jitaylor_imp
Running like a top
Lately it has been hard to get the r1200 RS out of my head, rather than the r9t. The RS seems like the perfect roadster. There is the price problem, but other than that, it has been calling out to me.
CB1100 vs. Griso vs. NineT ...
- Thread starter GoldOxide_imp
- Start date
LongRanger_imp
Road warrior
Ride one before you decide. You might dislike the engine and gearbox, especially compared to the Honda.
LongRanger_imp
Road warrior
BTW, if you decide to buy a new RNineT or R1200RS, try to wait until the end of the year. BMW typically offers compelling financing terms, factory discounts, and price promotions to clear out current model overstock. When I bought my 2103 F800GT in December 2013, it was $2000 off and came with free saddlebags ($950 MSRP). It had to be ordered from the BMWNA warehouse -- my dealer didn't have any in inventory.
tinboatcapt_imp
Running like a top
I nearly pulled the trigger on a new leftover Guzzi 750 Brevia. From some of the subsequent chatter it is perhaps a stroke of luck that I didn't.
On that note. I was thinking of forums. This one, the ST Owners, currently; and the BMWMOA in the past. It seems the two Honda forum topics are heavily weighted toward riding, modifying, and fantasizing about other bikes. The BMW MOA on the other hand was a treasure trove of how to fix your BMW.
That said, I did enjoy riding my K100's. Combined mileage on the two is near 100K miles. On one bike I bought used (heavily), I gave it some TLC and rode it 70K. The second one I purchased as a total wreck with 20K miles and rebuilt it then rode it 30K miles. The BMW's were harder to ride properly, If ridden correctly they danced. They were less forgiving than the Honda's I have had. A recent test ride on a R1200RS left me smiling, but not enough to get me to trade either my CB or ST. I was put off by all the techno whiz bang. Simplicity is its own elegance.
Jim
On that note. I was thinking of forums. This one, the ST Owners, currently; and the BMWMOA in the past. It seems the two Honda forum topics are heavily weighted toward riding, modifying, and fantasizing about other bikes. The BMW MOA on the other hand was a treasure trove of how to fix your BMW.
That said, I did enjoy riding my K100's. Combined mileage on the two is near 100K miles. On one bike I bought used (heavily), I gave it some TLC and rode it 70K. The second one I purchased as a total wreck with 20K miles and rebuilt it then rode it 30K miles. The BMW's were harder to ride properly, If ridden correctly they danced. They were less forgiving than the Honda's I have had. A recent test ride on a R1200RS left me smiling, but not enough to get me to trade either my CB or ST. I was put off by all the techno whiz bang. Simplicity is its own elegance.
Jim
GoldOxide_imp
Road warrior
Thread starter
Heh, heh, keen observation regarding the various forums and the CB1100 forum.
On that note, the CB purrs nicely at -25C plus the windchill stroking through its cooling fins at 80 to 90 km/h all with standard recommended oil.
On that note, the CB purrs nicely at -25C plus the windchill stroking through its cooling fins at 80 to 90 km/h all with standard recommended oil.
jitaylor_imp
Running like a top
Interesting. I will see if I can get the local dealer to let me. LRanger, Have you already had a chance to do a ride comparison? That would be interesting to hear about.LongRanger_imp said:
LongRanger_imp
Road warrior
I've ridden neither a Griso nor a RNineT, but I have ridden a Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport 2V (predecessor engine to the Griso's 4V) and plenty of oilhead BMW's. Both had more torque than the CB, both handled better, and both were very satisfying in real-world conditions. The examples I rode had nice gearboxes and well-behaved drivetrains. "Lusty" is the adjective I'd use to describe the riding experience. My issue with Moto Guzzi is the lack of U.S. dealerships and inadequate service & support from the importer, Piaggio. My issue with BMW mostly reflects the frustrations I'm having with my current R1200RT. The CB is a more polished, more refined bike than either of these two, at least in my opinion, though I don't find it offers the same level of sporting performance. It all depends on what you're after.
ohiorider_imp
Been there
I'd say lusty spells it out!LongRanger_imp said:
GoldOxide_imp
Road warrior
Thread starter
Hard to believe Piaggio letting down their U.S. base since they rolled back Canadian support in 2010 to the U.S. Canadians had to work with Piaggio U.S.A. Jeez, sounds like Piaggio really dropped the ball.
max
Road warrior
As far as i have read piaggio group is 45% owned by zongshen and have opened a research facility in chongqing probably for small engines but possibly expanding to bigger ones in the future, Italian bikes are beautiful but the manufacturers frequently have financial issues as i found out when i was looking at an mv brutale 750 but quickly decided against it because of the background and reviews in several forums.
As nice as they are you have to have '' lucky dice " to own one, someone close to me got a new griso and not long in the game needed the valve train upgraded because of the lack of hardness etc. that was a $2300,- repair, you got's to do your homework.................
As nice as they are you have to have '' lucky dice " to own one, someone close to me got a new griso and not long in the game needed the valve train upgraded because of the lack of hardness etc. that was a $2300,- repair, you got's to do your homework.................
SportsterDoc
Road warrior
My 2016 Moto Guzzi handled very well, great low RPM torque, but the negative fueling issues out weighed all the good points. For reliability, the CB is a winner.
GoldOxide_imp
Road warrior
Thread starter
It is really sorry to hear what Piaggio is letting happen to Moto Guzzi. Forum members seem to suggest they are trending down.
SportsterDoc
Road warrior
The only Southern Nevada dealership was purchased by someone I now refuse to do business with. The previous owners were really good guys, but retired.GoldOxide_imp said:
I’ve had a 2013 and 2014 CB1100, a 2015 BMW RNineT and most recently a 2017 Moto Guzzi V7iii stone. Yes I’m not entirely sane.
Someone else in this thread said it best. The CB is more refined than all of these other bikes, but not as fast, or something like that. The brakes are better, the gearbox is better, it handles better and the fit and finish is better. It does not, however, “scratch every itch.”
I sold the Cb when I picked up my R9T because I found myself riding the bmw more. While it isn’t objectively as good as the CB, the engine was much more powerful and torquey, and that made it more fun to me. Note that I said to me....if the cb engine does it for you, then maybe you would like it more.
I elected to keep the Guzzi over the BMW because it’s a more upright position and an “easier” bike to just hop on and ride, and I’ll pick something else up for longer rides. I liked the bmw a lot, and would have kept it if I wasn’t trying to downsize my fleet and a friend offered me a good amount for it. BMW does command great resale value. The Guzzi actually reminds me more of the CB than the BMW. It’s not as fast even as the CB but the nature of the torque curve and the wonderful sound of the Guzzi V-twin breathing through twin Arrow pipes somehow makes me forget about speed in a way that I couldn’t with the CB. I always wanted a bit more juice out of the CB1100, I was eyeing that sprocket swap thread but decided I didn’t need a fleet of naked bikes.
I still really like the CB for many reasons and if at another time in my life I’m fortunate enough to own another, I would pick another up, but it is a different experience than both the BMW and Guzzi.
Someone else in this thread said it best. The CB is more refined than all of these other bikes, but not as fast, or something like that. The brakes are better, the gearbox is better, it handles better and the fit and finish is better. It does not, however, “scratch every itch.”
I sold the Cb when I picked up my R9T because I found myself riding the bmw more. While it isn’t objectively as good as the CB, the engine was much more powerful and torquey, and that made it more fun to me. Note that I said to me....if the cb engine does it for you, then maybe you would like it more.
I elected to keep the Guzzi over the BMW because it’s a more upright position and an “easier” bike to just hop on and ride, and I’ll pick something else up for longer rides. I liked the bmw a lot, and would have kept it if I wasn’t trying to downsize my fleet and a friend offered me a good amount for it. BMW does command great resale value. The Guzzi actually reminds me more of the CB than the BMW. It’s not as fast even as the CB but the nature of the torque curve and the wonderful sound of the Guzzi V-twin breathing through twin Arrow pipes somehow makes me forget about speed in a way that I couldn’t with the CB. I always wanted a bit more juice out of the CB1100, I was eyeing that sprocket swap thread but decided I didn’t need a fleet of naked bikes.
I still really like the CB for many reasons and if at another time in my life I’m fortunate enough to own another, I would pick another up, but it is a different experience than both the BMW and Guzzi.
peterbaron
Road warrior
Good report. Glad to hear you keeping the bike you like the most, as this is your personal choice 
GoldOxide_imp
Road warrior
Thread starter
Great collection of first-hand feedback Calcb. Thanks.
the Ferret
Road warrior
Different bikes speak to us in different ways and it depends on what you want to hear as to which bikes will appeal enough for you to hold onto them.
It also depends on where you live. A bike that would appeal to someone in say North Carolina, might not have the same appeal to someone in North Dakota if you get my drift.
It also depends on where you live. A bike that would appeal to someone in say North Carolina, might not have the same appeal to someone in North Dakota if you get my drift.
GoldOxide_imp
Road warrior
Thread starter
Which months were you referring to?
In Quebec they are a bit more crazy, they'll put studded tires on and just go. I suspect that is in mostly rural areas because I don't think the roads would put up with them for long.
In Quebec they are a bit more crazy, they'll put studded tires on and just go. I suspect that is in mostly rural areas because I don't think the roads would put up with them for long.
rboe
Road warrior
I own a 2012 Tenni Griso (the best looking one of the bunch - just ask me!). I got because I didn't think Honda would bring the CB to the States and she is beautiful.
Then Honda brought in the CB so I had to get one. So I have both. Thought the Griso would be surplus but it turns out they are pretty different machines.
Couple months ago I picked up a 2014 CB (no road time yet, title issues should be sorted next week), not a real fan of the black but other bits seem cool.
I prefer the Griso on road trips. Higher output alternator so she can run all the heated gear and the GPS - and the ham radio for APRS with not a whimper. The big V twin motor is like a steam locomotive and soaks up the miles like a champ. Handles the big sweepers very nicely and with Road Pilot 4's on her does fine in the tighter bits. In town she is a chore.
The CB, while OK on the open road (the 2013......) the motor is buzzier, the vibes have a higher frequency so not as user friendly as the Griso. But the clutch is lighter and the drive train is very city friendly. With stock tires or Road Pilot 3's it is super in town . Handles like a 450-550. Nice torquie motor too. Better in the tighter twistie bits.
Never rode the BMW but I've sat on one. Too small for my lanky frame. So is the Griso so I finally have her up for sale. If I replace her, it will be with a DL1000 or the Africa Twin.
The CB and Griso are really pretty different. I too had to the flat tappets replaced with rollers. About $700 out of pocket for labor. Guzzi sprung for the kit. AFter 2012 they put rollers in all their bikes. That has been, so far, my only issue with the bike. Guzzi's tend to have issues up front if they are going to have them, then remain sorted. As I type this I remember an cracked oil breather hose that leaks oil I need to address. sigh. Doing the valves is very easy - no shims. My biggest complaint - the stock seat is terrible, I"m good for about 10 minutes. The bike is really too cramped for me. Other folks find the seat just fine. AFter 6 years it's time to part ways with the Griso.
The CB will stay. Maybe even both. Not sure I can justify both though so I see the 2014 moving on too (once she is road legal again) - I'm just not in a hurry to let her go. If she was red...........
Then Honda brought in the CB so I had to get one. So I have both. Thought the Griso would be surplus but it turns out they are pretty different machines.
Couple months ago I picked up a 2014 CB (no road time yet, title issues should be sorted next week), not a real fan of the black but other bits seem cool.
I prefer the Griso on road trips. Higher output alternator so she can run all the heated gear and the GPS - and the ham radio for APRS with not a whimper. The big V twin motor is like a steam locomotive and soaks up the miles like a champ. Handles the big sweepers very nicely and with Road Pilot 4's on her does fine in the tighter bits. In town she is a chore.
The CB, while OK on the open road (the 2013......) the motor is buzzier, the vibes have a higher frequency so not as user friendly as the Griso. But the clutch is lighter and the drive train is very city friendly. With stock tires or Road Pilot 3's it is super in town . Handles like a 450-550. Nice torquie motor too. Better in the tighter twistie bits.
Never rode the BMW but I've sat on one. Too small for my lanky frame. So is the Griso so I finally have her up for sale. If I replace her, it will be with a DL1000 or the Africa Twin.
The CB and Griso are really pretty different. I too had to the flat tappets replaced with rollers. About $700 out of pocket for labor. Guzzi sprung for the kit. AFter 2012 they put rollers in all their bikes. That has been, so far, my only issue with the bike. Guzzi's tend to have issues up front if they are going to have them, then remain sorted. As I type this I remember an cracked oil breather hose that leaks oil I need to address. sigh. Doing the valves is very easy - no shims. My biggest complaint - the stock seat is terrible, I"m good for about 10 minutes. The bike is really too cramped for me. Other folks find the seat just fine. AFter 6 years it's time to part ways with the Griso.
The CB will stay. Maybe even both. Not sure I can justify both though so I see the 2014 moving on too (once she is road legal again) - I'm just not in a hurry to let her go. If she was red...........
Rboe, swap the tanks and side covers on the CBs.
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