shopping the CB1100

[jitaylor_imp]

Hi,

A local dealer (Orlando) has a new 2014 CB1100 for $8000 without dealer fees. So it would be 9100.

I have to go 270 miles round trip about twice / month, and if I am running late I use the interstate and often go 85-95. I use a CTX700 for those trips. The CTX is a nice bit of kit, great engineering for a good price. The thing is, I just cannot handle the cruiser position. I have to be able to use my legs for "suspension". I sat on the CB1100 and went "vroom vroom" and I really like everything about it. What I wonder is, will I get too beat up without fairing ? When I was a kid all bikes were naked bikes, but I did not go that fast either. Is the CB1100 appropriate for the kind of trips I describe ?

I know many of you have commented in other threads but I did not wish to derail any threads on other topics.

[Randy B]

I rode without any windscreen commuting 115 miles a day on the freeway at speeds up to 80 mph and I can tell you I was worn out when I got home an night from hanging on. I now have a Road Comet I faring and even though it's not all that big, it makes a big difference and the fatigue factor just isn't there any more. I can ride at speed now and not feel like I'm hanging on for dear life.

[DAC]

I have had a similar experience and recommend a small fairing. I use the Dart Manta which has helped a ton. Runs about $175 shipped. The road comet looks sweet but costs a bit more.

[silverbub_imp]

Perhaps my opinion is not totally pertinent here... as I do not have a CB1100...but I think that the facts that you will be regularly going 270miles(135 one way) on Interstate(s) at 85-95 mph... and considering about $9100 for your outlay... you would be better off looking for a clean & fairly new used sport-touring ST1300 type bike... Yamaha or Kawasaki Concours, such... you will have good reserve power for those speeds & will have much better fairing protection...& not get "beat-up" out there on Interstates... If I were doing the trip(s) as you describe... that would be my personal choice... If you were off Interstates... on secondary roads... going 65-70mph...with some rest breaks to avert rider fatigue from "naked bike wind blast"... then for fun the CB1100 type bike would appeal (to me)...& like you... the cruiser rider triangle has no appeal to me, either!

[LongRanger_imp]

^ Agree!

[EGAlvarez_imp]

^Agree with these guys...As much as I like my CB, for that kind of fast, long distance riding, I'd look for a used R1200RT, R1200GS, K1200RS, K1300GT, ST1300, or a Concours with plenty of power, shaft drive, weather protection, places to carry extra clothes, shoes, beer, etc all in supreme and total comfort.

Or buy the CB, toss a tailpack on the back, buy a gigantic, PlexiStar 2 windsheild that can also be easily and quickly removed and have fun!

Like this:



Or just leave eariler and take back roads!

[redbirds_imp]

The CB cruises easily at 85 on the interstate, smooth and solid. There is more than enough reserve power for any situation. I am comfortable at speeds up to 70 without a screen but have a Puig+ for times when I may be traveling on interstates at higher speeds. I had an ST 1300 years back and I can honestly say that except for it's exceptional air management and storage, I'm actually more comfortable on the CB. The ST also weighed nearly 200lbs more than the CB, with a higher COG, making it a handful to move around in parking areas.

[the Ferret]

He's only talking 135 miles out and back twice a month. You don't need an ST, a Concours or a BMW RT for that. The CB will handle it just fine and unless he live in Utah with it's 80 mph speed limit ( he doesn't I checked he lives in Fla with a 70 mph speed limit) it's unlikely he's getting close to 95 mph on any kind of regular basis. That would be considered reckless op (over 20 over) in most states and would get you arrested and towed in Ohio where I live.

At any rate some kind of deflector or road comet or plexistar would be more than adequate I would think, to break up most of the wind pressure of higher speed riding.

He's doing it now on a 670cc Twin. I couldn't find a HP rating on the bike but I would be surprised if it was over 55 hp

[flynrider]

A small screen is a good idea if you're going to spend much time above 75 mph. Just something large enough to keep the wind blast off your chest, so your torso isn't trying to impersonate a drag chute.

That said, I find the CB11 steady as a rock at higher cruising speeds. It doesn't really breath hard in the 80s or 90s and with a twist of the wrist it'll bounce off the speed limiter at 112 in a few blinks of an eye.

[4 Paws_imp]

Enjoy my CB but it would not be my first choice for extended regular highway cruising. Good little all round bike but you honestly should check out some other bikes too. BMW expensive and not really owner friendly to maintain based on my experience anyway.
Several Japanese sport tourers around, might lack the water cooler bragging rights of a German bike but are excellent bikes.
CB just doesn't sound like the right tool for the job you describe. Sacrilegious to say on a C B forum.