Questions

[Entropy_imp]

Hi all, so I have liked the cb1100 since the 1st press releases came out. To me it looks like what a motorcycle should look like. But I have a few questions for the owners. I am 6'1" and worry it is too small. I am proportionate, not a long torso and not long legs relatively speaking. Any tall riders here with feedback or mods to make it fit better. Or is it good to go as is.

Another question, this will be the 1st time back on a bike since the 1980's. I like a relaxed ride for enjoyment, do not need blistering speed, outrageous lean angles or wheelies( read: I am older!) the reports seem to point me in the direction of the honda. I also like the Bonnie as well, but honda is honda and I believe they are a better bike manufacturer and reliable. Any regrets with purchasing the bike? Shortcomings?

I can get some good deals on leftover 2013 models, but do you think the 2014 upgrades are worth the extra coin? Are the ergot any different on the 2014 model relative to a taller rider?

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

Dave

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Hi Dave! I'll skip over your "boo hoo I'm 6'1" and well proportioned" part of your post (since I'm not so vertically cursed) and focus on the part of your question regarding the ergos. Check out this website: http://cycle-ergo.com/ It's awesome. You can put in just about any bike you want and it will tell and show you the ergonomics and you can have mutliple bikes open at once and compare the differences. Unfortunately, it looks like at present, they only have the 2013 and not the 2014. But you can compare them to other bikes you're considering or other bikes you've had and get an idea of how much more comfortable you'd be. It also has the option to take into consideration aftermarket add-ons like risers or lower rearsets.

I had a 2007 Bonnie and although I loved the styling and it was a "nice" motorcycle, something about it just didn't do it for me. It definitely doesn't pull or feel like the CB1100. Completely different bike! I prefer the CB a thousand times more. Although, I must say, the stock suspension on the Bonnie was set up much nicer than what I've found on the CB so far. The CB is much harsher on uneven roads. I'm going to play around with the suspension and see if I can soften things up but from what I've read, aftermarket shocks may be in my future.

Good luck to you!

[Rocky_imp]

I can't help you much with the size question as I'm 5' 8" and the bike fits me fine. I'm also 77 years-old.
I own both a Bonneville and a CB. There is no question in my mind the CB is by far the most refined and smoother of the two.
I don't agree with your comment that the Triumphs are less reliable or built to a lesser standard. They have a pretty enviable reputation for durability and longevity.
But they're both very different so they really can't be compared.
Both bikes put a smile on my face.
I had the Bonneville eight years before I bought the CB and certainly have no plans to part with it.

[Stratman_imp]

Hi, regarding ergos. I am 5 10 and I found that my knees were bent a bit too much for comfort. I put highway pegs on it, much relief. Looking into a taller more cushy seat, to make it perfect. The little things makke it yours. Overall I am in love with Rhonda the Honda(Cb 1100). Looks perfect, handles like a much smaller machine, super refined easy to live with motor. I get compliments everywhere I go.

[ClassicVW_imp]

Hi Dave and welcome. I know some have said the leg position was a bit tight, but not for me.
I'm 6'0, 33" inseam, and 34/35" arm measurements. I actually have no complaints about the leg room, but even with my longish arms I feel I'm reaching a tiny bit too far for the handlebars. Nothing really uncomfortable, just has me thinking about it. I've only put about 700 miles on the bike so far, so I'm still very much learning and adjusting and won't make any decision on bar risers yet.

I'd say you need a test ride, but even a 10 minute test ride won't tell you the whole story of the bike.

As far as the '13 vs.'14 goes, I actually liked the look of the '13 and that's what I bought. I was wondering if I would regret not getting the '14 and it's speed trans, but have not once felt I needed it. Also, buying the '13 with 574 miles on it probably saved me over 3 thousand, which is nothing to sneeze at.

[emptysea]

6'1" 34" inseam here. 13000 miles on my 2013 without any issues with the riding position. I am thinking about lowering the pegs just slightly (search the forum for pegs and you'll find a couple of ideas there) and adding highway pegs just to let me move around a bit more on linger trips. Again, though, I have had no issues with feeling comfortable on this bike.

[the Ferret]

" Another question, this will be the 1st time back on a bike since the 1980's. I like a relaxed ride for enjoyment, do not need blistering speed, outrageous lean angles or wheelies (read: I am older!) the reports seem to point me in the direction of the honda. "

I can respond to the above portion on your questions. What you are looking for describes the CB 1100 to a TEE. Never seen a bike so rider friendly.

[Henrik_imp]

I am 187cm, which I think converts to just about 6'1", and I find the position on the bike perfect. I suppose a lot of it also depends on what you are used to from before though as previously I was riding sportier bikes with a different position on the bike. As a results my legs feel very comfortable although I am used to having the feet a bit further back, and to be honest I have been considering a lower handle bar so as to get a bit more lean forward. But then I take a ride on the CB, and I really like the more relaxed position.

So, the bike is certainly not too small for somebody this size, but it will be a personal taste how comfortable you are on it.

[DGShannon_imp]

Hi all, so I have liked the cb1100 since the 1st press releases came out. To me it looks like what a motorcycle should look like. But I have a few questions for the owners. I am 6'1" and worry it is too small. I am proportionate, not a long torso and not long legs relatively speaking. Any tall riders here with feedback or mods to make it fit better. Or is it good to go as is.

Another question, this will be the 1st time back on a bike since the 1980's. I like a relaxed ride for enjoyment, do not need blistering speed, outrageous lean angles or wheelies( read: I am older!) the reports seem to point me in the direction of the honda. I also like the Bonnie as well, but honda is honda and I believe they are a better bike manufacturer and reliable. Any regrets with purchasing the bike? Shortcomings?

I can get some good deals on leftover 2013 models, but do you think the 2014 upgrades are worth the extra coin? Are the ergot any different on the 2014 model relative to a taller rider?

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

Dave

I am 6'2" with a 32 inch inseam. I find the bike to fit just fine. Reach to the bars is great. Pegs could be a little lower, but is is not at all cramped or uncomfortable. Excellent for a passenger as well. My wife is most happy, with a few inches of seat room to move fore and aft.

[HikerToo_imp]

5'11" with 33" legs, I thought I was perfectly fine with stock 13 bike.
Bought a K&H High seat for more comfort, ended up liking it for the extra 1" height gain.
When I go back to the stock seat now, it does feel cramped.
I also went with the Honda OEM low handlebars, which are about 1" lower.
I was used to sport bikes so thought the CB bars were too high and had me feeling like a preying mantis :-)