Re: 2013 CB1100?!

Posted by sgtslag on Mar 21, 2013; 12:23pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/2013-CB1100-tp4032054p4038212.html

That's a classic problem with Japanese bikes:  North Americans are much taller than nearly all Japanese folks.  I agree, it would be nicer if they made them for taller folks.  I've learned the (limited) importance of seat height, since I got back into riding back in 2006.

A friend's wife is just the opposite:  short.  She got her endorsement, but the Wing they rode was too tall for her.  She needs something around 28" for a seat height, and few bikes go that low.  The ones that do, tend to be too short for her husband!

I'm 5" 11", and my '79 K was alright.  My wife is the same height, but different leg lengths...  We coped well enough on the K, but our Voyager is much better (lower seat height, but still comfortable for our legs on long rides -- could always be better, though).  On 8-hour rides, I don't know that anything would be "ideal".  After so many hours, it seems like nothing is comfortable -- which is a good excuse for us to take a break.


My father's '74 Suzuki 500 Titan had an unusually long wheel base.  He is around 6' tall, and he rode that thing across five states touring, often two-up.  Every bike seems to be quite unique in seat height, wheel base, and how far forward the foot pegs are.  Makes it complicated to try to find one you like in comfort, and everything else!  Seat height usually get you in the ball park...  Cheers!