To CB1100 or NOT

[rboe]

When younger I toured on a 125, 360 and 550. When I got back into riding I've only toured on the Quota, a 1100 adventure bike and semi's would bobble her if the cross wind was just right. But she was a tall bike with a fair amount of sail area. Lower heavier bikes with little sail area will fair better.

That said, just about any bike will bobble given the right circumstances. The Griso is low and about the same weight at the CB and it handles wind fairly well so I expect no less from the CB. The seat on the CB is vastly superior to the Griso so I plan on putting it to the test this fall when it cools down a bit.

[furious_blue_imp]

Well, I've put over 60,000 miles on a Honda 1100 Shadow (including a one month trip around the US)..
The CB will comforatbly cruise at much higher speeds than the Shadow, but because of it's low-end torque it'll also loaf around at low-rpms just as easily as the Shadow does.
The only important things that are given up between the Shadow and CB, to me, are the low-maintenance aspects of the 1100 Shadow engine..
That motor got nothing but oil, filters, a couple of changes of spark plugs. The final drive oil got changed once. Other than that it was just tires.

The CB will be higher maintenance.. For that reason I'm not ready to make the CB into my 'high mileage tourer'.. as I'd be counting down the miles to the next valve adjustment/inspection (every 8000 miles ? sheesh !), and the skinny tires probably won't last as long before needing replacement.

[banjobart_imp]

I sold my cruisers a few years ago and bought the bikes listed below. I do not miss the cruisers at all.

[Kalamari_imp]

Thanks for your replys and insight guys...

I think what I need to do... is get my CB350 running properly (braking and carburation) and see if this holds back my urge to buy a standard (CB1100).

In the meantime, I need to locate a dealer that will allow a test ride of the bike... the few I have contacted do not.

If I am still obsessing after the CB350 is fully resurrected - I will pursue the CB1100 new and/or the used market next season.

I am thinking one way or another.... this bike is eventually going to be in my garage - my guess is that riding it will seal the deal.

[furious_blue_imp]

Thanks for your replys and insight guys...

I think what I need to do... is get my CB350 running properly (braking and carburation) and see if this holds back my urge to buy a standard (CB1100).

In the meantime, I need to locate a dealer that will allow a test ride of the bike... the few I have contacted do not.

If I am still obsessing after the CB350 is fully resurrected - I will pursue the CB1100 new and/or the used market next season.

I am thinking one way or another.... this bike is eventually going to be in my garage - my guess is that riding it will seal the deal.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I think the CB350F is a jewel. Someone had a fully restored one and was asking $5999 for it (with spares).. good thing I had already gotten the CB1100, or....

As for 'cruisers' (I don't think any such word in this context existed before the '70s (?)), I read too many chopper magazines at the drug store (before 'drug' became a bad word) as a kid.. I'm brainwashed and I can't give them up :-)

[rboe]

The 350 and 1100 are completely different beasts. The first thing you'll notice, the 1100 motivates around town with nary of throttle twisting. She just goes. The 350 you have wring the snot out of it to get it to go. Some folks love doing that, not my cup-o-tea, YMMV.

Having EFI and electronic ignition the CB should be trouble free. You can get electronic ignition (I did) for the 350 but you are stuck with carbs. Not too bad to live with if you run her often to keep the jets clean.

Lastly; and this is very personal, I'm a tall guy with a very long inseam which makes the 350 a bit of a joke for me. I fit the 1100 much better (and better than I fit the Griso).

I'm a torque junkie so the 350 is a poor fit for me. Other wise it's a very cute bike and I do enjoy the shorter rides with her.

[mininsx_imp]

I traded in an '09 Vulcan 900 Custom on my 1100 and I am so much happier. As you're aware, a cruiser is compromised when it comes to suspension travel in order to get the low seat height, and as a result your butt/spine pays the price for "looking cool." I must have been in denial about this, because when I was on my way to get the eleven, that Vulcan was crashing over every bump I hit and I thought to myself, "Why have I been putting up with this?" Comparatively speaking, the 1100 is lighter, faster, quicker, handles better, rides better...I have no regrets at all.

[2013 CBXX_imp]

Wow, all good comments here. This 11 retro thing is so subjective. It is
not for everyone, but it does sound like it could be for you. If your ex-
pectations are low you will be pleasently surprised. If your looking for
a modern version of a 1983 CB1100F, which it should sounds like you
are not, you will be just fine. No big horsepower, no wind protection.

[Buffalorider_imp]

The CB1100 bug bit me bad. I had a CB750 back in the early '70s and a CB750F back in '76 so this think as literally designed with me in mind.
I had a BMW K75 and a Yamaha Road Star 1600 (that I loved) and i sold the Beemer and traded the R* for the CB.
I am thrilled with the CB and I have 20-some miles of I-81 in WV/VA to commute to work and it deals with the trucks better than the R* did. Though, to be honest, I typically take "Rt 11" instead and just enjoy the ride so much more.
I am already looking for another R* to build as I want but I do NOT regret trading for my CB. I can get two bikes past the wife but more and she starts to complain.

[cb400four_imp]

Thanks for your replys and insight guys...

I think what I need to do... is get my CB350 running properly (braking and carburation) and see if this holds back my urge to buy a standard (CB1100).

In the meantime, I need to locate a dealer that will allow a test ride of the bike... the few I have contacted do not.

If I am still obsessing after the CB350 is fully resurrected - I will pursue the CB1100 new and/or the used market next season.

I am thinking one way or another.... this bike is eventually going to be in my garage - my guess is that riding it will seal the deal.

I think many of the comments on this thread are spot on, specifically, the CB350 and CB1100 are very different bikes which complement each other rather than are substitutes for each other; they sit on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of physical size, usable torque characteristics, parts availability / dealer support, cost, etc.

I'd buy the CB1100 first and then refine the CB350; my '75 CB400F will be restored this winter while the summer is being spent riding the CB1100.