Anyone still riding their CB1100? If so, some info about the bike

[ohiorider]

How many miles?  How the bike has been used (in town, touring, etc?)  Overall thoughts about the Honda.

[guzzisteve]

Looks like you can still get new ones--

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mcd/5730441216.html

[fossil]

They definitely will keep on building this beautiful bike: http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/news/35968-honda-cb1100-ex-rs-unveiled-intermot-2016-a.html . It complies with Euro 4, it comes in the "normal" and in a "cafe-raceresque" version. Good!

In one of our German journals in an interview a Honda - official told they want to make this bike "for at least 10 years".

[bpreynolds]

With the RS, they have totally, fantastically nailed the styling.  IMHO it makes even the new Triumphs look like shabby retro clones.  Gorgeous is an understatement.  This being said, sad to say I don't think these bikes will be around much longer.  They will eventually arrive on our shores already trailing the likes of higher spec, water cooled Triumphs, Ducatis, and now even Yamahas in the same class.  Honda and especially the admittedly wonderful 1100 doesn't have the "character" or "soul" aspects going for it like a Guzzi, allowing it to trade on this for its lack of performance.  Just my 1 cent. 

[Orange Guzzi]

I have a ZR1100 Zephyr.  Very rare in the U.S.  The best bike in the bike shed out of 5.  16 valves and 8 spark plugs and will drink a gallon of gas in 21 miles.  Taking a deep breath around 3,600 rpm's before trying to pull out of your hands.  The ignition has a vacuum advance that is either advanced or not advanced at 3,600 rpm.

The new Honda CB1100 is a close clone of the Zephr. 

[stevet]

They definitely will keep on building this beautiful bike: http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/news/35968-honda-cb1100-ex-rs-unveiled-intermot-2016-a.html . It complies with Euro 4, it comes in the "normal" and in a "cafe-raceresque" version. Good!

I'm in love...

Steve.

[Frulk]

How many miles?  How the bike has been used (in town, touring, etc?)  Overall thoughts about the Honda.

I have 13 Standard.. use it for everything. ..took 2 solo trips out west here this summer on it for 1200-1400 miles each on multistate loops pressing it into use as a naked sport tourer. Currently has 11.3K miles on the odo.

VERY pleased with it. Solid bike. Well built. Kinda rare. Seen only one other one. Will keep it for the duration.

[Hymes Inc.]

Saw a red one in Burlington a week ago. Thought about going back to look at it. Never like side covers being a completely different color then the tank. Just looks odd to me like a car with a different colored fender.

[Cam3512]

Sorry guys, it's just another Honda - unremarkable.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Looks nice. For a Honda.  The engines on the Japaninc bikes just don't do it for me. <shrug>

[Lannis]

Sorry guys, it's just another Honda - unremarkable.

But that's only because we're not Honda guys.   To a Honda guy, these silly Guzzis with their "character" are the unremarkable ones.  I've come "that close" a couple times to pulling the trigger on a CB Honda .... I sort of like them.

Lannis

[Kev m]

Sorry guys, it's just another Honda - unremarkable.

What did it feel like?

How was the ride/performance?

Why didn't it put a smile on your face?

[jas67]

I rode a friends '13 CB1100 for a couple of hours mid-summer.
I liked it.    Ergos are similar to a V7 Stone/Special.   It feels heavier to push around the garage, but, not to ride.    It has a nice wide torque curve from 2,000 RPM to redline (8,500 if I remember correctly).    I'd say acceleration is on par, or a little better than my Breva 1100 was.   The engine is smooth, but, not characterless.    Honda actually designed in a little "character" by alternating the ignition timing on one of the cylinders (or something like that), because initial feedback on the early prototypes was that it was too bland.

The fit and finish are top notch.   Paint and chrome surfaces look great.

It has very good brakes, and better suspension than a V7 has stock (that doesn't say much).

Overall, I liked it a lot, and could see it being a great touring mount with bags and a small windshield.

By comparison, I do like the new Triumphs better (I have only ridden the standard Thruxton).

Like many retro-standards (W650 anyone?), a small vocal minority of riders pleaded with Honda to bring it here (was on wall in Japan since 2010), but, then they didn't sell well.   There are actually new left over 2013 and 2014 models sitting on showroom floors at steep discounts, as low as $7k.    It is a VERY nice bike for $7k.
 

[ohiorider]

There are actually new left over 2013 and 2014 models sitting on showroom floors at steep discounts, as low as $7k.    It is a VERY nice bike for $7k.

...... VERY nice bike for $7k.  My thoughts, exactly.

[pocphil]

We took a 2013 (Red) one in on trade 2.5 years ago and it had 435 miles on the odometer. The owner had purchased a pair of them for he and his wife (without checking with her first). She said the bike felt too tall / heavy for her so she brought it in to our shop and traded it in for a V7 (she still has it and loves it).

So, I originally priced it high, and got no action, dealers had plenty of them hanging around leftover in stock (as evidence by the Atlanta Craigslist ad).

I've ridden it as much as you should to keep something fresh and it still has less than 800 miles on it, and we have it priced at $7000.

Every time we have someone interested in it, and we let them take it for a ride, we always make them test ride a V9 or a Griso as well...

People always comment that the Honda is great, but it has no soul.

We've had it in our inventory for over 2 years, it's helped us sell a bunch of Guzzi's, so we're not really interested in getting rid of it, but it is time for it to go.

[MedicAndy]

Looks nice. For a Honda.  The engines on the Japaninc bikes just don't do it for me. <shrug>

I'm just wondering on why you stated that Japanese bike engines are not doing it for you? Would you miss the banging noises the MG engines make, or is it the lack of power over the rice burners that you favor?  I own a 85 LeMans IV and a 97 Sport 1100, and I love looking at and riding both bikes, and they will remain in my stable for as long as I'm around! However, I also have a 96 "Japaninic" Suzuki GSX-R 1100 with Keihin 41mm FCR Flat Slide carbs and aftermarket exhaust, and I hate to say this, but my 97 Sport 1100 engine with the performance chip added, exhaust, and K&N filter performs like a little 250 compared to my older GSX-R. My GSX-R would still run circles around my MG's even if she were bone stock. My last rocket bike was a 2009 BMW K1300S, which I had up close to warp speed, but even the BMW's power plant did not come close of how the GSX-R's engine will pull under full throttle between 9-11k rpm. So, in my humble opinion, I would not complain if my MG 1100 Sport engine's performance was a little more like my Japanese bike. But, I did not buy my MG bikes for their performance, which they have plenty off for my needs, I bought them because I like the way they look and feel when I ride them. I understand that everybody has likes and dislikes, but ......   

[Turin]

Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 ? sign me up! I got to ride the 750 back in the day. I still think that is a drop dead gorgeous bike, especially with that burgundy paint job.
The thing I didn't like about Japanese sportbikes were the paint jobs. Some were more horrific than others. The early 90's Suzukis' and yamahas' were the worst offenders.

[Nic in Western NYS]

...and a 97 Sport 1100

Nice looking Sport 1100!

[bad Chad]

I really liked my 78 GS1000.  Handled pretty good in hindsight, and had massive power compared to anything else I had ridden.  The motor was smooth, but powerfully charming for a 4cylinder.  Two valves per cylinder, relatively easy valve adjust, and torque, oh the torque!

Id say it was about 20% more juice than my current B1100, but I still much prefer the B1100 in almost all situations and times.  The visceral, living feel of the big lug is something that gets my smile factor up even more than the straight on pull of a big inline 4.  That being said, I have never ridden a bike with more than 120 hp, so my world of reference is not Jovian in size either!

[Kev m]

That being said, I have never ridden a bike with more than 120 hp, so my world of reference is not Jovian in size either!

I have, and though it was fun for a week there were times I wished I was on something smaller and less powerful.

And I've since bought bikes like my V7.

No regrets.

[rboe]

2013, pushing 6K miles (have a 650L and the Griso, have to share the love). Seriously, the Griso goes before the CB. It's easier to ride, has tons of torque (torque is king in my book), lighter on her feet than the Griso - but does lack the steam locomotive pulse that is so nice on the open road.

Took it to Death Valley last year (Griso needed to be rollerized, she is going this year) and it toured better than I expected. It has character, just not the drama the Griso has. This is a good thing.

I wish the stator had more poop so support all the heated gear with room to spare. Wish it had a 6th gear (2014 does). I'd like the old Honda sport fairing for it. Frame mounted. Otherwise, very nice bike. Brakes are better than the Griso's, fit and finish is better, no engine issues, two proper analog gauges (I'm not keen on digital - it's a fad I'd like to see go away), stock seat way better than the Griso's. I do like the menu system on the Griso that has trip meters, temp, etc. I miss that on the CB. Not keen on the shim and bucket to adjust the valves. Rear brake pedal sticks out too far, had to bend it in after I warped two discs. Rear blinkers are in the way for any luggage - dumb design over sight.

Over on the CB1100 forum we've had several Guzzi guys get them. I think, like the guzzi, the CB1100 harkens back to a simpler time - and looks like a proper bike, not these funky transformer looking beasts we see everywhere. And it lacks tupperware.

It's just a very good bike that does a lot pretty good - your typical standard.

Oh, it comes with a center stand too. I really like center stands.  I think I'll keep this bike until I stop riding. It's that good.

[ohiorider]

2013, pushing 6K miles (have a 650L and the Griso, have to share the love). Seriously, the Griso goes before the CB. It's easier to ride, has tons of torque (torque is king in my book), lighter on her feet than the Griso - but does lack the steam locomotive pulse that is so nice on the open road.

Took it to Death Valley last year (Griso needed to be rollerized, she is going this year) and it toured better than I expected. It has character, just not the drama the Griso has. This is a good thing.

I wish the stator had more poop so support all the heated gear with room to spare. Wish it had a 6th gear (2014 does). I'd like the old Honda sport fairing for it. Frame mounted. Otherwise, very nice bike. Brakes are better than the Griso's, fit and finish is better, no engine issues, two proper analog gauges (I'm not keen on digital - it's a fad I'd like to see go away), stock seat way better than the Griso's. I do like the menu system on the Griso that has trip meters, temp, etc. I miss that on the CB. Not keen on the shim and bucket to adjust the valves. Rear brake pedal sticks out too far, had to bend it in after I warped two discs. Rear blinkers are in the way for any luggage - dumb design over sight.

Over on the CB1100 forum we've had several Guzzi guys get them. I think, like the guzzi, the CB1100 harkens back to a simpler time - and looks like a proper bike, not these funky transformer looking beasts we see everywhere. And it lacks tupperware.

It's just a very good bike that does a lot pretty good - your typical standard.

Oh, it comes with a center stand too. I really like center stands.  I think I'll keep this bike until I stop riding. It's that good.

I was hoping you'd respond to this thread.  I recall you having owned a CB for a few years, and wanted to hear if the love was still there.  Appears that it is.  Nice CB/Griso compare ... fair and balanced IMO.

[rboe]

I found the CB to be like the Griso in that you need to live with it a while to fully appreciate it. It has really grown on me in the last two years.

On the advise of the CB forum I replaced the tires (the front one is very thin and lasts just a bit over 5K) with Road Pilot 3's. The bike feels much more planted (I went up in sizes front and back - with 18" rims you don't have a huge catalog of tires to choose from) and it handles a bit different. Seems too willing to cut around a corner (I seem to unique with this opinion though) and has taken some getting used to. Mainly an issue in town on the slower corners. If I still have the Griso when it needs new tires I think I'll put RP3's on it too. Tucson dealer is going out of business and if they have a bike I simply have to have the Griso will be sacreficed to make room (they have this very nice Eldo!).

But it's the Tenni Green Griso, one of the prettiest bikes to come out of Moto Guzzi so I'm a bit loath to part with her. They make great bookends for my riding.

[kirkemon]

I've often thought about the CB1100, the weight is holding me back. If they made a smaller version I'd be on it.

[rboe]

Ride one. 

If you're in the area you can ride mine.

[OlDogface]

This demo just popped up on CL; located in central PA:  https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/mcy/5848740646.html

[jas67]

This demo just popped up on CL; located in central PA:  https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/mcy/5848740646.html

That is bring sold by a friend of mine.   That's my V7S in the picture with it.   He's a good guy to deal with, and is very meticulous with his bikes.  It has had it's first service.