Thoughts on 1997 CBR 1100xx

[korndogg]

Hey guys,

I have a truck that I am looking to sell. My plan was to turn around and buy something like an FZ1 or bandit 1250s for longer rides with my girlfriend (she is very uncomfortable on the gsxr 1000 - so am I with her on it).

I have a chance to trade the truck for a CBR 1100xx.. it's a 97 with 18k miles. I wish it was a little newer with fewer miles as I prefer fuel injection and fewer miles.. but from the research that I've been doing it seems like a good bike that's pretty comfortable for 2.

Opinions? Anyone owned one? Any common issues with them?

Thanks!

Tommy

Edit: Oh, and it looks like I might be able to sell it for $3500 or so. Sound right?

[DucDave]

I had the same year Dos equis! I made added helibars, Corbin Beetle Bags and Gunfighter Seat and Performance Machine wheels. It was a fantastic sport tour tool. I kept getting tickets on it though so eventually traded for my first Duc - an ST2!

[korndogg]

Does it handle fairly well in the corners? I mean I don't plan on dragging knee all over the place, but i want something that can be ridden pretty spirited. I'm used to my GSXR 1000 and ride that pretty hard in the corners.

Thanks!

[DucDave]

Does it handle fairly well in the corners? I mean I don't plan on dragging knee all over the place, but i want something that can be ridden pretty spirited. I'm used to my GSXR 1000 and ride that pretty hard in the corners.

Thanks!

Its certainly heavier, but has plenty of clearance and turned well. I don't think you'll be dissapointed!!! Probably won't handle as well as the FZ1 and maybe a little better than the Bandit! (Last sentence is opinion...not to be confused with fact!)

[dankatz]

For about $3500 you could get an FZ1 which would be more comfortable for two up. I had an FZ6 and my wife would get on the back and was more comfortable than on my VFR.

[9secondsflat]

I owned a 97 1100xx back in 97, installed a yosh rs3 pipe and had it jetted by a place called ACS Racing. Smooth as glass, very linear pull, it would power wheelie at the top of first and second gear.

100mph not a buzz on the bike, compared to my bone stock busa it was slow but very smooth. It also felt a bit top heavy compared to a stock busa but it handled well one or two up. FYI bike only made 132 rwhp so its not going to be a monster compared to newer bikes. It will be more comfy then a fz1 due to the full fairing cutting wind and rain. You can get bar risers from genmar to place you in a more up right position much closer to that of a fz1.

As for the linked brake, I didnt have an issue not good or bad. If you use the brakes corretly your going to use both hand and foot at the same time when slowing. Fact is most people just use the hand brake to reduce speed and the LBS reduces your stopping distance by around 15% for this reason.

As for carb vs fi...I never had any issues with my bike...no cold start problems, fire it up and go...no waiting around.

Gas averaged around 38-40 from my best memories on the highway...


bottom line, if you can score one for 2-3k and its been well maintained buy the bike. Its a great bike from its era and it is smoother then my stock busa or my 08 zx14..


just my .02

[korndogg]

Thanks guys! I'll try to make the trade.

[OreoGaborio]

If I could get 3500 cash for a truck, I'd probably take the cash. Not sure a '97 Blackbird is worth 3500 bucks to me.

But it's your truck & your bike, soooo it's not my opinion that matters!

[TheIglu]

You can get a LOT of bike for $3500 cash......

Not knocking the XX, but there are plenty of great sport tour's out there for similar money.

[DaSarge]

I just did a quick search in VT on Craigslist and came across a lot of better bikes for under 3500...Just saying

[DucDave]

I just did a quick search in VT on Craigslist and came across a lot of better bikes for under 3500...Just saying

Curious as to what you would consider a 'better' bike? The Dozygeese was and is pretty awesome. Not sure that $3500.00 is a fair price but that's a different question!

[korndogg]

Woah guys.. I asked if $3500 sounded about right for a selling price..
He's willing to put some money on top for the truck.. I know the truck is worth more.. But if I can sell the bike for 3500 then that gives me an idea of what I need on top for cash. If you guys are saying it's not worth 3500, that's fine. What's it worth? haha

I just wanted to know if the 1100xx was a good bike!

[TheIglu]

Yeah, it is a good bike. Not a great two up sport touring bike as it is a bit on the sporty side for that, but it is a solid bike none the less.

[DaSarge]

Curious as to what you would consider a 'better' bike? The Dozygeese was and is pretty awesome. Not sure that $3500.00 is a fair price but that's a different question!

http://burlington.craigslist.org/mcy/2562315540.html

[scottieducati]

ZRX is an awesome machine, I still miss mine... but I don't know if it's "better" than a XX, just a different flavor of big-bore awesomeness.