I got to ride 2 new retro bikes today

I had the pleasure today to take my friend of nearly 40yrs down to the dealer to pick up his new CB1100 Honda. What a nice looking machine to say the least. He also bought a new Triumph 800 Bonneville 10 days ago. He's close to 70, still has a 1975 Z1 he bought new and is only interested in older style bikes, like many of us. Let me tell you I took that CB1100 out and it is fantastic, then the Triumph, which I've never ever ridden a triumph, was a darn nice bike too. Smooth, powerful, good looks, comfortable. Just had to say how nice these new retros are if you are fancy an older look with modern reliability. So they are not 150hp and yes you can buy cheaper bikes that run better. These are nice and run very well I would say. They have sold 8 of the CB1100 so far at this dealer and have deposits on 3 more, so "nobody will buy a retro bike" prediction many have been saying seems to be incorrect on the CB1100. Hopefully it will bring more of this style back into style. I won't hold my breath there, but it is a nice motorcycle.
I meant for this rant to be in bike related, not engine catagory, sorry.

thanks for the post ron.

we know we can always count on you to give us your honest opinion ,whether we like it or not :lol: .

i could go for one of each of the bikes you mentioned.

leon

At the honda shop here the new CB's don't even make it to the show room.
Their selling faster then they can get them out of the crate.

If history repeat's then what next year Maw Kaw step's's up
and kicks honda's a$$ like 1973 all over again.

I was at a Honda dealer a week ago to get some oil, and saw the new CB1100 in person. It does look very sweet.

I don't think people dislike Kaw retro inline fours, they just dislike Kaw retro inline fours with stupid names. :laugh:

While I didn't ride it, after inspecting the CB1000 I thought it had little over my GPz were the GPz to receive updated rim widths and brakes. Also thought the same when comparing this new bike to the old 900-1100F Honda. it seems heavy, long, and too economical in the suspension department.

Now if they would go retro combining the weight saving techniques of today, som more techy forks and shocks, while keeping it simple as in air cooled and minimal I think they would REALLY have something. Basically build a tricked-out version of an older bike.

At 44 maybe I am caught in the transition period of the mid-80's and too young to fully appreciate what Honda has done.