CB1100 collision - was it you?

[tommymck]

Never like to see this. It sort of brings something to my mind. I'm daily driving my CB to work every other day, rotating with the Bonneville. As CB1100s become more scarce, and parts dry up, I'm wondering if I'm taking a risk using it as my daily ride. I'd never sell it, but when prices of used bikes stop being ridiculous, I'm thinking of picking up something more utilitarian like a CB500x or NC700x and keeping the CB as an occasional pleasure ride.

Do we really expect parts to dry up? I had a 1998 BMWR1200C up until a couple of years ago and parts weren't (and still aren't) a problem years after production stopped. I'd be surprised if Honda stopped supporting the bike.....

[tod.branko_imp]

Never like to see this. It sort of brings something to my mind. I'm daily driving my CB to work every other day, rotating with the Bonneville. As CB1100s become more scarce, and parts dry up, I'm wondering if I'm taking a risk using it as my daily ride. I'd never sell it, but when prices of used bikes stop being ridiculous, I'm thinking of picking up something more utilitarian like a CB500x or NC700x and keeping the CB as an occasional pleasure ride.

Do we really expect parts to dry up? I had a 1998 BMWR1200C up until a couple of years ago and parts weren't (and still aren't) a problem years after production stopped. I'd be surprised if Honda stopped supporting the bike.....

Do we really expect parts to dry up? I had a 1998 BMWR1200C up until a couple of years ago and parts weren't (and still aren't) a problem years after production stopped. I'd be surprised if Honda stopped supporting the bike..... I don't think that Honda would necessarily stop manufacturing parts but in reality parts for the CB 1100 are not always easy to get even now. It usually involves shopping around and some waiting, and that's never a good thing with a motorcycle that one uses as a daily commuter because in case of an unexpected failure your horse my end up out if commission for weeks in end.
I am also a person currently considering a second bike as a daily commuter, and because my commute is quite long I have been giving the nc750x serious thought. I even found a decent used one with relatively low mileage just a few days ago, but then I am very attracted to the baby RS, because it's super cheap, very frugal and one doesn't really require much more as a daily mule.
And since I realize that most of you are from the first world, my guess is that you have no clue what a baby RS is.
When CD200 Roadmaster was discontinued there was gap in the indian market as it was one of the favorite bikes, and other manufacturers in the likes of Benelli and Royal Enfield of course we're quick enough to offer a small displacement classically styled motorcycle, so Honda came out with CB350 H'ness (aka highness) and followed with a CB350 RS just recently. The bike is a 348cc air-cooled single that makes around 21hp and 30Nm, mated to a very (veeeery) long geared 5 speed gearbox. It's full LED, has combined ABS ,traction control, Bluetooth connectivity, and costs brand new on the road a smidge under 3000$ (USD). It will do more than a 100mpg (and with a 3.5 gallon tank you do the math on the range) and cruise at 80mph without a bother in the world. Another curiosity is that it comes with a 19" front wheel. The rear is 18" on the H'ness and 17" on the RS. RS having fatter tires all around, which allegedly compromises agility, but with a kerb weight of 180kg I don't think it will ever be an issue.
You can see pictures down below. I think this is a great daily workhorse.
All you have to decided is whether you like the classic lines cushy seat and chrome fenders of the H'ness or you prefer the sporty look of the RS.

I also thought it would be a great motorcycle that my wife would find non-intimidating and perhaps maybe even go back to learning her basics

**In pic: CB350 H'ness; CB350 RS; CB350 RS available color schemes.

'14 CB1100 STD 5 speed

[Tev62]

I don't like riding in large groups either, maybe four max on a longer journey but that is about it. The exception is the ROSPA (Motorcycle Safety Group) that I ride with once a month. We use the back marker system for a typical 200-300km rideout and 20-30 riders will often be stretched out over a km or two to avoid this very thing.

[tommymck]

Hi Tod... Makes total sense, And no, I had never heard of the h'ness ! Very cool

[Gone in 60]

No fair, Todd, we can’t get the H’ness here in the U.S. I think it’s really cool and I know my wife would love it. I’d need a bike that can cruise above 70mph easily, so thinking a bit bigger.

And I’ve never engaged in a group ride. I don’t see it being very enjoyable from many aspects. But then again, I don’t get along with most people in general.

[Houtman_imp]

No fair, Todd, we can’t get the H’ness here in the U.S. I think it’s really cool and I know my wife would love it. I’d need a bike that can cruise above 70mph easily, so thinking a bit bigger.

And I’ve never engaged in a group ride. I don’t see it being very enjoyable from many aspects. But then again, I don’t get along with most people in general.

Is it me or is it them ? THAT is the question !

[Cormanus]

The answer to THAT question is obvious. Surely?

[tod.branko_imp]

No fair, Todd, we can’t get the H’ness here in the U.S. I think it’s really cool and I know my wife would love it. I’d need a bike that can cruise above 70mph easily, so thinking a bit bigger.

And I’ve never engaged in a group ride. I don’t see it being very enjoyable from many aspects. But then again, I don’t get along with most people in general.

Someone said that a 500cc version is in the works, apparently Honda left clues on the bike itself by creating attachments for a radiator/oil-cooler etc. But let's wait and see.
_______________________________________________

As for the group rides, I have nothing against them, accidents happen solo or in a group because that's what they are - accidents. I often ride with a bunch of people and it's much safer in that setup to ride in formation with clear rules of engagement, a road captain, a sweep, marshalls if necessary. When everyone rides how they please things get unpredictable and accidents are more likely. I'm a decent RC and I take my time to do a thorough briefing and make sure everyone understands what to do and not to do when in formation, and when someone gets a bit too fly, we are all quick and efficient in putting them in their place.

It's always better to ride with a group of people we know, rather than the ones we don't know, it takes a lot of unknowns out of the equation. But it is often that someone new would come along.
Covid imposed 6 people max rule on us, so I have to say it got much easier as I always ride with 6 people I know they know what they are doing. But just a short two years ago 20+ people were a regular weekend ride.

Does it all exclude a possibility of an accident? Definitely not, but it in my experience it reduces the risk of one.

'14 CB1100 STD 5 speed

[michael1954]

About 5 years ago maybe a little more I implemented a new rule for myself. I never ride in large groups. EVER. I have several first hand accounts of this kind of thing happening, up to and including death of a rider. I only ride with folks whose skill set as a motorcyclist is known to me.

I agree. I have seen a rider T-bone another bike because the guy did not see we were all going left, signals on and all, and he just crashed right into the lead bike. If you do ride with friends, make sure you do not daydream and know where you are going. I ride alone most of the time.

[satchit]

Another one...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqkjVN98bBM

2 spills ... for such a rare motorcycle..

Be safe everyone.