europe. The bikes you are considering are for the most part light weight with a more than manageable seat height.

check out here for comparisons
http://cycle-ergo.com/

Motorcycle aerodynamics plays a big part in comfort on the highway. Certain bikes are setup for highway travel regardless of whether there sport-bike oriented or sport tourers. I traded in a CBR1000RR for the CB1100, except for the rear sets being a bit cramped the bike was a much better tourer than the CB1100 at speeds your buddies may be traveling on there bikes, keep in mind the CBR comes in at about the same weight as the BMW.

The CB1100 has a sweet spot around 60-70MPH on the highway. Traveling at higher speeds for long periods of time is uncomfortable, but remember everyone tolerance is different. Wind protection I find necessary and than only low screens because anything high creates buffeting and pushing with wind and lane changes.

If you want to keep up with your buddies who are traveling at higher speeds consider a bike with proven wind tunnel results in a stock package.

[ClassicVW_imp]

Since you're keeping the 250, go all the way and get a proper sport touring bike, the BMW. The CB will still be a compromise. It will be better than the 250, but still a compromise.

Shameless plug ... I have a Honda sport tourer for sale in the classifieds, with only 1400 miles on it. MUCH lower price than a Beemer.

[CA200_imp]

I was just going to mention Classic's ad but he beat me to it - We had some customers with the F800Gts and they liked them but just like me ( It was a man & wife) one bike was great and the other had a lot of problems even though BMW took care of all
their issues it did keep one off the bike for some time.

[rboe]

I've toured on a TS-125 (across the Dakota's and Minnesota - not recommended), CJ360T and a KZ550 Ltd back in the day. This time around I've toured on a Moto Guzzi Quota and the MG Griso. For touring I find twins easier on the mind and body than the inline four. So I'm going to recommend the Norge. Fully faired, very nice motor, easy to maintain yourself (e.g. valves are adjusted with a lock nut and screw, no shims, 15 minute job once you get the hang of it). Shaft drive (I think shafts are nice, no need to worry about chain lube and adjustment, on the other hand, you can't adjust the read drive ratio easily and chain and sprockets is a very cheap drive line rebuild - while shafts can be trouble free, if things break, and they can, it can be expensive).

I'd get a Norge, probably should have gotten one as I keep trying to make the Griso a Norge, but the seating is a wee bit cramped for my 36" inseam.

For touring I prefer a windscreen and something to protect my legs. I lean towards soft luggage but the Quota had panniers and they spoiled me. Still have the soft luggage because I'm cheap.

I'd steer you away from the BMW as in my opinion they are too clever by half making the bike too complicated to service and keep the reliability up. Expensive to repair once off of warranty. Otherwise, it's a good bike.

Take a look at a VFR from Honda. Too much tupperware in the way to work on easily, but other wise a fine machine at a great discount because for some reason it was not loved by the buying public. In black it's not as pretty as your 250 in red and sliver. But they may look too much alike to have both in your kit. Diversity is nice!

The CB would make a nice touring package (look at all the guys and gals that toured on the old CB550's, 750's and even 350F's back in the day!). Personally, I prefer the V twin Griso motor on the open road.

[AndyHe_imp]

I took an F800GT for an extended test drive last year before purchasing the CB. The only feedback I have is that it was a warm day and the radiator on the right side was very good at blowing heat onto my thigh and making for a warmer ride than it should have been. It was perhaps 90 degrees and even at moderate speed the heat coming off of it was both noticeable and annoying.

[Stichill_imp]

Django is probably correct that the BMW might be the better bike for pure touring. I like the F800GT a lot (I've tried to convince my wife to look at it, but she likes her cruiser-tourer hybrid CTX700 for now). It's just that the CB is such a great all around bike, you're already used to nudging your bike beyond its intended purpose (if there even is such a thing as " intended purpose" for this bike), plus it sounds like you'll physically fit on the CB better. One thing, though, when you mentioned "touring alone" did you mean that in contrast to two-up touring or in contrast to riding in a group?

I don't recognize your handle/nickname from the 250 forum, but it has been a couple of years. I so wanted to ride my CBR250 on the Dragon, but it was still tons of fun on the CB. When are you traveling to the Ozarks?
Oh and one final thought from me, and kind of a silly one at that -- When I was much younger, the guys that I knew that toured on motorcycles did so on bikes that looked and felt like the CB1100 and I get a certain feeling of connection to those guys when I ride this bike, especially when I tour on it.

Definitely. Where there's a will, there's a way

Django is probably correct that the BMW might be the better bike for pure touring. I like the F800GT a lot (I've tried to convince my wife to look at it, but she likes her cruiser-tourer hybrid CTX700 for now). It's just that the CB is such a great all around bike, you're already used to nudging your bike beyond its intended purpose (if there even is such a thing as " intended purpose" for this bike), plus it sounds like you'll physically fit on the CB better. One thing, though, when you mentioned "touring alone" did you mean that in contrast to two-up touring or in contrast to riding in a group?

I don't recognize your handle/nickname from the 250 forum, but it has been a couple of years. I so wanted to ride my CBR250 on the Dragon, but it was still tons of fun on the CB. When are you traveling to the Ozarks?
Oh and one final thought from me, and kind of a silly one at that -- When I was much younger, the guys that I knew that toured on motorcycles did so on bikes that looked and felt like the CB1100 and I get a certain feeling of connection to those guys when I ride this bike, especially when I tour on it.

The latter, either solo or in a group. Doubtful that my better half would ever throw a leg over!

Django is probably correct that the BMW might be the better bike for pure touring. I like the F800GT a lot (I've tried to convince my wife to look at it, but she likes her cruiser-tourer hybrid CTX700 for now). It's just that the CB is such a great all around bike, you're already used to nudging your bike beyond its intended purpose (if there even is such a thing as " intended purpose" for this bike), plus it sounds like you'll physically fit on the CB better. One thing, though, when you mentioned "touring alone" did you mean that in contrast to two-up touring or in contrast to riding in a group?

I don't recognize your handle/nickname from the 250 forum, but it has been a couple of years. I so wanted to ride my CBR250 on the Dragon, but it was still tons of fun on the CB. When are you traveling to the Ozarks?
Oh and one final thought from me, and kind of a silly one at that -- When I was much younger, the guys that I knew that toured on motorcycles did so on bikes that looked and felt like the CB1100 and I get a certain feeling of connection to those guys when I ride this bike, especially when I tour on it.

I changed it over there a while back.

Django is probably correct that the BMW might be the better bike for pure touring. I like the F800GT a lot (I've tried to convince my wife to look at it, but she likes her cruiser-tourer hybrid CTX700 for now). It's just that the CB is such a great all around bike, you're already used to nudging your bike beyond its intended purpose (if there even is such a thing as " intended purpose" for this bike), plus it sounds like you'll physically fit on the CB better. One thing, though, when you mentioned "touring alone" did you mean that in contrast to two-up touring or in contrast to riding in a group?

I don't recognize your handle/nickname from the 250 forum, but it has been a couple of years. I so wanted to ride my CBR250 on the Dragon, but it was still tons of fun on the CB. When are you traveling to the Ozarks?
Oh and one final thought from me, and kind of a silly one at that -- When I was much younger, the guys that I knew that toured on motorcycles did so on bikes that looked and felt like the CB1100 and I get a certain feeling of connection to those guys when I ride this bike, especially when I tour on it.

The Dragon was awesome on the 250, as well as The Snake, The Devil's Whip, The Python, and Back of the Dragon. Cherohala Skyway was not bad but the Blue Ridge Parkway was a little tame and the scenery became monotonous. We're going to Arkansas the week of June 15.

First, welcome to the site. I'm also 5'6" and seat height is a large part of the decision when i buy a bike. You should have a good feel of the CB1100 having spent hours on one in Europe. The bikes you are considering are for the most part light weight with a more than manageable seat height.

check out here for comparisons
http://cycle-ergo.com/

Motorcycle aerodynamics plays a big part in comfort on the highway. Certain bikes are setup for highway travel regardless of whether there sport-bike oriented or sport tourers. I traded in a CBR1000RR for the CB1100, except for the rear sets being a bit cramped the bike was a much better tourer than the CB1100 at speeds your buddies may be traveling on there bikes, keep in mind the CBR comes in at about the same weight as the BMW.

The CB1100 has a sweet spot around 60-70MPH on the highway. Traveling at higher speeds for long periods of time is uncomfortable, but remember everyone tolerance is different. Wind protection I find necessary and than only low screens because anything high creates buffeting and pushing with wind and lane changes.

If you want to keep up with your buddies who are traveling at higher speeds consider a bike with proven wind tunnel results in a stock package.

Thanks, glad to be here! I'm very impressed with the crew so far. I think your comments about aerodynamics and wind are well worth considering. It would be kind of silly for me to trade one bike that beats me up at 80-85 for another one that does similarly. So I have to keep that in mind.

[treytexag_imp]

It does certainly appear you're gathering all the appropriate information to make an informed decision.

[Stichill_imp]

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...

I could see myself being perfectly fine taking this approach. It's kind of what I am doing now.

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...

Yes, very practical!

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...

Well, now there's the rub! The F800GT is not a bad looking bike but it would not turn heads next to the CB1100.

Since you're keeping the 250, go all the way and get a proper sport touring bike, the BMW. The CB will still be a compromise. It will be better than the 250, but still a compromise.

Shameless plug ... I have a Honda sport tourer for sale in the classifieds, with only 1400 miles on it. MUCH lower price than a Beemer.

Probably sage advice, thank you.

I was just going to mention Classic's ad but he beat me to it - We had some customers with the F800Gts and they liked them but just like me ( It was a man & wife) one bike was great and the other had a lot of problems even though BMW took care of all
their issues it did keep one off the bike for some time.

Scary!

[emptysea]

We're going to Arkansas the week of June 15. <-- So are we!

I'm not leading our ride so I don't have the itinerary in my head yet. Let me know what towns you'll be near so I can keep an eye out for you.