2013 Honda CB1100

[Mambo Dave]

Originally Posted by Guth

It's doubtful that I'd ever toss the bike around any more than the guy in this video. Probably says more about me than about the bike itself.

You may not, but that dude looks ... smaller like a typical french guy. I just spent some time trying to figure out who that presenter is in order to find his weight. Merely posting some dude riding a bike and saying you won't ride it any harder makes about as much sense as the fat guys in weapon forums who tell anyone and everyone that X big and heavy pistol is easy to carry and conceal.

Stats, or suggested rider weights from manufacturers - we need them; Japan has screwed American riders over far too often to go into anything blindly anymore. Based on me, alone, I'm an average 5'10", and I think I'd look larger on that bike than the French guy, so... either my perception is off, or him carving roads up means nothing to me. It does matter when I am contemplating my first new bike purchase ever, as it should to anyone here who may not have the extra cash for a fork rebuild budgeted when buying a bike, accessories and gear.

If one really doesn't care about fit, then that person could just go put their money down on one and skip participating in a thread that seems to be trying to figure it out. I mean, really, why even participate here (or spend the time to read posts about it) if it has a motor, a fuel tank, a Honda emblem and if you're already happy with any bike ever made?

I don't mean to be a dick, but I don't understand what people are looking for if they're simply happy knowing the colors and if it has a motor.

[The other Ferret]

Originally Posted by xrcris

If all you aspire to is just being "adequate", well then drive the hell on....

Seriously..all I desire to be is happy. When the bike comes in, if I throw a leg over it and roll away and it rides well, goes, well, shifts well, brakes well, and puts a smile on my face everytime I look at it or take it for a ride it will be everything I ask out of a bike.

[M3-SRT8]

I trust Honda.

All this talk about inadequate suspension, and we haven't even ridden the bike yet.

But many reviewers have. And the majority seem to like it, suspension, brakes, engine, etc, just fine. It appears to be a well sorted out bike. It is NOT a superbike.

I don't think Honda would send this bike out with an inadequate suspension, or an inadequate anything, for that matter.

I've owned a Honda. I had a CBR0600RR from 2003 and it was a sweet bike, right out of the box. Zero problems. Rode the heck out of it.

[Guth]

Originally Posted by Mambo Dave

You may not, but that dude looks ... smaller like a typical french guy. I just spent some time trying to figure out who that presenter is in order to find his weight. Merely posting some dude riding a bike and saying you won't ride it any harder makes about as much sense as the fat guys in weapon forums who tell anyone and everyone that X big and heavy pistol is easy to carry and conceal.

That's the thing, I'm 5' 8" and weigh in at 165 on a good day. This bike has me excited. A number of other reviews have featured reviewers that appeared to be taller/larger than me judging by the photos — and they to seemed to be satisfied by the suspension. I've got no problems with someone upgrading a bikes suspension. I've done that myself on my Hawk GT. While I can certainly detect differences, I know that I'm not taking full advantage of the chasis/suspension combo as it is right now anyway. The upgrades occurred primarily because the suspension on my now 25 year old bike was flat worn out.

I also realize that it's a bit illogical to argue over such things when none of us have ridden the bike yet. But as far as I've been able to discern so far, the CB1100 sounds very encouraging to me.

[ECN-ROL]

Originally Posted by Gham

I couldn't agree more!This bike addresses most every complaint I have with my CB900F.The only thing I need to do is sit on it and check out the ergo's for myself.The more rear set pegs is what I have to be honest with myself about.The 56 year old back may protest too loudly but I'm cautiously optimistic that the CB1100 is my next bike.As for the suspension....C'mon!!!I have never seen so many people looking for any reason to dislike this bike

If I thought this CB1100 was a far better bike than my 1982 CB900F I would consider buying one. But one thing that really puts me off buying one are the skinny wheels and tires. If Honda had put 17 wheels on it with a 120 front and at least a 160 rear, I would definately have been interested, as that is one of the major shortcomings of an old bike.

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by ECN-ROL

If Honda had put 17 wheels on it with a 120 front and at least a 160 rear, I would definately have been interested, as that is one of the major shortcomings of an old bike.

Depends on your POV. It may be a "shortcoming" in terms of outright grip and corner speed, but it also gives a standard bike the crisp, light, linear turn-in that makes older bikes handle so nicely while seated in a straight/upright riding position. Modern sport bikes with super wide tires are optimized for riding at 9/10th and above, with forward riding positions, and aggressive body inputs. That's not what this bike is about. Everything is a compromise.

A 180+ tire also wouldn't have "the look".

Honda already makes an aggressive, high-powered, wide-tired naked: the CB1000R.

- Mark

[M3-SRT8]

Originally Posted by markjenn

Depends on your POV. It may be a "shortcoming" in terms of outright grip and corner speed, but it also gives a standard bike the crisp, light, linear turn-in that makes older bikes handle so nicely while seated in a straight/upright riding position. Modern sport bikes with super wide tires are optimized for riding at 9/10th and above, with forward riding positions, and aggressive body inputs. That's not what this bike is about. Everything is a compromise.

A 180+ tire also wouldn't have "the look".

Honda already makes an aggressive, high-powered, wide-tired naked: the CB1000R.

- Mark

+1. Mark's observations are spot-on. He gets what this bike is all about.

The bike is a Time Machine, executed by 21st century craftsmen.

[Gham]

Originally Posted by ECN-ROL

If I thought this CB1100 was a far better bike than my 1982 CB900F I would consider buying one. But one thing that really puts me off buying one are the skinny wheels and tires. If Honda had put 17 wheels on it with a 120 front and at least a 160 rear, I would definately have been interested, as that is one of the major shortcomings of an old bike.

I understand your point completely,skinny tires are hard to get used to looking at.I grew up with the skinny tires so it's not as big a deal for me.You can also be limited with selection/choice.
Even several CB900F riders swap wheels and swingarms with early model CBR's !!!!! It's a common mod to upgrade to modern rubber.

[Lars1974]

Hi all,

I had a chance the test the new 2013 bikes last week out in Portugal. The weather was not very kind to us, but we did have a great time on the machinery.

We had the new CB1100A and also an old CB750 to play with and the first choice was which one to take: white or red?



As i could not make my mind up i tried both. We rode up to the Coba da Roca - Europe's most westerly point!

Now a few comments on how it rides! Best word is creamy! The engine is silky smooth and power is everwhere from 1k rpm! Suspension is very comfortable and with the front a little on the soft side. Due to the wet and sandy road conditions i did not go to test maximum lean angles but everthing i asked the bike to do it did with ease! Brakes are usual Honda standard with abs and plenty of feel and bite.
I love the clocks and with the tank reasonbly slim you can see the engine top from your sitting position.
The bike does have lovely details from the old style indicator to the petrol cap etc..

Here a photo i took on my phone at the cape


And here a photo pf the cabo da roca plaque...



All in all despite the weather the ride was great and the new bike are very good!
I also tried the old 750 and it was amazing to feel how much like family the two CB's are.

Finally I did also have a chance to have a first little play on the new MSX125! I know i look a bit silly on it but it was fun!



So, anyway once the bikes hit the dealer try one!
Thx Lars

[Gham]

Originally Posted by Lars1974

Hi all,

I had a chance the test the new 2013 bikes last week out in Portugal. The weather was not very kind to us, but we did have a great time on the machinery.

We had the new CB1100A and also an old CB750 to play with and the first choice was which one to take: white or red?



As i could not make my mind up i tried both. We rode up to the Coba da Roca - Europe's most westerly point!

Now a few comments on how it rides! Best word is creamy! The engine is silky smooth and power is everwhere from 1k rpm! Suspension is very comfortable and with the front a little on the soft side. Due to the wet and sandy road conditions i did not go to test maximum lean angles but everthing i asked the bike to do it did with ease! Brakes are usual Honda standard with abs and plenty of feel and bite.
I love the clocks and with the tank reasonbly slim you can see the engine top from your sitting position.
The bike does have lovely details from the old style indicator to the petrol cap etc..

Here a photo i took on my phone at the cape


And here a photo pf the cabo da roca plaque...



All in all despite the weather the ride was great and the new bike are very good!
I also tried the old 750 and it was amazing to feel how much like family the two CB's are.

Finally I did also have a chance to have a first little play on the new MSX125! I know i look a bit silly on it but it was fun!



So, anyway once the bikes hit the dealer try one!
Thx Lars

Nice review Lars! I had no idea the MSX was that small

Every review I've seen says the FI is perfect so I am not suprised at the creamy smooth comment.

You look like a large fellow(maybe over 6'1 or so) how did it fit you..????

[Guth]

Awesome!

Thanks for relating your experience Lars. Any more impressions that you might care to share would be greatly appreciated.

[M3-SRT8]

Excellent review, Lars. Thanks for your pics and observations.

Damn, I wish the cb1100 coming to the States had a silver engine...

[Gas Hog]

Lars,
First off you suck!
Second why oh why when you get the chance to test ride all of these beauty's..the weather is crap
Thanks for the review and pics! Cant wait to throw a leg over one of these machines.
Gary

[Eddy Alvarez]

Originally Posted by The other Ferret

OMG that guy was so close to dying in some of those curves on that stock suspension .... A couple of times I was sure he was going to eat it........ .j / k

I have no idea what you are referring to...??? That guy looked like he was out on a leisurly ride at less than half throttle.
I have heard nothing but positive reviews regarding the plush, stock suspension. As you mentioned, it will suffice for 99.9% of riders. If one wants to ride at a 95% pace, leave the CB at home and take the CBR to the track.

[The other Ferret]

Originally Posted by Eddy Alvarez

I have no idea what you are referring to...??? That guy looked like he was out on a leisurly ride at less than half throttle.
I have heard nothing but positive reviews regarding the plush, stock suspension. As you mentioned, it will suffice for 99.9% of riders. If one wants to ride at a 95% pace, leave the CB at home and take the CBR to the track.

Eddie...the j/k means " just kidding" I was being sarcastic and letting everyone know that I was kidding. Maybe you guys don't use that over here on ADV, they use it on other forums I frequent because its hard to express intent on the internet sometimes. The point was at the pace he was riding everything looked perfectly ok and the suspension looked to be performing as it was designed. He didn't look like he was having any handling issues at all.

Lars, nice report. You lucky dog. Creamy is good for me, exactly what I am looking for. That little 125 looks like a mini CBR 1000 naked. Bet its fun to be a teenager over there.