2013 Honda CB1100

[Mobiker]

Originally Posted by M3-SRT8

Hold on, Padre. That's a little too dismissive...

The New Bikes are really light years ahead of whatever was offered in the early 70's. Yes, the performance numbers were impressive back then (in a straight line, in particular) but today's bikes are quicker, brake better, handle better, far more reliable, safer, etc.

I have one vintage automobile, a 1958 Plymouth Fury 2Dr HT (a real one, not a clone) and when I hear someone say "they don't make 'em like they used to!" I say to myself "Thank God."

Well said. Back in the seventies I had a '72 H2, a '72 Water Buffalo, and a '75 XS650. My uncle had a '72 CB750 that I road quite a bit. Its absurd, if an amusing exercise, to compare any aspect of their performance to a modern bike. The '02 FZ1 I had was so superior in handling and braking that.....well it was just a lot better. Its like comparing a 1984 vintage desktop to the ones we buy today.

The 58 Plymouth is a rolloing work of art

[ZappBranigan]

Originally Posted by RedRocket

Too bad isn't it. I really miss the self canceling turn signals.

DOH! Yes, I forgot self-canceling turn signals. Which my 82 Spectre and 84 ZN700 both had, and which my much more expensive Triumphs (01 Tbird and 08 Scrambler) did not.

I mean, really, how hard can it be to add self cancelling signals? :

[M3-SRT8]

Originally Posted by markjenn

Since we're talking whimsical trips down nostalgia lane...

http://www.kawtriple.com/mraxl/artic...uperbikes1.htm

- Mark

Mark, do you have a link to the follow-up 1975 Superbike Test?

[ZappBranigan]

In my posts previous, I lamented the fact that the CB1100 is unlikely to succeed because it doesn't fit into a "niche."

Well, as I got to looking around, I realized that it DOES fit into a niche. It's a niche that has been very slowly growing in the US motorcycle market but I think it's safe to say that there are now enough bikes in that category to qualify for their own market segment:

"Retro Bikes." Think about it, when Kawasaki introduced the Zephyr in the late 80s- early 90s, when Honda introduced the CB1000 in 93, when Suzuki had the naked Bandit 1200 and Kawasaki had the naked ZR-7, there really was no "retro" market segment as such. All the effort and money for "retro" styling was going to the red-hot "Cruiser/imitation Harley" segment.

But as cruisers are becoming somewhat old hat, several manufacturers have started pushing "retro" style bikes. I would argue that Triumph really kicked off the trend in 2000 with the Bonneville, which has steadily grown from one to about 5 different models (Bonnie, Thruxton, T100, Scrambler, America, Speedmaster) and has well established itself in the US motorcycle market.

Around the same time, Kawasaki brought out their retro-styled ZRX-1100 (later 1200), Eddie Lawson replica. Although it had a "modern" (water cooled) engine, it had the old-fashioned tube frame and dual rear shocks that most true "sportbikes" hadn't used in almost a decade. Although the ZRX is gone now, it was quite a popular bike for a while (and still is - try buying one used and you'll see just how 'in demand' they are!)

In 2008 Moto Guzzi introduced their retro-style V7 Classic in a couple of different configurations. This year they've released the V7 Stone with a bigger gas tank and cast wheels but it still has the classic styling.

On the small end of the market, a few years back Suzuki replaced the cruiser-styled GZ250 starter bike with the retro-styled TU250.

Given all that, I think I may have to revise my earlier pessimism. Retro bikes do seem to be something of a viable market niche. I only hope Honda has the fortitude to stick it out and to market the bike so people actually buy it.

If Honda's CB1100 catches on, and if Triumph continues to do well (and they've been doing great, despite the global recession), one can only wonder what may happen next. Maybe Kawasaki could bring the W800 to the US market? Who knows (not sure if people would buy an imitation Triumph when they can buy the "real thing" unless there is a significant price difference.) Better yet, perhaps Kawasaki could be persuaded to bring out a modern version of the venerable Z1, or perhaps Suzuki could revisit their GS series of bikes, or Yamaha could think about bringing out a "modern" XS11.

Personally I would like to see more smaller size bikes in the 500 - 750cc class, as I think that size represents a perfect compromise in terms of size and power vs. weight. However, I can understand why MC manufacturers tend to move to larger bikes - it's the same reason car and truck manufacturers would rather sell a big SUV or pickup - the profit on the larger item is bigger.

Still, we could be seeing the beginning of the "next big thing" in motorcycling. Or at least we can dream!

[Gas Hog]

I beilive you are right those are total POS..How much you want for it?
Gary

Originally Posted by M3-SRT8

I have one vintage automobile, a 1958 Plymouth Fury 2Dr HT (a real one, not a clone) and when I hear someone say "they don't make 'em like they used to!" I say to myself "Thank God."

[furious_blue]

Originally Posted by ZappBranigan

In my posts previous, I lamented the fact that the CB1100 is unlikely to succeed because it doesn't fit into a "niche."

Still, we could be seeing the beginning of the "next big thing" in motorcycling. Or at least we can dream!

IMHO, retros in the US are already the 'next niche thing'..

I'll be giving up my Speed Triple to make garage space when the CB1100 arrives.
The S3 seems to have it all in a 'naked bike', power, handling, sound, brakes.. I had dreams that it would be the '70s Triumph Trident that I couldn't have (at the time) because I was too poor..

but I never was quite 'in love' with it.

I know I will love the CB1100.

Since I'm 3rd in line at my non-Powerhouse Honda dealer I wonder if that will happen this year... maybe if enough people voted with their $$$ deposits, Honda would consider an extended production run to meet demand (if demand is really there.. we could be living in an enthusiasts bubble here on this thread).. we'll see... but this year, next year or the next, I'm getting one of these things...

[Scoobynut]

Originally Posted by ZappBranigan

Maybe Kawasaki could bring the W800 to the US market? Who knows (not sure if people would buy an imitation Triumph when they can buy the "real thing" unless there is a significant price difference.)

The W800 is a better facsimile of a classic Triumph than the current Triumph classic line. Not to mention dealers everywhere with Kawasaki. The 'heritage' and 'prestige' of the Triumph name mean very little to me, so I'd take the W800 every time if it were available here. If it were available here, I think I would already have one, and might forego the CB1100 if it had been introduced later -- at least in such an imaginary scenario. But, most likely I will get a CB1100. Are you listening, Kawasaki?

[The other Ferret]

Originally Posted by Guth

I've never bought a new bike before, and my 1988 Hawk GT is the newest bike I've ever owned. Do any of you know if you can still buy a factory service manual from Honda for the bikes they are producing these days?

Yes you can get factory service manuals for every bike.

While its true after riding new bikes for the last 30 years, that riding bikes that are now 30 years old, although exciting visually, is not as exciting emotionally when you realise the brakes are a bit dull feeling, they usually leak oil a bit, they need near constant work to keep running if you ride them daily etc...but thats one of the great things about the CB 1100 because it will not only excite visually, being new, there will none of the issues associated with owning a 40 year old motorcycle. It will be completely modern, it will just appear old...sounds perfect to me.

[Guth]

Originally Posted by The other Ferret

Yes you can get factory service manuals for every bike.

That's good news. I had seen some mention of a master service reference manual (or something to that effect) and was afraid that the detailed individual service manuals were no longer being produced.

[Moonshiner]

Originally Posted by Scoobynut

The W800 is a better facsimile of a classic Triumph than the current Triumph classic line. Not to mention dealers everywhere with Kawasaki. The 'heritage' and 'prestige' of the Triumph name mean very little to me, so I'd take the W800 every time if it were available here. If it were available here, I think I would already have one, and might forego the CB1100 if it had been introduced later -- at least in such an imaginary scenario. But, most likely I will get a CB1100. Are you listening, Kawasaki?

If it hasn't been posted before in this thread, let's remember some of the attempts at "retro" that are no longer sold in the U.S. such as the Kawi W650, the Kawi ZRX, and other older Honda attempts like the GB500.

I remember when one of the mags did a comparo between the "new" Hinckley Bonnie and the Kawi W650. Their take on it was that Kawi made a better Bonneville than Triumph did. Yet, it's the Triumph that's still selling.

If the CB1100 is a success in the U.S., then maybe we'll see more of the Japanese retro bikes that we currently don't get here in the U.S. But, I'm not holding my breath.

[ZappBranigan]

Originally Posted by furious_blue

IMHO, retros in the US are already the 'next niche thing'..


Since I'm 3rd in line at my non-Powerhouse Honda dealer I wonder if that will happen this year... maybe if enough people voted with their $$$ deposits, Honda would consider an extended production run to meet demand (if demand is really there.. we could be living in an enthusiasts bubble here on this thread).. we'll see... but this year, next year or the next, I'm getting one of these things...

My worry WRT the Honda is that I still think the MSRP is overpriced for this particular niche. The Bonnie/Scrambler/T100 line MSRP between $7500 and $8900, the Guzzi V7 is around $8300 and the HD Sportys start around $7500. That puts the CB between $1000 and $1500 higher than any of its competitors.

And of course, you can argue that it's "more bike" with its bigger motor, 4 cyl vs. 2, and more HP, and I wouldn't disagree, but the question that has to be asked is whether the person who is in the market for a retro bike will value those things over look & feel.

What I don't know about Honda is the relationship between MSRP and actual dealer price. With a lot of consumer products, the "MSRP" is meaningless, it's set artificially high by the manufacturer so the dealer can then offer great "discounts" on the product that aren't really discounts at all (like a car with an MSRP of $20,000 that sells everywhere for $17,500.) If I understand the market, "boutique bike" brands like Triumph and Guzzi stick pretty close to the MSRP because their market is much smaller.

So, a Honda "MSRP" of $10k might simply mean "if this is a red-hot seller, we will charge full MSRP or maybe even a little more, but if the market response is lukewarm we can sell them OTD for $9k and still make a profit."

[jon_l]

Originally Posted by HapHazard

I think that's why the CB1100 is so interesting to so many. Yes, nostalgia has a bad connotation about seeing the past through rose colored glasses, that things were better then than now. But Honda seems to have cleverly distilled the look and capabilities of the "good old days" better than the others who've tried before (Kawasaki did a terrific job with the W650 and Drifters, but they represent smaller niches, and compromised capability). The CB1100 reaches a larger, more receptive audience. Sure, we can pick nits about colors and how big the gas tank is, but for fans of the UJM, past and present, this bike is on the money. I hope to see lots of them out on the road!

So endeth the sermon...

Good post Hap. Right on the money.

[The other Ferret]

Originally Posted by ZappBranigan

My worry WRT the Honda is that I still think the MSRP is overpriced for this particular niche. The Bonnie/Scrambler/T100 line MSRP between $7500 and $8900, the Guzzi V7 is around $8300 and the HD Sportys start around $7500. That puts the CB between $1000 and $1500 higher than any of its competitors.

And of course, you can argue that it's "more bike" with its bigger motor, 4 cyl vs. 2, and more HP, and I wouldn't disagree, but the question that has to be asked is whether the person who is in the market for a retro bike will value those things over look & feel.

What I don't know about Honda is the relationship between MSRP and actual dealer price. With a lot of consumer products, the "MSRP" is meaningless, it's set artificially high by the manufacturer so the dealer can then offer great "discounts" on the product that aren't really discounts at all (like a car with an MSRP of $20,000 that sells everywhere for $17,500.) If I understand the market, "boutique bike" brands like Triumph and Guzzi stick pretty close to the MSRP because their market is much smaller.

So, a Honda "MSRP" of $10k might simply mean "if this is a red-hot seller, we will charge full MSRP or maybe even a little more, but if the market response is lukewarm we can sell them OTD for $9k and still make a profit."

Like I said before I had a 2003 Bonneville, T 100 but I had to put Triumph TOR pipes on it just to hear it for $450, a grab rail $250, and a centerstand $ 250. The basic bike was $8000 but I had to put an additional thou in it and it was still a 790 cc twin cylinder with 58 HP and a single disc front brake. For $10 k on the Honda you get a 4 cylinder liter bike with a centerstand, and 87 HP and double disc front brakes.

With regards to the Moto Guzzi my issues are no dealer network, again a single disc front and no centerstand. Rider recently tested a 2013 Stone and it only dyno'd 43 HP. They also said it had a lousy transmission with many missed shifts. Retail $8390.

Although not a retro, the BMW F 700GS Enduro is a 798 cc twin with a dual front disc, the centerstand is optional and its base price is the same as the CB 1100s at $ 9990.

Id rather have the CB 1100!

[M3-SRT8]

Niche bike, or no niche bike, priced fair, or overpriced, I just ordered one. With ABS.

[ZappBranigan]

Originally Posted by The other Ferret

Like I said before I had a 2003 Bonneville, T 100 but I had to put Triumph TOR pipes on it just to hear it for $450, a grab rail $250, and a centerstand $ 250. The basic bike was $8000 but I had to put an additional thou in it and it was still a 790 cc twin cylinder with 58 HP and a single disc front brake. For $10 k on the Honda you get a 4 cylinder liter bike with a centerstand, and 87 HP and double disc front brakes.

With regards to the Moto Guzzi my issues are no dealer network, again a single disc front and no centerstand. Rider recently tested a 2013 Stone and it only dyno'd 43 HP. They also said it had a lousy transmission with many missed shifts. Retail $8390.

Although not a retro, the BMW F 700GS Enduro is a 798 cc twin with a dual front disc, the centerstand is optional and its base price is the same as the CB 1100s at $ 9990.

All true but also irrelevant.

I'd rather have the CB 1100!

So you would. But you have already decided that you prefer the CB.

But the hypothetical customer that Honda is trying to woo is someone who is not already sold on a CB. And that's the rub. Because that customer is looking at the T100, the V7, and possibly some other similar type of standard bike from the likes of Ducati or BMW, and that customer is the one who is wondering whether it makes sense to shell out an extra $1500.

The HP difference is only relevent if the buyer is one who values HP. How many people who buy retro bikes put a premium on HP? Ditto for the brakes - how many people who would buy this bike would know or care about the difference between a single disc up front and a double disc?

I completely agree that the Honda gives you "more." But a buyer will only buy it over a competing brand if the "more" that Honda gives is something that the customer wants. If it's not something that the customer wants and is willing the pay extra money for, then the only difference between the CB and its competitor is the price, and in that comparison, the more expensive bike loses.

The euro bikes also have a name cachet that Honda lacks. For the likes of Triumph, Ducati, Guzzi or BMW name is an asset. The European marques have "snob appeal" (whether it's deserved or not.) OTOH, "Honda" means "reliable but not particularly exciting" and in the motorcycle world, Honda is the vanilla ice cream brand. Not bad, but nothing you'd cross the street for.

That's the uphill battle I see the CB1100 facing. I don't think it's insurmountable, I just wonder whether American Honda has the intestinal fortitude to stick it out. Maybe yes, maybe no. But having a higher MSRP than the competition puts the Honda at a disadvantage right out of the gate, and that worries me for the future of the CB in the US market.