Problems?

MB-5 Joined: Jun 01, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Massachusetts

I am a new member here, and I joined because I have recently been presented with an opportunity to purchase a very nice 1983 CB1100F. I really like the bike, but my wife would prefer that I purchase something newer and more conducive to two-up long distance riding. I am not new to motorcycles at all, and I have been riding and working on them since I was 10 years old. I am now almost 50.
I am looking for information about this particular bike in terms of reliability and any Achillies Heel type of issues that may exist with them.
The bike I am looking at is being offered to me from a life long friend of mine, and he is the original owner. The bike looks to be in remarkable shape, with the original paint in near perfect condition. The seat has no tears or imperfections, and all of the bodywork is original and in great shape. The bike is completely stock except for a Kerker 4/1 pipe and it has been jetted. The bike still has the original air box, and the owner says that he still has the original pipes, also in perfect condition.
The bike has not been on the road for many years, and has been stored in his garage. It does not run and I presume that the carbs are clogged solid. Other than that, the bike has a frozen front brake caliper (it siezed up when he rolled it out of his garage to show it to me, and he grabbed the front brake). he also power washed the bike, and a small flake of black paint peeled off of the outer case.
The owner claims that the bike has no known issues that are not readily visible to me, and I have no reason to doubt him.
This deal is one of those "If I sell it to you, you have to let me ride it, at least once, once you get her fixed up, and if you sell it, you have to give me 1st dibs on buying it back" type. I have no problems with this, and if I do buy it, I would most likely keep it for a very long time.
So, again, I am looking for any information that might direct me to look specifically at any area's of concern. Thank You for your help!

Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 5:34 pm

Hi and Welcome. It sounds like a nice bike. Do you have any photos? How much is he asking if you don't mind telling us?

MB-5 Joined: Jun 01, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Massachusetts

I do not have any pictures, yet. My original offer was something like $1200-$1500. He attempted to "sweeten" the deal this weekend by offering me his old Yamaha 750 triple, in need of motor repair, for $2000 total, for both bikes.

MB-5 Joined: Jun 01, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Massachusetts

Are these bikes considered to be "collectable" or rare at all? Are they worth more than any other early 80's Japanese bike? I really like these bikes, but I am looking to arm myself with compelling arguements to present my wife with...
I currently ride a dual sport KDX200, and a DR650 (street use only), and I recently sold my 1996 Triumph Thunderbird. My daughter rides a Ninja 250 (but wants something larger).

Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 6:10 pm

gregp wrote:

Are these bikes considered to be "collectable" or rare at all? Are they worth more than any other early 80's Japanese bike? I really like these bikes, but I am looking to arm myself with compelling arguements to present my wife with...

It sounds like a nice group of bikes. Yes they are collectible but a price is hard to say now a days. It would need to be a nice bike to bring more than that lately. I wouldn't pay any more than $1,800 for the two bikes if I were you.

Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 6:16 pm

+1 on what Tattoo says.

I would also add that it is my belief that there are very

few bikes that are as conducive to two up touring than

the 11F.

Once it is fixed and runniing well/reliably it is a great sporty tourer.

MB-5 Joined: Jun 01, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Massachusetts

Actually, I found a pic:

MB-5 Joined: Jun 01, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Massachusetts

I think that it is in remarkably good shape, but I also see that one mirror is missing. I'll have to see if he has that...
What is the normal range of this bike, with a full tank of fuel? Can I get 200 miles if ridden gently?

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 12:12 am

The red ones are not allowed to be ridden gently.
With a set of mint stock pipes, i think $1,500.00 for that bike is a good price.

Twinstar Joined: Aug 03, 2010 Posts: 256 Location: se pa

Sweet bike! Quick, grab it up! They are comfortable for 2-up rides for short rides, or wknd trips. My wife & I toured on one of these, before touring bikes were available. She is still good for 200 mile trips on it. As for mileage, I currently have an 1100 mtr in a 900 frame. With Suzuki 36mm gsxr carbs & a 4 into 1 pipe, I got 50mpg @ the N.E. ride 2 wks ago. And that was "brisk" riding. Set up right, you could get 200 miles, before reserve. I've done it. Guys here debate which is faster, red, or blue. I say, neither! Flat black is SERIOUS fast, with no waxing. If you want FAST & wash & wax, go Freddie silver! As for reliabiliy, 2 of our forum members are currently on their way to Alaska on these bikes. Follow them in the "rides" forum. Alaska and then some. These bikes do require work to keep them RIGHT, but we are a dedicated bunch here, that really like them. Weakest point - charging system.

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 1:27 am

The '83 1100 is a collectable bike - sold for only 1yr in U.S. Right now is a good time to buy one - prices are depressed and what your friend is offering is a vg deal (assuming he's being truthful about it's condition). What's the mileage on this bike?? It's not necessarily something to be concerned about - I've got a blue model w/ over 69k miles on it and it still goes like a bat outta hell. That big flat seat it comes with is relatively comfortable, but you could always add a Corbin touring seat for 2 up comfort.

Oh, and welcome! Very Happy

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 1:37 am

fr8train wrote:

Sweet bike! Quick, grab it up! They are comfortable for 2-up rides for short rides, or wknd trips. My wife & I toured on one of these, before touring bikes were available. She is still good for 200 mile trips on it. As for mileage, I currently have an 1100 mtr in a 900 frame. With Suzuki 36mm gsxr carbs & a 4 into 1 pipe, I got 50mpg @ the N.E. ride 2 wks ago. And that was "brisk" riding. Set up right, you could get 200 miles, before reserve. I've done it. Guys here debate which is faster, red, or blue. I say, neither! Flat black is SERIOUS fast, with no waxing. If you want FAST & wash & wax, go Freddie silver! As for reliabiliy, 2 of our forum members are currently on their way to Alaska on these bikes. Follow them in the "rides" forum. Alaska and then some. These bikes do require work to keep them RIGHT, but we are a dedicated bunch here, that really like them. Weakest point - charging system.

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 2:17 am

I agree with the boys, once in a lifetime chance to bring your buddies bike back to life. It already has sentimental value to you, and the first time you twist the throttle you'll know it was worth it!

Keep us posted, we'd like to see more pics. This group will help with any questions you have (and some you don't...)! Don't be surprised to see a member pulling into the drive way to help you wrench, if you need it!

Ride safely (whichever of your stable you happen to be on!)

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 3:42 am

Looks like a good price for a fine example of these bikes. Good advice has already been passed along but if I were you, I'd put the original pipes back on it and sell the Kerker to me to make some of your money back. Cool

Good Luck and let us know what you decide.

Dave

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 4:31 am

Buy it.

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 10:25 am

Buy it! If the skins are in great shape they are worth $1,000. Economy might be depress, it will come back. There isn't a forum member here that wouldn't pay at least $400 just for the tank!!!! Hell, there isn't a forum member here that wouldn't pay $1,500 for that bike, so it is worth more then $1,500.

You do need to do your own wrenching to make this bike worth buying, that is the trick!!!!!!!! And that is where the forum comes in, Hell, where you live you can have a F party and probably get it all maintenance done and the bike running before the party is over as long as you have all the parts available at the time of the party.

People are already trying to get you to sell parts off, lol

Do not sell either set of pipes, yet. Take your time and learn what the parts are worth etc and then sell if you need to, them pipes are never going to get in cheaper!!!!!!!

Millage does matter on price, I forgot to mention this.

If the tank has no dents or scratches, I'll buy the tank for $400. Laughing

It is not a touring bike and it is not a crouch rocket but it is a 1100F.

Laughing

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 11:54 am

No brainer, buy buy buy Very Happy

You guys are so lucky when it comes to the 11's they are as rare as chicken lips this side of the pond.

Daz. Very Happy

CB1100F Joined: Jun 18, 2006 Posts: 2528 Location: UK

It looks like a good deal to me,they are great Bikes and easy to work on,and for an 80's Bike they have good performance,if it was near to me i would grab it at that price

Keith