Honda CB1100 EX vs. BMW R NineT Pure | Retro Style Showdown | TwistedThrottle.com

[@frankmccleese5092]

I like the Honda and I own a 2017 CB1100EX. I’m older and owned a couple different CB750’s back in the 70’s and just loved them and I love the one I have now. It’s dependable, plenty of power and doesn’t wear me out.

would you like to sell your honda cb1100ex 2017

[@thequake180]

gotta go for the honda hands down. absolutely gorgeous bike. they nailed the classic retro look like nobody's business. just stunning to look at.

[@rubo1964]

over 12k its not a great deal.I think Honda overpriced it.

[@jhhd1]

Two beautiful bikes, I would be happy with either one. If I had to choose I might go with the Honda because of the reliability

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

I test rode both. They are night and day. The BMW is fun to ride with its quirky torque wiggle but I found it a bit annoying and not as easy to handle with slow manoeuvres. The Honda is just easy and smooth. Loved the Honda so much I bought one ☝️ 😀

[@coolstorybro9946]

I've bought a 2019 CB1100EX last month. What a special motorcycle

[@1newbert]

I’ve been a Beemer rider since the early 80s, but if I had to pick between these two, I’m going with the Honda. It matches my mental image of what a bike should look like.

[@andrewhills6535]

Just bought a cb1100rs , ticks all the boxes , I am biased as I had a load of cb750sohc , nice torque steady ride , I'm 53 and this Will be the last bike I have bought , an ex demo with 300 miles on the clock and a very good deal 👌🏻👍🏻🙋🏼‍♂️

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I would take the Honda for that classic look and known reliability. The Honda is a buy to keep.

[@davidhamilton506]

I would go with the Honda. The attention to detail is there, and to me it looks the way a motorcycle should look. The BMW is no doubt an awesome machine, but whosoever chooses it had better have the Dealer fit crash bars to protect the heads and barrels. I'm somewhat surprised they're not fitted as standard...

[@あいかわ]

I rented RnieTpure for a long time today. I was surprised that the lateral vibration was big, but soon I got used to it. And in the meantime I was captivated by the beating of a horizontally opposed engine and a powerful exhaust sound!

[@davidknows3320]

Honda. Hands down. Loved and still love a standard style CB. I currently ride a CB900 custom as a winter bike. Lol. I'm in New England as well and now plan to visit your shop. Thanks for the video.

[@stevemillerecon]

Great to see Marc, I'm a big fan of your work!

[@twistedthrottle]

Thanks, Uncle Steve!

[@chrisgreen8128]

Love the Honda purely because it’s a proper Retro bike and I’m going to buy one ☝️

[@crimsonpak4640]

Prefer BMW for looks n engine torque . What a beautiful machine to roam around the town/ country road.

[@renwickrussell7049]

I looked at both of these and bought an R Nine T Scrambler. It's NOT a scrambler but if you throw away the knobbly tyres you get an R Nine T experience which has that edge but is MUCH more comfortable than the R Nine T Pure or Classic. Bigger bike, more upright riding position and softer suspension make for a great ride along with that fabulous boxer engine.

[@robec62]

Thanks for the video. I love the scenery as well as the bikes! I am an older rider, 66. My younger brother got me back into motorcycles and I bought CB750 imported to the UK from the USA. I loved it and bought a CB1100EX for all weathers and reliability, I love it as well, super looks and as you say, super smooth. I am now restoring the CB750 and when it is done, I expect it to have the edge...just!

[@twistedthrottle]

That is awesome!

[@ecirlos4902]

I have a 1975 cb550 Four and love it. I would love to try that cb1100 one day.

[@vinclario3604]

Briefly test rode the nineT Scrambler in August, but since I tested four or five other bikes the same day I didn't really give it the attention it deserves. Since then I've realized I need to ride the proper nineT as I think it may be my next bike. Would hopefully work daily as well as for traveling with a decent wind shield on it. And definitely one of my favorite bikes when it comes to looks.

[@turvyjj9232]

The problem for me is that I don't think the BMW is a retro bike. Which model is built upon? The R90s? The R90/6? It doesn't hace anything to do with the old bmw models, other than being a boxer, but then all boxer bmw would be retro, something they're not. However the Honda is built following a real old cb. Anyway, nice video and enjoy Newport!

[@cmdrratzass7305]

So far I haven’t driven either of those two bikes so I can only speak for the looks. Where the BMW simply looks good, the Honda is downright gorgeous!

[@DarioBoriani]

I understand the 'contrasting POVs' style of review. I also think excellence in smoothness and refinement do not have to imply lack of character or personality. They are not opposite sides of a coin. Well rounded does not equate to dull. In Honda's case, their engineering competence speaks to a perfectly executed design and being true to a timeless vision down to the smallest detail. Their marketing, at least in the US and where this bike is concerned, is something else altogether. My $.02.

[@IslandTosh]

The correct answer is to have both bikes. I haven't had a chance to ride the Honda, but I did find the BMW to be quick and fun around town, but with a couple of quirks that annoyed me. PS- glad to see Mr. Cook making content, he does good work.

[@twistedthrottle]

We're happy to have Marc along for the ride as well, thanks for watching!

[@janmaaso]

I think the whole reason that retro bikes seem to be doing so well, is that they had it all figured out way back when. Things just worked, as they should - this is not rocket science after all, and Japan, Germany and many others had their best people working on this. Anyways, thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed this. I, myself, have given up car ownership after getting me a Piaggio MP3 500HPE, and I am loving it so much that I can't stop looking at all these videos here on KZbin and dreaming of a real two-wheeler. Jan.

[@anthonykeel1058]

I didn’t know the CB1100EX existed until the other week when my wife and I saw one and I instantly fell in love with it. I love the old school look of motorcycles and don’t like the modern ones. I stayed away from Honda’s, go more towards Triumphs, but the CB1100ex I found at a dealership, a week later and yesterday went to go see it and what a great comfortable motorcycle. Now I want one but don’t want a payment, by the time I save the money I’m sure it would be gone.

[@reneweisz9157]

I have to go with the R Nine T, love the torque and the rumbling of the boxer engine. Well, that's why I bought one ;)

[@genericallyaccepted]

Any regrets? I'm thinking about buying one, too

[@trackhead681]

R nine T, but I'm bias, as I own an R nine T racer. That is a retro classic look.

[@ithepatrick]

Congrats you have my dream bike.

[@painsrides]

A "neo-retro" is in my future so I've been looking closely into this class of bikes and I have to say completely, 100% agree with both of you on the points of these two bikes. That is why I'd go for the best of both and get a Kawasaki z900RS .....

[@Phaedrus-th7bi]

I have had my 2013 CB1100 now to 28,000 miles. Oil changes and tires...........Never an engine issue. The 2013 had (in my opinion) a much nicer gas tank than the following years. Pull up pics of the 2013 tank and compare.

[@tsav6952]

I have same bike and wasn't able to ride for a year and half. I put a new battery in and a gallon of fresh fuel and cranks over fine but won't fire. Think maybe the ethanol ruined the fuel pump? My guess anyway.

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

Both great bikes, thank you for sharing your interesting views. Kind regards from Queensland, Australia.

[@twistedthrottle]

Thanks for watching! 🏍️

[@zardportugal]

Fast ride - BMW Cool ride - Honda I choose the cool option, to go fast I would not buy a classic.

[@zardportugal]

OK. Go buy it.

[@Winterstick549]

Jay Schtulmann Ill take a silky smooth motorcycle over a silky smooth car any day.

[@Ryzen_56X]

My option would of been the CB1100RS, better looks and a bit more sportier than the EX, as for performance and more horsepower a classic bike is NOT your choice if that is your intention want to look for it, there are other models for it that would do the job very nicely, classic heritage bikes are not meant for high performance speeds. For a cool relaxed sport-touring ride any classic heritage motorcycle will give you the awesomeness of the old coolness. Ride safe and enjoy the road mates, cheers.

[@nolascopereira5519]

zardportugal Tens Razão...E sem ofensa aos Apaixonados...Mas a modinha das BMWs já cansa um bocado eheh...

[@AnCuth123]

I do like BMWs and the peppiness of the nine-t, but Honda all the way. Though, I am a bit bias owning an old 80 Honda and a 2013 as well....and I agree with Grimes with the ABS on a bikes like that.

[@dionmoore879]

I'm an old Beemer guy. But for my money, I'd go Honda. I think it looks better. Doesn't just look quirky retro, It is the real deal. I expect it will cost a whole lot less to own. Now and down the road

[@twistedthrottle]

Hondas have a deserved reputation for durability but the platform the RnineT is on has been around for quite a few years as well. A lot of the cost depends on where you have the bike serviced, or if you're a DIY kind of owner.

[@kewintaylor7056]

Sure...in my country bmw cost double of the honda!...and also maintainance cost! I heard a lot of problem from bmw...but never with the cb! If i have to but classic bike, honda will be the only choice for me!lol....

[@mariowoodsN5]

Hands down the Honda

[@twistedthrottle]

It's hard to go wrong with either!

[@joeybassbass]

I've always loved the combination of retro style combined with modern tech. I love the way the R nine T blends the past with the present.

[@pinoyrider2739]

Great video. Will be getting my Honda 2018 cb1100RS this weekend. Hoping you'll have some accessories for the bike.

[@gabbyhayes1568]

I agree the guy's assessment of these bikes. I used to own a Honda CB Custom back in the late 70's and it was pretty much as he described, smooth and silky, but not much character. The R NineT Pure is a visceral riding experience, way more edgy, has a ton of character, and just a vibe that I like. There's just something about those Boxer motors, especially the old air cooled design. It'd be the Beamer for me for sure.

[@80sruler]

Ah Newport. One of my favorites - combine that with bikes and that’s a good time

[@42shoes]

Buttery smooth acceleration. Quite. Powerful. 0-80 before cops know you're gone.

[@St.Michael-Ross]

Honda all the way. Just love everything about the cb1100. I currently ride a 98’ valkyrie tourer bike. Bought this one new. Love it.

[@jsprite123]

If you are a big/tall rider, you can ride both in comfort. If on the short side, the Honda is heavy with a rather high seat. The BMW will be more fitting in this case.

[@jimshaw2466]

hi i just picked up the cb1100 and love it

[@DRMVM1]

I own a 2013 Honda cb1100 . I’m almost 64 hrs old and every time I jump on it. It reminds me of riding a cb750 Bakunin the 70’a only smoother and more power. The bike checks all My boxes!

[@kanuduh5234]

I have a 2013 as well. Of all the bikes I've owned in my day, this one is absolutely top notch and a keeper!

[@mowler8042]

I did not test ride my BMW R9T pure before buying and right away I found the leaning forward to be something that I now I'm used to. TWO major things the Honda does not have and were why I bought the BMW are (paid extra for) traction control (I'm in canada and spring and fall there is a lot of crap on the road, you can turn it off if you think you're invincible) and SHAFT DRIVE. I would never ever buy a bike with a chain if I did not have to it's just a pain in the ass to deal with, imagine you had to oil a chain on your car every other time you drove it...

[@kilpel2]

I dislike shaft

[@mowler8042]

@@kilpel2 cool...I dislike Harley Davidsons

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

I really like them both, but the shaft drive of the BMW is attractive since it’s a maintenance point that I don’t need to think about.

[@kewintaylor7056]

In my country bmw price is double of the cb!!!! Also the maintainance cost!.... And CB have very good reputation of reliability and durability!....!

[@stanleylawson9015]

great review

[@Lar308]

I had these two bikes short listed for purchase as an addition to my current two bikes - a 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 and a 2015 Ducati Monster 821. Problem I see with that is that the Honda though perhaps more beautiful than the T120 but only marginally is just too similar to it and the BMW is just too much like the Ducati. So now I am thinking radical - a BMW S1000RR sports bike for my 60th birthday in 2019! Now that would be different.

[@twistedthrottle]

Once you go double-R you might not come back!

[@mowler8042]

I had the Triumph T120/Honda CB1100 and what I bought the BMW pure on my list...I also liked the Ducati Scrambler. It's tough to choose so many manufacturers are doing a great job.

[@dru24334]

So coming from supersport, but wanting something I can ride for longer than a few hours, either would work well? Also considering the t120

[@cesarr5006]

Test rode both of these plus the T120; I bought Kawasaki z900RS.

[@williamdoucette961]

Having had a big share of the UJM's back in the day, the Suzuki GS 850/1000 was my favorite. In this test ride, looks go to the Honda, everything else to the BMW.

[@hunkyhungarian378]

I would have been curious about both of your opinions if we threw the Moto Guzzi Griso into the mix.

[@ampm9771]

Honda any day. BMW is just too lumpy and wants to drop itself despite being lighter. But that Honda man, that bike will run till the end of world!

[@souljaboi62121]

Hands down the Pure is the preferred model for me... Modern Retro with the best boxer engine! Just can't figure out which one of the 5 I want to buy... Any suggestions? I've narrowed it down to the 2018 Pure / 2018 G/S / and the 2017 Racer, but for the life of me cannot pull the trigger.

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

Honda for me all day long. Honda are normally the best built bikes to come from Japan, plus they have the largest dealer network. Only thing I dislike about the Honda is the short front mudguard which lets loads of road crap onto the engine. Samurai Rider based in Japan have a version of the front mudguard which looks far more retro and consequently protects the front of the engine. It looks very similar to the one fitted to the original CB750.

[@guywolff]

I want a nice R60 or R69s (with the Earle forks) in a simple modern bike .. I have been trying to fit my 67 year old shoulders to the forward sitting on the 9T, Pure , Urban or Scrambeler because I love the engine and the shaft ..Our local BMW dealer scratches their heads when I asked if there are bar risers to get the handlebars back ..I rode my1979 R80 for 40K before thinking about how wonderfuly comfortable she was .The same with a 61 R69s... The seats on these modern guys are also not thinking of 300 mile days .. I want an under worked boxer with a shaft .. I guess I should go find a Guzzi V7 if it was easy to get parts for them .. COme on out to Litchfield County and I will show you some amazing back roads.. All the best , Guy

[@bytestream]

guy wolff I have had the Scrambler for the past 12 months and thought the lean was too forward. After two sets of stacked bar risers and swivel of the bars, it's completely upright now and much more comfortable. For the seat, i threw an airhawk on mine.

[@guywolff]

Sounds like a plan ... Thanks

[@alexgian9313]

guy wolff - I agree with you re 300 mile rides. Unless you're talking about something like a supermoto or a town scooter (or a track bike), a bike that is no good for 300 miles is a bike that is not meant to be ridden! Way too much "hipster bling" nonsense on some modern bikes (not referring to the review models) do the owners actually RIDE them? :headscratch: PS. BMW R80/7... Ah, memories...

[@bytestream]

Alex Gian I ride my bmw scrambler commuting 100 klms per day 5 days a week. It is the perfect city bike and is pure joy with lane filtering and tight maneovoures. It all comes back to what riding you do.

[@alexgian9313]

bytestream - I'm glad it works so well for you as a commuter! Nevertheless, you're still talking about 300 mile *weeks*, not 300 mile days. As you say, different people have different riding demands. Personally, being a sentimentalist, I'd love a modern air-cooled boxer BMW, but if there's no fairing and no all-day-long comfortable seat, I'm out.

[@IGovino]

I like the torque of the bmw, the character of the engine when u need that extra push is awesome.

[@UncleWally3]

Strange these terms we use. I wish more reviewers would make a distinction between “off pavement” and “off road” . . . as I’d also enjoy a discussion about the distinction between “retro” bikes and bike as fashion accessory.

[@twistedthrottle]

Good points, Walter. It's a misty ride between true retro and retro-looking machines. Fact is, many newer riders want bikes to act totally modern yet look old. And those who don't are finding and restoring vintage Hondas!

[@guywolff]

I had a Bonnevile in Wales in the early 1970's ..Get those Lucas electrics wet and you are walking ... It was very wet in Wales ... Modern working bikes are great .. The thing we need from the retro library is simplicity and made to do a task practically .. If the Enfield Hymalaian worked purfectly it would be a case in point ..

[@MrBillCNW]

I agree with the girl I like the Honda better than the BMW. As soon as I can figure out where to get my hands on some money I want to get me a 2014 CB 1100

[@samidarwish86]

This reviewer guy Honda is trying hard to bla bla bla. Cut the crap the Honda is Drop dead gorgeous. This is a retro segment, retro should look retro. The CB owns the segment.

[@sneakerjoe23]

Honda looks like shit

[@markanthonyreyes7225]

I would buy those 2 bikes 😍😍😍

[@alexabadi7458]

I never liked 4-in line cylinders engines, I had a CBR 600 and did not like it, I found the Honda NT650 (V twin) much pleasant to ride. Right now I'm thinking about the BMW nine T, probably my last bike.

[@tsav6952]

The Honda is very pretty bike and super fun to ride.

[@coolstorybro9946]

The Honda is the true Gentlemen Ride :)

[@AprendizDeLoQueToca]

R nine T is nice but the Honda is my pick by far.

[@64faffi]

Having ridden several versions of the R nineT, I find they all have terrible suspension. They differ quite a bit, but all are lousy - although the higher spec versions could probably have been adjusted to suit me better. Also, the engine lacks the immediate low-end grunt of my MT07. However, I'd take the Beemer over the Honda primarily because the engine has two cylinders too many and like just about any Honda the bike is too perfect, lacking personality. I have a CB400 Super Four that is not unlike the CB1100; beautiful, but bland. So my choice would be the BMW with, like I had to do on my Yamaha, some suspension upgrades.

[@caferacer3539]

I've never tried honda before, per contra bmw, but if have to shoose between two of them I'd choose bmw r9t because of it's vivialty, honda is more refined, more vacuum cleaner then a bmw. Despite bmw has vibrations.

[@blairsimpkins3505]

I put about 7,000 a year on a Dyna Super Glide. I'm getting a CB1100 so some days I can just run down the road on a Singer sewing machine.

[@norsefalconer]

I lived through the "retro" bike style when it was contemporary style. Although I don't mind some retro elements, I've been there, done that. For $12K, I'm not sure I'd pick either for my garage. But, if forced (or free), it'd be the RNineT all day long. Nice comparison review though, thanks!

[@twistedthrottle]

Thanks for watching! 🏍️

[@whiterabbitt2002]

2019 Triumph Speed Twin would be my choice for a third motorcycle ( I already own a 2016 Motto Guzzi V7II and 2015 Harely Super Low 1200T). What bothers(?) me is here in the 21st century the Honda lacks traction control. just saying

[@Nicool333]

+1 on the speed twin

[@speedster2464]

Is that not what wrist control and feel is about? Rather than buying a computer to deal with traction, ABS yes but TC no, not on a retro.

[@248fantasma]

I like my honda to ride on city and love my BMW GSA to travel, boths make my day

[@richvogel6902]

Interesting variation of opinions. Whichever suits you, is the better bike. That said, I own the Honda ( see my review "CB1100 My Two Cents" ) and in my view it is a much better bike. It does everything well and it is thoroughly enjoyable. I rode the BMW and trust me it is nothing special. The CB will almost certainly spend less time in the shop (mine has been perfect). Finally, you can buy one for perhaps half the price of the Beemer.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Honda for me, I hate down pipes that turn blue BMW should double skin them like the Japanese.

[@jimshaw2466]

as I tour a lot the honda does it for me 2016 cb1100ex

[@twistedthrottle]

Cool--we're glad to hear you've found your match!

[@rickgrimes931]

Having ridden some of the old bikes, I'd have to go with the Honda. But I haven't ridden either one of the new bikes. My only wish is that they were both retro enough to not have ABS. I still can't stand ABS.

[@twistedthrottle]

Fair point, Rick. And you're probably not alone. But the manufacturers are convinced ABS is a desirable feature (something sales support when you compare similar ABS and non-ABS bikes) plus with Europe requiring ABS on all new bikes many manufacturers want to build a single model for all markets, so it's going to have ABS.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Can't you just take the fuse out. Everything i have owned so far either has a ABS fuse or a switch to turn it on or off.

[@amhedet]

R Nine T Pure, for me.

[@michaeleaton8801]

shaft drive is my pick

[@grayman618]

In my opinion there's only one bike that does everything well in this comparison and that is the Honda. The BMW is too quirky and has poor suspension while the Honda is an engineering Marvel, smooth but powerful engine and suspension that soaks up the bumps which is what you want on any bike.

[@PONTIKUTATOR]

I prefer the comportability....and it can got on Honda CB1100 EX

[@jimshaw2466]

my new honda arrives next week

[@twistedthrottle]

We hope the New Year brought you a New Bike!

[@travelinben1966]

The Honda is a retro bike,the BMW is not.The BMW is more expensive than the Honda by $2 k the last I checked.The Honda is infinitely better looking,less expensive,cheaper to maintain,more reliable,has more into it(dual clocks),and more attention to detail.BMW should have made this a true retro bike along the lines of the r100r.Unless you absolutely must have a boxer twin(and I’ve had them so I get it),the Honda ticks every box and then some.JMO.

[@soundknight]

I like the bmw engine and performance but the better ergonomics of the Honda might be a winner.

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

Maybe the Kawasaki 900 is in between... I like the EX to look at coz it is rather a jewel yet lots of chrome polish needed. I wonder what the ex would be like with 50 Ibs chopped off? I think on balance the R nine would be my choice yet I am a sucker for bling on bikes so if I went shopping on a bright sunny day might be seduced by the CB's sparkle. Oh, and the Germans are pissing me off these days(nearly forgot that) so the rising sun it is then.

[@dry509]

You all keep talking about the looks...what about the actual riding experience? Throttle, clutch-transmission, brakes, suspension-handling?

[@jasoncockcroft2332]

This is the type of guy that would have argued why he likes the Honda more if she had said she likes the BMW

[@toyholy3679]

Cb1000r vs BMW r nine t pls

[@youcanfoolmeonce]

The girl is right, the Honda looks more beautiful and more comfortable, better for the average rider and a woman. I own a Pure for the same reason the old man does; it looks more special, more of a sports bike with twenty ponies more power. I would like to own a CB 1100 EX for its beauty and true retro style. Some day I may get one.

[@twistedthrottle]

We fully encourage riders to buy more bikes. More bikes=More fun!

[@youcanfoolmeonce]

@@twistedthrottle Naturally; I got a 1999 Kawasaki Voyager XII for touring, a 2016 Triumph America LT for cruising and the R9T Pure for more fun.

[@paxwallacejazz]

Honda needs longer stroke ie higher compression and a hotter can geeez. Comon 9:1 grandma. I'm just talking 20 more hp.

[@tristramgordon8252]

You forgot to mention the cost of running either bike, and services, parts, etc. BMW are hugely more expensive to run.

[@twistedthrottle]

Definitely something to consider before purchasing as well. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisredfield3240]

My bmw dealer is very reasonable for service and parts, and cheaper than the yamaha and honda. Also home service is much cheaper for all. Triumph is a little dearer.

[@85waspnest]

Honda CB1100 RS all day long.

[@gride5153]

I guess I need to go with the BMW - seeing that I just bought it. lol

[@Winterstick549]

A little criticism guys. I cant stand reviews that blather on and on about appearance. We have eyes. Trust me, all of us have already made our own judgements on appearance.

[@hassanssharieff6592]

All the way Honda.

[@PrasanjeetBaviskar]

#Honda will be originally retro and the style not that much change, all remains same.. So yes Honda is winning this segment. #BMW is also tried to give best retro look for this bike even they did well too but still they are behind to the honda.

[@carolcheny]

i like the old CB1100 tank better. it looked more retro than this one. definitely honda over BMW here.

[@mirko.x6389]

Ok

[@edzaslow]

The Honda is more reliable than the BMW, and Honda authorized service and parts are much more reasonably priced than BMW. The BMW, however, has more character.

[@stevomcsteve9492]

Nope and nope...Indian Scout all day for me...

[@saintetienne755]

Moto Guzzi v9

[@manumol3040]

La Nine , tiene Cardan...es mucho mejor que la cadena!!!

[@nomadenview]

Big respect to BMW.... But I'll take honda CB...

[@MrBillCNW]

I wish she would go for a ride with me.

[@bobhirdes6725]

This is easy to decide, The Honda is the beautiful and the BMW is the ugly. I'm going home with the beautiful bike. The Honda is a 9 and the BMW is a 5. I'd rather ride the 9 then the 5.