PDA

View Full Version : Honda X11 - Any experience?


Biff
1st May 2005, 12:17
A bike that passed me by, and by all accounts an absolute failure for Honda. Has anyone any experience (owned/ridden) a Honda X11?

Basically it's a naked Blackbird: http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/motorcycles/2000/abachofen_honda_x11.html

I've never seen one or known anyone that's ridden one.
Marmoot
1st May 2005, 17:03
Basically it's a naked Blackbird

Yea i've ridden one.
Exactly like what you said, I presume.
Could feel a bit heavy if you are of moderate-to-small posture.
Handling is ok and very comfy. Wind protection (surprise) is ok if you're not too tall (I'm 5'8)
Very torquey and powerful.
I'd like one, but I wouldn't buy naked....
Should be able to get one for cheap.
Not many around, I suppose.
Blackbird
1st May 2005, 17:16
There was a test in Performance Bikes about a year ago. Apart from them calling it pig ugly, they were quite impressed with it. Is it still made? I'd imagine the depreciation would be a bit fierce as sales were very low in the UK.
Hitcher
1st May 2005, 17:41
Not one of Bluewing Honda New Zealand's better sellers. Almost as ugly as an ugly thing. The CB1300 will have sold considerably better here than the X11.

I am constantly surprised by New Zealand bike wholesalers/distributors in terms of what they bring in and what they don't. Honda is a good example. X11, about as popular as a bacon buttie at a Jewish wedding, yet imported and promoted. But the TransAlp, Africa Twin, Deauville and Silverwing don't figure at all.
Biff
1st May 2005, 18:00
Not one of Bluewing Honda New Zealand's better sellers. Almost as ugly as an ugly thing. The CB1300 will have sold considerably better here than the X11.

I am constantly surprised by New Zealand bike wholesalers/distributors in terms of what they bring in and what they don't. Honda is a good example. X11, about as popular as a bacon buttie at a Jewish wedding, yet imported and promoted. But the TransAlp, Africa Twin, Deauville and Silverwing don't figure at all.

I suppose if you look at all the hype and pomp when the Bird was launched, in terms of promotion and it's subsequant success in terms of sales, they thought they were onto a winner - so backed it.

Do the importers here not bring in TransAlp, Africa Twin, Deauville or Silverwings?
Coyote
1st May 2005, 18:07
Take that daft looking air intake thingy, and it might look pretty cool
louisb
1st May 2005, 18:27
There's one on trademe at the moment... it's been there for months.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports-tourer/auction-20112196.htm

I love the naked agressive look it has...

12 grand though... not THAT much depreciation...for a 2002 model??
Zed
1st May 2005, 18:57
Hmmm, I never knew they existed! Looks nice and stylish but the nakedness lets it down IMHO.

Thinking of deserting the 'Bird club huh Biff?

http://goldwing.bikepics.net/honda-cb1100-03-bikepics-211772.jpg
Biff
1st May 2005, 19:31
Hmmm, I never knew they existed! Looks nice and stylish but the nakedness lets it down IMHO.

Thinking of deserting the 'Bird club huh Biff?



Nope - I'm hanging on here waiting to hear from the insurance company. Hopefully I'll get a phone call early next week informing me that they've written the Biff Bird off and there's a new black one sitting in Casbolts with my name on it. Fingers crossed.

But I dooooo like the X11. I bet it's a hoot to ride.
Marmoot
1st May 2005, 21:48
I bet it's a hoot to ride.

It's a hoot to ride.
Get one if you can get one for unusually cheap.
Otherwise, CB1300 might be a better bet.
Biff
1st May 2005, 22:59
It's a hoot to ride.
Get one if you can get one for unusually cheap.
Otherwise, CB1300 might be a better bet.

I can't see Ms Biff letting me buy a faired and nakid Bird. Especially as she's busy paying - I mean planning for our wedding . :drinknsin
Marmoot
2nd May 2005, 11:20
I can't see Ms Biff letting me buy a faired and nakid Bird. Especially as she's busy paying - I mean planning for our wedding . :drinknsin

ah....so me borrowing the x11 for a blast is out of question, I believe....
inlinefour
2nd May 2005, 11:29
I was quite happy to return it as it was blardy horrible! :puke:
TonyB
2nd May 2005, 11:35
I was quite happy to return it as it was blardy horrible! :puke:
What!? A horrible Honda? Is this possible?
inlinefour
2nd May 2005, 11:41
What!? A horrible Honda? Is this possible?

Apprently it is :laugh:

Also possible to have a good Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Duc, etc... :msn-wink:
Biff
2nd May 2005, 11:58
ah....so me borrowing the x11 for a blast is out of question, I believe....

Oh I don't know, you can borrow my Maserati around the same time if you like. They're both in my imaginery gargre being cleaned and buffed by J Lo as we speak....
Marmoot
2nd May 2005, 12:54
Oh I don't know, you can borrow my Maserati around the same time if you like. They're both in my imaginery gargre being cleaned and buffed by J Lo as we speak....

hmmppfft......don't fancy J Lo.....a bit hard riding her for lanesplitting I say :killingme
pritch
3rd May 2005, 18:08
The X11 gets quite a good write up. Comparing it to a CB1300 is like chalk and cheese, something like 30 extra horsepower and another 25 kph.

Max cruising speed will be the same as all the other litre, litre plus, unfaired bikes though 'cause it's not the horsepower that's the limiting factor.
pritch
3rd May 2005, 18:18
Plan A was to attach a coupla pages of bumpf but although I shrunk it the file's still to big. Maybe later.
Biff
3rd May 2005, 18:19
hmmppfft......don't fancy J Lo.....a bit hard riding her for lanesplitting I say :killingme

Her arse isn't that wide - is it?
Marmoot
4th May 2005, 11:11
Her arse isn't that wide - is it?

I don't really know, actually. Never been able to manage to see the whole picture
got it? hahahaha....got it?
:killingme