Getting older and buying a new CB1100

[Beemer Guy_imp]

Last year I started this thread which stiffened my resolve to buy the CB. I made a deal for a leftover 2013 locally, and then I got cold feet. I don't remember why, exactly, but I decided not to do it. That was September, I think.

I noticed in a recent poll here that the typical forum member is, um, of a senior persuasion. I just turned 55.

I've been riding bikes since I was 19 (CB350) and then a CB400 and I sold it to buy my first house and then a break of several years followed by a Kawasaki and then I got into Beemers. I quit riding a couple of years ago, largely because of tendonitis but also because I was just nervous a lot, riding in town with the morons on their phones or out in the boonies with Bambi just waiting to rush out and kill me. I hit her once (but stayed up). After that event, I bought a Porsche 911. But that's a different story.

I'm starting to feel my age now, my knees hurt, my stamina is down, every year that goes by it seems that I have more trouble getting a good night's sleep and don't even ask about my bowels. I'm not here to complain or to get sympathy, I'm just sayin' that I'm getting older and my mortality is more evident to me. I see my father-in-law, angry at the world because his body is failing (86) as is his memory and he knows that he doesn't have much longer here, and he certainly is not enjoying himself most of the time. Debbie downer.

So I thought, why not get the motorcycle? The CB1100 appeals to me because of its retro looks, the riding position, and it's not very expensive. And it's no heavier than the BMWs that I rode, but appears to be a bit smaller and easier to tuck into the side of the garage.

I don't have to ride it every weekend, right? I don't even need to ride it once a month, if I don't feel like it. I can roll it out and ride it around the block long enough to warm up the oil and have an excuse to wash it, right? I don't have to do the Easy Rider journey across the southwest, or the Iron Butt rally to prove that I'm not a poseur. Those days are behind me, and there's nothing wrong with putt-putting down the street at 35 MPH like a geezer with my left turn signal blinking the whole time.

Thoughts?

 

[ss2wheels_imp]

I can relate to all of that, trailer that thing to Myrtle Beach and look me up and we can take some 30 minute rides with both our blinkers on.. Lol

 

[Ctatyk_imp]

Other than the "left turn signal blinking", I see no reason to avoid purchasing the CB1100.

If you like the riding position and the price and it won't put you in too much debt (doubt that, if you can afford a 911), then pull the trigger.

Personally, I'm 46 and I ride when I feel like riding and if I don't feel like riding, I don't. None of my friends pressure me about "riding enough". Many of my friends haven't even seen the bike other than pictures because either I'm traveling or the weather has been crap.

 

[Cormanus]

Last year I started this thread which stiffened my resolve to buy the CB. I made a deal for a leftover 2013 locally, and then I got cold feet. I don't remember why, exactly, but I decided not to do it. That was September, I think.

I noticed in a recent poll here that the typical forum member is, um, of a senior persuasion. I just turned 55.

I've been riding bikes since I was 19 (CB350) and then a CB400 and I sold it to buy my first house and then a break of several years followed by a Kawasaki and then I got into Beemers. I quit riding a couple of years ago, largely because of tendonitis but also because I was just nervous a lot, riding in town with the morons on their phones or out in the boonies with Bambi just waiting to rush out and kill me. I hit her once (but stayed up). After that event, I bought a Porsche 911. But that's a different story.

I'm starting to feel my age now, my knees hurt, my stamina is down, every year that goes by it seems that I have more trouble getting a good night's sleep and don't even ask about my bowels. I'm not here to complain or to get sympathy, I'm just sayin' that I'm getting older and my mortality is more evident to me. I see my father-in-law, angry at the world because his body is failing (86) as is his memory and he knows that he doesn't have much longer here, and he certainly is not enjoying himself most of the time. Debbie downer.

So I thought, why not get the motorcycle? The CB1100 appeals to me because of its retro looks, the riding position, and it's not very expensive. And it's no heavier than the BMWs that I rode, but appears to be a bit smaller and easier to tuck into the side of the garage.

I don't have to ride it every weekend, right? I don't even need to ride it once a month, if I don't feel like it. I can roll it out and ride it around the block long enough to warm up the oil and have an excuse to wash it, right? I don't have to do the Easy Rider journey across the southwest, or the Iron Butt rally to prove that I'm not a poseur. Those days are behind me, and there's nothing wrong with putt-putting down the street at 35 MPH like a geezer with my left turn signal blinking the whole time.

Thoughts?

https://cb1100forum.net/threads/63642/

 

[ChipBeck_imp]

Last year I started this thread which stiffened my resolve to buy the CB. I made a deal for a leftover 2013 locally, and then I got cold feet. I don't remember why, exactly, but I decided not to do it. That was September, I think.

I noticed in a recent poll here that the typical forum member is, um, of a senior persuasion. I just turned 55.

I've been riding bikes since I was 19 (CB350) and then a CB400 and I sold it to buy my first house and then a break of several years followed by a Kawasaki and then I got into Beemers. I quit riding a couple of years ago, largely because of tendonitis but also because I was just nervous a lot, riding in town with the morons on their phones or out in the boonies with Bambi just waiting to rush out and kill me. I hit her once (but stayed up). After that event, I bought a Porsche 911. But that's a different story.

I'm starting to feel my age now, my knees hurt, my stamina is down, every year that goes by it seems that I have more trouble getting a good night's sleep and don't even ask about my bowels. I'm not here to complain or to get sympathy, I'm just sayin' that I'm getting older and my mortality is more evident to me. I see my father-in-law, angry at the world because his body is failing (86) as is his memory and he knows that he doesn't have much longer here, and he certainly is not enjoying himself most of the time. Debbie downer.

So I thought, why not get the motorcycle? The CB1100 appeals to me because of its retro looks, the riding position, and it's not very expensive. And it's no heavier than the BMWs that I rode, but appears to be a bit smaller and easier to tuck into the side of the garage.

I don't have to ride it every weekend, right? I don't even need to ride it once a month, if I don't feel like it. I can roll it out and ride it around the block long enough to warm up the oil and have an excuse to wash it, right? I don't have to do the Easy Rider journey across the southwest, or the Iron Butt rally to prove that I'm not a poseur. Those days are behind me, and there's nothing wrong with putt-putting down the street at 35 MPH like a geezer with my left turn signal blinking the whole time.

Thoughts?

Beemer,

55 is nothing bro. But it will be if you quit. I've got friends who are 70+ and they climb mountain sides like a goat on our quail hunts. Go out and buy the book "Eat to Live" and read it, get your butt into the gym, walk 2 miles every day and it soon becomes fun, make love to your sweetheart every night, and ride a motorcycle. It will keep your reflexes sharp. I'm in my 60's and I fly aerobatics, race and track my Ford GT, scuba dive, dirt bike, street bike, and backpack to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out twice a year. Get going and keep going and you may have 30 great years of action and adventure ahead of you. Keep eating what is killing you and stop being active and further decline is all you have to look forward to. Today is the day to start. Buy that bike, eat an apple, get out of the house, and terrorize your lady. You can thank this old Marine later. All the best.

Chip

 

[dsinned_imp]

I just turned 67 and have been living off of social security benefits and my military retirement pension, so I qualify as an "old geezer". I'm in fair health, but grossly overweight. I had a cancer scare last year, but my doctor got rid of it in time. My riding days were essentially over, or so I thought. I still had a really nice sport bike, which had turned into a garage queen, so I sold it last year. But retirement life can be quite boring, so I soon got two new bikes, both Triumphs and much more comfortable to ride, if only just for recreational pursuits.

My Honda CB1100 is now my favorite bike to ride. It is certainly not punishing like a sport bikes. It is a UJM" with a very sensible riding position and the engine is VERY SMOOTH. The six speed tranny, only available since 2014, has received many kudos as well! I love just looking at this bike parked in my garage. It is a beautiful machine!

Bottom line, the CB1100 is a great choice for the "aging" among us and affordable even on a relatively modest income. I still don't ride very often these days, mostly because I prefer riding when the weather is ideally suited for old geezers like me, which all too often is either too hot, too cold and/or too windy or perhaps just too likely to rain.

My advice is to go for it, because I believe the CB1100 is the perfect choice for someone in your stage of life. It sure as hell is a great relief for any signs of a lingering mid life crisis. Good luck!

 

[Nemo_imp]

I can't relate to all your old people dilemmas because at 51 I'm way, way younger than you. But you should've been to our CB1100 rally... Talk about OLD PEOPLE!

There's this guy they call The Ferret and he's been riding motorbikes since the motors were steam powered. Then there's Redbirds; he had to carve the wheels of his first bike out of Georgia's Red Top Mountain boulders. The Powerdogg grew up distilling his own fuel for his Triumph Model H, but he used to drink half of it so he never went too far. Finally, although they weren't here this year and I didn't meet them, I hear the combined age of the Aussies has to be measured using Carbon-14.



I tell ya'... Get off the lazy-boy, hang up the fluffy slippers, get your gear on, get on the bike and (at your pace) RIDE THE S=1T OUT OF IT!

DO NOT GO GENTLE! See you at Eureka Springs!



P.S. Check THIS out!

 

[Django]

Just do it. I like the idea of putt-putting down the road with the left turn signal blinking.

Get a std with ABS, it's about 20 kg less weight than the dlx, and have fun.

:beerchug:

 

[Capo]

55 is not old, but you can convince yourself that it is, I suppose. Chip's advice is good, and even if you can't run a triathlon, to allow a few aches and pains to turn your mind into thinking that 35mph is your limit is a one way ticket to decrepitude.

Last week at the AHRMA races I spent time with fellas as old as 90 still racing. Inspired me so much that I'm buying a track bike. Motorcycles keep you young. Buy the darn CB.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Great stuff. LOL
I just turned 59, and got the CB for many of the same reasons you've listed above.
It was only a couple of years ago that there were 4 bikes in my garage, including a Ducati 900SS, and a cafe-style Triumph Bonneville...those days are very over. While I still love riding, I just can't fold myself up anymore onto the sportbikes that I've known, loved, owned and ridden for the past four decades.
So the CB hits all the right buttons with me: decent size, torquey inline-4, very comfortable, upright position, and is just plain drop-dead gorgeous.
I'm presently going through some health issues, so my time in the saddle has dwindled dramatically, but who cares? I'm not on a schedule, or have a quota or mileage goal to meet! I ride when I can, and enjoy the heck out of it. When I'm not riding, I can still stare longingly at her.
Bottom line? Buying a motorcycle is a very subjective thing, but I think that you'll find that there's little not to like/love with this one. Add to that a forum like this one with a great bunch of folks to virtually hang out with, and it's a no-brainer, win-win kind of deal.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

We're the same age and we have a similar motorcycling pedigree. I started riding street bikes at 18 on a CB750F, then downsized to a CB400F, then rode a Kawasaki for years, then moved on to Beemers for the past two decades. Sound familiar? I still have my other bikes, but I bought a DLX last year. It makes me feel like I'm back on that CB750F from all those years ago, except it's better. Way better. Like, no comparison. Buy the bike. Enjoy it. You'll love it. You won't regret it if you do, but you might if you don't.

 

[Beemer Guy_imp]

Good advice, great comments, thanks all!

BTW, just for the record, I do eat well and go to the gym four days a week. I know, I know, why not seven? LOL

 

[redbirds_imp]

Since retiring in 2007 I've had two knee surgeries, two shoulder surgeries, my gall bladder out, multiple bouts with kidney stones, arthritis in the hands and Aleve is my go-to "vitamin". I bought a Nordic Track Elliptical that I try to use daily, go bird watching, fishing, hunting and ride my CB as much as possible. Don't give into the discomfort, go, fight, win! Goin' on 69 and loving it.

I can't relate to all your old people dilemmas because at 51 I'm way, way younger than you. But you should've been to our CB1100 rally... Talk about OLD PEOPLE!

There's this guy they call The Ferret and he's been riding motorbikes since the motors were steam powered. Then there's Redbirds; he had to carve the wheels of his first bike out of Georgia's Red Top Mountain boulders. The Powerdogg grew up distilling his own fuel for his Triumph Model H, but he used to drink half of it so he never went too far. Finally, although they weren't here this year and I didn't meet them, I hear the combined age of the Aussies has to be measured using Carbon-14.



I tell ya'... Get off the lazy-boy, hang up the fluffy slippers, get your gear on, get on the bike and (at your pace) RIDE THE S=1T OUT OF IT!

DO NOT GO GENTLE! See you at Eureka Springs!



P.S. Check THIS out!

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

 

[Sam Mac_imp]

I'm on the high side of 65, just started getting SSI (figured I better get it before it's gone) since 2010 I've owned a Harley Night Rod Special, a BMW S1000RR, a Harley Street Glide Ultra, a Can Am RT limited and now a CB1100. The CB is by far the most fun. We will all be dead a long time, ride while you can.

 

[4 Paws_imp]

You're only as old as you want to be.

 

[jrns_imp]

Last year I started this thread which stiffened my resolve to buy the CB. I made a deal for a leftover 2013 locally, and then I got cold feet. I don't remember why, exactly, but I decided not to do it. That was September, I think.

I noticed in a recent poll here that the typical forum member is, um, of a senior persuasion. I just turned 55.

I've been riding bikes since I was 19 (CB350) and then a CB400 and I sold it to buy my first house and then a break of several years followed by a Kawasaki and then I got into Beemers. I quit riding a couple of years ago, largely because of tendonitis but also because I was just nervous a lot, riding in town with the morons on their phones or out in the boonies with Bambi just waiting to rush out and kill me. I hit her once (but stayed up). After that event, I bought a Porsche 911. But that's a different story.

I'm starting to feel my age now, my knees hurt, my stamina is down, every year that goes by it seems that I have more trouble getting a good night's sleep and don't even ask about my bowels. I'm not here to complain or to get sympathy, I'm just sayin' that I'm getting older and my mortality is more evident to me. I see my father-in-law, angry at the world because his body is failing (86) as is his memory and he knows that he doesn't have much longer here, and he certainly is not enjoying himself most of the time. Debbie downer.

So I thought, why not get the motorcycle? The CB1100 appeals to me because of its retro looks, the riding position, and it's not very expensive. And it's no heavier than the BMWs that I rode, but appears to be a bit smaller and easier to tuck into the side of the garage.

I don't have to ride it every weekend, right? I don't even need to ride it once a month, if I don't feel like it. I can roll it out and ride it around the block long enough to warm up the oil and have an excuse to wash it, right? I don't have to do the Easy Rider journey across the southwest, or the Iron Butt rally to prove that I'm not a poseur. Those days are behind me, and there's nothing wrong with putt-putting down the street at 35 MPH like a geezer with my left turn signal blinking the whole time.

Thoughts?

Beemer,

55 is nothing bro. But it will be if you quit. I've got friends who are 70+ and they climb mountain sides like a goat on our quail hunts. Go out and buy the book "Eat to Live" and read it, get your butt into the gym, walk 2 miles every day and it soon becomes fun, make love to your sweetheart every night, and ride a motorcycle. It will keep your reflexes sharp. I'm in my 60's and I fly aerobatics, race and track my Ford GT, scuba dive, dirt bike, street bike, and backpack to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out twice a year. Get going and keep going and you may have 30 great years of action and adventure ahead of you. Keep eating what is killing you and stop being active and further decline is all you have to look forward to. Today is the day to start. Buy that bike, eat an apple, get out of the house, and terrorize your lady. You can thank this old Marine later. All the best.

Chip

Beemer,

55 is nothing bro. But it will be if you quit. I've got friends who are 70+ and they climb mountain sides like a goat on our quail hunts. Go out and buy the book "Eat to Live" and read it, get your butt into the gym, walk 2 miles every day and it soon becomes fun, make love to your sweetheart every night, and ride a motorcycle. It will keep your reflexes sharp. I'm in my 60's and I fly aerobatics, race and track my Ford GT, scuba dive, dirt bike, street bike, and backpack to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out twice a year. Get going and keep going and you may have 30 great years of action and adventure ahead of you. Keep eating what is killing you and stop being active and further decline is all you have to look forward to. Today is the day to start. Buy that bike, eat an apple, get out of the house, and terrorize your lady. You can thank this old Marine later. All the best.

Chip
Chip, love your attitude!!!
well said!

Good advice, great comments, thanks all!

BTW, just for the record, I do eat well and go to the gym four days a week. I know, I know, why not seven? LOL

Hey Beemer guy- great post, I think we can all relate in some way or another... the consensus is- get the bike...you will have NO regrets.
Cheers,

 

[uscgmac_imp]

I have a buddy that rode 135000 mi in the last 4 years. He just turned 81. Buy the bike and enjoy. No one said you can't sell it down the road if you change your mind. I'll be 46 soon and I ride it like I stole it. I ride much more now than I did in my late teens early 20s. Ride to your ability and don't worry about anyone else.

Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk

 

[Carguy1959_imp]

I am 57. I work for the "Phone Company", spend my day working outside on telephone poles. I have my share of aches and pains. I ride to work most days. When I get on my 14 CB1100 STD, all my aches,pains,troubles,worries,etc go away. Just go for a ride and leave your worries behind...

 

[Ole]

I am 57. I work for the "Phone Company", spend my day working outside on telephone poles. I have my share of aches and pains. I ride to work most days. When I get on my 14 CB1100 STD, all my aches,pains,troubles,worries,etc go away. Just go for a ride and leave your worries behind...

Amen Brother!!
You nailed it

 

[Guth_imp]

At 54 years of age I ride because I still enjoy doing so (and because physically I still can). If I find that I no longer enjoy riding, or am unable to safely do so (due to declining eyesight, etc.) then I simply won't ride any longer. Jeez, I was still riding skateboards from time to time well into my 40s, lol.

Bottom line: Follow your gut — that's far more important than any words I might have to share.