2017 CB1100ex Bennetts "Real World test"

[Nortoon]

I seldom use 6th gear on my twisty backroads. 5th gear is more responsive both accelerating and decelerating. I only use 6th to save gas on boring straight roads or 4 lane highways. Even on them more than 1/2 of the RPM range would guarantee a speeding ticket.

So I agree with Honda's thinking that a useable wide torque range in all gears for this motorcycle, is better than an unusable top end high in the RPM range. As the constant use of high RPMs would create more heat, that would also be hard on an engine that is air and oil cooled.

Some may not want to accept it, but this motorcycle is designed for mature motorcyclists who's knee dragging days are behind them. If you remember what a CB looked like in the 70s, you are probably 60 years old or more. We bought this expensive retro motorcycle because of its looks and inline 4 cylinder engine. If we wanted a sport bike, we wouldn't buy something that weighs 560 pounds and cranks out less than 90 horsepower.

Some of the journalist get it, because if they know the history of the CB they are probably enjoying their golden years as well.