CB1100

[Scootskipper]

I really like the CB1100! I realize that my taste is a bit dated, but I know other guys my age and older who are the same way. I suspect that the bike is aimed at older guys who can relate to the styling and functionality of such a bike, don't feel the urge for 100+HP and often have a little deeper pockets. If it became available in this country, I would certainly give it serious consideration!

[mrhonda1987]

As would i Scootskipper. So much more class than any cruiser or anything like that. I'd love to park one next to my 1975 CB750.

[touring919]

Wow. I really love the CB1100. It looks even better in person. Absoulutly great looking. And it could easily be made to look like a serouse cafe bike with a change of seat and handlebars.

It is very funny to me that peopole compolain a retro bike looks too old. This is in no way comparable to a 919 or any sporting naked. Its a freakin' retro bike!

Comparing apples to apples. I'd rather have one of these than a bonnie/scrambler anyday. Unlike the triumphs, which are awsomely cool, this bike should have enough steam to put a smile on ones face. I doubt I would actually buy one, but thats just because I'm the type that hates having many machines to do do the job of many. I'd rather have one or two that do the job of 10. And I already have a naked sport bike and a street legal dirt bike. All my bassis are covered. Except for grand touring. Which this bike will not fill. it could, but not in the way I want it too. i lean more towards adv touring.

And the CB1R is coming to the states if it wasn't already brought up.

[mrhonda1987]

Looks better in person? Have you seen one? Is it coming here and I missed it or something?

[touring919]

I hope it comes to the us, I don't actually know. Its my idea of the dream comuter bike.

I saw several. I'm in Japan for a few weeks. I saw a few on the street and several in a dealership. They look very good. I'd love to justify one as a run around bike but I already have a run around bike. I searched around for a CB1R but didn't see any. I don't know if its even available in Japan. Dealerships around here are sweet. instead of countless cruisers and a bunch of superbikes with only two useable standards...there are countless standars with a couple cruisers and crotchrockets off in the corner. Ducati/Truimph/BMW had the same old stuff one can buy in the states. But the Honda dealer had all kinds of cool stuff i had never seen before. Retro bikes seem to be popular over here. Kawi and Suzuki both make some cool stuff here not available in the states. Search for a Kawi W650. it is super sweet. Bevel drive cams!

Keep in mind on prices. The japanese are getting murdered on exchange rates. Euros are okay in comparison. Its easier for the euro trash to sell us top shelf stuff right now than the big 4. Not that I want top shelf stuff on a retro bike. I'd rather it be like the CB1100. Good looking, bare essensials and hopefully reliable.

Thought of another one to compaire it too. maybe an XR1200. Good looking bikes each. Both have real world street performance. Both would be boring if one was really looking for a crotch rocket.

[mrhonda1987]

I guess the Japanese are much more practical. Here, bikes are toys for the majority. They get neato standards, retro cruisers and those nifty fuel injected Super Cubs. What I wouldn't give for us to get that here.

[Farab]

Originally Posted by touring919

It is very funny to me that peopole complain a retro bike looks too old. This is in no way comparable to a 919 or any sporting naked. Its a freakin' retro bike!

I'm not complaining it looks too old, but all I'm saying is why can't they make a retro with proper gear, as opposed to the same generic Honda suspension and brakes for instance.

Yamaha did it with Ohlins suspension, Ducati did it with Brembo brakes and USD forks on a retro and the look still works!

[touring919]

That is the same generic fork and brakes you are complaining about. Only Ohlins on there is the rear shocks. I agree, high grade suspenders would be nice. But not needed. Its purely eye candy that does take away from the vintage look.

[Farab]

Originally Posted by touring919

That is the same generic fork and brakes you are complaining about. Only Ohlins on there is the rear shocks. I agree, high grade suspenders would be nice. But not needed. Its purely eye candy that does take away from the vintage look.

Yep, and I would have preferred to see that bike with USD forks and beefier brakes. This is not just for better performance, but also looks wise. Here you have a nice looking, beefy, muscle machine with an aneamic looking front end. It just spoils it, similar to my feelings about the looks of the 919's front end.
I reckon a retro can have modern gear without spoiling it's looks. That's the difference bewteen a retro and a replica, IMO. If you want an 80's machine, why not save yourself $$$ and just buy a 30 year old CBXXX, etc. and then have the real deal with the genuine old look.

Even with USD forks and Brembo brakes, it still pulls off the retro look nicely:

[touring919]

The Duc still looks good. And the CB1100 could still look good with them. Maybe even "trick" as if its a classic modded up. Just like the G machine hot rods. Classic muscle cars with huge wheels and brakes.

I for one prefer the classic look. And I'd may, not 100% sure without thinking more, prefer the lower grade stuff anyway. Its not like I'd check my "lap times" on the way to work trying to set records. So why would I want to pay for the expensive stuff just so a 3rd person could think it looks trick? Not my way of doing things. Just my opinion. If the better stuff was on their for the same price, I sure wouldn't compain though.

And I'm not interested in owning old bikes. They look great. I'm always tempted to buy an early 70s CB750, or CBX. And they are relativly cheap. But I hate working on stuff when I feel I shouldn't need too. I like turning wrenches for maintenance and modifications. A never ending project of fixing things is not something I like to do or have time to do. So a modern retro is right up my ally. FI, modern reliablity and seals that are brand new with no dry rought.

[touring919]

preventive maintenance (valve lash checks, oil changes....). I should have been more descriptive. Sorry.

[Farab]

I can understand your point of view and fair enough.

I guess where I'm coming from is that why not have a retro that can perform well or even excellent in the hills, especially when you consider the usual Honda pricetag.

It has FI, so if it can have modern fueling, why not modern suspension, etc.?

[AllanB]

Nothing wrong with dual rear shocks in an old fashion set up as long as they are decent shocks. Witness some of the post classic race bikes. Ditto standard look front ends - fine but they should be large diameter with decent internals.

The Ohlins on the rear of the FJ's were actually pretty average units not worthy of the big O - some skullduggery went on there with major shareholder Yamaha I think.

[touring919]

FI isnt readily visible. I'm all about invisible mods on classics. Heck, triumph hid their FI inside of castings that look like carbs. I love that!

Glad you see my point of view. As I also see yours.

One other thing to add. USD forks are more expensive due to their more complicated assembly. I'd rather have convensional forks with good valving than USD forks with so-so valving. Just because they look faster doesn't mean they will be. The money could be spent on better refinement. COULD BE. Who knows if it has. Ony way to know is if the bike shows up here.

The more you guys get me to talk about this dang bike the more I want one.

[Farab]

I'm enjoying this discussion!

Originally Posted by AllanB

Nothing wrong with dual rear shocks in an old fashion set up as long as they are decent shocks. Witness some of the post classic race bikes. Ditto standard look front ends - fine but they should be large diameter with decent internals.

I've got nothing against dual rear shocks. I'm just a bit sceptical as to their quality, as those on the CB1100 look horribly generic.
I wonder if it would be worth any of the big boys like Ohlins or WP to make classic looking shocks for the amount of retro / replica bikes around nowdays.

Originally Posted by AllanB

The Ohlin’s on the rear of the FJ's were actually pretty average units not worthy of the big O - some skulduggery went on there with major shareholder Yamaha I think.

Interesting and what a shame! The XJR is definitely on my wish list (you know, the kind of list we all have if we were to theoretically have a large shed, unlimited funds, to fill with bikes)

Originally Posted by touring919

FI isn't readily visible. I'm all about invisible mods on classics. Heck, triumph hid their FI inside of castings that look like carbs. I love that!

I dunno, I'm not a fan of fake cosmetics. (not a personal jab at you, just my personal preference)
Although I guess I can see why Triumph did it, I can't shake the feeling that there's something hypocritical and fake about it.

I guess it boils down to whether you want a retro or a 19XX's replica. Nothing wrong with either choice, I personally prefer a retro, a classic looking bike with a hint of modern (utilising modern gear).

[touring919]

Too be honest. I could go back and forth between a preference for retro and replica depending on the day and my mood.
But for me, replica will always look good but at retro could go to far easily. Or if it didn't go to far at the time, there could be styling fads that will make it look silly 5 years latter while replica will always have its classic good looks.

Many ways to look at it. Not any are wrong. Since of coarse we are debating, for the most part, about asthetics. Beuty in the eye and all that stuff.