How much hp do you actually use?

[Novice_imp]

I will be the first to admit I often look at the hp output of bikes in reviews. When I take a critical look at how I ride based on rpm and the CB's dyno chart, I find I use maybe 50 hp on any sort of regular basis and maybe 65ish during "hard" acceleration or passing. I don't putt around nor do I ride like a hooligan, but I still find myself watching out for the police from time to time. Many high hp bikes have a lot of electronics to tame the hp/performance to "manageable" levels. This then leads to my question of how much hp do you actually use? I am by no means suggesting that hp should be limited or anything like that, I'm just curious how much is used.

[Randy B]

Well I will say this......I have used every ounce of power that this bike has every day going to and from work to get on the freeway safely. I will not take it easy getting up to speed with the maroons that reside around here so WOT it is until I reach my cruising altitude/speed.

[Wisedrum]

Mostly I'm cruising between 2.000 and 4.000 revs. This means I don't
even use 50hp, cause the CB is such a smooth commuter.
The way the bike provides its hp is a real joy and the reason why I bought
it.

But there a times, in which I use some more hp, but the times are seldom.
More seldom is the moment, when I'm using all the power of the Honda.
But so sad, it can certainly bring you into real trouble....
especially, if the CB is capable of running uncutted....
Wisedrum

[the Ferret]

I have never used 65 hp on two different CBs and nearly 20,000 miles but I find using maybe 47 hp and 60 ft lbs of torque somehow quite satisfying.

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/imagejpg1_zpse4eb2072.jpg.html]

[flynrider]

I use all of the hp (albeit briefly) whenever the road and traffic conditions allow. When I get on a nice long onramp to a relatively empty freeway, I just can't resist the temptation to excercise the upper limits of the rpm range.

In order to use all of the hp for more than brief spikes, you'd have to have the ECU reflashed to remove the 112 mph speed limiter.

[CIP57_imp]

I use all of the hp (albeit briefly) whenever the road and traffic conditions allow. When I get on a nice long onramp to a relatively empty freeway, I just can't resist the temptation to excercise the upper limits of the rpm range.

In order to use all of the hp for more than brief spikes, you'd have to have the ECU reflashed to remove the 112 mph speed limiter.

+1 nothing like on and off ramps

[Guth_imp]

I use all of the hp (albeit briefly) whenever the road and traffic conditions allow. When I get on a nice long onramp to a relatively empty freeway, I just can't resist the temptation to excercise the upper limits of the rpm range.

In order to use all of the hp for more than brief spikes, you'd have to have the ECU reflashed to remove the 112 mph speed limiter.

This.

Plenty of bikes can outperform the CB1100 at this exercise, but it certainly pulls hard enough to put a grin on my face. My favorite part is that with the Staintune installed it truly sounds glorious. That broadens the grin considerably.

[the Ferret]

I'm actually not on many on/off ramps. My street is 7/10 mile long with a 25 mph speed limit. Once I leave my street I am immediately in 45-55 mph country curvy roads. There are some straight sections you could open it up in, but truthfully I have no desire to test limits anymore. Tested the upper limits on every bike I rode for maybe 30 years...and survived, and in some situation that outcome was questionable. Guess I got it out of my system.

[redbirds_imp]

I have had mine to the rev limit maybe twice. It seems funny to hear critics pan this bike for a lack of power as there is plenty in reserve when needed.

[Rocky_imp]

I'm actually not on many on/off ramps. My street is 7/10 mile long with a 25 mph speed limit. Once I leave my street I am immediately in 45-55 mph country curvy roads. There are some straight sections you could open it up in, but truthfully I have no desire to test limits anymore. Tested the upper limits on every bike I rode for maybe 30 years...and survived, and in some situation that outcome was questionable. Guess I got it out of my system.

That's pretty much my scenario too.
Once I clear the slower areas I'm on a 90 kph (54 mph) rural coastal road with great twisties so I just settle down and enjoy the ride.
I sometimes use the 110 kph (69 mph) super slab to get to a rural road, or if I'm in a hurry, but only in those rare circumstances. I avoid the slab when I can.
It's all about the ride, not blasting along on the slab.
If I need to merge, pass, etc., I don't mind twisting the throttle to get that done - and the CB gets that done very well.