Classic bikes: CB1100 and RNineT

[Toly]

Ok peoplez, I am lusting after a few modern classic bikez that look cool, but looks ain't everythin' . Like my ex-gf (bless her) used to say, its the test ride that matterz... hmm

Anyhow, I was able to talk a dealer into a test ride of a Honda CB1100. I quite liked the bike... she is well balanced, with narrow tires providing quite nimble handling, not Ninjette-like, but quite nice. A well composed on a highway, with a beautiful street presence. Just sitting on it feels special. No qucik-n-dirty stuff, a ride is like goin' out, a special event. I loved that. But the engine bummed me out. It pulls well and can rev to 7500 easily, but it doesn't *like* it. Mind ya, it's a four-banger. An aircooled one, with relatively timid redline, but a 4-banger. Yet it didn't like to rev up much.. to 3000 RPM it was silky smooth, then it gets a bit rougher and unappier. She pulls quite well at higher rpms, but she ain't quite *happy* about it. I ended up shfting slightly above 3K RPM out of ~9K available on the tach... the bike was quite happy in that regime... but I wasn't.

As I was walkin' thru the office parking lot, bitchin' to my riding buddy about the Honda, I saw something special. Yes, it was Bimmer R9T, and it was his. The dude just bought her the very day! While I just stood there ogling, picking my jaw up from the warm tarmac, he tossed me the keys... Who, on this side on Pearly Gates, could resist such temptation! And so I went. The bike has a ton of character, and feels alive. The huge 2-banger a has lot of torque and somewhat strong vibes. She rides with a bit of attitude. Perhaps I'm too timid but I felt that she's a bit too much bike for me. The bimmer handles well but shows that it's a serious bike, for a serious, assertive rider. I doubt I shifted out of second gear or went over 3500 RPM.. I don't know, I never even glanced at the gauges. It was all concentration, keeping the bike happy, and me along for the ride. That part I didn't quite like.

Honda is a sweetheart in comparison, feels ligher and nimbler, but she lacks a bit of the 'edginess', whereas Bimmer has a bit too much of it.

All in all, a good day. Going back for a ride on my CB500F made by Singer(TM) and for some serious pondering.

[Brother Michigan]

If it were me, I'd have to go with the RNineT, for pretty much all the reasons you've mentioned. It does make a lot more torque and a lot more power than the CB1100, but any bike is manageable with a disciplined right hand.

[Desmoluci]

If you're looking to buy a modern classic, keep an eye out for a clean Yamaha FJ1100/1200. They're great bikes that have stone axe reliability and good looks, too. Mine has over 150k and still runs great. The motor has never been apart and still has the original clutch plates.

Mine's an '89 1200.


My friend just bought this all original '85 1100 with 13k mi. for $1700.

[alex.s]

[Chicagobob]

And check out the classic Yamaha SR400, newly available in the US.

[Desmoluci]

Originally Posted by alex.s

[Toly]

Originally Posted by Chicagobob

And check out the classic Yamaha SR400, newly available in the US.

I sat on it in the showroom. It's a nice bike, quite slim, with narrow handlebar and tires making it feel almost bicycle-like. I also like the looks of Moto Guzzi V7, not sure if any are available for test ride.