Triumphrat

HiDesert · 05-14-2008

I recently got the chance to try out a Honda CBR1100XX. Very interesting contrast with the 955i. The XX has excellent wind protection. Excellent. It truly feels like it's slipping through the air. It's also comfortable, and very smooth. Excellent brakes too.

However, the Daytona feels more like a motorcycle. The Honda feels almost automotive, because of the design of the dashboard and the amount of fairing stretching out in front of you. The suspension on the Honda was more smooth, but the Daytona's gives better feel and control for really serious riding.

If I had to cover half a continent in the minimum possible time, the XX would be an excellent choice, especially on highways. For backroads and more normal riding, the Daytona is better. I like the feel of the Daytona engine a lot better, and it's much better looking IMHO. The Daytona powerband is better for the kind of riding I do, and for most riders that aren't married to the county judge's daughter.

Very impressive bike, but believe it or not, the Daytona is probably less of a felonybait bike than the XX. And it's got the single sided swingarm and that triple howl. The XX is different in interesting ways, but give me the Daytona any day.

silvoor · 05-14-2008

You came to the same conclusion as a lot of other people - Honda can design and make motorcycles that are unarguably the most reliable, sophisticated and comfortable but that is not the experience you are seeking.

steventhechef · 05-15-2008

Nice bike but a souless riding experience IMO

Johnjohn · 05-15-2008

It's a "drivingmachine" and a good one too - but it's not a real motorbike

HiDesert · 05-15-2008

I've got to disagree with you there; anything that feels that stable and composed (and willing to accelerate) at speeds in excess of !@* mph is definitely a real motorcycle. Sophisticated, highly refined, and perfect for endless trips on freeways or sweepers with no speed limits whatsoever. Know any place like that?

Brooksie · 05-16-2008

Hmmm......Busa "like" speed, comfy touring, build quality, yeah I'd hate it too.

2000955i · 05-16-2008

How can you compare those, ive owned both and in no way are they remotly alike...........

threepot · 05-17-2008

We are young, wandering the face of the earth
Wondering what our dreams might be worth
Learning that we're only immortal for a limited time.
Roll the Bones!!!!!!

Rock On

A mate of mine had a B'bird,only quicker than me in a straight line.

Linz · 05-17-2008

I'm thinking that this is an odd comparison. The bikes are in different classes surely.

I take my hat off to the guys on this forum which "tour" on a Daytona. That takes stoicism in my opinion. Even with the gel seat on my Daytona and padded bicycle shorts, I'm good for around 3 hours.

I have to travel above the speed limit to get sufficient wind pressure to take the weight off of my wrists. I don't "tour" on my Daytona...

I have a BMW R1150RT because I need to do 6-7 hour runs overnight to visit my aged parents. I do this summer and winter in mind numbing cold and unbelievable heat. I have the right bike for that purpose (and gear).

The Blackbird would suit both purposes, and do neither as well as my dedicated bikes but would be a good compromise.

If I had to choose just one bike to suit both my purposes, I think I'd check out the 1050 Sprint with an aftermarket higher screen. I love that triple engine.

Linz

silvoor · 05-19-2008

I bought a new 2002 on Ebay in 2005. Upon becoming generally more aware of my surroundings the following afternoon I was delighted to be reminded via an electronic missive that I had indeed successfully entered the winning bid and I was now the proud owner of a brand spanking new three year old yellow Daytona. There was a matter of a sum of money required immediately and then the bike would be available to pick up any time after it was verified the repository note was secured with valid funds.

The bike was located Two Rivers, Wisconsin. A quick check online verified that relative to my location in Atlanta, Georgia Two Rivers, Wisconsin was close to nothing. Having now been there I think that Two Rivers may very possibly be the source of nothingness into which the universe seems to be expanding.

Expecting to spend significant money on a seat, risers and other stuff to turn it into a near Sprint I was greatly surprised that it works perfectly for me for many hours and multiple days. The seat is a plank yet more comfortable than any UJM or aftermarket seat that I have tried. The grips are low but my lean is countered by the airstream and the bodywork smooths out the airstream so it's more like a steady breeze. I rode it home and have kept it stock because I have found it to be quite comfortable. I'm 6'3" and 58 years old.