Honda CB1100RS or CB1000R?

[JonN981]

I'm thinking of returning to motorcycling after a very long absence. I'm retired and just want another hobby. I'm 6ft 3in, 14 stone, and a full licence holder, so I want a bike that's physically large enough for me, but a large power output is not a priority. A cruiser would fit the bill, but I don't like them. So I've shortlisted these two 2018 bikes, naked roadsters, retro and modern/retro. The CB1100RS has much less power, which I'm comfortable with, but also has less modern tech such as traction control. The CB1000R is more powerful and seems a lot more bike for similar money, but I'm concerned it's too powerful for me at this stage. But it has better safety related tech and rider modes. So I'm thinking I could ride it in "rain mode" which reduces power and increases traction control and engine braking, at least until I've gained more experience.
I'd be grateful for any comments, maybe from owners of either bike?

[anonymous-user]

If the new CB1000R is like the 'old' one (I had one), it's very calm, mellow and easy to ride - the fat torque curve means you can plod along in a high gear and it's all very controllable.

Get the CB1000R out of those two.

[jamiehamy]

I've ridden both, loved them. Different bikes for different purposes. Out of the two I'd probably choose the CB1100RS. You can use most of its power most of the time if you want, safety. The CB1000R is a beast! If you want to get back into biking without pressure or temptation, it's not the bike!

[stussyman]

I went from the CB1100 to the CB1000R+. As said above, completely different bikes. The CB1100 was a heavy bike at c260kg and I really felt its weight. I found it underpowered but to fair to it, still plenty of power to use and the longer gearing made it very easy to ride. Unlike the CB1000R, it didn’t make me want to push on and was happy to cruise around. The short gearing and very accessible power delivery in the CB1000R makes it a bit of a beast (in my opinion of course!) Whichever you chose, you’ll certainly have a good bike.
Opportunity for a gratuitous picture of the new bike....

[JonN981]

Thanks for the replies, very helpful.
Stussyman: on the CB1000R+, do you use the rider modes much, and if so does the rain mode make it any less of a beast?

[scorcher]

The twisty grip on the right hand bar will turn it from pussycat to beast, just like bikes of old before everything had different modes. I wouldn't overthink it and worry about it. If they are anything like the previous generation cb1000r they are very forgiving and easy to ride. Go out and have a couple of refresher lessons with a local bike school to get a feel for it again and crack on and buy what you like most.

[BowieMS]

Test ridden them both and both great bikes. The RS is basically a cruiser - lots of torque, lots of shove but not much up top. But it's good looking, properly retro but goes and stops really well. Very comfy, nice (quiet) sound. Price is pretty salty for what it is though - couple of hundred more than CB1000R (On RRP, anyway...).

CB1000R is as others say - it can be ridden round sensibly and calmly. However it is a seriously fast thing if you wind it up. For the money it's the one I'd go for but might be a bit much for a "new" rider. Two reasons I didn't go for one - the seat and my sciatica didn't get on (couldn't feel my foot after 45 min ride!), and the engine doesn't have much character, in my view.

If you're trying these two I'd recommend a go on the Kawasaki Z900RS - I found it was somewhere in the sweet spot between these two performance and looks wise. Planning on getting one in near future.

PS. love the Akra on that CB1000R - looks so much better.

[JonN981]

Thanks everyone. I think I'm erring towards the CB1100RS. I suppose what I'm after is a big cruiser that doesn't look like a cruiser, and that's what the CB1100RS seems to be. I get it that a fast bike can be ridden with restraint and as slowly as you want, but with a high revving engine that delivers more at the top end there is always the temptation to go there and experience the performance, and that can be addictive.
I know that because my car is a naturally aspirated flat six Porsche!

[sprinter1050]

I only have the 2014 CB1000R & not ridden the new "Neo" style 2018/9 model.
Not a fan of the new styling anyway but I dont find mine anything like a beast although I guess it is "only" 125 bhp or so compared to the 145? of the 2018 bike.

I'm also well into the retirement range & 14 stone but shorter than you & still find it perfect for me.

My riding pal has a very early 2017 Street Triple 765 RS & the 2 bikes are very compatible though he is a bit more cautious than I am as he has a half metal knee cap

I would have thought that the CB1100 might be a bit lardy but if you're tall maybe OK for you.
No idea how much riding experience you have to be able to offer proper opinion.

[Charliecloud]

stussyman said:

I went from the CB1100 to the CB1000R+. As said above, completely different bikes. The CB1100 was a heavy bike at c260kg and I really felt its weight. I found it underpowered but to fair to it, still plenty of power to use and the longer gearing made it very easy to ride. Unlike the CB1000R, it didn’t make me want to push on and was happy to cruise around. The short gearing and very accessible power delivery in the CB1000R makes it a bit of a beast (in my opinion of course!) Whichever you chose, you’ll certainly have a good bike.
Opportunity for a gratuitous picture of the new bike....

[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/oy50otTr[/url]

Looks well nice with the can and tail tidy.

Looks like Honda might have a further model coming in this range - "Hornet ' - can't find out anymore about it though.

[Ho Lee Kau]

JonN981 said:

I'm thinking of returning to motorcycling after a very long absence. I'm retired and just want another hobby. I'm 6ft 3in, 14 stone, and a full licence holder, so I want a bike that's physically large enough for me, but a large power output is not a priority. A cruiser would fit the bill, but I don't like them. So I've shortlisted these two 2018 bikes, naked roadsters, retro and modern/retro. The CB1100RS has much less power, which I'm comfortable with, but also has less modern tech such as traction control. The CB1000R is more powerful and seems a lot more bike for similar money, but I'm concerned it's too powerful for me at this stage. But it has better safety related tech and rider modes. So I'm thinking I could ride it in "rain mode" which reduces power and increases traction control and engine braking, at least until I've gained more experience.
I'd be grateful for any comments, maybe from owners of either bike?

The new Honda has stty Euro4 on-off gas response.
Anyway, why would you even consider that bike when you have amazing Triumph Speed Triple RS, which, btw, has really great throttle response?
I would not buy a Honda (even though I have had 5 Hondas and still have 2, one of which I ride literally daily all year around).
The Speed Triple RS is so much better. The S model is great as well. Not to talk about great STREET Triple RS.

And, sorry, power is in your right hand. And the bikes are not electrically powered, so the power does not arrive off the idle, it takes a few revs to get to the peak torque/hp, so I do not understand "too powerful for me at this stage" comment given that you are not a novice.

Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Saturday 24th November 18:49

[tonyinbrighton]

I got the CB1100EX a year ago - it's perfect for a retired (and chunky) fair weather rider like me who likes lower engine revs at motorway speeds.
Undeniably heavy for pushing around the garage etc. but sweet as a nut on the road - love it to bits and the build quality is as good as you'd wish.

[Maruchino]

Charliecloud said:

Looks well nice with the can and tail tidy.

Looks like Honda might have a further model coming in this range - "Hornet ' - can't find out anymore about it though.

This photo started floating around in the Autumn of 2017, so this may never materialise / exist.

[rodericb]

stussyman said:

Nice looking bike. Reminds me of the very first Triumph Speed Triple back in 1993 or whenever. This probably takes it away from its intended purpose but wow that thing only needs clip-ons and bar end mirrors....

Edited by rodericb on Sunday 25th November 00:26