Would the CB been more of a "success" if there had been more ABS bikes?

[RockHop_imp]

There was an [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3156&highlight=poll]ABS: Good or Bad? poll back in June that I have been thinking about for awhile. Although the sample size was pretty small, the preference was clearly in favor of ABS. I hadn't realized how rare the ABS models were until yesterday when I looked at the owner registry compilation that Cormanus generously put together.

I have been riding regularly for about 4 years with about 50K miles on 2 Triumph Tigers and the CB1100. Since I had minimal prior road bike experience, I specifically chose bikes with ABS. I was very fortunate to get my discounted 2013 CB1100 ABS in May of 2015.

The generally older age demographic of CB1100 owners, the apparent preference for ABS, and my own prejudice towards ABS makes me wonder if Honda totally misjudged the market for the CB1100 in the US by limiting the availability of ABS models.

What do you think? Would the CB1100 have been more "successful" in the US if Honda had offered mostly ABS models? (assume the same lack of marketing)

[the Ferret]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

What he said. ABS is a new development as far as even being an option. We've been buying bikes without it all along.

The CB1100 has a limited appeal. There are many other bikes for the same or less money that are completely modern, with a lot more power, handling and features. The CB1000R comes to mind, FZ8, FZ09, Versys, and so on.

The CB1100 really is a "vintage" bike, air-cooled, frequent valve inspection intervals, limited power, heavy, narrow wheels, and so on. The fantastic brakes, excellent fuel injection, light, easy handling, versatility, and relative simplicity and low cost of ownership don't reveal themselves until a few miles down the highway. It has to reach out and grab the buyer on the showroom floor and unless that buyer likes old-school styling and what seems to be old technology, they'll take a pass, and they did. I am quite happy I got mine back in 2013. It has worn very well and fares favorably when ridden back to back with some very modern stuff I have parked alongside it.

I like it because it is what it is but for the rider who needs value and features the CB1100 doesn't look like a good choice. It actually IS a good choice but does not seem that way.

[Cormanus]

Had I been able to get an ABS model in Australia—and they weren't imported at all—I would have bought one. I don't, to be honest, understand why ABS isn't mandated by government given the improvements in the technology.

That said, I'm not sure how much difference it would have made to the sales. I agree with Ulvetanna that '... it has to reach out and grab the buyer on the showroom floor ...'.

[RockHop_imp]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

As a general statement that may be true, but I wonder if it is true for the generally (see forum age poll results below) older* folks who actually buy the CB1100?

* I'm 65, so I can say older

CB1100 forum age poll
16-25 3.35%
26-35 12.94%
36-45 16.13%
46-55 29.53%
56-65 29.83%
66-75 7.46%
75+ 0.76%

[Ron in MO_imp]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

As a general statement that may be true, but I wonder if it is true for the generally (see forum age poll results below) older* folks who actually buy the CB1100?

* I'm 65, so I can say older

CB1100 forum age poll
16-25 3.35%
26-35 12.94%
36-45 16.13%
46-55 29.53%
56-65 29.83%
66-75 7.46%
75+ 0.76%

I wonder how much riding experience goes with the age percentages? Like Mr. Ferret mentioned, those of us with decades of riding under our belts don't put as big an emphasis on ABS. It's that attitude that we haven't had it before, so why pay for it now. Not to mention the added complexity.

Also like the others have brought up, the msrp of the CB1100 puts it with some strong competition. Even in its own company. Getting the price down under $8k has made it popular now! That and the great reputation we as riders have broadcasted to the biking community.

Too many good motorcycles. Too little time! And money!!!

[the Ferret]

Well I am 66 (63 when I bought my 2013) and ABS was never a priority for me and bought my 2013 sans ABS. Of course when I traded it in on the 2014 it came with ABS no choice. I do think ABS is a good idea, especially for someone like myself that rides regardless of weather since I ride on wet or snowy roads. In 2 years and 24,000 miles I have not activated the ABS even though I have had several real life panic stops. Luckily none have been on slick surfaces. I can only hope I never have to activate the ABS, but that if I do it works as advertised.

If I get an opportunity to buy another bike in my life, if ABS is an option I would probably get it, if it comes standard, I know I will lol

[Bighonda14_imp]

I'm 54, and the 4 bikes I owned prior to this, 3 Hondas and a Triumph, all had ABS. Obtaining a CB1100 with ABS sealed the deal for me and gives me a much higher level of confidence on the bike. I'm a Consumer Reports kind of guy, read their reviews and appreciate their recommendations on safety tech concerning cars. Have also considered a number of BMW motorcycles over the years, where ABS is much more the norm. Hard for me to know what has influenced others in their purchase decisions. For me ABS was a huge factor.

[LongRanger_imp]

I've been riding BMW's almost exclusively since 1996. They've all had ABS. The lack of ABS on my DLX wouldn't have been a show-stopper (sorry for the bad pun) -- I would have bought the bike regardless, ABS or not. I'm glad it has it.

[use2b_imp]

The ABS is what sealed the deal for me. had it on my BMW R1200R and loved it.
63yo