The second and only remaining bike on my short-list
was the Honda CB1100 I mentioned in an earlier post, so it was time to head on
over to Honda for a proper test. I have been having conflicting feelings about
this bike for some time now. I remember when Honda brought out a prototype of
this bike a number of years ago, and really liked it. Then they actually began producing
it last year, and I was a bit more hesitant since I was afraid it had been
perhaps too refined. It still looks fabulous, and this is even more so true in
real life than in pictures. The latest model with wire wheels and a more
comfortable seat coupled with the dual exhausts is really nice. Compared to the
BMW though it is somehow more restrained, or perhaps a bit bland. I do tend to
like a bit of quirkiness which can be seen in the vehicles I have owned over
the years. However the details are great, and it oozes quality. I have had
several Hondas in the past, and they certainly know how to make a solid and
reliable bike.
The one I was trying was actually last year’s model,
so it has a 5 speed gear box as opposed to the 6 of this year, aluminium
wheels, single exhaust pipe and a smaller tank. The chassis, suspension and
engine is exactly the same though, so it should be fine for a test ride.
Starting the bike produces the familiar hum of a four in line, and even though
I normally prefer the rumble of a twin, it is actually quite pleasant. It has a
seriousness about it, compared to perhaps a more wild side of a twin’s rumble.
It could do with a little more volume though, and I suppose some new slip-ons
might be nice. Still, I really would not want to mess with the looks of the
bike, unless it was for some 4-in-4 pipes to really go for the old CB750 look,
but that would also just add to the already imposing weight. It should be
pointed out here that it comes standard with a center stand which is really
practical, something which doesn’t exist for the Beemer.
I climb on, and immediately feel at home on the bike.
The seat is fairly low, so my feet are well planted on the ground with the
handle bar being exactly where I would want it. The shape of the tank is good,
as you can properly get your knees around it. The engine, although quite wide
being a four in line, is not at all obtrusive for my feet, so all is good to
go. A smooth click selects first, and I let out the feather light clutch. Man
this thing is smooth of the line! You can short-shift if you want and quickly
get it in third while just rolling at 40 kmh. It feels so effortless, and is
actually really pleasant. Negotiating the city is a breeze, and as much as it
was a pain to do with my Corsaro, here it is really enjoyable.
Other than the smooth engine, there are several other
factors that makes it so good in the city. The weight distribution is perfect,
and even though it is a pretty hefty bike, as soon as you start moving all that
weight just disappears. I don’t think I have ever ridden a bike that is as well
balanced as this one. The position on the bike is upright, and the handle bar
not too wide so you can get it through any gap you want. On top of that, the
tires are quite narrow, at least in comparison with what I am used to, so it
behaves like a bicycle almost. So easy, and so stable all the time. I think I
can safely say this is the best bike I have ever ridden in the city, and I
would not miss my scooter if I was to ride this thing to work.
Getting out of the city and the pleasant surprise
continues. Riding on roads limited to 60 or even 80kmh was always a bit
frustrating with the Corsaro as you really needed to get going for it to be
good. Here the CB is excellent, and so relaxing. You can keep it in whatever
gear you want, and it just goes. The power is there though if you want it, and
with a twist of the wrist it shoots forward. Never as violently as a big twin,
but nevertheless very briskly. It’s all smooth all the time, yet it doesn’t
lack feel. Going even faster, like highway speeds, and it is the same story,
except that at over 130kmh the lack of any wind protection and the rather
upright riding position tends to make it a bit tiring. Feeling comfortable at
80 or 130 is just a great way to keep your license a bit longer too!
The final test is a nice twisty mountain road.
Obviously it is not able to go as fast as the Corsaro did, but it does go. To
top things off, it is still just as pleasant and relaxing. The narrow tires
allows for quick turns, and the chassis is very stable keeping things in line.
Cruising up a mountain road while maintaining a reasonable safety margin us
suddenly pure fun. The bike really does hit the spot for me in pretty much
every category, and corresponds to what I am looking for now, I want easy
cruising, and this Honda really delivers!
