furious_blue_imp
Been there
Every prospective buyer should watch Honda's CB1100 'power of dreams' promo video. If the day's ride in that video holds no appeal, then you probably won't be in love with the bike.
Anyone feel underwhelmed?
- Thread starter mrhonda1987_imp
- Start date
Flynbulldog_imp
Running like a top
I don't care what sportbike experience a person has there is nothing that can prepare you for the 1098Rthumper_imp said:flynbulldog--My best friend also had a 1098R. I've got a CBR1000RR and a VFR1200F, so I know about power.
But, in referring to his 1098R, I used to call the throttle the "Front Wheel Lifting Device."
It is simply mind-boggling, there's nothing else like it.
Yes exactly as I said, a noob with very little or no experience will love the CB11,darmahman_imp said:
I'm guessing your nephew's experience on mild bonnie would lead him to be surprised by the CB.
it's those guys with a few bikes and a few years under their belts that are starting to taste performance that won't fall in love with the CB. it wont be enough.
Those of us who've spent years on high performance bikes can relax and enjoy what the CB delivers. We don't need or want this bike to be another racer.
Hey I know I'm being a bit narrow and we all have different needs and desires. The bottom line is to be in love with it or to move on to something that does it for you. No bike will satisfy everybody.
If you're 26 this is not the bike for you. I'm 56 and it's the perfect bike for me. Honda got the handling and feel right on. Of course if I need some speed I will fire up my FZ8. The CB1100 is a bike that could be compared to a designer tube guitar amp; younger players used to digital amp modeling just won't get the old-style amps. In 30 years you will definitely get the CB1100 but not right now. So your instincts are right on the money. I started riding on the street when I was 26 and my first street bike was a V45 Interceptor. I could not be bothered with the old air-cooled junk. Things are different now.
12cb96vfr_imp
Running like a top
Very true, I loved that video!!! And I didn't see it till after I got the CB!furious_blue_imp said:
I guess was a little late to the riding game, I never even sat on a bike till I was 28 years old. I bought a honda shadow to learn on and I loved it. Put 20k miles on it in a year but wanted something bigger, faster, stronger.
I got a Yamaha Warrior and rode the wheels off of that thing, then my buddy got a sportbike - suddenly the Warrior wasn't enough. Added a Z1000 and rode the wheels off of that thing!
Then came the inevitable - I was cruising along on the Z and CRASH. Hit a very slick wet spot on a dark curve and the front tire washed out - a freak thing. I immediately replaced it with a VFR.
I started to think about what I really LOVED about riding. I was never going to be the fastest, the more I tinkered with go-fast parts the less I was riding. Then stuff breaks, then the bike is down for repair - and the cycle repeats itself.
I bought the CB because I realized what I really love is RIDING! being out there, taking it all in, enjoying the experience of it all. I don't care about 0-60 times, HP numbers or drag strip times, or carving the best corner (and going all out on public roads like i did on the Z was BEGGING for trouble). I just want to ride.....
I like working on my bike and the best way to describe the 1100 is simple. Cheap and easy to maintain, reliable, and simple. A beautiful combination!
Damn I sound old hahahaha!
oldyaler_imp
Running like a top
12cb96vfr_imp said:
I bought the CB because I realized what I really love is RIDING! being out there, taking it all in, enjoying the experience of it all. I don't care about 0-60 times, HP numbers or drag strip times, or carving the best corner (and going all out on public roads like i did on the Z was BEGGING for trouble). I just want to ride..... This is precisely what the CB1100 is all about. You have learned well grasshopper
. Now, go forth and ACCESSORIZE!ApathyCurve_imp
First service completed
The CB1100 is an "old" muscle bike -- without having to deal with all the old tech. That's the entire appeal of the motorcycle: retro looks, modern tech. It's tuned for a broad powerband and ease of maintenance, not speed at any price. In that sense, it is very much in the same vein as the 2005-series Mustang GT, which I bought for exactly the same reasons: style and "just enough" speed. If I'd wanted the fastest, best-handling sports car, I would have chosen differently.
Even though I'm only 45 and didn't own any of the 70s bikes, I can remember drooling over 750s and the CBX when I was a youngster on a minibike. The 1100 scratches an itch that I couldn't satisfy as a young boy.
It's about style, not speed. If I'd wanted the latter, I'd have bought another CBR, (though neither my back nor my wife would have approved). Quite frankly, that CBR nearly killed me on three separate occasions, so I think I'm probably better off without another one. I'm delighted with my purchase and looking forward to a thriving aftermarket so I can "make it my own." If that mentality doesn't appeal to you, and the down-tuned engine is something that constantly annoys you, then you are probably right to sell it and get a different bike.
Even though I'm only 45 and didn't own any of the 70s bikes, I can remember drooling over 750s and the CBX when I was a youngster on a minibike. The 1100 scratches an itch that I couldn't satisfy as a young boy.
It's about style, not speed. If I'd wanted the latter, I'd have bought another CBR, (though neither my back nor my wife would have approved). Quite frankly, that CBR nearly killed me on three separate occasions, so I think I'm probably better off without another one. I'm delighted with my purchase and looking forward to a thriving aftermarket so I can "make it my own." If that mentality doesn't appeal to you, and the down-tuned engine is something that constantly annoys you, then you are probably right to sell it and get a different bike.
I have had mine 3 days and still, honestly, cannot shake off several automatic actions which happen every time I see it:
1. I want to check the petcock to make sure it's turned off so as not to let the carb bowls overflow in the event of a sticky needle/float.
2. My mind adds in the marks left under the ignition switch by a key fob dangling there for 40,000 miles (there are no such marks).
3. My mind adds the spotty corrosion on the engine side covers along with the odd rust spots on the forks and fenders.
4. I need to stop myself checking for any oil or fluid leaks.
I have, however, ceased to look for the enrichener lever.
1. I want to check the petcock to make sure it's turned off so as not to let the carb bowls overflow in the event of a sticky needle/float.
2. My mind adds in the marks left under the ignition switch by a key fob dangling there for 40,000 miles (there are no such marks).
3. My mind adds the spotty corrosion on the engine side covers along with the odd rust spots on the forks and fenders.
4. I need to stop myself checking for any oil or fluid leaks.
I have, however, ceased to look for the enrichener lever.
thumper_imp
Been there
Don't forget to check your bias-ply tires for cracking!!_imp said:
the Ferret
Road warrior
And the water level in your battry
Team Bob_imp
New to the forum
It's suppose to be boring. My un-boring bike is a 2007 Hayabusa. I do love my CB1100 though. I've had RD400's, GS1100's, CBR1000's. The CB1100 is my cruiser bike.mrhonda1987_imp said:
mrhonda1987_imp
First service completed
Thread starter
Crikey, I feel like I'm being vilified here. Don't get me wrong, the CB1100 is a fantastic bike; smooth, powerful and very well put together, but its just not as smooth, powerful and it's just as well put together as my 919. I don't need to go 100+ all the time, and I rarely do (only if there's a girl with me, tbh), but its nice to know its there. Granted, I'm not in my 60s and I didn't pine for a Triumph 650 until the CB750 came out, then the Z1 as I skated around on my Doodlebug scooter. They're great. They have character because of the era and what they were. Speaking only for myself, I'm on the fence. I can ride it one time and think its the most boring thing, then the next day, think its positively brilliant. My expectations failed me. Simple as that.
I'm genuinely in a pickle. With a comfy seat, crash bars and highway pegs, I could very easily live with it. But that's what? $600 for a seat, $150 for crash bar and I'd have to get a pipe, so $600 for the Moriwaki. That's $1350 in just farkles to make it liveable for me. For that, I could trade it in for a Shadow or something, get the seat, pipes, bags and windshield and have... a boring V-twin. Damn it all. They need to do a modern day Kawi Eliminator. If I could weld... boy howdy. Wrecked 919 engine in the frame of a shadow or something... comfy and it'd go like a stabbed rat. That'd be ideal. Anyway, I'll have to think on it.
I'm genuinely in a pickle. With a comfy seat, crash bars and highway pegs, I could very easily live with it. But that's what? $600 for a seat, $150 for crash bar and I'd have to get a pipe, so $600 for the Moriwaki. That's $1350 in just farkles to make it liveable for me. For that, I could trade it in for a Shadow or something, get the seat, pipes, bags and windshield and have... a boring V-twin. Damn it all. They need to do a modern day Kawi Eliminator. If I could weld... boy howdy. Wrecked 919 engine in the frame of a shadow or something... comfy and it'd go like a stabbed rat. That'd be ideal. Anyway, I'll have to think on it.
Well, it's probably hard to obtain a totally unbiased answer from everyone here as this forum is dedicated to the CB1100. 
In all honesty, I do hope you figure out what works best for you. Aside from the underseat exhaust, I really do like the 919 quite a bit, much better than the newer CB1000R.
In all honesty, I do hope you figure out what works best for you. Aside from the underseat exhaust, I really do like the 919 quite a bit, much better than the newer CB1000R.
ChipBeck_imp
Road warrior
MrHonda,mrhonda1987_imp said:
Heck no. You started one of the best and most read threads on this forum. Old dogs like me could sound off and give our opinions and you sparked a lot of discussion. Most of us wish we were your age and had your eyesight and reaction time too. Remembering when the first CB750 hit the showroom is ok but I'd rather be 26. Keep sounding off bro.
Chip
Lunatic Fringe_imp
First service completed
mrhonda1987_imp said:
Man if you wanted cutting edge power and handling I'm surprised you didn't pop for a left over Suzuki bking. Back in 2011 they were selling for 7999 new leftover with full warranty. Deal of the decade in my opinion. As usual folks that clamored for a full powered naked bike got stage fright when the bike actually was produced. Want modern power and performance catch a ride on one make some memories.
the Ferret
Road warrior
Just ride it every other day..... On the brilliant ones lol
seriously you are not being vilified. The bike is being supported and justified. Most of us read a few early reports and researched a bit before buying and knew it wasn't a naked power house...and that's exactly what we wanted, something to just cruise around on. It's a perfectly capable motorcycle. I'm leaving next Monday on a 1500-2000 mile trip on mine knowing full well its not a Goldwing, not going to provide the wind protection, the storage, or comfort of a Honda ST, but I knew that when I bought it. I knew it wasn't going to be as fast as a CBR1000, or have the wail of a Triumph triple, or have the off road prowess of a GS BMW.
They make Wings and STs and GS Beemers, and CBR1000s and Speed Triples already and if thats what one is seeking, then that is what one should buy. Most people that buy one of these know that going in and therefore are not surprised when it's not. This bike is actually better than many of us thought it would be.
seriously you are not being vilified. The bike is being supported and justified. Most of us read a few early reports and researched a bit before buying and knew it wasn't a naked power house...and that's exactly what we wanted, something to just cruise around on. It's a perfectly capable motorcycle. I'm leaving next Monday on a 1500-2000 mile trip on mine knowing full well its not a Goldwing, not going to provide the wind protection, the storage, or comfort of a Honda ST, but I knew that when I bought it. I knew it wasn't going to be as fast as a CBR1000, or have the wail of a Triumph triple, or have the off road prowess of a GS BMW.
They make Wings and STs and GS Beemers, and CBR1000s and Speed Triples already and if thats what one is seeking, then that is what one should buy. Most people that buy one of these know that going in and therefore are not surprised when it's not. This bike is actually better than many of us thought it would be.
Flynbulldog_imp
Running like a top
actually MrHonda, you sound a bit confused to me. The CB is neither a sport bike nor a cruiser with crash bars and highway pegs.
personally I don't find those accessories appropriate for this bike and I never liked them on all the old bikes either.
I find the CB11 to be a sporty standard with plenty of pep for what it is and not something I would turn into a couch potato bike.
It certainly has more power and performance than any of the bikes it is supposed to represent as a retro.
That fact alone makes it a win, never-mind the reliability and build quality that far exceeds the old bikes.
I'm not sure what you are looking for but I don't think the CB is it. Maybe an older shadow is your calling?
But since cruisers are basically all copies of Harleys I doubt you'll find an I4 version of one.
Like ferret, I find the CB1100 much better than I expected. I am very happily impressed by it.
I know how you feel, I've bought a few bikes that turned out wrong for me. The best thing to do is to sell it and find something that suits you better.
I had a Ducati Panigale for 4 days!
personally I don't find those accessories appropriate for this bike and I never liked them on all the old bikes either.
I find the CB11 to be a sporty standard with plenty of pep for what it is and not something I would turn into a couch potato bike.
It certainly has more power and performance than any of the bikes it is supposed to represent as a retro.
That fact alone makes it a win, never-mind the reliability and build quality that far exceeds the old bikes.
I'm not sure what you are looking for but I don't think the CB is it. Maybe an older shadow is your calling?
But since cruisers are basically all copies of Harleys I doubt you'll find an I4 version of one.
Like ferret, I find the CB1100 much better than I expected. I am very happily impressed by it.
I know how you feel, I've bought a few bikes that turned out wrong for me. The best thing to do is to sell it and find something that suits you better.
I had a Ducati Panigale for 4 days!
MrHonda,ChipBeck_imp said:
Heck no. You started one of the best and most read threads on this forum. Old dogs like me could sound off and give our opinions and you sparked a lot of discussion. Most of us wish we were your age and had your eyesight and reaction time too. Remembering when the first CB750 hit the showroom is ok but I'd rather be 26.
Chip Not me. I wouldn't be 26 again if I could. It's great to be able to look back over 30 years of riding. I know the youngsters will just reject everything I suggest and will go out and do whatever the hell they want. One thing about doing it three decades is you know a lot, that is if you actually rode a lot. I hated guys that were my current age (56) when I first started riding at 26. They thought they knew everything and most of them didn't mind telling me so. I thought of them as a bunch of smug know-it-alls. That's because they had what I wanted; they had made it through most of a lifetime of riding. Now I have that and the youngsters mostly hate me for it. This dude should just sell the bike to some old retread who will appreciate it and save his money. Someday he will "get it".
