Only issues so far with my '17 EX: taillight housing was wobbly, which the dealer fixed on their second try; squeaky front brakes, which the dealer failed to fix despite two tries. Otherwise, zero mechanical gremlins. Those squealing front brakes are the only thing keeping my bike from being mechanical perfection.
Oh, and it could simply be that I've become used to the bike, and nothing has really changed, but I would say that the motor has become slightly smoother. The buzzy patch between 3,500-5,000 rpm is less noticeable now.
Along the way, a strange thing has happened. As a direct result of my appreciation for the CB's overall refinement and build quality, my modded XSR900 has fallen out of favor with me. The reason I say this is strange? First off, the XSR has proven to be every bit as mechanically reliable as the big Honda. When I first bought the bike, there was a factory set-up issue with the sidestand switch and ABS sensor, which the dealer immediately sorted. Since then, she's been bullet-proof. She's also more comfortable than the CB. Offering both a roomier/more upright seating position and a smoother motor, she's better for long-distance work. She's also 140 lbs lighter and night-and-day faster. The XSR is a whole lot more fun in the twisties, or in any sporting capacity.
Doesn't matter. Every time I ride the CB, it further sours my feelings regarding the Yamaha. All I really want from the Honda is for the brake squealing to go away. The Yamaha? I want it to be a different bike. I want it to be just as light and fast, but more refined. I want a lower seat height, with a bit more forward lean. I want a different, less cobbled together look for the cockpit. I want a different look for the front end. I want smoother suspension. I want a smoother clutch take-up.
It's really rather bizarre, but my CB has me wanting to swap the XSR for a Kawasaki Z900, and not the prettier RS version, but the goofier-looking basic Z900 model. I haven't had a chance yet to sit on the Cafe version, but I strongly suspect the forward lean on that model is too severe for my reconstructed neck. So, yeah, of all the strangest eventualities, the CB1100 has me wanting the smooth, fast, polished, stupid-looking Z900.
To me, that's just bizarre. I still want the CB too, of course. She isn't going anywhere. If only her brakes would ever stop squealing....
