Sayonara to the CB1100, with an exit interview.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

I traded my 2013 CB1100 (non-ABS) in on another bike yesterday.

It was purchased new in July, 2013, and had a little over 10,000 miles on it when it was traded. Not much riding for three and a half years, really, but it was shared among several other rides so it did get some attention.

The bottom line for me is that I struggled for those 40-odd months to get this bike to work for me. I replaced the very poorly-sprung and underdamped shocks with Ikon units, which were a major improvement, and I had no further issues after that. The fork oil was exchanged for 15W, which was adequate, and as I've mentioned I swapped all the brake lines for Galfer stainless pieces, and the front brake pads for EBC sintered superbike pads resulting in extremely powerful braking. That's no surprise, as the bike comes with calipers sourced from the parts bike of Honda's supersport bikes of around 2008 or so. I replaced the handlebars with CB500 bars along with the internal and external weights for those bars, which smoothed the engine out nicely and provided a sporting riding position.

I fitted Continental Classic Race II tires, which work very well on the bike and wear quite respectably. Handling overally for a bike of this kind was very good, and I cannot fault it based on the bike's weight and mission.

But in the last analysis, the one feature that finally convinced me to let the CB1100 go without a backward glance (well, maybe one brief glance) was the weight. The bike, in my opinion, is just too heavy and ponderous to dissipate the sense that the weight always needs to be considered into every ride. Even with the terrific binders, slowing the bike showed its heft. While it is certainly very agile once it gets rolling above a walking speed, [url=http://www.cycleworld.com/learn-rarely-used-technique-to-motorcycle-riding-ienatsch-tuesday]a simple instance of missed footing could result in a troublesome experience. The bike is quite top-heavy, requiring the same level of attention to "right foot down, left foot down?" that Mr. Ienatsch discusses in the linked article above. Dropping this bike whilst riding alone is going to result in a long walk or long wait if one is not near help. It's quite heavy.

I have to use a very high level of attention to "right/left" foot placement when riding my ADV, which is fairly tall, but the bike is only 470 pounds wet, has a massive set of steel cages surrounding the expensive parts, and could probably be righted in an upset by one person if it wasn't on a slope or in some kind of unusual attitude. That's absolutely not the case with the CB1100.

It's a good-looking machine, the engine being the main attraction. That was always the visual I liked best. But the fuel tank never looke right to me. It was more attractive with a tank bag fitted. Honda had to make it quite wide to get even the 3.6 gallons of fuel it carried inside. The bike is very well-made, no question about that. The valves were all in perfect specification when I took a day to check them at around 8000 miles. It uses no significant amount of oil, either.

I think the CB1100 succeeds for those riders either looking for trip back to the 1970s, or for those doing longer rides with a sportier intention, with bags and baggage and a frayed map shoved into the clear pocket of a tankbag. Larger humans, with a generous inseam and without any physical infirmities, will do very well with the CB1100. Ironically, many of the buyers it attracts (like myself) are around 60 years old and have at least one reason why they would not care to lift a 540-lb motorcycle by themselves.

If Honda had brought this bike in at a sub-500-lb weight I'd probably still own it, but those extra 50 pounds of weight are what sealed the deal. I see that the 2017 is no lighter, but does have more fuel and apparently some changes to power delivery. Power delivery was never a problem with the CB1100 in my view, and I have some very fast motorcycle to compare it with. It was blessed with a great powerband, generous torque, and enough going on between 6-8K RPM to keep my interest. No problems there. I didn't even mind the more-frequent fuel stops.

Just put the thing on a diet, Honda, and make it a little more reminiscent of the cafe' styling as noted in the CB1100RS, and I think they'll sell. But for the new EX, I just cannot be optimistic. It's like they say in the magazines, there isn't a whole lot more going on with the 2017 other than "Bold New Graphics." And that's a shame, because the air-cooled, inline four platform is one of the very best.

 

[TCBronson_imp]

Just curious what you traded your CB1100 in on? I agree with you the bike is a bit heavy and I hope I don't have to try to pick it up. But for an authentic air cooled motorcycle that can do a lot, I like mine. I think it would be cool if Honda came out with a twin cylinder air cooled CB or CL version of this bike. Say a CB650 twin maybe.

 

[physics-teacher_imp]

I am sad to see you go, but I am puzzled a bit by your weight objection. I see grandmas piloting Gold Wings and something-glides that must out weigh them five to one (or more). If there's a tip-over at speed I'm a lot more worried about what's going to happen to MY BODY than the motorcycle that can always be repaired (or totaled by the insurance company.) When it comes down to it, there isn't a bike out there than wouldn't be better if it were lighter, but we accept the challenge by buying Li batteries, etc. or doing what you already did- buy a nice featherweight single or twin for the stable for those days when we want a bike that disappears. Looks like your CB has disappeared, alas.

 

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Well, but for the looks comment above, I have to agree with just about everything Ulve said. The weight, particularly at parking speeds freaked me out constantly. Once moving, that feeling disappeared almost completely, but I was ALWAYS concerned about that bike going down when moving slowly. My impression is that it IS heavy for what it is - no doubt a product of some great over-engineering and build quality - but that it also seems to carry a lot of weight up pretty high, in other words, having a high center of gravity. I used to think that I had that feeling because I came from about 30 years of (light-ish) sportbikes, but having an FZ-1 and a Triumph Bonneville that I had no such trouble with kind of negates my own argument.
Obvious everyone has different feelings, impressions and experiences with the same bike - I mean, just read the library-filling threads on fairings, for example - so one man's (or woman's ) opinion can't be discounted just because it differs from another's. For those who have no problem with the CB's weight, I certainly salute you, and really wish that I shared your feeling!
Having said all this, I still have to say that regardless of that concern, it was still my all time favorite bike, and I still feel that it was the most beautiful that I've owned by far...

 

[jedd_imp]

With weight....I agree in that it's all relative to what you're accustomed to.

I used to pilot around a Burgman 650 all over town. Never once had I thought it was too heavy. Yet, that thing weighs 275 kg= 606 lbs.

My '83 CB1100F I had weighed 266.0 kg (586.4 pounds). Rode that thing all over the place, including around campus while attending college. It had heft, but I just took it as a good thing for hwy use.

My Vstrom 650, with all my camping gear and clothes and spare parts, weighs 550-600lbs, and yet I take that bike out slippin' and slidin' on dirt every chance I get.

Me, I'm a small guy...5'-5", 155lbs, 29" inseam.
I'm just thrilled that this CB1100 fits me, and I can touch the ground w/ my toes. I have no problems going slow on mine. WHen I park, I try to find two open parking spots to be able to uturn and point my bike outwards so that I don't have to back it out.

 

[rboe]

Having picked up this bike (one planned, one not so planned) on a couple occasions I don't share the weight concerns; but as Papa said, this is going to vary from one person to the next and we can only play the cards we're dealt. With lots of good bikes out there to choose from it makes no sense keeping one that does not fit your bill.

Thanks for all your insight into the bike. Much does not apply to me as I don't ride that aggresive, either on the street or the track but good data points are nice to have anyway. I'm 163lbs, 36" inseam and pushing 63.

 

[tomas_imp]

Sorry to see ya go, stay safe and I'm sure you'll enjoy your new ride. If you don't mine if I ask, how much trade-in value did the dealer give you for your CB.

 

[jedd_imp]

I concur w/ RBOE...
lots of good, quality, well engineered m/c's out there.
No point in putting up w/ what don't work for you.

Heck, I should heed my own words, b/c I'm a hoarder.
I hate to get rid of bikes I buy.

 

[Capo]

Ulve, I share your concerns on the weight, and top heavy aspect of the bike, as well as appreciate those things that make the CB kinda special, and for many, a keeper. You've been building quite a fleet lately...what did you trade it in on?


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[Papa Weeley_imp]

Ulve, I share your concerns on the weight, and top heavy aspect of the bike, as well as appreciate those things that make the CB kinda special, and for many, a keeper. You've been building quite a fleet lately...what did you trade it in on?


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Yeah, I meant to ask that, too.

 

[Capo]

Just read the other thread, Kawi Z650


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[Papa Weeley_imp]

Ha - me, too. LOL

 

[emptysea]

Enjoy your new and/or existing bikes, Ulvetanna.

 

[Rolls_imp]

Dang! Three new bikes in two months?? The new motorcycle smell in your garage must be deafening. Awesome!! :worship:

 

[suhawk305]

Ulve, I want to thank you for the encouraging words you gave me when I recently joined this forum. I am one of those 60 plus years old people who are trying to go back to the 1970s.
If I ever drop my CB1100, I just have to get help picking it back up. Heck, I think if I dropped my 350 lb (159 kg) CB77 Super Hawk, I may still need help picking it up :huh:

 

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Trying to respond to all of the above, as one member mentioned as well, when I was younger tore around on all kinds of heavy bikes, but after the hernia operation, and the two cracked vertebrae from crashing in the desert, I realized I can't do a lot of things the way I used to. No doubt at all that this plays heavily into the decision. I was just thinking that is ironic, though, that most younger guys and gals want the fast, light supersport stuff, and the older riders who can afford more expensive bikes opt for the heavier machines. There was time when I'd hop on anything and ride it. But I don't do anymore of the multi-day tours, overnighters and that sort of thing. I'm in an urban environment much of the time and light weight plus agility are big factors.

So in no way am I suggesting anyone who rides a heavy bike is making a bad decison, just reflecting on where I am at just past 60 years. There are still a lot of really cool bikes out there for us, now more than ever.:beerchug:

 

[Cormanus]

What to say? Congratulations on making a decision about what best suits you, Ulvetanna. The Z650 looks like a great bike and I hope you enjoy it and the Triumph.

Remember, too, you're always welcome here if you feel your blood pressure can handle it.

 

[Wisedrum]

I wish you the best with your new motorbike.

Can't really understand, why you traded a beautiful swan for an, sorry to write it, ugly duck. You mentioned a lot of reasons, the most heavyweight is the pure weight of the CB it brings to the table. It is the way it is, wether you get used to it or you don't. I don't feel the Honda is hard to handle in any situation, but I'm not you. You spend much money and time in making the CB your individual own, so it's not easy to understand why it has to go.

Good luck with the new one, new brushes clean well 'til they have to go......

Wisedrum

 

[Timpo_imp]

Just curious what you traded your CB1100 in on? I agree with you the bike is a bit heavy and I hope I don't have to try to pick it up. But for an authentic air cooled motorcycle that can do a lot, I like mine. I think it would be cool if Honda came out with a twin cylinder air cooled CB or CL version of this bike. Say a CB650 twin maybe.

He traded in for 2017 Kawasaki Z650. It says on his other thread.

 

[4 Paws_imp]

Take care and check back in occasionally. If you decide to ride the east coast and the BRP give me a shout.