Honda Spirit 1100 opinions? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

chance3290 · 11-13-2007, 08:36 AM

Only been riding for a few months and I'm already thinking of moving from my S50 to the Honda Spirit 1100.
Anyone have any good/bad opinions on the Honda? Thanks.

JmalB · 11-15-2007, 04:54 AM

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4dtvman · 11-15-2007, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance3290

Only been riding for a few months and I'm already thinking of moving from my S50 to the Honda Spirit 1100.
Anyone have any good/bad opinions on the Honda? Thanks.

Don't waste your money just buy bigger, VTX1300 or VTX1800 and get it over with. Alot of good used model around this time of year. This is the buying season.

Easy Rider · 11-15-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4dtvman

Don't waste your money just buy bigger, VTX1300 or VTX1800 and get it over with.

Just for the record, there are a "few" of us around here who don't think bigger is always better!

Before throwing in my 2 cents, why is it that you think you want a bigger bike after such a short time in the saddle?? Be honest!

chance3290 · 11-15-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Just for the record, there are a "few" of us around here who don't think bigger is always better!

Before throwing in my 2 cents, why is it that you think you want a bigger bike after such a short time in the saddle?? Be honest!

So far the S50 is fine, but I'd like a little more power for longer rides, but I'm don't think I'll need 1500+.
Plus a co-worker has a Kawasaki 2000 and his bike snickers at my bike in the parking lot. I haven't caught his bike snickering, but I know its doing it.

Easy Rider · 11-15-2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance3290

So far the S50 is fine, but I'd like a little more power for longer rides,

And you need more power so you can, what...............cruise at 100 mph ???

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance3290

Plus a co-worker has a Kawasaki 2000 and his bike snickers at my bike in the parking lot. I haven't caught his bike snickering, but I know its doing it.

Ok, so maybe I was wrong. I think you need a Boss Hoss.

TechJD · 11-16-2007, 01:46 AM

I been riding for about 2 years with a 500CC I also am lookin at a Spirit 1100 because I need more power for two up
and I dont have the $$$ for a VTX nor do I think I could afford the mpg they get

JmalB · 11-16-2007, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance3290

So far the S50 is fine, but I'd like a little more power for longer rides, but I'm don't think I'll need 1500+.
Plus a co-worker has a Kawasaki 2000 and his bike snickers at my bike in the parking lot. I haven't caught his bike snickering, but I know its doing it.

You need something with better gearing for longer rides. Not more power. And you should have your bike challenge the Kawi 2k to a race (at the track of course). You'd be surprised at the results.

chance3290 · 11-16-2007, 07:47 AM

I happy with the S50, but like everyone told me I'd do, I'm going thru the "I want bigger" stage. I don't know if I'll do it, but I like the look of the Spirit and its not too big.

JmalB · 11-19-2007, 06:53 AM

I'm going thru the "do I want bigger or lighter" stage myself.

C90T Rider · 11-19-2007, 09:35 AM

You're not gonna see much difference, if any, from the 1100 power-wise.

battypup · 11-19-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Just for the record, there are a "few" of us around here who don't think bigger is always better!

I have to agree bigger isn't always better. I sometimes wish that I had bought a smaller bike that is more nimble for the commute around town. If you are getting the bigger bike to impress someone else than don't. If your are not comfortable it doesn't fit your legs or arms or such than upgrade. At 6'6" I know the smaller bikes don't work for some of us, but there are some dissadvantages to the larger cc bikes. Think it over carefully and think of the driving you do on a day to day basis not what you might do or what you do once in a while. Then get the bike that fits that style of riding.

omegajim · 11-19-2007, 01:33 PM

Often as not, the tradeoffs mitigate each other, as in

more power, but heavier less nimble

Heavier and smoother on the freeway, less nimble around town

A little more power, gas mileage is worse

Which reminds me, I asked a guy who had a vulcan 1500 (i think that's what it was) and asked how he liked it.

His reply was somewhat disheartening "I get better mileage with my Saturn than I do with the bike." Apparently the Saturn was doing better than the 34 mpg full dresser Kawasaki.

Easy Rider · 11-19-2007, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omegajim

His reply was somewhat disheartening "I get better mileage with my Saturn than I do with the bike." Apparently the Saturn was doing better than the 34 mpg full dresser Kawasaki.

Well, like I said.............

Mine gets 65 mpg.
It's not fit for long freeway trips but I don't do that.
Light, nimble and just plain fun.

Oh, I do plan some rather long trips, just not on the Interstates.
When you study the maps, you can get almost anyplace on good 2-lane roads with little traffic and almost no trucks. On those roads, I can actually exceed the speed limit.......but not by much!

chance3290 · 11-19-2007, 07:33 PM

I kinda stuck in the middle. I like the S50 for work commutes. Short (<30 mile) trips are fine, but I've taken on a few longer highway rides and I can use a bit more. Now is the 1100 more or do I need 1300...that's why I'm here.

omegajim · 11-19-2007, 07:48 PM

You say you need "a bit more."

I think nearly anybody on a cruiser is going to say that. Unless you go to a(n) 1100, in which case fewer people will say "I need a bit more."

Once you hit 1100 cc, the motors get bigger, but the power to size ratio does not remain the same. Let me book mark for reference.

Honda Motorcycles - Motocross, Cruiser, Touring, Off-Road Motorcycle

After some digging, you will find the 750 runs a higher compression ratio (more power per cc) than the comparable 1100.

The Shadow spirit (750) runs 9.6:1 compression

The Shadow Sabre (1100) runs 8.0:1 compression

So if you multiply the numbers, you get 7.2 (0.750 * 9.6) vs 8.8 (1100 * 8.0). Essentially, the ratio works out to be a 22% gain in power for a bike that weighs more, roughly figuring. Not exactly "more power" if you know what I mean.

However, there are an endless number of choices, especially in your neck of the woods.

You may find something completely out of left field that you hadn't previously considered; like a BMW.

chance3290 · 11-19-2007, 08:35 PM

Ah, now it was my understanding that there would be no math on this site.

markbrumbaugh · 11-20-2007, 10:37 PM

I almost bought a C50, but got lucky on a Kawi 900. No need for more bike.

flash · 11-20-2007, 10:46 PM

Why bother with Honda at all?Get something thats fuel injected unless you like messing around with that damm choke.

TechJD · 11-21-2007, 02:25 AM

theres like 50 lbs difference in the 750 and 1100 I believe
but the 1100 is a tad longer more seat room for 2 up

I was worried about weight thats one reason for me to stay away form HDs or Goldwings
I dont believe I can handle my wifes weight in the middle of my back like she would be on a goldwing, then add 300lbs to the bike to boot, I know it has a lower center of gravity than my bike
thats still over 1300 lbs I have to handle vers about 1000lbs now or with the 1100

11-13-2007, 08:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
chance3290 Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 05 S50 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 99	Honda Spirit 1100 opinions? Only been riding for a few months and I'm already thinking of moving from my S50 to the Honda Spirit 1100. Anyone have any good/bad opinions on the Honda? Thanks.

11-19-2007, 01:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,544	Often as not, the tradeoffs mitigate each other, as in more power, but heavier less nimble Heavier and smoother on the freeway, less nimble around town A little more power, gas mileage is worse Which reminds me, I asked a guy who had a vulcan 1500 (i think that's what it was) and asked how he liked it. His reply was somewhat disheartening "I get better mileage with my Saturn than I do with the bike." Apparently the Saturn was doing better than the 34 mpg full dresser Kawasaki. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

11-19-2007, 07:48 PM	#16 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,544	You say you need "a bit more." I think nearly anybody on a cruiser is going to say that. Unless you go to a(n) 1100, in which case fewer people will say "I need a bit more." Once you hit 1100 cc, the motors get bigger, but the power to size ratio does not remain the same. Let me book mark for reference. Honda Motorcycles - Motocross, Cruiser, Touring, Off-Road Motorcycle After some digging, you will find the 750 runs a higher compression ratio (more power per cc) than the comparable 1100. The Shadow spirit (750) runs 9.6:1 compression The Shadow Sabre (1100) runs 8.0:1 compression So if you multiply the numbers, you get 7.2 (0.750 * 9.6) vs 8.8 (1100 * 8.0). Essentially, the ratio works out to be a 22% gain in power for a bike that weighs more, roughly figuring. Not exactly "more power" if you know what I mean. However, there are an endless number of choices, especially in your neck of the woods. You may find something completely out of left field that you hadn't previously considered; like a BMW. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

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11-16-2007, 01:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
TechJD Found second gear by accident Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 1996 Shadow ACE VT1100C2 Location: 50 miles south of Lexington, KY Posts: 339	I been riding for about 2 years with a 500CC I also am lookin at a Spirit 1100 because I need more power for two up and I dont have the $$$ for a VTX nor do I think I could afford the mpg they get

11-16-2007, 07:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
chance3290 Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 05 S50 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 99	I happy with the S50, but like everyone told me I'd do, I'm going thru the "I want bigger" stage. I don't know if I'll do it, but I like the look of the Spirit and its not too big.

11-19-2007, 09:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
C90T Rider Newbie Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 14	You're not gonna see much difference, if any, from the 1100 power-wise.

11-19-2007, 07:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
chance3290 Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 05 S50 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 99	I kinda stuck in the middle. I like the S50 for work commutes. Short (<30 mile) trips are fine, but I've taken on a few longer highway rides and I can use a bit more. Now is the 1100 more or do I need 1300...that's why I'm here.

11-19-2007, 08:35 PM	#17 (permalink)
chance3290 Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 05 S50 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 99	Ah, now it was my understanding that there would be no math on this site.

11-20-2007, 10:37 PM	#18 (permalink)
markbrumbaugh Newbie Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 4	I almost bought a C50, but got lucky on a Kawi 900. No need for more bike.

11-20-2007, 10:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
flash Newbie Joined: Nov 2007 Location: Victoria BC Canada Posts: 7	Why bother with Honda at all?Get something thats fuel injected unless you like messing around with that damm choke.

11-21-2007, 02:25 AM	#20 (permalink)
TechJD Found second gear by accident Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 1996 Shadow ACE VT1100C2 Location: 50 miles south of Lexington, KY Posts: 339	theres like 50 lbs difference in the 750 and 1100 I believe but the 1100 is a tad longer more seat room for 2 up I was worried about weight thats one reason for me to stay away form HDs or Goldwings I dont believe I can handle my wifes weight in the middle of my back like she would be on a goldwing, then add 300lbs to the bike to boot, I know it has a lower center of gravity than my bike thats still over 1300 lbs I have to handle vers about 1000lbs now or with the 1100

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