CB1100 or Harley?

[Houtman_imp]

I still flirt with the girls at 68 years old !

So do I, to keep my soul young and energetic

So do I, to keep my soul young and energetic
THAT IS VERY TRUE !

 

[joega_imp]

Get the Harley Honda has no resale my local dealer doesn't even want it as a trade on new honda.

 

[misterprofessionality]

boy howdy, somebody's bitter.

 

[4 Paws_imp]

If you are concerned about resale value prior to purchasing seriously consider a Schwin.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

boy howdy, somebody's bitter.

I am not bitter. I ride a CB!

 

[clearviewx]

Big Brother is watching.

 

[dbarkdoll_imp]

Give him a break fellas, he’s a Floridian.

 

[Frulk_imp]

Decided to take a break from reading Woody Strode's autobiography and just check the forum real quick. Ended up reading all 13 pages of posts on this thread. Like any other motorcycle forum that's not related to the MoCo, mention Harley in WHATEVER fashion and the thread takes on a life of its own.

Many of our forum heavy weights have already responded so I'll just add a few general comments from personal insight/experience before I answer the OP's original question.

My opinion is that much of the bashing the MoCo receives is not directly related to the bikes they produce. HD nowadays produces some very decent, reliable bikes in the market niche they choose to exploit. I believe its more related to the over the top HD lifestyle adherents and how they interface and treat the non-MoCo owners/riders. We probably all have a story or two we can remember in regards to what a Kool Aid drinker said or maybe how they acted in regards to us or someone else's choice of machines. I know I have several. However, I don't have any such story about a Kawi, Suzuki or Yamaha rider. I do have one about a BMW rider but that's for another time.

Harley Davidsons customer service and support is second to no other bike manufacturer.

Customer service examples: On weekends they usually have 5+dozen free donuts in their in-store seating area with enough coffee to fill a residential pool and float a 21 foot bass boat.

I can't recall how many times I've been encouraged to take a bike (any bike on the showroom floor I was looking at) for a test ride.

Their staff actually receives customer service training. When I walk up to a counter, if the clerk is busy they acknowledge me immediately (even when on the phone) and tell me they will be with me shortly. This has happened at two different dealerships.

The mechanics working on customers bikes actually speak directly to the customer. I've seen this numerous times at our local dealership.

Recent support examples: My daughter called her Harley dealer about a slow leak in the rear tire of her Sportster and wanted to schedule a time to bring it in. 40 minutes later a dealer truck and trailer pulled up at my house and loaded the bike. After loading it in the trailer the tech (dressed in clean, one piece work suit) strapped it down and said to drop by the shop and it would be ready in about 3 hours. No charge for pick up.

Had a leaking front seal on my XR1200 with 15,000 miles on it. Took it in this May and they replaced them for $178.00. Noticed about 3 weeks ago a slow leak had started again. Dropped it off at the dealership on a Monday. They had to order parts and I picked it up the following Saturday morning (it was ready Thursday PM). I expected to pay for parts but not labor but it wasn't agreed upon beforehand (not sure if the warranty was 90 day or 6 months or whatever). When I went to service to get the bike I asked what I owed. Technician handed me the keys to the bike and said "nothing, we fixed it in May and that shouldn't have happened". I have several other incidences I could discuss of how friends were treated the same way.

Contrast that with my Honda Dealer:

I brought the CB in to have the tire replaced which they did. I had a new to me café seat on it I bought off Lola (who responded to this same thread earlier in the discussion). It has a black insert in the seating area with cross stitching in several rows. They must have replaced the tire in the AM and sat the bike outside during a prolonged thunderstorm and the seat was soaked internally and took several days to dry out.

They took off my limited edition gremlin bell at this tire change that a good friend gave me and couldn't find it.

The entire staff is woefully under trained in customer service skills/etiquette. I get the feeling that their opinion for being there is their cell phone and the customer is an impediment to that end. At times I feel I'm actually invisible when I'm in that building.

None of the early 20 somethings behind the counter know how to wear a baseball cap correctly (ok, so that's a petty dig but it is true).

This is all a long way to get to the OP's original question. CB1100 or Harley. I'd buy a CB1100. Comes down to being the more practical, cost effective ride for a multitude of situations including the mountain riding compared to Harleys current lineup.

As it happens the OP agreed with my recommendation even though I was late to the party.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

My perspective supports the quality of HD in terms of product build and service. No doubt. I believe HD has the best quality bill of materials in the business and the fit and finish are tops. Some other manufacturer's are a close second. My opinion thinks Moto Guzzi and some other Aprilia selections come to mind. Honda is very good, but not quite to HD standard - but definitely good enough for many. Now, when speaking about performance and operational durability, I believe the alternatives excel. Maybe sans Ducati for continued sketchy electrical/electronic issues. HD has indeed come a long way since the mid-80's federal bailout and the U.S. imposed import tariffs on competition over 700 cc. Not fair marketing, but nevertheless HD did not waste the opportunity. I believe that is good.

- - -

A general beef with HD is its membership. Too many narcissist males who think what their wallet buys and waves that through everybody's ears. Yes, you know - everybody's ears (even mothers with children and seniors trying to enjoy an evening stroll out). "Look at me! Looks what I can buy." Male HD riders - grow up! - really. Like cagers who speed to get ahead often forget that many people can speed too because their cars can - it just may take a few more seconds to get to speed. But they don't because they have nothing to demonstrate. Everybody can speed. [Almost] everybody can buy a HD but choose not too for their various reasons, including value. What am I getting and what does my soul really need without annoying everyone else? Yes, many BMW riders have some sort of snob issue, but they generally do not wave that matter in everybody's face.

I think Honda owners have no creed. They just ride 'n' enjoy. They are likely the vast majority of riders.

Yes, non-HD service generally sucks. Heck, I have even seen incompetent HD service people, so there might be some [bad] luck involved there. Nevertheless, Honda might be just arrogant enough to think service is an afterthought because their product just works decade after decade of use and abuse.

 

[jitaylor_imp]

Man, I hate to chime in here, but Im a sucker for a good discussion so here we go.. Bear in mind my father rode Indians until 53 then rode Harleys until a few years before his death when he switched to small Hondas and Yamahas. I have owned 7 Harleys, the most recent of which was a 1994, but I recently went on a trip with a friend on his 2005 ish 1200 Sportster and we traded bikes for awhile so I could get a feel for a later model harley, cause everyone always says " have you ridden a modern one?"

I think Harleys today are MUCH better than they used to be..Much better. That being said, I think Bubbler underestimates the lifestyle draw, and how many Americans are drawn to Harley ( and now Indian, and in a way Victory) just because they are " American made". I believe the vast majority of Harley's are sold on this fact, and on the fact that when you buy one you are automatically absorbed into the life style. I believe " most" motorcycles, and most Harley's in particular, are ridden very little each year. I believe most Harley's are ridden mainly to rallies and poker runs and yes.... bars. That is not to say some very dedicated motorcyclists are not long distance enthusiasts who tour and ride many miles each year on Harley Davidson's. I see them when I am out touring and they are out in some desolate places, far from home, but never far from a Harley Dealership, (which is another draw for that brand..a very large dealer network). I would never say that the motor company has pulled over anything on the buying public...what Harley has done, has cleverly taken advantage of a desire among many motorcycle enthusiasts who want a motorcycle that looks and sounds a certain way,(which is the reason metric cruisers are so popular and the biggest sellers for Japan in this country) and relies on patriotism as a tool for sales. Their goal is to move American buyers of metric cruisers to Harleys eventually. Smart business model..and it's working. But to keep them on Harleys, the product has to be decent, and today it is. Maybe not the equivalent of a comparable Japanese machine, but close enough for most individuals.

Americans like to think of themselves as individuals, loners, bad asses and Harley has absolutely played to that image. I find it amusing that the new Indian Ads try to out Harley Harley, intimating to really be an individual you cant ride a Harley like everyone else, you must ride an Indian and be one of a kind. Yet their ads show bearded, dark sun glass wearing grimacing riders, wearing 1/2 helmets, fingerless gloves, engineer boots, black Leather jackets, ie: Harleys target audience. That may be brilliant. Still there is a lot of peer pressure in the Harley fold to stay with Harley. It will be interesting to watch.

This summer after I rode my buddy's 1200 and he rode my CB, we switched back and he made the comment that the only thing the 2 bikes had in common is that they were both motorcycles, that other than ergos, the CB was superior in every way. BTW he is not your typical HD rider, he owns no HD branded gear, and wears a full face helmet and a Hi-Viz jacket, so I believe he felt free to comment freely rather than toe the motor Co line. I am always free to speak my mind so I will publicly agree that his 1200 set up with mid mount pegs had better ergos than my CB. My front brakes were much better, his rear brakes were much better, my engine and handling was much better. Both bikes performed flawlessly on our 2000 mile trip.

Harley makes a good bike, Honda makes a good bike. Each individual is free to choose the brand that suits him ( or her).

"Still there is a lot of peer pressure in the Harley fold to stay with Harley. " Man ain't that the truth. I have witnessed striking examples of that.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

Frulk, great contrast of experiences between your HD dealer and your Honda dealer. Among the car and motorcycle dealerships that I frequent, I can't say that one brand consistently offers a superior customer service experience versus another -- I think it's a dealer-specific attribute, and I direct my dollars accordingly. I'm happy to know your Harley dealer treats you with the care, attentiveness and respect you deserve. I wish all of my dealers treated their customers the same way. I believe it would enhance customer loyalty and enable a more successful business model.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

jitaylor: RE: "Still there is a lot of peer pressure in the Harley fold to stay with Harley. " Man ain't that the truth. I have witnessed striking examples of that.

- - -

Probably correct. However, lately I have not seen a HD on the asphalt from the 20th century. Where are they? Exported to Sweden? The last one I say was a '99 1200 Sportster ridden by a lady who was cursing bloody murder as the bike would not start or stay started. She recently brought it back from the shop. She swore that was it for the bike. However, time and time again, she continues to own it - never letting go.

Another co-worker with a '97 1200 Sportster had the engine rebuilt. He was going to dump the bike, but nevertheless did the shop job which turned out to be double the estimate cost. Now he kept it because he invested so much more into it.

Diehard!

 

[jitaylor_imp]

jitaylor: RE: "Still there is a lot of peer pressure in the Harley fold to stay with Harley. " Man ain't that the truth. I have witnessed striking examples of that.

- - -

Probably correct. However, lately I have not seen a HD on the asphalt from the 20th century. Where are they? Exported to Sweden? The last one I say was a '99 1200 Sportster ridden by a lady who was cursing bloody murder as the bike would not start or stay started. She recently brought it back from the shop. She swore that was it for the bike. However, time and time again, she continues to own it - never letting go.

Another co-worker with a '97 1200 Sportster had the engine rebuilt. He was going to dump the bike, but nevertheless did the shop job which turned out to be double the estimate cost. Now he kept it because he invested so much more into it.

Diehard!

I know this guy in Cocoa, who all he does is export Harleys to people overseas. He sent one to Guam. He boxes them up and ships them all over. Not new ones, used ones. Usually real nice looking ones too.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Well, there are alotta countries who love the ol' American built iron block engine cars. I suppose maybe the same goes for HDs. But, Honda is respected worldwide pretty well unconditionally.

 

[SportsterDoc]

1. Two of my bikes were Sportsters because at that time standard bikes were not easy to find.

2. I had service department issues at both Simi Harley and Ventura Harley.

3. For those bashing H-D, you should have ridden a 2002 or 2003 Sportster Sport.

4. I have a friend with 230,000 miles on his 2006 Sportster and another friend with tons of miles on his.

5. I do not care for the low or super low seat models, thus the Bonneville, V7 and CB1100 in recent history.

6. The 2014 up CANBus Sportsters are NOT electrical mod friendly.

7. When not riding solo, friends joining me are all on Harley's...no negative remarks about Moto Guzzi (other than from me) or Honda.

8. No criticism about any of those bikes when I post on the XL forum.

The Honda CB 1100 is quality built and it defends itself. The only reason to post is for prospective buyers to appreciate what we have experienced.

 

[Jonnyallover_imp]

I'm fortunate enough to have a Harley in my garage. It's my wife's and she rides it not. My youngest is a Dyna guy and talked her into it.

On occasional weekends, it's my ride of choice. It's so relaxed and there's something about the low grunt and vibes that really hits home.

Then, on weekdays, I get on my other bikes. When I do, I'm aware of how much effort the Harley requires and how very limited is it's handling. I still will go out and enjoy the ride on the HD but, no way could it compare to the handling and value of my other bikes, especially the CB.

With the 1100, I feel like I've been blessed with the the bike I've always wanted since youth but, with my limited imagination, I couldn't recognize 'till now. Every time I throw a leg over it I feel like I've arrived and motorcycling for me is complete.

-Still will ride and very much enjoy the Harley on lazy, weekend mornings . . .

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Must be labour to choose on some days.

 

[aschem_imp]

My opinion: CB1100--HD can #@!* after getting rid of Buell.

 

[jitaylor_imp]

Harley-Davidson Road Glide | Honda Gold Wing F6B | Dissimilar Metals

Having rented streetglides and owning a gold wing it would be a no brainier without even demo riding each of them. Lower seat height mid controls, shorter distance to bars on the honda = better comfort for me personally, not to mention Hp and torque difference all at the same price. Shields can all be modified to your preference. Now this would be for long overnight tours. They Harley may be fun for the weekend warrior going for breakfast and bullshitting at the gas station.

In my neighborhood there are scads of HD's, and all of them are really nice. There are a few trikes too. But they only ride them on the weekends for breakfast. Never to the store or pharmacy or anywhere else.

 

[tommymck]

First, I'm digging the fact that GoldOxide is reviving old threads. As a relative newcomer, I tend to have only seen what's happened in the last 9 months (I'm not as industrious as he is with the search feature...).

Anyway, around the mid-Atlantic at least, if you see a bike around here, it's 60% likely it's a Harley, 15% likely it's a BMW, and the rest is uniformly distributed from whomever. But the Harley riders are great. I've never had a Harley (tried several over the years....never got along with the handling.....though admittedly haven't ridden one in the last 20 years), but have been welcome in any setting where it's almost exclusively Harley. And you see them wearing full face helmets and other protective gear for the most part (well, maybe not high-viz, but...) Pretty much the only negative that I can say about Harley riders around here (and this is just a generalization based on my personal experience) is that they seem much more likely to drink rather heavily and hop on and ride away than...say....BMW riders. I'm no teetotaler, but the idea of pounding down the beers and hoping on a bike scares the bejeebees out of me. That may be more of an age thing than a Harley thing though. Harley riders tend to be a bit older.