Hi, test ride a CB1100RS on Monday

[Oop North John]

Hi, been lurking for the last couple of weeks as a guest, but having a test ride on a red CB1100RS in Aberdeen on Monday.

Been around bikes for quite a few years, old enough to remember looking at the Honda CB750 and 400/4 And needing to have one when all I could afford was a PC50 Looking to swap my SV650L7 plus some extra cash for the bike if I bite the bullet. The 60th Anniversary XSR900 also keeps on popping up on the radar, so it'll be interesting to see how the three compare.

[Cormanus]

G'day John. Welcome to the forum. You're lucky to have an RS to test! They didn't make it to the US or down under. Let us know what you think. Also good to hear what you think of the XSR and the SV650.

[Ben70]

Welcome,John! let us know what you think!

Oot West Ben

[Oop North John]

Thanks for the welcome, I'm hoping that the weather is kind to me. I've also got a CB500x, so am used to some of Mr Honda's foibles.

[Lord Popgun]

Welcome John!

Post some pics of the RS if you would.

[Oop North John]

(06-24-2017 02:41 AM)popgun Wrote:  Welcome John!

Post some pics of the RS if you would.

Thanks and will do. Saw the demo bike last week at the dealers and thought that it looked good.

[bigsheep]

I looked at an FZ-09 before buying the CB1100. The fz is faster, lighter, cheaper, but the Honda felt like home the first time I pulled away. The fz was impressive the way it pulled but after 20 minutes I was happy to return it to the salesman and cruise home on the CTX. I compare the fz to the xsr because the differences are mainly cosmetic to the best of my knowledge.

[Oop North John]

The latest FZ's are more similar to the XSR900. Looks wise there's no contest!

[Oop North John]

Had an hour on the CB1100RS in a great red colour today. Sounds really good with the stock silencers especially at slow speed. Controls all nice and easy to use, pity to use the horn I'd need to dislocate my thumb and bend it through about 30 degrees. Instruments clear, but surprised to see the fuel gauge drop then rise back again when it was on three bars. Suspension is well damped, but the lack of range means the ride suffers if there's any imperfections in the road's surface. Acceleration is on the side of more than adequate, even if it it's not arm wrenching at say 50 mph. Best acceleration felt below 5000 rpm, above it felt a little flat. Side stand tang is between the footrest and gear lever so could see the gear lever easily being nudged if you're not very careful. Good point was the helmet lock, bad as it's on the side which has the side stand, so if you have you're helmet using the lock, the bike's on the side stand and it retracts, the helmet will cushion the fall somewhat.

Won't be getting one though as the ergonomics was causing me pain in my upper inner thighs after only a few minutes, maybe being 6' 2" tall with 32 inside leg length means I'm out of the demographic for it. Could throw money at the seat, but at £11 000 plus I'd want it to be ready for use. My SV650 L7 with its seat isn't as bad.

YMMV.

[Cormanus]

John, don't be a stranger. Mostly we just like bikes and we'll be interested to hear your choice if you decide to buy another bike. And what you think of it. Tales and photos of motorcycling adventures in Scotland would also be good.