Help, I'm falling for a white Interceptor...

[kDiqq_imp]

Yeah, the CB is wide, the suspension is way too soft and lacks adjustment, and I can't put better tires under it due to the odd size. That and it just doesn't seem to transfer it's large weight very easily.

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[CIP57_imp]

Unless your intention is getting a knee down in the corners, I can't imagine what issues one would have with the cornering ability of the CB. Perhaps you could explain the problem.

+1 Red,

The CB transition's better than some of the SS I've owned. Cross-backs are a breeze with very little counter steering needed in the fastest corners. Suspension needs to be set hard in front and back. The only problem I've found is hitting corners hard with imperfection or dips there is a slight wallow but the PR3's corrected most of that, you need to also keep your foot above the peg or they touch down quick. One of the more confident bikes I have owned cornering, you always know its limitations.

 

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Yeah, the CB is wide, the suspension is way too soft and lacks adjustment, and I can't put better tires under it due to the odd size. That and it just doesn't seem to transfer it's large weight very easily.

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kDiqq, with due respect, I can't agree with your assessment of the CBs cornering qualities. I have had enough experience of standard (vintage by today's standards), modern naked street, sport and sport touring bikes to believe that the CB, while not perfect, certainly holds it own. For example, recently I spent about 1500miles on an FJR1300 over some fairly demanding roads. The FJR was certainly appealing, no I would have to say impressive, due to the power differential but to tip in and hold, and adjust, a line I could have easily done with the CB. In fact I envied my riding companions who were riding their CBs. I have had extensive experience on a VFR750 and when I went to a dealer for a new bike I spent half a day test riding the VFR800. The 800 was appealing but a different beast to the 750. I then test rode the CB. I returned to the dealer and put down my deposit the CB. OK most of the appeal was in the "retro" factor but the all-round qualities, and elegant simplicity, of the CB was the clincher. Since then I have put up 55,000kms on the CB. Most of my CB riding has been touring over a wide variety of roads - good surface highways, country roads with sweepers and twisties, average surface and approaching goat track mountain roads, lots of dirt and gravel. Carrying a good fair load of camping gear is the norm. The only adjustment I have made to the suspension is to increase the rear preload by one notch. Easy. The tyres I have used were the OEM D205s, BT45s and then non-standard size PR3s. I now have a brand new set of Pirelli Angel GTs fitted. The bike cornered well with all those shoes, although I do have a preference for the Michies. As yet I haven't put a lot of miles on the Pirellis but they seem OK.

Due to set up the CB is not as crisp as, say, a 'Blade, or a Monster. It is not as good a pure tourer as a VFR or ST or FJR. But as a good all round standard retro it is a beaut and it does, believe me, get around corners well enough for most riders. When pushed hard through corners it is stable and responsive to line adjustments. That will do me. But each to his own I guess.

Cheers

 

[kDiqq_imp]

I figured people would disagree with my assessment. It's all boils down to rider. I'm certain there are guys on Goldwings who could out-maneuver me on any SS. Not only is my ability lacking, but something about how I fit on a CB doesn't lend well to me being able to transfer the bikes weight consistently. Probably has a lot to do with the roads out here not being great too. Any bounce or hiccup in the pavement and I can feel the suspension give way under me. I wish someone in the Houston area would offer to let me ride their VFR The only one I've found locally is at the Honda dealer I bought my CB from and I won't return there due to a really poor experience.

All things considered the CB is a good bike and I will defend that as long as I can. As you said, it does great for being a steel-tube, air-cooled retro standard. I'm just conflicted in trying to decide if it's the best bike for me. It may be, but... it may not be. I have a personality defect that makes me think I can always find a better bike or car haha I've been wrong several times though...

 

[emptysea]

that's not a defect. the VFR may be the better bike for you. it's a very well-designed bike as is the CB1100, but they are designed for different purposes. you can make the CB do some of the things that a VFR can do and vice versa, but it really is an apples-to-oranges comparison. enjoy your search for the "next best thing".

 

[the Ferret]

Kdigg, I posted a thread one time pondering if motorcyclists were transients, unable to be satisfied.

Are motorcyclists transients unable to be satisfied?

Seems most of us have had motorcycle lust in our hearts many times. For me I think it's 29 or so times for street bikes. Another 15 times or so for dirt bikes. The thread is a fun little read I think, listening to how others feel about the subject.

I can tell you this, at this time in my life, the CB is as close to the perfect motorcycle for me as there is out there, and I never plan on getting rid of mine. Of course my goal is to ride another 5 years, and a few more if life allows me the opportunity. I'm sure the CB will last 5 times that long. However, the CB probably won't be my last motorcycle. I can see a 650 Wee Strom, or Versys 650, or NC 700 or FZ07 in my garage someday. Something lighter and more utilitarian in the garage next to the CB, and in place of my ST. The CB will do everything those other bikes can do of course just by adding a few well chosen accessories, but in my mind it is a naked roadster and not meant to wear a fairing, saddlebags and trunk... At least not full time, at least for me.

As such, I completely understand your dilemma. Depending on your age, there may be many more sirens that vow for your attention down the road. I say, if something really speaks to you, go listen for while, and if you don't like what she is saying to you in a year, you can always come back.



.

 

[Pterodactyl_imp]

kDiqq, don't forget to have a look at the Triumph Sprint GT and the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. There are those who say these bikes have advantages over the VFR, particularly in the engine department. If you are in the mood to drop dollars on the table BMW and Ducati make bikes that put the Viffer in the shade - at a cost. Best to have a good look around or else you may, next year, be on a a Viffer forum falling in love with, say, a Diavel (Carbon Black of course) .

Cheers

 

[kDiqq_imp]

I looked at the F800GT but it appears the VFR out classes it big time. The Diavel is supremely gorgeous (albeit expensive) but at the end of the day, I'd have to make the conscious decision to buy an Italian bike over a less expensive Honda for the same purpose. I'm not sure if I have the strength to do that haha I love Honda fit and finish as well as their outstanding reliability.

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[Pterodactyl_imp]

Well don't forget to look at the Yammie or the Triumph. Particularly the Triumph. Handles really well. And the sound of that triple is amazing.

Good luck in your search. Cheers

 

[TINK_imp]

First, I have to agree that the CB1100 OEM suspension is "lacking"... :dodgy: that's why the first mod I did to my 2014 CB1100 Deluxe was a suspension upgrade > http://www.photosbytink.com/cb1100forksprings/
Now I find that the CB is a very capable canyon carver

I also own a 2000 VFR800 with stock suspension, set to my liking. While one cannot compare the CB and the VFR suspensions one-to-one (apples to oranges) they are both capable motorcycles in the hands of a skilled rider.

The biggest difference between the CB's Inline-4 and the VFR's V-4 is the power delivery. The CB has a flat short torque curve between 3K and 6K RPM, while the VFR has a very wide torque curve from 2K to 10K RPM.

TINK

 

[Django]

First, I have to agree that the CB1100 OEM suspension is "lacking"... :dodgy: that's why the first mod I did to my 2014 CB1100 Deluxe was a suspension upgrade > http://www.photosbytink.com/cb1100forksprings/
Now I find that the CB is a very capable canyon carver

I also own a 2000 VFR800 with stock suspension, set to my liking. While one cannot compare the CB and the VFR suspensions one-to-one (apples to oranges) they are both capable motorcycles in the hands of a skilled rider.

The biggest difference between the CB's Inline-4 and the VFR's V-4 is the power delivery. The CB has a flat short torque curve between 3K and 6K RPM, while the VFR has a very wide torque curve from 2K to 10K RPM.

TINK

Tink, do I get it right, that you also lowered the front by 19mm?

 

[noroomtomove]

My feeling is its cool to do what ever floats your boat.
And I am not looking for a spray or response on what I am going to say but my feeling is this the amount of engineering that goes on prior to a bike leaving the factory is far beyond what I can get my head around so I just dont mess with it. If you dont like it and want another bike just move on open the wallet help simulate the world economy and continue the journey.
On another note on sunday I'm planning to leave home on sunrise and ride to Phillip Island for lunch via Mirboo North ( coffee at the inline four cafe ). No doubt I will get home and have a sore arse and then bang on about my seat but I find it more economical to open a can of you know what.
Have good weekend its winter her at the southern latitudes and all the talk of hot weather is making me feel great like its all about the ride when the days are short and the shadows are long.
And as I knock back another stubbie ( no tea tonight ) all those years ago those of you that like to record your fuel economy the Saturn 5 that took Neil and Buzz to the moon got seven inches to the gallon. What a ride that would have been.

Regards from the southern land

 

[kDiqq_imp]

Tink, I actually followed your guide to put in new springs and it made a WORLD of difference!!! Even if it hadn't done anything handling (which it did vastly improve handling) the difference in braking alone would have justified the cost! OMG It stops SO much better. Without the dive, it feels like I'm actually planted and not going to skitter away.

I'm gonna go test ride a few bikes this week and see what tickles me. If I'm REALLY sold on something else, I will save up enough cash by February to let the CB go at a decent price and not have worry about any more loans.

I swear, if I only had like 4 or 5 more bikes, I think I may be satisfied haha

 

[TINK_imp]

First, I have to agree that the CB1100 OEM suspension is "lacking"... :dodgy: that's why the first mod I did to my 2014 CB1100 Deluxe was a suspension upgrade > http://www.photosbytink.com/cb1100forksprings/
Now I find that the CB is a very capable canyon carver

I also own a 2000 VFR800 with stock suspension, set to my liking. While one cannot compare the CB and the VFR suspensions one-to-one (apples to oranges) they are both capable motorcycles in the hands of a skilled rider.

The biggest difference between the CB's Inline-4 and the VFR's V-4 is the power delivery. The CB has a flat short torque curve between 3K and 6K RPM, while the VFR has a very wide torque curve from 2K to 10K RPM.

TINK

Tink, do I get it right, that you also lowered the front by 19mm?

Tink, do I get it right, that you also lowered the front by 19mm?
The spring/spacer stack is 19mm shorter. This puts less preload on the Race Tech springs which are linear springs, not progressive like the OEM which require more preload. This does not change the overall length of the fork leg or the ride height.

Tink, I actually followed your guide to put in new springs and it made a WORLD of difference!!! Even if it hadn't done anything handling (which it did vastly improve handling) the difference in braking alone would have justified the cost! OMG It stops SO much better. Without the dive, it feels like I'm actually planted and not going to skitter away.

I'm gonna go test ride a few bikes this week and see what tickles me. If I'm REALLY sold on something else, I will save up enough cash by February to let the CB go at a decent price and not have worry about any more loans.

I swear, if I only had like 4 or 5 more bikes, I think I may be satisfied haha

Almost every Japanese motorcycle I've ever owned needed stronger springs in the front forks. Japanese engineers design to a 170lb rider, I'm 200 out of the shower :blush:, add gear I'm more like 220. That's a 50lb difference.

I also prefer less initial dive when I have to apply maximum braking, which I did a lot of over the 40 years of commuting to/from work on the Los Angeles freeways.

TINK

 

[kDiqq_imp]

Shoot, I'm 170lbs and had issues haha but it was a huge improvement over factory springs/fluid.

You commute in LA?? Alright, you win.

 

[TINK_imp]

Shoot, I'm 170lbs and had issues haha but it was a huge improvement over factory springs/fluid.

You commute in LA?? Alright, you win.

Not any more, I retired last year. Now all my riding is at my pleasure. :biker:

 

[kDiqq_imp]

Wise call.

So I think I'm going to jump on a white VFR. What ferret said speaks to me. If I don't like it, I can always come back. As long as everyone at the CB forum still accepts me after defecting. This and the TW forum have been the two coolest communities ever.

So in the near future be looking for my 2014 Std for sale! Will be including a few goodies and it's still under 6k miles and in awesome shape!

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[the Ferret]

Be sure and get the deluxe model. Has some upgrades that are worthwhile....heated grips, anti lock brakes, traction control, centerstand, and self canceling turn signals

 

[kDiqq_imp]

The deluxe is *required*. I've found a few stds, but like you said, it's worth having ABS and everything else.

 

[Cormanus]

kDiqq, the rule round here seems to be that, even if you abandon your CB, we still like to hear from you and learn about your new bike. Most of us are a motorcyclists first and CB o'philes second.

So keep us posted and show us some pictures of whatever you buy.