Is this the bike for me?

[chrisross_imp]

Sorry for the long post; I'm new here but not new to forums. I'm very active on thumpertalk.com and thegearpage.net.

Background:

I'm soon to turn 22 and graduate college. I've owned a '12 Honda XR650L (dual sport) for about a year; it was my first motorcycle. If any of you know anything about that bike, you'll know that it's old technology and there are a million aftermarket parts available.

So I start digging into it: new exhaust, carb mods and rejet, foam filter, new tank, fork brace, racks, bags, sprockets, bars, front fender, barkbusters...the list goes on and on. It seems like I keep throwing money at it but it's still an old technology bike no matter how much I do to it.

Besides that, I've found myself riding trails less and highways/interstates more. So a pure road bike has become more and more appealing.

Now to the CB1100:

I'm thinking this might be the bike for me. I'm really digging the 2014 standard model with the blacked out engine, body, and wheels. It looks really comfortable and it would be loads better on the interstate. Plus it's EFI, which is a big deal - I'm sick of carbs!

What I really like is that there is a finite amount of things I would want to do to it: Yoshi black exhaust, Power Commander V, Dart tinted flyscreen, and a black painted front fender (I don't like chrome).

And...that's it. That's all I'd want to do to it. The thing with the 650L is that I feel like I'm always one mod away from being done, but with the CB1100 I can do those 4 (albeit expensive) mods and just enjoy the bike as is after that.

Thoughts?

 

[Randy B]

All I can say to you is to go and sit on it and see how it feels. If you can test ride it, then all the better.
I've got a tick over 14,000 miles on my '13 and I love it.

 

[Buffalohead_imp]

These bikes are great the way they are or like a blank canvas! Either way, you'll have fun! Welcome to the asylum!
Ride Safe(ly)

 

[davidsargee_imp]

Hi Chris,

Welcome to the forum. Looks to me like you pretty much have it figured out. I have the red 2013, but my plans for mods are very similar to yours. Small screen, at some point an exhaust, and that's about it. Truth is, the bike is pretty close to my specs right out of the showroom, I have actually talked myself out of mods on a couple of occasions and just enjoying it as is, it's quite a nice ride.

Obviously the CB1100 is bigger and heavier than your XR650L, but once you acclimate to it, you shouldn't have a problem.

It's hard to go wrong with this bike, but my advice to you would be to think it out carefully, make sure that you will be happy with the performance, if you are into Super Sports, this isn't the bike for you.

The CB1100 has ample performance, it will out accelerate pretty much any cruiser, and all but the most tricked out performance cars, however, 600cc and up Super Sports type crotch rockets will leave you in the dust. It has a speed limiter that kicks in around 110mph. So if you plan on going real fast, you should consider this.

If the performance considerations aren't a deal breaker for you, welcome to the club, this indeed may be the bike for you.

Hope that helps

 

[chrisross_imp]

I appreciate the responses guys.

David, despite my age, I'm no speed demon. I'm not looking to go even close to 110 (good info to know, though), and any bike's acceleration is plenty quick enough for me.

As far as the Power Commander V, I know that basically any bike is going to come from the factory on the lean side to pass emissions. My 650L was horribly horribly lean. So I wouldn't use the PCV to turn it into a death machine, but instead just to allow the engine to run more like the engine wants to run. The exhaust is for two reasons: 1. it's black (as said, I hate chrome) and 2. it's loud and therefore safer (I know that's debated but that's been my experience so far).

The weight I can handle, I think. I'm 6'3" 220 so I feel confident I'll be the one riding the bike, not the other way around

Keep 'em coming!

 

[redbirds_imp]

Get a test ride if you can Chris. The CB1100 has much to offer, well sorted fuel injection without the throttle snatch that some systems have, a smooth motor that's tuned for a useful torque spread, comfortable upright ergos, excellent easily modulated brakes and the 2014 you're looking at has the new 6th gear overdrive. On the down side, the rear suspension is a bit old fashioned with it's twin shocks so don't expect a ride that matches a good single shock, progressive link rear. I really don't notice this except when on really bad roads and will probably switch to some premium shocks in the future. As mentioned in a previous post, this bike is a blank canvas that begs your personal brush.

 

[chrisross_imp]

Get a test ride if you can Chris. The CB1100 has much to offer, well sorted fuel injection without the throttle snatch that some systems have, a smooth motor that's tuned for a useful torque spread, comfortable upright ergos, excellent easily modulated brakes and the 2014 you're looking at has the new 6th gear overdrive. On the down side, the rear suspension is a bit old fashioned with it's twin shocks so don't expect a ride that matches a good single shock, progressive link rear. I really don't notice this except when on really bad roads and will probably switch to some premium shocks in the future. As mentioned in a previous post, this bike is a blank canvas that begs your personal brush.

Thanks! What "premium shocks" would you suggest? I'd rather learn all I can about it now as opposed to later. The plan would be to trade in my bike for the CB1100 and do all the mods at once.

 

[davidsargee_imp]

I appreciate the responses guys.

David, despite my age, I'm no speed demon. I'm not looking to go even close to 110 (good info to know, though), and any bike's acceleration is plenty quick enough for me.

As far as the Power Commander V, I know that basically any bike is going to come from the factory on the lean side to pass emissions. My 650L was horribly horribly lean. So I wouldn't use the PCV to turn it into a death machine, but instead just to allow the engine to run more like the engine wants to run. The exhaust is for two reasons: 1. it's black (as said, I hate chrome) and 2. it's loud and therefore safer (I know that's debated but that's been my experience so far).

The weight I can handle, I think. I'm 6'3" 220 so I feel confident I'll be the one riding the bike, not the other way around

Keep 'em coming!

LOL, Chris, at your age, I was a speed demon, , didn't mean to insinuate you are though. Just pointing that out because sometimes our younger brethren wish for more performance,(some of the older ones too). The power commander is a good move with the air/oil cooled engine, probably help it run cooler. Everybody loves a good set of pipes.

The CB is nimble for it's size, but the brakes are very good, and at low speeds you can get in trouble if you grab too much brake while maneuvering, otherwise, it's easy to ride.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Lord Popgun]

Get a test ride if you can Chris. The CB1100 has much to offer, well sorted fuel injection without the throttle snatch that some systems have, a smooth motor that's tuned for a useful torque spread, comfortable upright ergos, excellent easily modulated brakes and the 2014 you're looking at has the new 6th gear overdrive. On the down side, the rear suspension is a bit old fashioned with it's twin shocks so don't expect a ride that matches a good single shock, progressive link rear. I really don't notice this except when on really bad roads and will probably switch to some premium shocks in the future. As mentioned in a previous post, this bike is a blank canvas that begs your personal brush.

Thanks! What "premium shocks" would you suggest? I'd rather learn all I can about it now as opposed to later. The plan would be to trade in my bike for the CB1100 and do all the mods at once.

Thanks! What "premium shocks" would you suggest? I'd rather learn all I can about it now as opposed to later. The plan would be to trade in my bike for the CB1100 and do all the mods at once.
ACQ has Ohlins on his and says they are awesome. Maybe he will chime in and expound on his experience.

 

[rboe]

I have a 650L. For an old anvil it sure do like to soak up money. I figure it'll be the last bike I sell just so I can get some value out of it. I bought a second set of wheels and put dual sport/street tires on them and she is a real hoot on the street. Won't cruise as nicely as the CB but she'll cruise. Not as pretty as the CB and it would take serious coin to make her look good. Keep both, I think they will compliment each other rather well (and you'll never get your money out of it so you may as well use it).

 

[Rolls_imp]

6'3", eh?...

Some of the taller riders feel a little cramped on the CB1100, others are fine with it. Probably depends on whether most of your height is in your legs or torso... and personal taste. Definitely sit on one and test ride if possible.

Maybe some of the taller owners (I'm not one) will chime in here with their experiences.

 

[chrisross_imp]

I have a 650L. For an old anvil it sure do like to soak up money. I figure it'll be the last bike I sell just so I can get some value out of it. I bought a second set of wheels and put dual sport/street tires on them and she is a real hoot on the street. Won't cruise as nicely as the CB but she'll cruise. Not as pretty as the CB and it would take serious coin to make her look good. Keep both, I think they will compliment each other rather well (and you'll never get your money out of it so you may as well use it).

If I win the lottery, I'll do this for sure!

6'3", eh?...

Some of the taller riders feel a little cramped on the CB1100, others are fine with it. Probably depends on whether most of your height is in your legs or torso... and personal taste. Definitely sit on one and test ride if possible.

Maybe some of the taller owners (I'm not one) will chime in here with their experiences.

All my height is in my torso, so I don't think I'll have a problem with feeling cramped up, but I will catch more wind (hence wanting the small windscreen).

 

[thumper_imp]

The CB1100 may look 1980's, but the engine, fuel-injection, and gearbox are brand-new, slick-as-snot. At your height, you'll probably buy an aftermarket seat with more padding that puts your butt just a little farther from the pegs, easing the bend in your knees.

The CB is a lovely bike for relaxed cruising on a nice twisty backroad.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck on your search for answers.

p.s.--thumpertalk.com? Heck, they made a website all about me?!

 

[chrisross_imp]

The CB1100 may look 1980's, but the engine, fuel-injection, and gearbox are brand-new, slick-as-snot. At your height, you'll probably buy an aftermarket seat with more padding that puts your butt just a little farther from the pegs, easing the bend in your knees.

The CB is a lovely bike for relaxed cruising on a nice twisty backroad.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck on your search for answers.

p.s.--thumpertalk.com? Heck, they made a website all about me?!

Exactly! You know those guys that love 1960's muscle cars but don't want to actually work on 1960's engines? :hello: This guy right here.

I love the cafe racer look, but at 6'3" this is about as close as I can get, and the modern appointments make it a steal.

FTR I already want the thing...this thread is fueling how quickly I do it (even though I have to wait until stores get the '14).

 

[calamarichris_imp]

6'3", eh?...

Some of the taller riders feel a little cramped on the CB1100, others are fine with it. Probably depends on whether most of your height is in your legs or torso... and personal taste. Definitely sit on one and test ride if possible.

Maybe some of the taller owners (I'm not one) will chime in here with their experiences.

It's amazing what you can get used to. Or what you'll tolerate when you love a bike (heh--or woman) badly enough. I took a Ducati for a test ride a few years ago, and at 6'2" & 180 lbs, I felt like a hippo riding on a hummingbird's back, or maybe a shriner.


Then I met this cool guy Aubrey who was 6'4" and 350+ lbs who rode a Ducati 996. He looked pretty comical on that svelte & tiny Italian bike, but I didn't say anything about it. But then he said, "I can't wait until the '06's come out, so I can get rid of this pig." and I couldn't contain my extended nasal burst and great, gasping guffaws.

I don't own a CB11, but I sat on one for a spell in the dealership and it was quite roomy and well-proportioned IMO. Closer to a BMW GS1200 (which is made for gargantuan Teutonic ubermensch like us) than to a Ducati.
You can always get taller/wider handlebars, and get a taller aftermarket seat. I think Corbin makes nice ones, but you'll probably want to travel to Northern Cal to ensure they make it just right.