First Week Impressions: 14 DLX

[evanworld_imp]

First, it's a thrill to have this bike and after a week in riding through various conditions - urban, rural, dense traffic and open road - I can agree with the positive reviews which led me to take a chance on the DLX. I'm a long-time scooterist and Vespa GTS 300 convert so you can understand that going from a twist n go to the CB1100 caused me a fair amount of angst. That fear fell away 5 minutes after I hit the road. It's just a solid ride - not flashy as most folks confirm - but extremely confident and straight-forward. As I have bonded with the bike this week I rolled the throttle to test its power - and the power is there with bells on. Even cruising in 6th @ 45 mph I feel good knowing it could rocket to 65 without losing an ounce of composure. It's extremely nimble, showing much more ease, balance and composure around curves than my scoot.

More soon +

 

[PowderToastMan_imp]

Excellent, I'm glad you're enjoying it and welcome to the gang!

I was a little unsure how it was going to go at first too, because my last ride (also a Honda) was half the engine displacement and 30 years old.
I took a little spin down the street and back at the dealership before having them haul it to me, and those first few minutes alleviated any concerns I might have had

 

[the Ferret]

Glad you are enjoying it Evan. Just a great motorcycle. I save 6 th for over 60 mph, but you don't have to, the bike has enough torque to pull 60 down to 30 I suppose.
Gear indicator is sweet isn't it?

 

[CB4ME_imp]

Evan - nice review! You'll quickly discover the bike only gets better.

 

[evanworld_imp]

Glad you are enjoying it Evan. Just a great motorcycle. I save 6 th for over 60 mph, but you don't have to, the bike has enough torque to pull 60 down to 30 I suppose.
Gear indicator is sweet isn't it?

I expected to reserve 6 for 60+ as well Ferret yet cruising along Bainbridge Island in a 45 zone it seems happy there. I have limited highway time yet very happy to have the 6th.