I have a chance to buy a 2014 Honda cb1100 new with warranty for $7k. So now I need to figure out if I buy the import or spend the difference and get a sportster 1200? I'm not going to use this bike to travel I have a touring bike for that, I'm just going to ride this one for fun. Any input welcome

 

Simple answer is test ride both. If you can score a leftover 1200 roadster for 8-9k. You'd probably be dang happy

 

A Honda cb1100 isn't in the same universe as a Sportster. Are you trying to instigate something? Did you post this same question on a Honda forum?

 

If you want "fun", get the Honda. It is a land missile compared to the Sportster.

 

Two very different bikes. Both are well designed for what they do. The Honda will be relatively light, lots of power, and super easy to maneuver. The Harley will be heavier, it will have more steel parts, and not as fast or nimble as the Honda.
Personally, I decided a long time ago that I like the Harley design philosophy. Lots of power (albeit less of a rocket than a Honda) and the bike is built like a tank. I have owned Hondas, and they are great bikes and I can see why a lot of the folks like them. But a Harley is, well, a Harley and those of us who have gone in that direction know why we did it.

 

Way different bikes, both fun but in different ways. If I was a two bike guy I'd probably get the Honda but then again it would be fun to get a Sporty and customize the crap out it to see how quick I could get it. I'm sure after my feeble efforts, the stock Honda would still beat it but it would still be a fun project. I guess my moral is if I wanted to get something and do nothing to it, I'd go Honda. If I wanted something to ride and wrench on; hands down the Harley.

 

Gotta stay with H.D. man !...b.

 

not at all I have until tomorrow morning when the Honda shop opens to make a decision and truly wanted to make sure I'm doing the right thing. I like both bikes had a 2012 48 that I put 20k on in under 2 years then long story short I traded it and then traded again ending up with one touring bike, now I want a bike to run into town on and just rip around on.

thats my problem 🙄 and in my opinion the 1200 48 is in the same league as this Honda, the cb1100 isn't a sport bike It's a throwback to the old Honda 750 not really fast or good for cannon carving just a fun run around bike. But as you are saying it's not a Harley... I wouldn't even consider this if the price was the same😎

 

I really like the CB1100. I would not mind having something completely different if I was growing my stable.

 

For once, the Honda CB1100 has both front and rear fenders made out of metal and they are chromed. Both are nice but very different beasts. You need to ride both of them to know.