New Owner of a 2017 CB1100 EX

[Kalamari_imp]

Hello all

This past Saturday I traded my Kawasaki 2018 Z900RS for a NEW 2017 Honda CB1100 EX. This was the Bike I wanted in 2018 and no dealers in the Chicagoland area would deal from MSRP. Needless to say, I was able to bring the price downa fair amount and received a decent value on my trade.

These bikes are pretty far apart in character and nature - but love them both. I will miss the "getaway" ability of the Z900 RS for sure - But wont miss the tall seat height and fuel delivery quirks (excessive engine breaking and snatchy throttle)

The CB is much more well behaved and will certainly not be teasing me to race off every stop (which is a good thing)

I really love the bike - but am thinking about buying another gas tank as I am not a big "red" guy. I was thinking black or dark grey metallic, maybe towards the end of the year. Anyone with any experience on swapping out tanks would be great to hear from or point to information I may need...

Thanks for your reading
Kurt

Thanks for your time

[peterbaron]

Kurt, nice to hear your short opinion about K-Z900RS, and hello to your CB1100 with congrats

2017EX gas tank, may this link help you:

https://www.samurider.com/

[Gone in 60]

Welcome! So, traded a Z900RS for a CB1100? That is telling...
The Z900RS is my "don't look at it when you go in there, you'll just want it that much more" bike. And my wife had always slapped the price tag out of my hand when I lifted it up to glance at it anyway.

This is a very good analysis comparing the characteristics of the two bikes. Thank you for that. And for the validation that many of us made the right choice.

[LongRanger_imp]

Congrats and welcome!

[Kalamari_imp]

Welcome! So, traded a Z900RS for a CB1100? That is telling...
The Z900RS is my "don't look at it when you go in there, you'll just want it that much more" bike. And my wife had always slapped the price tag out of my hand when I lifted it up to glance at it anyway.

This is a very good analysis comparing the characteristics of the two bikes. Thank you for that. And for the validation that many of us made the right choice.

After putting about 2,000 miles on the Z900RS - I just realized that the bike was too "agitated" for me to ride all the time. I was seriously contemplating re-flashing the ECU to help tame the engine breaking and destabilization issues related to fuel delivery to get the bike to pass emission standards. I didn't want to flash the ECU prior to warranty expiration though - which happened in May. I did install a throttle tamer on the bike and that did really help me in controlling acceleration, but this only masks the issues of the stock fuel mapping when rolling back (slowing) the throttle - the bike nudges the rider forward pretty well (even in 6th gear doing 60mph).

For me though, the bigger issue became the seat height. I am 5 10 with a 32 inseam. The stock seat is comfortable but had me on my tip toes trying to grab the road at stops. I ordered the shorter seat from Kawasaki.... this really helps with reach and confidence at stops - BUT absolutely no padding (think a folded t-shirt). Also, my legs would cramp after an hour and because the lower seat has more of a carve out - you couldn't easily slide your butt back and use the entire seat.

That being said... I will miss the Z900RS... it can be great fun. I just wanted a more relaxed ride... so here I am.

Thanks
Kurt

[the Ferret]

Join date Jul 2013 .. 6 years ago. Welcome back lol.

[Kalamari_imp]

Join date Jul 2013 .. 6 years ago. Welcome back lol.

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt

[baxtercat_imp]

Join date Jul 2013 .. 6 years ago. Welcome back lol.

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt Hi Kurt. Congratulations on the 2017. I too was not a Honda Red guy. I swapped out the stock fuel tank for one of the blue items they put on the European EXs models in 2018 (from Samurider), with matching OEM side panels added this spring. You have a number of color options, and the tank switch is fairly easy: unbolt, unhook fuel pump, remove tank, transfer pump and lid to new tank (with new gasket), reconnect pump and vents (kinda tight) and secure. There are threads here on how to do it, or your mechanic can make the switch in less than 30 minutes. I sold the essentially new red tank on Ebay and so the total price for the swap was only a couple hundred $$.

[Kalamari_imp]

Join date Jul 2013 .. 6 years ago. Welcome back lol.

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt Hi Kurt. Congratulations on the 2017. I too was not a Honda Red guy. I swapped out the stock fuel tank for one of the blue items they put on the European EXs models in 2018 (from Samurider), with matching OEM side panels added this spring. You have a number of color options, and the tank switch is fairly easy: unbolt, unhook fuel pump, remove tank, transfer pump and lid to new tank (with new gasket), reconnect pump and vents (kinda tight) and secure. There are threads here on how to do it, or your mechanic can make the switch in less than 30 minutes. I sold the essentially new red tank on Ebay and so the total price for the swap was only a couple hundred $$.

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt Hi Kurt. Congratulations on the 2017. I too was not a Honda Red guy. I swapped out the stock fuel tank for one of the blue items they put on the European EXs models in 2018 (from Samurider), with matching OEM side panels added this spring. You have a number of color options, and the tank switch is fairly easy: unbolt, unhook fuel pump, remove tank, transfer pump and lid to new tank (with new gasket), reconnect pump and vents (kinda tight) and secure. There are threads here on how to do it, or your mechanic can make the switch in less than 30 minutes. I sold the essentially new red tank on Ebay and so the total price for the swap was only a couple hundred $$.

Baxtercat

Thanks much! That blue looks nice! I was thinking of the Heavy grey metallic tank with the black stripe.

Anyway, from the research I have done it looks mostly straight forward. I guess the fuel pump is attached to the tank? I understand the filler cap needs to be transferred. Is there a gasket replacement for the filler cap and Pump? I also many people indicating the PITA of the job to be disconnecting the fuel line clip? I would look to do this myself for sure and certainly sell the stock tank to recoup some cost back.

I appreciate the help and advise for sure

To me the red looks better in Pictures than in person... I have always liked black, and dark grey metallic colors on bikes best.

Thanks again
Kurt

[baxtercat_imp]

Join date Jul 2013 .. 6 years ago. Welcome back lol.

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt Hi Kurt. Congratulations on the 2017. I too was not a Honda Red guy. I swapped out the stock fuel tank for one of the blue items they put on the European EXs models in 2018 (from Samurider), with matching OEM side panels added this spring. You have a number of color options, and the tank switch is fairly easy: unbolt, unhook fuel pump, remove tank, transfer pump and lid to new tank (with new gasket), reconnect pump and vents (kinda tight) and secure. There are threads here on how to do it, or your mechanic can make the switch in less than 30 minutes. I sold the essentially new red tank on Ebay and so the total price for the swap was only a couple hundred $$.

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt Hi Kurt. Congratulations on the 2017. I too was not a Honda Red guy. I swapped out the stock fuel tank for one of the blue items they put on the European EXs models in 2018 (from Samurider), with matching OEM side panels added this spring. You have a number of color options, and the tank switch is fairly easy: unbolt, unhook fuel pump, remove tank, transfer pump and lid to new tank (with new gasket), reconnect pump and vents (kinda tight) and secure. There are threads here on how to do it, or your mechanic can make the switch in less than 30 minutes. I sold the essentially new red tank on Ebay and so the total price for the swap was only a couple hundred $$.

Baxtercat

Thanks much! That blue looks nice! I was thinking of the Heavy grey metallic tank with the black stripe.

Anyway, from the research I have done it looks mostly straight forward. I guess the fuel pump is attached to the tank? I understand the filler cap needs to be transferred. Is there a gasket replacement for the filler cap and Pump? I also many people indicating the PITA of the job to be disconnecting the fuel line clip? I would look to do this myself for sure and certainly sell the stock tank to recoup some cost back.

I appreciate the help and advise for sure

To me the red looks better in Pictures than in person... I have always liked black, and dark grey metallic colors on bikes best.

Thanks again
Kurt

yep - I totally forgot I created an account long ago when researching... I had my eye on the CB1100 for a long time. I was so certain I would buy one in 2013. Test rode one and just wasn't moved enough to part with my 2000 Saber for it at the time. I later become very interested again with the 2017 release... but couldn't find a dealer that would take anything less than msrp.

For what its worth, I have a many memories of riding on the back of my dads CBs from the 70's (550 and 750)

My second bike is a 74 CB350F which I continue to maintain... painstakingly.

Thanks
Kurt Hi Kurt. Congratulations on the 2017. I too was not a Honda Red guy. I swapped out the stock fuel tank for one of the blue items they put on the European EXs models in 2018 (from Samurider), with matching OEM side panels added this spring. You have a number of color options, and the tank switch is fairly easy: unbolt, unhook fuel pump, remove tank, transfer pump and lid to new tank (with new gasket), reconnect pump and vents (kinda tight) and secure. There are threads here on how to do it, or your mechanic can make the switch in less than 30 minutes. I sold the essentially new red tank on Ebay and so the total price for the swap was only a couple hundred $$.

Baxtercat

Thanks much! That blue looks nice! I was thinking of the Heavy grey metallic tank with the black stripe.

Anyway, from the research I have done it looks mostly straight forward. I guess the fuel pump is attached to the tank? I understand the filler cap needs to be transferred. Is there a gasket replacement for the filler cap and Pump? I also many people indicating the PITA of the job to be disconnecting the fuel line clip? I would look to do this myself for sure and certainly sell the stock tank to recoup some cost back.

I appreciate the help and advise for sure

To me the red looks better in Pictures than in person... I have always liked black, and dark grey metallic colors on bikes best.

Thanks again
Kurt Yes, the black, silver and the grey metallic are all very classy. A white tank with matching covers is also pretty distinctive, in my opinion. The stock red is quite nice for a red, but I like the idea of customizing with OEM parts. Honda should have just offered us more than one color, since they had them made up anyway and they're easy enough for dealers to pop on.

the fuel lid is straightforward to remove and replace. I don't remember replacing a gasket there. the fuel pump is attached to the bottom of the tank; first you drain it, disconnect the fiddly fuel line, connectors, vent lines with the back of the tank slightly raised, remove the tank, unbolt the pump from the bottom and carefully detach it and the float. installation is the reverse, with a new gasket on the bottom (they crush, so why take chances?) if you have a service manual, it will give you the torque specs and steps, and the threads here offer the secret of the not--that-intuitive connectors. you need to be careful not to pinch the vent lines when positioning the new tank.

good luck and post pictures when you get the project done.