Took a test ride

[HikerToo_imp]

I notice a buzz when I'm thrill seeking ....that is, doing a few redline shifts in a row, there does seem to be a buzz as I do this on my way up to 8K RPM. Maybe after I get my louder Staintune, I'll have something else to concentrate on and not just the feel.

[Mike Bee_imp]

I took a 25 mile test ride today on a CB1100, I was really looking forward to getting to ride the motorcycle.
It wasn't what I was expecting, I love the way it looks, and it is a Honda which is always a good thing.
I was disappointed in the power and it was kind of buzzy, hadn't rode an inline 4 for about 35 years so I wasn't sure what to expect, but coming off a BMW R1150R it is way way different.
I still want to like the bike though!
Do you get used to the vibes when it hits about 4500 rpm and above[/b]?
does it smooth out with age?
Just curious, because I REALLY like the look of the bike.

Yes, I notice a slight buzz in the tank, grips and now the seat since I upgraded to a Corbin. Not buzzy enough to be problematic for me, but everyone's mileage varies. We all have our tolerance levels. There are cures for (tubular) handlebar buzz like filling them with lead shot (very cheap fix) or a Barsnake.

My Harley Electra Glide shakes enough to blur my vision slightly at speed, but my BMW K1600 (six-cylinders) is turbine smooth everywhere. Some reviews I've read (Rider for one) say Honda staggered the intake valve timing in order to rough up the CB1100's power delivery in a way reminicent of the old 750's. I'd have preferred they design it to be as smooth as possible but I think the CB has other more pressing shortcomings like the seat and suspension.

As far as the bike being a bit short on power (hardly!) that's a fairly easy "problem" to fix - simple bolt-on's like muffler's, air filters, and Power Commander's. Given time, the aftermarket will likely deliver the goodies we want in that department. I'm considering replacing the countershaft sprocket to drop the rpm's a little. Ha!

- The Bee

[justinrhenry_imp]

i don't notice any vibration on my cb1100. it's just such a smooth motor.

[Aussie_imp]

Around town I don't get any vibes really. Even in the hills it's not an issue. When you are cruising on the highway for a long period I do sense a bit of buzz, but maybe it's a lack of 6th gear?

[flynrider]

Vibration is relative. Before buying the CB11 I'd been riding a CB750 Nighthawk for 17 yrs. The CB11 feels quite a bit smoother overall. Possibly due to the factory installed bar-end weights.

Prior to the CB750 I rode a lot of old parallel twins (kaw, yammie, triumph). Comparatively, the I-4s are dead smooth. I-4s tend to have a higher frequency vibration, often referred to as a "buzz", but having been shaken to near death by the twins over the years, I don't even notice it.

[rboe]

My Griso, at 75-80 has more of a throb. A much lower frequency than the 1100 at speed. In town the CB is dead smooth but as it comes up to 4000rpm a buzz sets in. It's not a very high amplitude so at freeway speeds, for short runs anyway, it's not bad. I prefer the ergo's on the CB so it would be my choice for a long trip. But on the freeway I prefer the Griso's motor. sigh.
Remember back in the day vibration was such a bug-a-boo? Mostly with thumping twins, shrill two strokes and vibby twins. Then the GL1000 came out and oh man, smooth was redefined.

[mininsx_imp]

IMO the CB is buzzy. It's not a deal killer, 'cause I noticed that when I took it on a test ride. On normal rides I just short shift it so I don't get in the buzzy range, and if I want to experience all the horsies then I'm too busy to notice.

[AzBob_imp]

The 4500 rpm buzz reminds me to shift. :-)

[wildezt_imp]

Vibes ? Might be my hands are too insensitive , I don't feel no vibes at all on the big red compared to many other bikes...

[CB4ME_imp]

No issues with vibs, although they do become noticeable at higher rpms when shifting through the gears.I can't cruise long at 4500rpm in 5th gear (close to 85mph) but riding at 65-75 mph is comfortable for me.