Any opinions on Honda's new retro CB1100?
One of my first bikes back in the early 70s was a CB750. A truly GREAT bike - revolutionary really - back in its day. Several years later I inherited a mid 70s CB550 from my Dad, which was subsequently stolen. After that I had another in-line four, a 1992 Night Hawk, and after that a vintage 1979 CBX in-line six, but no more CBs since that monster of an air cooled bike.
The latest in the series is the CB1100 introduced in 2013. It has lots of appeal the same as the late model Bonnie T100 I bought last Fall. I'm thinking about adding the Honda to my stable. They are already a discontinued model, so that means the "leftovers" are selling pretty cheap; at least a couple grand off MSRP, way cheaper than the new T120 that just came out from Triumph.
Like the T120, they have many of the same features (fully exposed "finned" engine, 1140cc), dual front discs, six speed, sensible riding position, optional combined ABS, nice retro looks, but no water cooling. The CB is essentially a throwback to the old in-line fours that first arrived 47 years ago. I like the CB1100, and try as do to resist, I want one!
I like my T100 too and will not sell or trade in to get the Honda! Initially I liked the new T120 just as much, and even put a deposit on one back in November only to renige later with a bad case of potentially severe "buyers remorse". Now, I got the "fever" again to have another new bike. Crazy, I know!
Imho, both the new T120 and the CB1100 represent the best of the nostalgic bikes with modern tech (mostly hidden), bigger engines and classic retro styling. The current price difference is gravitating me toward Honda over the latest Bonneville, but in all honesty the latter is more beautiful between the two. However, the Honda has the better performing engine - more HP, 8500 redline, even though it is slight lower tech.
Comments? Other opinions?
One of my first bikes back in the early 70s was a CB750. A truly GREAT bike - revolutionary really - back in its day. Several years later I inherited a mid 70s CB550 from my Dad, which was subsequently stolen. After that I had another in-line four, a 1992 Night Hawk, and after that a vintage 1979 CBX in-line six, but no more CBs since that monster of an air cooled bike.
The latest in the series is the CB1100 introduced in 2013. It has lots of appeal the same as the late model Bonnie T100 I bought last Fall. I'm thinking about adding the Honda to my stable. They are already a discontinued model, so that means the "leftovers" are selling pretty cheap; at least a couple grand off MSRP, way cheaper than the new T120 that just came out from Triumph.
Like the T120, they have many of the same features (fully exposed "finned" engine, 1140cc), dual front discs, six speed, sensible riding position, optional combined ABS, nice retro looks, but no water cooling. The CB is essentially a throwback to the old in-line fours that first arrived 47 years ago. I like the CB1100, and try as do to resist, I want one!
I like my T100 too and will not sell or trade in to get the Honda! Initially I liked the new T120 just as much, and even put a deposit on one back in November only to renige later with a bad case of potentially severe "buyers remorse". Now, I got the "fever" again to have another new bike. Crazy, I know!
Imho, both the new T120 and the CB1100 represent the best of the nostalgic bikes with modern tech (mostly hidden), bigger engines and classic retro styling. The current price difference is gravitating me toward Honda over the latest Bonneville, but in all honesty the latter is more beautiful between the two. However, the Honda has the better performing engine - more HP, 8500 redline, even though it is slight lower tech.
Comments? Other opinions?