If my 599 and Sportster had a Love Child

[juliancates_imp]

Hi guys, new guy here. I don't have a CB1100, but I'm considering one, and hoped I might run a few things by you.

I currently own and ride two motorcycles, a 2006 Honda 599 and a 2008 Harley Sportster 1200 Custom. They are very different, and I like them both for what they are.

I'd really like to have ONE motorcycle in my garage that splits the difference between these two, or at least incorporates some of my favorite things about each. Could it be that the CB1100 fits the bill?

Here's what I like about each:

599:

Sporty looking
Fast. Tons of power - although at the high RPM range
Great suspension and excellent handling
Naked
Riding position is almost upright, not crouched like a crotch rocket
Great brakes

Sportster:

Lots of low end torque
Simple air-cooled engine
Low maintenance belt drive
No-maintenance hydraulic lifters
Easier than the 599 on the highway at speed
Not the best handler, but fun even at low speeds

Basically, I want a commuter, that's fun to ride at slow speed cruising, on the highway, and in the twisties . I don't expect sportbike type handling, but nimble handling is a plus. I'd like something with low end power that I don't have to rev to 13k to wring all the power out.

I'm also looking at the Honda CTX700N. I've sat on both, and appreciate the ergonomics of both. I haven't taken either out for a test drive yet. Long story, I wanted to try them at the Spring Launch event today, but couldn't. I've been riding for about a year and haven't gotten around to upgrading from "Learner's Permit" to full endorsement. Time to go do that... Anyway, I'm not sure the 700 will have the type of power I'm used to.

I know that only I can tell if it's the right bike for me. But until I get around to getting the full endorsement in the coming weeks so I can take a dang test ride, humor me will you? What do you think, will the CB1100 meet the expectations I've set out for it?

Cheers!

Julian

[rboe]

I've tried that. I now have three bikes.

The CB has lots of torque, runs smoothly, very good in the tight twisties and I'm finding out, once broke in fairly well, has some top end grunt. While I like the engine, the torquey V twins (I have the Griso) speak to a different part of my personality that the Inline Fours do not.

So my advise, and worth every cent, is have three or more bikes.

[pechorin75_imp]

I'd tend to agree with Rboe. If you can only have one bike for whatever reason, then the CB is probably a pretty good compromise (though I'd guess the riding experience is somewhat closer to the 599 than it is to the Sportster). But if circumstances allow you to have more than one bike, I think it's best to have a mix of different "personalities."

[rboe]

And welcome to the forum!

[juliancates_imp]

Thanks!

I took up riding when I finally admitted that racing cars was too expensive. I sold all of my racing stuff and wound up (after a brief stint on a "starter" bike) with the 599. It scratched many of the same itches... but just begged to be wrung out, as it was a different beast altogether in the upper RPM range. I found myself browsing leathers and trying to figure out who put on the local track days. Not exactly what I had hoped to accomplish, and not the kind of riding I really want to be doing on the street. So looking for something that would be fun when ridden at less than 9/10, I picked up the HD. I have a lot of fun riding that at a more appropriate pace, but wish it was just a bit more nimble. I do still want to enjoy the occasional twisty road. One thing I like about the Sportster is that the power is available early, and it doesn't beg to be pushed hard like the 599.

The 599 is the devil's temptress, and has to go. Absolutely love it, but I dig having a driver's license too. I don't want to be left with just the Sportster, and would gladly give it up in favor of something that was nimble, torquey, smooth, and fun. I'm pretty sure the CB fits that from what I've read here and elsewhere. Not so sure about the CTX700N, but I like the looks so I'll consider it.

This may not ultimately be my only bike, but probably will be for the near future. I have a short vehicular attention span, and if I don't rein myself in and at least TRY to limit myself, I'll end up with 10. Not that there's anything WRONG with that...

[ss2wheels_imp]

Welcome to the forum, and just like Rboe said the CB is very different than a Vtwin machine.I just bought a 14 deluxe and I love it, but I will not give up my 1100 Vstar because I really love the way a V2 feels with all that low end grunt

[MFGUSA_imp]

I've owned my '06 599 since new and traded it in on a Black '14 CB1100 about 3 weeks ago, and I also owned a Sportster, but AMF era. I just wish I had more miles on the CB right now to give you a better comparison of the two.
I tend to drive bikes hard but don't beat them and I love cornering but I'm not as fearless as I use to be. Part of the reason I chose a Retro is because the "Image" of the bike can sometimes dictate how I would drive it. You know, like wearing a bandana and chaps because I'm piloting a Harley. So maybe I'll slow down a bit with the CB.
Overall, the straight line performance is fairly equal with the 599. The higher HP seems to be offset by the increased torque in the CB but I'm in break-in mode. I doubt it would corner as well as the 599 but it seems to have potential there. the engine is as smooth as silk - bests the 599, but I'll miss that "growl" from the pipe. No 6.0 earthquake following you in the mirror either like on the Harley. I could make out car types well behind me on the CB. Very comfortable to drive and predictable so I hope over time it also doesn't become too boring.

I hope this helps in your decision Julian.

[DAC]

I kinda know where you're coming from. I have a VFR and the CB. Both great bikes in their own way. The VFR is the consummate sport tourer, but the CB is more well rounded and comfortable.

[rboe]

My Griso is my Attitude or Hooligan bike. It can be a very bad influence and at some point may have to go. The CB is much more gentlemanly.

[Cormanus]

G'day and welcome, Julian. I can't help much with your decision; but others are offering you good advice. Ultimately, I guess if you can afford more than one bike why not do it?

I've only got one of them and it's the CB1100. I replaced a Honda VT750 Shadow with it and find altogether more satisfying. I guess that's because it suits the sort of riding I want to do rather than because there was anything wrong with the Shadow.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.