Alright let’s talk about riding this Honda CB1100R. I heard people raving about it being this smooth old-school bike, honest rider’s machine and all that. Wanted to see what that fuss was really about myself. No sugarcoating, just me and the bike.
First Look & Getting On
Went down to the garage where they had it. Honestly, it looks kinda big just sitting there. Not super flashy, but solid. Heavy feeling too when I pulled it up off the side stand – definitely feel that classic bike weight. Jumped on the seat. Pretty comfy straight away. Reach to the handlebars felt natural, not too far, not too close. Classic dash setup, nothing fancy. Felt like putting on an old leather jacket.
Starting Up & First Revs
Thumbed the starter button. That four-cylinder engine waking up… oh yeah, you hear it. Not loud and angry, but deep and smooth. Like something awake but calm. Twisted the throttle a little bit sitting still. Engine just rolled over easily, no roughness. Sounded good. Felt balanced.
The Ride Out
Pulled out onto some back roads. First thing hitting me? That engine. Smooth just doesn’t cover it. Pulling away felt effortless. The power comes in gently, not jerky, but when you twist that throttle further? Oh boy. It just pulls. And pulls. Smoothly. No drama, no kick in the pants, just this constant strong push forwards like it’s got plenty more in reserve. Shifting gears? Easy. Clutch was light, gear lever clicked right into place. Cruising at 60? Felt like nothing.
Thing I noticed quickly though is that weight. It’s there. Leaning it into corners takes some muscle. Feels planted, sure, like it’s glued down, but you gotta put effort into steering. Not flicking it around like a small sport bike, that’s for sure. You guide this one. Suspension soaked up bumps really well. Comfy over crappy roads. Brakes? Stopped strong and straight without scaring me.
What Really Hit Me
Riding this isn’t about being the fastest or shaving seconds off your lap time. It’s about that motor. The way it feels solid between your legs. The easy power delivery. That thrum through the bars and seat. It’s relaxing somehow, even when you are moving quick. Makes you feel cool just riding it. Looks simple, works perfectly. Feels well put together.
Final Thoughts After Parking It
- Good Stuff:
- Engine: Super smooth, strong pull, sounds awesome (not shouty)
- Comfort: Great seat, decent riding position all day
- Build: Feels solid and well-made
- Simple Charm: Just looks and feels like a proper motorcycle
- Not-So-Good:
- Weight: You feel it, especially when slowing down and trying to manoeuvre at walking pace. Not agile.
- Corners: Takes effort to lean it. More of a cruiser feel than a carver.
- Honest Name? It is what it says: A straightforward, powerful, comfortable riding machine. Not pretending to be anything else. Yeah, I’d call that honest.
So, real riding power? Absolutely. The way that engine delivers its punch – smooth, constant, easy – is special. It’s not the lightest or sharpest knife in the drawer, but for just riding, feeling the road, and enjoying that motor, the CB1100R nails it. Makes you wanna just keep riding for miles.
