2013 Honda CB1100

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by d.burbach

I didn't say it needed a sixth gear, only that it would be nice. I mean I could get by just fine without a sixth gear on my SV650, but it sure is nice to have it.

I'm a little surprised that Honda built a brand-new platform with a five-speed box. I'm sure the bike doesn't need it, but I don't know of any motorcycle that isn't improved with a six-speed.

This sort of cost-cutting compromise that may turn people off is what has me worried about sales of this bike. The other big area is suspension - no upside down forks and other than rear preload, no suspension adjustments whatsoever.

A think a $10,299 CB1100 with USD fork, rebound adjustments, and a six-speed box would sell more bikes than the $10K bike we're getting.

- Mark

[30Bones]

^ I tend to agree. I like the bike and the classic look. Other than that, it does nothing for me, but kudos to Honda for putting out some bikes people seem to want. I am in the market, unsure if any will fit my needs at this time tho.

[cogitate]

Originally Posted by markjenn

I'm a little surprised that Honda built a brand-new platform with a five-speed box. I'm sure the bike doesn't need it, but I don't know of any motorcycle that isn't improved with a six-speed.

This sort of cost-cutting compromise that may turn people off is what has me worried about sales of this bike. The other big area is suspension - no upside down forks and other than rear preload, no suspension adjustments whatsoever.

A think a $10,299 CB1100 with USD fork, rebound adjustments, and a six-speed box would sell more bikes than the $10K bike we're getting.

- Mark

I disagree. Honda has the CB1000 with the usd fork, six speed box, and the way it looks, those parts suit it.

Honda did a nice job in my opinion of building a bike to please those who used to ride CB750s. Btw, a few of the online moto sites said the brakes and suspension were fine.

[dogjaw]

I have never even considered buying a new bike, always liked having someone else take the depreciation hit, but I am getting pre approved for this beauty... Who knows, I may hate it when I see it up close, but right now it seems like the perfect successor to my Nighthawk 750 and 919.

[RedRocket]

I really like the civility in this thread, unlike so many others in RRs.
The nonsensical comments seem pretty minimal.

[wannaklr]

Originally Posted by RedRocket

I really like the civility in this thread, unlike so many others in RRs.
The nonsensical comments seem pretty minimal.

Needs a TDi engine though. WTF was Honda thinking!

[cogitate]

Originally Posted by wannaklr

Needs a TDi engine though. WTF was Honda thinking!

I hope they are using approved blinker fluid. It such a pain to bring a bike up to spec.

[wannaklr]

Originally Posted by cogitate

I hope they are using approved blinker fluid. It such a pain to bring a bike up to spec.

That approved stuff is just simple nail polish remover with a different label and 7000% increase in price.

[DesmoTull]

uh oh... this is going downhill quickly...

Mine will be getting a trim similar to this:

[skysailor]

I have a deposit on one. Refundable if I don't like it for any reason, including price. MSRP yet to be determined for Canada. That new 700 really pissed me off when it was explained to me that I could only get ABS if I opted for the "automated" transmission?? WTF? I think I'll like this one, though.
Lyle

[Gham]

I currently own an 82 CB900F and a 79 XS650.I was thinking before to maybe get a new Bonneville as an upgrade to the Yamaha and keep the Honda for my Inline 4 fix.Now I don't know.I think I'm the target demographic on the new CB.

[kraven]

Originally Posted by RedRocket

I really like the civility in this thread, unlike so many others in RRs.
The nonsensical comments seem pretty minimal.

You meet the nicest trolls in Honda threads.

[mrbreeze]

Originally Posted by markjenn

I'm a little surprised that Honda built a brand-new platform with a five-speed box. I'm sure the bike doesn't need it, but I don't know of any motorcycle that isn't improved with a six-speed.

This sort of cost-cutting compromise that may turn people off is what has me worried about sales of this bike. The other big area is suspension - no upside down forks and other than rear preload, no suspension adjustments whatsoever.

A think a $10,299 CB1100 with USD fork, rebound adjustments, and a six-speed box would sell more bikes than the $10K bike we're getting.

- Mark

well, you are probably right, but a) if you're Honda and you are trying to make this bike price competitive, it doesn't make much sense to put a high $$$ suspension on it - especially when most of your target market will probably never adjust the suspension anyway, and b) I doubt that it really NEEDS a 6 speed tranny. My FJR had 5, and it was fine. My Nomad has 5, and it's fine. I once had a bike with a 4 speed, and it was fine. Even if they decided to put a 6th gear in it doesn't mean that the new 6th would be any higher than the current 5th (if that makes sense). If you put a really tall 6th gear in there, then people are going to complain about poor performance in top gear. It's a compromise, and somebody is going to complain no matter what you do.

Honda has a really sweet CB1000 for the people who want something that is a little more "cutting edge".

[KMC1]

Originally Posted by kraven

You meet the nicest trolls in Honda threads.

Oh, SNAP!! .

[jon_l]

Originally Posted by markjenn

I'm a little surprised that Honda built a brand-new platform with a five-speed box. I'm sure the bike doesn't need it, but I don't know of any motorcycle that isn't improved with a six-speed.

This sort of cost-cutting compromise that may turn people off is what has me worried about sales of this bike. The other big area is suspension - no upside down forks and other than rear preload, no suspension adjustments whatsoever.

A think a $10,299 CB1100 with USD fork, rebound adjustments, and a six-speed box would sell more bikes than the $10K bike we're getting.

- Mark

Sure I'd like higher spec too. But as Cogitate said, the preliminary comments are pretty good, suspension wise.

Copied from here: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/117/14...irst-Ride.aspx

While many standard bikes these days incorporate under-sprung suspension for our likings, the 2013 CB1100 suspension department integrated a well sprung front fork and dual rear shocks. Damping of the suspension scored major kudos for working nicely all the way through the stroke. From fast rough roads to speed bumps and pot holes, the suspension handled every element we threw at it without a fuss. Handling characteristics are a dream.

And from here: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...ide-91464.html

The CB’s suspension looks like something out of the early-‘80s, with a conventional right-side-up fork and dual rear shocks. However, they perform much better than period components. Its 41mm fork is much beefier than anything from the ’70s and has preload adjustability for its 4.7 inches of travel. The shocks also are adjustable for preload, although rear travel is just 3.5 inches. The CB’s suspension compliance is exemplary, providing a smooth ride even over nasty road surfaces.