Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Best Of The 3., honda cbr1100xx blackbird, honda cbr 1100xx

Question
Hey Tom I'm back in the market for a motorcycle and although I like todays bikes I guess you can call me old school because I like the older bikes. I'm looking at one of the three bikes. A mid 90's Honda CBR 1000F, Early to mid 2000's Honda CBR 1100xx or a mid 90's Susuki GSXR 1100. At one time I owned a 94 CBR 1000F and liked the bike but have looked at the others over the years. My question is in your opinon which is the best bike for every day riding and weekend touring?

Answer
Noel,

The choice of a motorcycle is a decision that I believe carries equal parts of emotion and utility. I'm not certain how unbiased I can be since one of the bikes you included is one that I always had on my "wanted" list. All three have earned great reputations so you can't go too wrong on choosing any of them.

But when you mentioned weekend touring you happened to also cause me to lean toward the one that was my favorite to begin with, the Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird. There are many aftermarket parts available to transform the Blackbird into the sport-tourer with increased comfort and utility for touring that would make it my choice. I suggest that you try to find all three bikes to sit on and determine how each feels to you and fits you. Ultimately how the bike feels to you is the factor that will make it your best choice.

Also, I'll readily admit I am biased toward the CBR1100XX and have less knowledge about the other motorcycles on your list. And you asked for my "opinion". This response is heavily weighted with opinion. I wish I had more facts about the other bikes so that I could give a more balanced response.

Please let me add one further piece of advice. You mentioned that you were "back in the market". I'll interpret that to mean you have taken a pause in motorcycle riding. Each of these motorcycles is capable of attaining triple digit speeds unbelievably quickly. I suggest if you are returning to riding that you look for a rider refresher course in your area and gain some valuable re-familiarization with motorcycle control.

I hope I've helped your decision a bit. Please let me know if I can help further.

Thank you for the question.  Good luck and please ride aware of your surroundings.

Tom Wright