Would the CB been more of a "success" if there had been more ABS bikes?

[RockHop_imp]

There was an ABS: Good or Bad? poll back in June that I have been thinking about for awhile. Although the sample size was pretty small, the preference was clearly in favor of ABS. I hadn't realized how rare the ABS models were until yesterday when I looked at the owner registry compilation that Cormanus generously put together.

I have been riding regularly for about 4 years with about 50K miles on 2 Triumph Tigers and the CB1100. Since I had minimal prior road bike experience, I specifically chose bikes with ABS. I was very fortunate to get my discounted 2013 CB1100 ABS in May of 2015.

The generally older age demographic of CB1100 owners, the apparent preference for ABS, and my own prejudice towards ABS makes me wonder if Honda totally misjudged the market for the CB1100 in the US by limiting the availability of ABS models.

What do you think? Would the CB1100 have been more "successful" in the US if Honda had offered mostly ABS models? (assume the same lack of marketing)

 

[the Ferret]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

 

[Ulvetanna_imp]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

What he said. ABS is a new development as far as even being an option. We've been buying bikes without it all along.

The CB1100 has a limited appeal. There are many other bikes for the same or less money that are completely modern, with a lot more power, handling and features. The CB1000R comes to mind, FZ8, FZ09, Versys, and so on.

The CB1100 really is a "vintage" bike, air-cooled, frequent valve inspection intervals, limited power, heavy, narrow wheels, and so on. The fantastic brakes, excellent fuel injection, light, easy handling, versatility, and relative simplicity and low cost of ownership don't reveal themselves until a few miles down the highway. It has to reach out and grab the buyer on the showroom floor and unless that buyer likes old-school styling and what seems to be old technology, they'll take a pass, and they did. I am quite happy I got mine back in 2013. It has worn very well and fares favorably when ridden back to back with some very modern stuff I have parked alongside it.

I like it because it is what it is but for the rider who needs value and features the CB1100 doesn't look like a good choice. It actually IS a good choice but does not seem that way.

 

[Cormanus]

Had I been able to get an ABS model in Australia—and they weren't imported at all—I would have bought one. I don't, to be honest, understand why ABS isn't mandated by government given the improvements in the technology.

That said, I'm not sure how much difference it would have made to the sales. I agree with Ulvetanna that '... it has to reach out and grab the buyer on the showroom floor ...'.

 

[RockHop_imp]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

As a general statement that may be true, but I wonder if it is true for the generally (see forum age poll results below) older* folks who actually buy the CB1100?

* I'm 65, so I can say older

CB1100 forum age poll
16-25 3.35%
26-35 12.94%
36-45 16.13%
46-55 29.53%
56-65 29.83%
66-75 7.46%
75+ 0.76%

 

[Ron in MO_imp]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

As a general statement that may be true, but I wonder if it is true for the generally (see forum age poll results below) older* folks who actually buy the CB1100?

* I'm 65, so I can say older

CB1100 forum age poll
16-25 3.35%
26-35 12.94%
36-45 16.13%
46-55 29.53%
56-65 29.83%
66-75 7.46%
75+ 0.76%

I wonder how much riding experience goes with the age percentages? Like Mr. Ferret mentioned, those of us with decades of riding under our belts don't put as big an emphasis on ABS. It's that attitude that we haven't had it before, so why pay for it now. Not to mention the added complexity.

Also like the others have brought up, the msrp of the CB1100 puts it with some strong competition. Even in its own company. Getting the price down under $8k has made it popular now! That and the great reputation we as riders have broadcasted to the biking community.

Too many good motorcycles. Too little time! And money!!!

 

[the Ferret]

Well I am 66 (63 when I bought my 2013) and ABS was never a priority for me and bought my 2013 sans ABS. Of course when I traded it in on the 2014 it came with ABS no choice. I do think ABS is a good idea, especially for someone like myself that rides regardless of weather since I ride on wet or snowy roads. In 2 years and 24,000 miles I have not activated the ABS even though I have had several real life panic stops. Luckily none have been on slick surfaces. I can only hope I never have to activate the ABS, but that if I do it works as advertised.

If I get an opportunity to buy another bike in my life, if ABS is an option I would probably get it, if it comes standard, I know I will lol

 

[Bighonda14_imp]

I'm 54, and the 4 bikes I owned prior to this, 3 Hondas and a Triumph, all had ABS. Obtaining a CB1100 with ABS sealed the deal for me and gives me a much higher level of confidence on the bike. I'm a Consumer Reports kind of guy, read their reviews and appreciate their recommendations on safety tech concerning cars. Have also considered a number of BMW motorcycles over the years, where ABS is much more the norm. Hard for me to know what has influenced others in their purchase decisions. For me ABS was a huge factor.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

I've been riding BMW's almost exclusively since 1996. They've all had ABS. The lack of ABS on my DLX wouldn't have been a show-stopper (sorry for the bad pun) -- I would have bought the bike regardless, ABS or not. I'm glad it has it.

 

[use2b_imp]

The ABS is what sealed the deal for me. had it on my BMW R1200R and loved it.
63yo

 

[riceburner_imp]

I didn't want abs,2014 standard no abs.44years riding without it,only went over the handlebars once 43 years ago,don't see a need for it or the expense or weight.Your opinion may vary,ride without a helmet too.

 

[ride4now_imp]

When I bought the 2013, there was no bike on the floor with abs and I didn't want to order one so I got it without. On the 2014 DLX, it came with abs so obviously, that's what I got. If I really had the opportunity to choose one with, or the same one, without, I would have gone the abs route. All of my cars have it as does my CB, and even though I've never activated it in any vehicle, I do like the idea that I have it. Would it have made the CB a better seller if it was more readily available in 2013? I doubt it.

 

[redbirds_imp]

For me, ABS would never be a factor when considering a bike purchase. If available at the same price as non ABS, I would probably go for it.

 

[ride4now_imp]

I would pay extra for it... just like wearing ATGATT... why not? If it's available I can't see not having it... just in case.

 

[CA200_imp]

When I ordered mine in 2013 I really didn't think about it but later the look of the extra brake lines etc. on the ABS units made me glad I got the non ABS.

 

[Ulvetanna_imp]

The troubling thing about all this is that not many riders start in the dirt or on small bikes any more. They have no idea how to control a slide on either wheel and are relying on ABS to handle everything. And all it does is to release the brake to avoid a skid. There are more ABS bikes on the road than ever before, especially in the large displacement categories, and yet this is where we see more accidents than ever.

Motorcycle riding is a fading art: that lovely, delicate balance of floating between the two contact patches, managing brakes, throttle, body position, drifting, leaping, cavorting on a machine that feels a part of you. This calls to mind Malcolm Smith; there's a [url=http://www.themalcolmbook.com/new/the_book.htm]fine biography on the man written by Mitch Boehm. Reading about Smith, or Spencer, or Roberts is soon going to be like reading about the pioneers, or Wyatt Earp.

 

[postoak_imp]

I know there is at least one extra brake line on the 2013 models with linked-ABS, but does the 2014 ABS have any extra brake lines?

 

[RockHop_imp]

ABS is really just catching on with U.S. riders. For the most part U.S. riders haven't wanted ABS on their bikes, that is why it has always been a upcharge option here in the states, and come standard in other countries around the world. It will take government intrusion to get ABS mandatory on motorcycles here I'm afraid. In this country Americans don't want the extra weight, expense, or complexity and many feel they can brake better without it, whether they can or not.

Doubt the CB would have been a better seller had ABS come standard.

What he said. ABS is a new development as far as even being an option. We've been buying bikes without it all along.

The CB1100 has a limited appeal. There are many other bikes for the same or less money that are completely modern, with a lot more power, handling and features. The CB1000R comes to mind, FZ8, FZ09, Versys, and so on.

The CB1100 really is a "vintage" bike, air-cooled, frequent valve inspection intervals, limited power, heavy, narrow wheels, and so on. The fantastic brakes, excellent fuel injection, light, easy handling, versatility, and relative simplicity and low cost of ownership don't reveal themselves until a few miles down the highway. It has to reach out and grab the buyer on the showroom floor and unless that buyer likes old-school styling and what seems to be old technology, they'll take a pass, and they did. I am quite happy I got mine back in 2013. It has worn very well and fares favorably when ridden back to back with some very modern stuff I have parked alongside it.

I like it because it is what it is but for the rider who needs value and features the CB1100 doesn't look like a good choice. It actually IS a good choice but does not seem that way.

I always enjoy reading Ulvetanna's comments. I think he captured the essence of why someone does or doesn't buy the CB1100 and the availability of ABS is probably a minor consideration for most. Maybe the greater mystery is why some people want to sell their CB1100 after relatively few miles.

 

[kvdv_imp]

The troubling thing about all this is that not many riders start in the dirt or on small bikes any more. They have no idea how to control a slide on either wheel and are relying on ABS to handle everything. And all it does is to release the brake to avoid a skid. There are more ABS bikes on the road than ever before, especially in the large displacement categories, and yet this is where we see more accidents than ever.

Motorcycle riding is a fading art: that lovely, delicate balance of floating between the two contact patches, managing brakes, throttle, body position, drifting, leaping, cavorting on a machine that feels a part of you. This calls to mind Malcolm Smith; there's a [url=http://www.themalcolmbook.com/new/the_book.htm]fine biography on the man written by Mitch Boehm. Reading about Smith, or Spencer, or Roberts is soon going to be like reading about the pioneers, or Wyatt Earp.

I couldn't agree more!! I guess I'm part of the minority here, but the very idea of ABS has never sat well with me. In fact, it's the ONLY complaint I have about my 2014 DLX...I actually hate the fact that it came with ABS and that it can't be removed or disabled. On the other hand, I suppose since that's my only complaint about the bike, things could be worse, eh? All the same, if it were possible to rip the ABS system out and throw it away, I would do it in a heartbeat. (BTW, 55 years old with quite a bit less experience than many of the members here, from what I can gather...)

 

[LongRanger_imp]

I completely agree with Ulvetanna. Very good insight!