Potential buyer with questions

[kDiqq_imp]

Hello,

First of, just want to say I was happy to read through all the threads here, every seems to be a super pleasant group and very willing to help! So I'm in a position where I'm looking to get a bike in the ~$10k range. Now, I've ALWAYS been a fan of air-cooled bikes. Specifically, of air cooled 4 cylinders. Even more specifically, air cooled cafe racers. Now, I know the CB1100 isn't a cafe racer, but I have been looking for one in hopes of doing some very tasteful and simple cafe mods as time progresses and I think the CB1100 will come together to be a really really gorgeous looking bike. Now, I know this may be a taboo question to ask, but before you all ended up with your CB1100, what other options were you exploring? I've researched heavily in to the Triumph Thruxton, Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, Royal Enfield Continental GT, and the Triumph Bonneville. Not to mention several I couldn't afford... But, none really touted the Honda reliability and, more importantly, the massive 1140cc 4 cyl. In fact, I was surprised to find a few of them still having 5-speeds..

My next question is, how has this bike been on long hauls? I recently got a KLX250S and went on a 400mi trip with two buddies. One had a Triumph Daytona, the other a FZ-09. I was the first one to experience horrendous back/butt pain, then the Daytona, and, to my surprise, the FZ-09. All within about 100 miles. Can the stock seat on a CB1100 last longer for most riders? I'm about 6' 1" and 170lbs and a fairly young guy, but I plan to make some hauls ranging from 200mi all the way north of 1000mi.

Next, how is power? I've felt like, form what I've read, power is plenty, but I know that is very subjective. I'm built and worked on pretty much everything. Old SOHC CBs all the way up through modern liter bikes. Unfortunately, I've only ever owned a TW200 and a KLX250S... Though I loved me TW... Sad to see it go, but that's another day. Seeing that the CB1100 makes only ~80hp is kind of disappointing given it's size, but I understand it's lower compression and air-cooled. But if a little work can get it up to the 100hp mark, I think that would be incredible, especially given it's very high curb weight.

Last question (I think), has anyone put their CB on a diet? What are some easy ways to trim fat on this bike? I know exhaust is worth a bit of savings, but I had trouble finding any more info on weight loss.

Sorry for the wall of text, just getting very excited to finally go test ride the bike, hoping to fall in love. Looking at a DLX this thursday! Thanks everyone in advance for the help!

Kyle

P.S.: Ever any cooling problems in the heat/traffic? I deal with Houston traffic on the regular and it gets quite brutal some days.

[the Ferret]

Wow, thats a passle of questions. First off welcome.

Now if you are interested in a cafe the Thruxton, Moto Guzzi V7 and Continental GT are already there, and would fit neatly in your budget, however if the Hondas 88 horsepower disappoints you, you will be devastated by the HP outputs of the others.

The Cb has been cafed and parts are available..check out threads by Silascopic who probably has the most radical cafed 1100 on the board, but there are certainly others as well. Tanks, seats, exhaust, mirrors, and fairings in the cafe design etc are all readily available, particularly for the 13 models.

As far as removing weight, Ack got his down to something like 485 pounds but spent the equivalent of your entire budget doing it. Titanium exhaust, alloy swingarm, wheels, etc all save weight and cost like the National debt.

No one has had heat issues that I have read about and some of these guys live/ ride where it gets insanely hot.

Did I miss anything? Lol

[Gumby 1100_imp]

kDiqq,

I'm the same height as you, but a little heavier

The only other retro bike I considered was the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, and that model because it felt good ergonomically. The Triumphs all felt too small. I'm glad I didn't get the Guzzi because it is drastically underpowered and undersprung compared to the CB1100. It had relatively good Brembos on it, but no ABS and after a few close calls with my previous bike, I vowed never to have one without ABS again.

At your weight, the stock CB seat may not be too bad for long hauls, but there are plenty of other bikes out there better suited for long hauls. You have to remember that the CB is a retro bike, and as such, there will be some compromises. I bought it for the classic styling and never intended to do any serious or long touring on it. That's what an ST1300 is for, or any number of other dedicated sport touring bikes. Sure, you can add plenty of aftermarket goodies in an attempt to make the CB into a sport touring bike, but I really don't think that was the rationale for the design of this model.

Compared to my liquid cooled CBF1000, it's not as powerful, but it probably has more usable power and a broader power band than most other retro bikes.

I love my CB1100...it is the most fun I've ever had on any bike. That may be because it is my first truly naked bike. Every other bike I have owned had either a large windshield or a fairing of some sort. I don't have a windshield installed on my CB, but I may make a concession to the Dart Flyscreen when it is available for the 2014s. I'm going to do my best to preserve the naked/retro/standard look, and I fully plan to keep my CB as long as I am able to ride.

I've driven the CB in some hot stop-and-go city traffic, and while I can feel some increased vibration when she gets really hot, I haven't noticed much, if any reduction in power. The air cooled CB engine may look like an old design, but this engine was designed from scratch to be as reliable and bullet proof as you will likely ever find.

[Cormanus]

G'day Kyle and welcome. I'd have thought there was plenty of power after the bikes you've been riding; but, as you note, that's subjective. I've ridden my CB1100 on a 4500 km trip and found it just fine, although I do use an AirHawk seat cushion as I find the OEM seat too hard for long runs.

Good luck with your decision.

[Aussie_imp]

I rode in 43 degrees C with the bike last summer with no issues re overheating.

The bike has plenty of power IMHO. Lots of torque and speed for normal sane people. This bike is not underpowered; in the real world it's got more than I need, hey, it's subjective but ride one and you can make up your own mind!

I thought about the following bikes available in Oz - Honda Cb1300, Suzuki GSX 1400, Yamaha XJR1300, Kawasaki ZRX1200R, Moto Guzzi V7 classic, Triumph Bonneville, Triumph Street Triple, BMW R1200R.

I've also previously owned a 2009 Honda Cb400 VTEC, a nice little retro Japanese bike brought to Australia.

I've done a few hundred K's here and there and I find the seat (Japanese low) good, no pain but I've broken it in now.

As Gumby said it's not a long hauler per se. You can do it though, just have to make the compromise.

Yep, it's a little heavy but manageable. I use it as my everyday bike as I don't have ready access to a car so I ride in rain, hail and shine. For a big bike it's surprisingly agile and makes a nice city bike. The low seat helps. I'm 174 cm / 69 odd kg and have no issues.

The Staintune exhaust must cut a couple of kg off. Maybe snip the centrestand if weight is that important.

I guess it's just a nice all around bike, comfy and good ergos, great gearbox / throttle / looks good and a bit retro / rare to see on the roads.

[flynrider]

Hello,

First of, just want to say I was happy to read through all the threads here, every seems to be a super pleasant group and very willing to help! So I'm in a position where I'm looking to get a bike in the ~$10k range. Now, I've ALWAYS been a fan of air-cooled bikes. Specifically, of air cooled 4 cylinders. Even more specifically, air cooled cafe racers. Now, I know the CB1100 isn't a cafe racer, but I have been looking for one in hopes of doing some very tasteful and simple cafe mods as time progresses and I think the CB1100 will come together to be a really really gorgeous looking bike. Now, I know this may be a taboo question to ask, but before you all ended up with your CB1100, what other options were you exploring? I've researched heavily in to the Triumph Thruxton, Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, Royal Enfield Continental GT, and the Triumph Bonneville. Not to mention several I couldn't afford... But, none really touted the Honda reliability and, more importantly, the massive 1140cc 4 cyl. In fact, I was surprised to find a few of them still having 5-speeds..

My next question is, how has this bike been on long hauls? I recently got a KLX250S and went on a 400mi trip with two buddies. One had a Triumph Daytona, the other a FZ-09. I was the first one to experience horrendous back/butt pain, then the Daytona, and, to my surprise, the FZ-09. All within about 100 miles. Can the stock seat on a CB1100 last longer for most riders? I'm about 6' 1" and 170lbs and a fairly young guy, but I plan to make some hauls ranging from 200mi all the way north of 1000mi.

Next, how is power? I've felt like, form what I've read, power is plenty, but I know that is very subjective. I'm built and worked on pretty much everything. Old SOHC CBs all the way up through modern liter bikes. Unfortunately, I've only ever owned a TW200 and a KLX250S... Though I loved me TW... Sad to see it go, but that's another day. Seeing that the CB1100 makes only ~80hp is kind of disappointing given it's size, but I understand it's lower compression and air-cooled. But if a little work can get it up to the 100hp mark, I think that would be incredible, especially given it's very high curb weight.

Last question (I think), has anyone put their CB on a diet? What are some easy ways to trim fat on this bike? I know exhaust is worth a bit of savings, but I had trouble finding any more info on weight loss.

Sorry for the wall of text, just getting very excited to finally go test ride the bike, hoping to fall in love. Looking at a DLX this thursday! Thanks everyone in advance for the help!

Kyle

P.S.: Ever any cooling problems in the heat/traffic? I deal with Houston traffic on the regular and it gets quite brutal some days.

Easy question. I wasn't exploring any other options. I was looking for an inline 4, air cooled standard bike to complement my 20 yr. old CB750. The CB1100 was the only bike that fit the bill.

I love the bike for long hauls. I don't come from a touring bike background, so maybe I don't know what I'm missing. With a windshield up front and some bags slung over the seat, I'm ready to go anywhere. The bike is smooth as glass and can cruise comfortably at whatever speed you like (as long as it's below 112mph) all day long. As far as the seat goes, that's extremely subjective. Some people here hate it, others (like me) have no problem riding all day long on it. There are a number of aftermarket seats available to suit your posterior.

I'm pretty happy with the power available. Most dyno charts for stock bikes show about 83 hp at the rear wheel. While that's not a huge peak number, the power is available throughout the powerband. It'll start kickin' butt at 3k rpm and pulls hard to redline. Several owners on the forum have seen hp numbers in the mid 90s with relatively simple intake and exhaust mods.

I've had no problem in the heat. In fact, I've ridden nothing but air cooled bikes here in the AZ desert for 30 yrs. As long as you're not idling for long periods in 100+ degree temps, you'll be fine. If you're stuck in a traffic jam where you'll be sitting still for long periods, just shut it off.

Besides the exhaust, I think the only big weight saver would be one of the aftermarket aluminum swingarms. That's unsprung weight, so you're getting a good bang for your buck if weight loss is your goal.

[Lord Popgun]

Don't forget, the engine isn't just air cooled, its oil cooled and has a nice oil cooler as stock equipment. It also has an oil over temp light and NO ONE, even the Phoenix guys, has reported any overheat problems.

LOTS of members don't like the seat. Even the ST seat hurts after a while. You might want to check out an AirHawk or some such if riding for any length of time. Check out Ridem's posts on the Airhawk model he got. Off CB1100 topic, but on the ST, an AirHawk literaly saved my butt:

And if you want to go faster than 112mph, check out the posts on the ECM reflash.

[kDiqq_imp]

Wow!!

Killer responses! Thank you all! Yeah I knew the power of the CB1100 would be FAR superior to any of the others I listed. And, honestly, I think it will be okay on power. I don't find myself thinking this will be a hot rod bike, but then again, I have made hot rods out of stuff I probably shouldn't...

I'd like to know where to get some of the light-weight gear I saw mentioned here. I think that would prove most worthwhile after a decent exhaust. I have been hunting down a particular brand... And I've totally forgotten it since. Oh well. Looking for a real throaty, burbly noise, like on much older CBs. Really fell in love with the noise.

Now another question! This one might be a bit taboo, so no obligation to answer. What did those of you with 2014 DLXs pay? The MSRP here is $11,899 (shown at local dealer), but I know these aren't exactly flying off shelves, so I'm just looking for a good starting point. Thanks again!

[rboe]

I was checking out the V7 (Special, not the Racer), Bonnie, Griso (bought the Griso) while lusting for the CB (it was not imported till too late in my buying schedule).

On paper the Bonnie kills the V7. Test rode both, on the road the V7 kills the Bonnie.

Now I have very long legs and while I liked the V7 the CB was a much better fit. Power wise; don't be fooled by the numbers, you have to ride the machine. Sure the V7 puts out "only" 50hp, but she is very light and with after market pipes you'll feel like Johnny Racer all day.

Personality wise the CB is a completely different gal; think the wholesome blond gal next door, not the hot Italian black hair beauty down the street.

In town and short rides with tight twisties I prefer the Honda CB1100. On the road, fast sweepers, LONG rides, I prefer the Griso (now that she has a Russel Day Long it's a no brainer). The Griso gets a bit warm in Phoenix, in town. The CB is much nicer.

If I had to choose one bike to live with, most likely it would be the CB.

Power; very subjective. 50hp will put you in the hospital just as easily at a 100 (I've proven it). If you and the bike are not heavy 35hp will be plenty of fun. Especially if it has torque up the whazoo (my 650L proves that on every ride). Folks have complained about the power on the Griso only being about 92 at the rear wheel. But it's a very sneaky power and will put you felony speed violation without telling you she is working hard, stretching your arms or flattening your eye balls. Very sneaking. Now the CB will go fast too, but the motor winds up and gives you audio clues that she's working. Less sneaky in that regard, BUT, I'm finding out that in the upper rpm range this gal will get up and go. But you are aware of what is going one. No cruising down the freeway at 90-100 and not being aware of it. Dang Griso put me at a 100 in no time at all and I had no idea she did that!

But if you want a sport bike, the CB1100 is not your bike. Get the R instead. Or a host of other crotch rockets.

The other bikes you mentioned are good bikes, the V7 may be a poor choice if the fit is all wrong. I have a couple friends with them, both are shorter than me, and they love 'em. One is in the process of putting the Stucchi fairing on it. Damn that bike will look good when done. (he also owns a Griso and a GROM).

The CB1100 seat is fairly good, better than any Guzzi seat I've had. But still only about an hour plus for my bum.

[Lord Popgun]

kdiqq,

There are threads with what people paid. Just look around a tad. Seems to vary with the area of the country, or even from dealer to dealer in the same area.
Kdiqq,

Try this for pricing: http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1649

Its a start.