CB1100 as first bike?

[Robo_imp]

I think it's doable, but you have to be really sensible about it. It could be pretty hard to avoid dropping such a heavy bike if you haven't been accustomed to motorcycles in general.
My first bike was very tiny and light, but it felt slightly heavy to me at the time.

Also, you can get in over your head, make a noob mistake and take a spill on a lot less bike than this (I know that firsthand!!)

All that said, it is as I've said from the day I got this bike.. go easy on the throttle and it will go easy on you.

No matter which way you go, take an MSF course and any other training that you can get. Also I recommend that you read Proficient Motorcycling, and then keep it for reference and re-read it once in a while. Find a good riding buddy or two who can be patient with you at first and help you grow into it. May be good to stay away from larger group rides until you're really comfortable

That's just my two cents!

I am a returning rider as well after about 20 years off. My skills are slowly but surely returning. I took your advice and ordered the Proficient Motorcycling and the timing couldn't be better as my confidence is returning as well! I am really enjoying the book and I am sure to pick up some new skills!

[Third Quarter_imp]

Folks, I am so sorry...

I've read all of the advice you posted, many thanks for that. I went to the motorcycle show in Salem NH last weekend. Someone was showing a stunning 2013 CB1100 front and center, with a couple of beautiful CBs from the '70s to make it look even better. Wow, I wanted it. I sat on it, but it just felt too big. No problem, I'm just a noob, let's look around. I went around and sat on a lot of other bikes. Came back to the CB1100 like ten times, but it always felt a little too much. Too easy to imagine dropping it in my own driveway, as some of you warned. Began thinking I should really take your advice, and get something small and used to start with. Found a fine low mileage 2008 Nighthawk 250 that a local dealer was offering for a decent price. Cute little bike. That would have made a lot of sense, a lot of sense. I'll admit right here that I was disappointed in how much sense it made. You understand. I almost bought it. But then I left and went up the road to a Moto Guzzi dealer who had new V7s. It felt awesome, looked great in the same sort of way that I like the CB1100, cost a lot less, and very much felt the 140 lbs less that it weighed.

Anyway, you know what happened next. My new V7 Special, white/orange, will make a great starter bike that I won't drop in the driveway and won't necessarily outgrow for some time. And when I do I'll upgrade to a CB1100.

Thanks and Goodbye for now!

[the Ferret]

No need to apologize. Although we all enjoy the CB, we are first and foremost motorcycle enthusiasts, and enjoy them all.

Please post up a pic of your V7 so we can ooh and ahhh. Guzzis are cool

And don't be a stranger, stop in from time to time to let us know how you are getting along with your Guzzi.

[Rolls_imp]

What ferret said! My sentiments exactly.

[Cormanus]

What Ferret and Rolls said. Pictures and occasional news would be good.

[Red Mist_imp]

Folks, I am so sorry...

I've read all of the advice you posted, many thanks for that. I went to the motorcycle show in Salem NH last weekend. Someone was showing a stunning 2013 CB1100 front and center, with a couple of beautiful CBs from the '70s to make it look even better. Wow, I wanted it. I sat on it, but it just felt too big. No problem, I'm just a noob, let's look around. I went around and sat on a lot of other bikes. Came back to the CB1100 like ten times, but it always felt a little too much. Too easy to imagine dropping it in my own driveway, as some of you warned. Began thinking I should really take your advice, and get something small and used to start with. Found a fine low mileage 2008 Nighthawk 250 that a local dealer was offering for a decent price. Cute little bike. That would have made a lot of sense, a lot of sense. I'll admit right here that I was disappointed in how much sense it made. You understand. I almost bought it. But then I left and went up the road to a Moto Guzzi dealer who had new V7s. It felt awesome, looked great in the same sort of way that I like the CB1100, cost a lot less, and very much felt the 140 lbs less that it weighed.

Anyway, you know what happened next. My new V7 Special, white/orange, will make a great starter bike that I won't drop in the driveway and won't necessarily outgrow for some time. And when I do I'll upgrade to a CB1100.

Thanks and Goodbye for now!

Very good call on your part.

[Guth_imp]

Congratulations! I think that particular bike is the best looking one that Guzzi sells. Emjoy!


Sent from my iPhone using [url=http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1]Tapatalk

[evanworld_imp]

Going from a twist n go Vespa GTS 300 I can tell you I first feared the CB. Its hulking size and weight idid intimidate me - but after an initial spin I felt instantly at ease. Starting out takes a bit of getting used to for a first timer, but there is such confidence in its handling you connect to the riding experience right away. It's a friendly and forgiving machine - it even kills the engine if you try to go into first gear with the kick-stand down. The CB 1100 is a benevolent bike, yet has spirit when you're ready to roll the throttle. I would recommend this to anyone serious about a decent, well-built ride and appreciates its roots.

[rboe]

The V7 is a very nice bike and one I was looking at myself; but it's just a little too small for me (I'm a tall lanky Norweigen type, need to room to stretch out on a bike).

This forum can be useful at times:
[url=http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=edc46fbf74440e113b7c93fe85993138&board=1.0]http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?PHP...&board=1.0

[DAC]

... and he's gone!

I know how he feels. I hung out on a Kawi forum thinking I was for sure going to buy a 650R - then bought a VFR.