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T120 vs. CB1100a

13K views 58 replies 21 participants last post by  Gabriel Syme 
#1 ·
Hi folks, I'm new to the forum.
I know there has been some discussion on this topic however I'm looking for good current info. I'm 58 and grew up in the era of these bikes. I walked into the Triumph dealership about a month ago and saw a new T120 and it took me an hour to leave. I'm sure if I didn't go I was going to buy it without riding it.

Anyways the Honda dealer just got in a new 2016 Black CB1100A. Also very nice. Now here in Edmonton these bikes are very close in price, 700.00. I have yet to ride either one. I like the accessories available for the Triumph especially the factory cruise. I will be getting rid of my Victory Kingpin if I buy one of these and am thinking hard on a "all rounder".

I would appreciate comments and hopefully some real world experience with either or both of these bike.
Regards;
 
#5 ·
I own a 2013 CB1100 and just bought a new Street Twin as a replacement for a 650 sportbike. I considered the T120 but felt that size was very similar to my CB. I take it that the CB has ABS, but I suspect it does not have traction control, riding modes, ride by wire, LED, etc. The CB is air cooled, the T is liquid/8 valve. HP is virtually the same.

Bottom line, after 50 years of having my m/c endorsement, and riding, I am drawn to the retro bikes, but I sure like those modern components. I would probably chose the T120. But I really don't think you can go wrong with either bike.
 
#7 ·
.....I'm sure if I didn't go I was going to buy it without riding it.....
You would not have been disappointed had you done just that!

I read reviews, comments, and tests on the T120 for almost two months before buying one out of dealer stock. My test ride was the ride home. This is the 9th bike I've bought new, and it's likely the best of the bunch. It does everything well, with outstanding handling, power and (in my book) looks, with no vibration and no bad habits. Of all things, it reminds me the most of the Honda CB750K4 that I bought brand new in 1974.

I can't talk about the Honda CB1100 at all, and indeed wasn't even in the market for a motorcycle until the T120 came out. It was the one I had to have!

Here's the article that sold me on the T120. Some of the details are slightly inaccurate:

http://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/665065-cycle-news-2016-issue-14-april-12/92
 
#8 ·
I can't talk about the Honda CB1100 at all, and indeed wasn't even in the market for a motorcycle until the T120 came out. It was the one I had to have!
That's my story too. I wasn't really in the market, being very happy with my Honda and BMW for years, when I saw the Thruxton R and had to have it. I bought it just out of the crate and didn't even get to ride it for a week.
 
#9 ·
Both are very good bikes designed to cater to a particular market. I was introduced into bikes in the mid 60's and raised on English stuff. The next generation ( early 70's) grew up on CB750's. Obviously the bonnie ticked my boxes, the CB1100 will tick the next guys boxes. I remember when the 750 Honda was released in Australia in about 69, they wouldn't sell me one as they were very select as to whom they sold their new super bike. Was told they had an image to maintain... tossers.
 
#10 · (Edited)
So I just sold my 2013 CB1100a ABS and I am awaiting delivery of a new Thruxton R. Having owned a CB1100 for 3 years, I will say it is a fantastic motorcycle with a lot to offer. Prior to the CB I owned a 2011 Bonneville SE. Moved to the CB for more power, larger capacity, looks and because it had ABS. The new T120 has ABS and TC so you have two very compatible bikes to choose from. My advice is ride both bikes and choose the one that moves you the most. You cannot go wrong with either one.

CB1100 Pros: Looks, dead bone reliable, easy to ride, quality fit and finish, easy to maneuver at low speed, seat and peg position, transmission is likely one of the best in the industry, air cooled (easy maintenance), inline 4 cylinder very smooth and easy revving.

CB1100 Cons: Heavy (545lbs dry), air cooled (not best in hot climates), lacks soul and emotion.

While I loved my CB, it lacked the character that my Bonnie had. There is just something about the sound and feel of a parallel twin that I could not forget and missed with the CB. Again, ride both bikes and make a decision. You cannot go wrong with either bike. Likely will get a better deal on the CB over the T120 so something to consider. T120 may just win you over based on the looks, feel, and passion it evokes in you. Good luck with whichever bike you choose. As a side note, you might check out the CB1100 forum here in the US. Some good folks there and you can learn a lot about the CB, good, bad, or indifferent.
 
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#17 ·
I think
When folks consider purchasing a modern classic, the priority is the appearance, and just looking for adequate performance. If you want performance there are a lot of other bikes to get.
Now.
If triumph stuffs their 800cc triple in the street twin frame.
HMMMMMM
 
#18 ·
The only CB1100EX up for a test ride is 400km away. It is beautiful and was the only other one I was looking for before the T129 arrived. Every one says wonders about the smoothness of the CB but once tested the T120 and knowing that the Honda have a 6000km valves check I will go for the Triumph.
 
#19 ·
I sat on a CB1100 several months back at the honda dealership and it didn't do much for me. It wasn't until I rode the street twin on a whim that I got really exited about Triumph. I had always been a little interested in Bonnevilles but the new ones are on a different level than the old models
 
#21 ·
Me too, a brand new 1974 Honda CB750K4. There have been many other machines since. Of all of them, the T120 is the bike that most reminds me of that CB750. I liked the looks of the Honda then, and it did everything well, much like the Triumph does today.

The CB750 was truly the first superbike, a mantle that it wore until the Kawasaki Z-1 came out. The Kaw held no appeal. It certainly had power, but everything else about it seemed a bit crude.
 
#22 ·
I own a CB1100, '06 Bonnie and A new Thruxton R. This topic has been a hot one here and on the CB forum, and just about anywhere retro bike comparos are made. My opinion, the CB is a fantastic bike, beautifully made. But I do feel that the new Bonnie/ Thrux bikes are superior almost across the board. The intangibles will make the decision for you. If you dig Triumphs/ Britbikes/ twins vs UJM/Honda quality/I4. The CB is a steal on the used and leftover market. But this is less a spec sheet decision than an emotional one. Buy the one that makes you feel right, that makes your heart skip, and forget about comparisons based on what others think which one is 'better.'


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#27 · (Edited)
Just last month I decided in favor of getting a "leftover" 2014 CB1100 instead of the new T120. I came close to the latter during the "waiting period" last Fall, since I put a deposit down on one at the local Triumph dealer. However, before I got my Honda, I found a leftover 2015 "T100" in November, which I bought sight unseen. I saved a bundle and spent the money savings on several "extras".

No buyer's remorse here, but just to assess what I "could of" had, I did check out a new T120 a few months ago in the showroom. Of course, it is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL bike, thoroughly modernized with new technology and features. I was almost very impressed until the salesman started it up so I could hear the sound of the new 1200cc engine and twin exhaust. THUMBS DOWN!!!

I also listened to a new 900cc Street Twin and was pleasantly surprised how good that bike sounded compared to the T120. THUMBS UP!

The CB1100 was a complete impulse buy. I loved the way it looks. I got the all black model and it too is really beautiful. I test rode this bike (a leftover for sale brand new) beforehand and can sum up the riding experience in one word . . . SMOOTH!

After all these years Honda's inline 4 has inherited numerous refinements and is a super smooth running engine. It reminds me of my formerly owned 1997 Super Blackbird, with carbs and almost twice the HP. The EFI on the new CB1100 is spot on, incredibly smooth at any speed, and new (for 2014) six speed transmission is geared nearly perfect. In 6th gear, the tach indicates only 3000 rpm at 65 mph, which translates to excellent fuel economy on the freeway. Although the specs may be lacking in peak HP, the 1140cc engine makes up for that with ample low to mid range torque; same as the new T120.

As others have said, you can't go wrong with either bike, but for my money, a CB1100 only available in the U.S. used or as a heavily discounted leftover - is a much better "VALUE".

However, as far as a classically styled "retro bike", the new Bonneville takes the prize, but frankly if you can still find a leftover T100, also heavily discounted, that would be THE RETRO bike to get.
 
#29 ·
Wow! What a great discussion on these bikes. My decision was almost made when the post with the Honda engineers started me thinking again. There are no deals on the Honda here in Canada at least where I am. The T120 is slightly more expensive by $700 but you get more also and I like that you can get an optional cruise. I finally have a test ride booked for Saturday so I will have a much better idea then. The Honda dealer that knows me only has one CB and they will let me take it out literally around the block because they only have the one.
I test drove a BMW 1200 RT earlier this year and I thought it would be the bike for me until I rode it. Disappointed but glad I took it for a ride first.
The one thing for me with the Honda in Canada is that it is all black and I kind of like shiny parts.
 
#30 ·
I test drove a BMW 1200 RT earlier this year and I thought it would be the bike for me until I rode it. Disappointed but glad I took it for a ride first.
Bingo.

I thought I was going to be buying a new BMW 1200 GS back in 2012. I wound up taking a used F650GS single home, because it spoke to me, and the 1200 did not. I've never regretted it.
 
#34 ·
Here in Japan I tested a CB1100EX. I am not sure if this model is sold overseas, but it has a higher seat, ABS, heated grips and bigger fuel tank (2 extra litters). There is no black version at the moment.

In my opinion, aesthetically the CB1100 is too boxy. You can see that Honda has basically bring the same old design to life, whereas Triumph has made an excellent modern reinterpretation of a classic design. In general, the T120 feels more thoroughly designed and with better attention to details compared with the CB1100, that feels a bit outdated. Although if you are looking for a replica of an old bike, then you will like it.

The CB1100 engine feels smooth and well engineered, but it lacks character compared with the T120. It might be personal, but I liked more the Bonnie sound and how delivered torque.

In Japan the CB1100EX retails US$5,000 less than the T120, but after testing both together with a Guzzi V6 and a HD Sportster, I got a T120 Black.
 
#37 ·
Choppers and cruiser clubs where big in japan when I was there for 4 years. We would often see packs of cruisers dressed like hooligans. We lived up north where the riding season is only 6-7 months though. Did see some triumphs in my travels too.
 
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#43 ·
The CB is just outright ugly to me, of course I am not a fan of the 1970's Japanese makes. Honda stayed a bit too true to that IMO which is to be commended in many ways, but clearly these things are subjective....beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So I would pick the T120, hell I would pick just about any bike over the CB.
 
#45 ·
As you say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me, both the CB1100 and T120 do homage to their predecessors. They are both beautiful bikes in their own right. Having owned a CB1100 for 3 years, I can attest to the fact it is a fantastic looking retro bike with attention to detail and engineering to boot. Not a day went by that someone on the street did not comment how much they admired my CB when I was riding it.

The verdict is still out on the new Triumphs in terms of reliability but I can attest to the fact that the Honda CB1100 is dead reliable. You get on it and go. It starts fist attempt every time, all the time. In the 3 years I owned the bike, not one thing failed on that motorcycle, not one.
 
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#44 · (Edited)
I choose a 2014 CB1100 over a 2016 T120. The main reason was based on "price". I most certainly would be happy with either bike, but spending $4000 more to get the Triumph just seemed rather foolish. Sure, the new T120 is a beautiful bike (so is the Honda in its own right), but for that much extra cash, I can make the CB "my own" and have money left over (pun intended).

I'm really into retro bikes these days and these are two of the best, but the Bonnies take the prize for THE BEST looking retro; imho, of course.

I may sell my one year old T100 in a few years and replace with a new T120, when "leftovers" become available and the price falls accordingly. Maybe by then, Triumph will do something to liven up the new 1200 cc engine so that it is more comparable to a Thruxton "R" (keep in mind that the CB1100 already red lines at 8500 rpm).

I dearly love my T100, which I got it for about the same price as my CB1100 (~$7500 each). Nothing better than having the best of both worlds on a relatively tight budget!
 

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#46 ·
Well, I was hoping to have a test ride report to tell you guys about but the dealer called me on Thursday to say his "demo" bike was out of service. I must say I was / am rather pissed. I have been trying to ride a T120 for over a month and was ready to buy.

So I went to the dealer and asked where all the T120s are? He said they were sold out. I said great and vented rather politely for me anyway. Last year I took a Indian Roadmaster worth $36K for a 4 hour test drive. He didn't even ask for my license and then asked why I came back so early. But I can't even get a test ride on a $15K Bonnie which I was ready to buy.
I'm sorry this is a sore point with me. The dealer wants me to buy his stuff but I can't try it. The same thing happened a few years ago at the Beemer dealer. The $33K GLT. Can I try it? No it's the only one. Well I guess I won't buy it. I don't ask for test rides if I'm not ready to buy but with bikes it seems very hard to get a ride and I know that just because it is rated high and looks good it may not be the ride for me. Not riding a bike could be a costly mistake.

So it's very likely I won't buy a Triumph now because I think the dealer is well, a d*ck and there are no other dealers in my location. So maybe the Triumph dealer made the decision for me, a CB1100?
 
#47 ·
I didn't get a chance to take a test ride on a T120 either. There was nothing negative in the reviews and tests that I read for a couple of months, so I just took the plunge, buying my new white/black two-tone sight unseen. I'm glad that I did.

The dealer that I bought from is 350 miles away. He made the decision to put no T120s into demo service. My local dealer had ordered no 2016 water cooled bikes at all.
 
#48 ·
I did ride my friend's T120 for a little bit and I couldn't tell it apart from my EFI scrambler. More or less the same riding experience for me. You can have CB1100 for $5000 less than T120 after tax license and dealer fee.

Unless you are a serious triumph fanboy or money is not a matter for you in this purchase ( for most people it is), CB1100 wins hands down.
 
#50 ·
I did ride my friend's T120 for a little bit and I couldn't tell it apart from my EFI scrambler. More or less the same riding experience for me. You can have CB1100 for $5000 less than T120 after tax license and dealer fee.



Unless you are a serious triumph fanboy or money is not a matter for you in this purchase ( for most people it is), CB1100 wins hands down.


I have three different makes of motorcycle in my garage, I am not a triumph fanboy.

For anyone with a good job, the price difference (especially when spread out over time) is not a big deal. How else are all those Ducati's and BMWs being sold?
 
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