Buying a used CB1100?

[ramesesthe2nd_imp]

Hi,

I am a long time lurker and a first time poster. I had Triumph Scrambler in 2013 and now I have an urge to own a classic bike again. I think Honda CB1100 is a better bike than Triumph Scrambler/Bonneville line at its current discounted price at most dealers, but I am not sure with the current state of CB1100 in the US, if I should go for one. I see a few available on Craigslist and I think I am going to buy slightly used to save money.

Hence, I need your help to help me decide:

[li]If I understand correctly, Honda has discontinued CB1100 in the US. How hard will it be to get replacement parts and accessories for this bike going forward?[/li] [li]What's a good price (range) for a used 2014 CB1100 with less than 3K miles and a full aftermarket exhaust? I see a lot of new 2014 models listed for just under $8K at dealerships.[/li] [li]Is 2014 with 6th gear noticeably better than 2013 for highway riding or should I keep an eye out for both 2013 and 2014 models?[/li] [li]Any other reliability issues or anything else I should be aware of before I pull the trigger on one?
[/li]

Thanks in advance!

 

[EGAlvarez_imp]

If I understand correctly, Honda has discontinued CB1100 in the US. How hard will it be to get replacement parts and accessories for this bike going forward?
Not at all, they sold thousands of them around the world and the internet (samurider) or eBay can get you any maintenance part or accessory you need.
What's a good price (range) for a used 2014 CB1100 with less than 3K miles and a full aftermarket exhaust? I see a lot of new 2014 models listed for just under $8K at dealerships.
$6500-$7000 depending on condition, miles, location, extras, etc...
Is 2014 with 6th gear noticeably better than 2013 for highway riding or should I keep an eye out for both 2013 and 2014 models?
I have never ridden a 5 speed but I love my 6 speed Deluxe. Most who have ridden both say it's nice but not a deal breaker.
Any other reliability issues or anything else I should be aware of before I pull the trigger on one?
No...thay are as reliable as a hammer.

 

[the Ferret]

Howdy and welcome to the forum ...

Agree with everything Eddie said and will add the caveat that there might not be a 15 model in the US (there is one in Japan) we don't know what the future holds for the bike in 2016. Honda has not given any indication one way or the other.

Any year model CB 1100 is a great motorcycle that Honda spent a lot of energy and money designing and building. Can't go wrong.

Seeing as how you are asking about a full pipe it sounds like you are a sporty rider and the stds ( any year) are more sporty than the dlx's.

Many of us have owned Bonnies ( I did- some still do in addition to their CB's) and they are wonderful motorcycles but I don't think there is a single person here that would NOT tell you the CB is a better motorcycle in every measurable way and in some ways that cannot be measured. It's faster, stops better, handles better. It's smoother, shifts better, holds more gas, has a better seat, better suspension, better fit and finish, just an all around better motorcycle.

 

[Cormanus]

Oh, and it's a great bike too.

 

[Southwend]

I traded in a Thruxton my wife ownes a Bonnieville. Great bikes, reliable, classy. My Thruxton had foot pegs moved to the middle position and higher bars. Point being it had a more neutral seating position, when I traded it for the newest CB however I went from a 45 minutes at a time rider to a drain the tank rider. So much smoother so much easier to ride distances with. This is also the first quiet motorcycle I have owned and I enjoy that part as well. Power delivery is linear and turbine like.
6th gear is worth finding IMHO

 

[ramesesthe2nd_imp]

Thanks. I am already talking to a local seller and might be a proud owner of a 2014 standard version soon. This is going to be my third bike so I am feeling a little overwhelmed (do I really need another bike?). I have a 2014 Street Triple so this bike is not going to be a significant upgrade for me in terms of hp and handling. I actually wonder if it will be different enough from my ST to keep me entertained and interested in CB or ST in the future.

What are some things I should look for when I go check out the bike in Person?

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[Lord Popgun]

Some of us here including our moderator have a CB and an ST. I love my CB and ride it all the time. My ST is what I use for road trips. You may like to do that too, but a number of members tour on the CB. Its all in what you want.

 

[the Ferret]

Popgun in this case ST means speed triple.

 

[Capo]

The CB and the Street Triple couldn't be any more different, no matter the spec sheet. Very complimentary bikes, and only you can determine which one you favor in any given day. I can say that my Tiger 800 and Speed Triple are both fantastic motorcycles, and while they do not have the retro panache or style of the CB, they perform better in almost every conceivable way. You'll have a nice combo there!

 

[4 Paws_imp]

I'd look long and hard at adding a third motorcycle that is so similar to the others in the garage.
Don't get me wrong, the Honda is an excellent bike and quite enjoyable. In our garage there are currently three bikes and looking at a suspect to become number four. All are different enough that they each give a unique riding experience.
Multiple bikes are fun, lots of good used bargains out there. Only you can decide.

 

[Lord Popgun]

Popgun in this case ST means speed triple.

Oh :blush: I thought he just had a lot of bikes..

 

[ramesesthe2nd_imp]

I'd look long and hard at adding a third motorcycle that is so similar to the others in the garage.
Don't get me wrong, the Honda is an excellent bike and quite enjoyable. In our garage there are currently three bikes and looking at a suspect to become number four. All are different enough that they each give a unique riding experience.
Multiple bikes are fun, lots of good used bargains out there. Only you can decide.

That's my main concern. I have a street legal dirt bike and Street Triple. They are very different bike and meet different needs. I was kind of thinking of CB1100 as my retro/hipster bike, but at the end it is a standard street bike, like Street Triple.

Main Differences:

1. Street Triple is roughly ~ 140 lighter than CB. Handling and acceleration of ST is going to be much better than CB.

2. CB is retro cool. ST is modern cool. They have slighly different riding positions.

3. Street Triple makes a little more hp (107 hp) than CB (89). The both of have plenty more than what I would every use on public roads.

4. CB makes a little more torque through out the range.

Will they both evoke different feelings and be different enough for me to keep both? I don't know. I know that I replaced Scrambler with STR last year in July and I really miss Scrambler. Although ST is a much better bike and I am very happy with it. I wish I had both. I am thinking of CB here as a better Scrambler (retro bike).

In short, I am actually confused and not sure what to do. I see CB on better deals (much cheaper) than Triumphs locally and I think CB is just overall a little better bike (quality and power). Personlly, I like the look of CB and Triumphs equally.

 

[Capo]

I'd look long and hard at adding a third motorcycle that is so similar to the others in the garage.
Don't get me wrong, the Honda is an excellent bike and quite enjoyable. In our garage there are currently three bikes and looking at a suspect to become number four. All are different enough that they each give a unique riding experience.
Multiple bikes are fun, lots of good used bargains out there. Only you can decide.

That's my main concern. I have a street legal dirt bike and Street Triple. They are very different bike and meet different needs. I was kind of thinking of CB1100 as my retro/hipster bike, but at the end it is a standard street bike, like Street Triple.

Main Differences:

1. Street Triple is roughly ~ 140 lighter than CB. Handling and acceleration of ST is going to be much better than CB.

2. CB is retro cool. ST is modern cool. They have slighly different riding positions.

3. Street Triple makes a little more hp (107 hp) than CB (89). The both of have plenty more than what I would every use on public roads.

4. CB makes a little more torque through out the range.

Will they both evoke different feelings and be different enough for me to keep both? I don't know. I know that I replaced Scrambler with STR last year in July and I really miss Scrambler. Although ST is a much better bike and I am very happy with it. I wish I had both. I am thinking of CB here as a better Scrambler (retro bike).

In short, I am actually confused and not sure what to do. I see CB on better deals (much cheaper) than Triumphs locally and I think CB is just overall a little better bike (quality and power). Personlly, I like the look of CB and Triumphs equally.

The CB is a 'better' bike than the Scrambler in almost every way. But that doesn't mean you will like it better. I still own a Bonnie and depending on how the spirits move me, prefer riding it to the CB on some occasions. I like Triumphs more than Hondas in general, but that's just my preference. And feeling does count. All in all, The CB1100 will fill the retro bug for you quite nicely. It's a great motorcycle.

 

[Topstroke_imp]

I have two bikes, both different, a BMW touring bike for longer rides or trips, and the CB for shorter local rides. Both are great bikes. You can't go
wrong on a Honda. Topstroke

 

[ramesesthe2nd_imp]

I just saw another thread of someone buying a brand new 2014 for $6,995. I found a local one with a little over thousand miles with full Yoshimura exhaust and power commander for about the same price? Is that a good deal or should I just go for new one? Having a warranty on new one is nice, but I doubt anything will happen to a honda in just 1000 miles.

 

[kennyw]

You can buy a Honda factory warranty for $700 that is good for 2 years, unlimited miles on the used bike. Also, that $6995 price was because of some special deals from Honda that expired already.

 

[Scepisle_imp]

CB1100 is probably one of the most reliable bikes out there.. bulletproof.. and under $8k an amazing bargain..