'94 CB1000

[2DFlyer]

Doing the nightly scan of the Raleigh Craigslist  I happened upon this beauty.  Assuming they're well maintained are these things really just getting broken in at 25K miles?  I want to get another bike but really need it to be inexpensive.  I've been angling for a Buell M2/XB or a Monster but this is seriously tempting.  Guess I shoulda kept the ZRX.  Man there are a lot of good buys out there right now!

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/1033657532.html

[Bad Dad]

Yer killin me  

[DosEquis00]

That looks like a clean example and was 94 the only year those bikes were sold in the US?

[bikefreak47]

I've got a black '94 ('95 was red) with over 63,000 troublefree miles on it. OK, at 21,000 miles I had to replace a light bulb in the tach but other than replacing wear items like chains and sprockets, brake pads, oil, coolant, filters, tires,etc- this thing is bulletproof. Now remember this was dumbed down to about 90 RWHP from the donor CBR1000f's 115RWHP- itself an overbuilt, reliable engine. These were built during Honda's best quality and detail era too, so they withstand the test of time very well. IF you're looking to outrun a Bandit 1200, or a ZRX 1100 or 1200, or a FZ-1, a Speed Triple, or a Tuono- not gonna happen. If you want to see another real nice '94 CB1000 visit "advrider.com" and search the bikes for sale section. A fellow in Arizona has a Mike Velasco built 1254, 17" Marvics, and a ton of other really neat mods.

[sempervee]

 I had a Black 94 also and it was wonderful beast.....No problems... Wish I still had it.

[2DFlyer]

I've got a black '94 ('95 was red) with over 63,000 troublefree miles on it. OK, at 21,000 miles I had to replace a light bulb in the tach but other than replacing wear items like chains and sprockets, brake pads, oil, coolant, filters, tires,etc- this thing is bulletproof. Now remember this was dumbed down to about 90 RWHP from the donor CBR1000f's 115RWHP- itself an overbuilt, reliable engine. These were built during Honda's best quality and detail era too, so they withstand the test of time very well. IF you're looking to outrun a Bandit 1200, or a ZRX 1100 or 1200, or a FZ-1, a Speed Triple, or a Tuono- not gonna happen. If you want to see another real nice '94 CB1000 visit "advrider.com" and search the bikes for sale section. A fellow in Arizona has a Mike Velasco built 1254, 17" Marvics, and a ton of other really neat mods.

Googling 94 CB1000 led to his ad.  Beautiful bike for sure.  I had a ZRX1100 and never found the throttle stop so I'm not needing anything more.  I can live quite nicely with 90, especially if it means it will live long.

[2DFlyer]

That looks like a clean example and was 94 the only year those bikes were sold in the US?

I'm totally unfamiliar with these bikes and kinda out of my element here.  I've never gone shopping for a 15 year old bike before.  I guess I'm less worried about the miles as I am the age.  Do these things age pretty gracefully then?  Seals and such hold up pretty well?

Thanks.

[2DFlyer]

Anyone know the maintenance schedule for these bikes?

Thanks

[bikefreak47]

As I mentioned previously the build quality is extremely high. My 63,000 mile '94 looks better than my 33,000 mile '97 Bandit 1200 or my 30,000 mile '99 ZRX. Paint is deep,lustrous with no fading, fasteners haven't corroded, chrome head pipes, bars, and mirrors show no pitting. My bikes aren't exposed to long periods in direct sunlight or ridden in rain though either. Engine consumes no oil and doesn't leak. Maintenance is easy- screw type valve adjustment, oil filter and drain plug are readily accessed, coolant easily drained, etc.  It was nicknamed the "Big One" for a reason though. I'm 6'1" and at a stop I'm on the balls of my feet. On my ZRX I'm flatfooted with knees slightly bent- both on Corbin seats.

[2DFlyer]

On my ZRX I'm flatfooted with knees slightly bent- both on Corbin seats.

Thanks much.  I had a 99 ZRX.  How do you compare the ride and handling?  I understand the ZRX may run stronger but does the Honda run smoother?

[bikefreak47]

I've never thought vibration was an issue on either bike- like my '02 FZ-1 or '06 Speed Triple or '08 ZX-10R. Fewer vibes than my '97 Bandit 1200 though. The ZRX is a better package from a handling standpoint (especially with Lindemann forks and Works Performance shocks) and the 6 piston Tokicos are stronger stoppers. Remember the CB has a 60" wheelbase and a 560 lb. wet weight stock so it's not going to offer the dynamics of a CBR600RR. The CB is aimed more at leisurely rides through the countryside- not knee-down, peg-scraping track days or a starring role in a stunter video. It's a great, underappreciated bike- as long as you stay within the engineers design brief.

[2DFlyer]

The CB is aimed more at leisurely rides through the countryside- not knee-down, peg-scraping track days or a starring role in a stunter video. It's a great, underappreciated bike- as long as you stay within the engineers design brief.

You've hit on the attraction.  The Firebolt has been on my short list forever but I'm not too sure that I can be be trusted with something that begs to be thrown down at every corner.   There's something about a BIG old bruisin cruiser with just a bit of in-line attitude that is content with the straights between the apexes that is way appealing.

[2DFlyer]

What do you do for tires on this thing?  The stealer says 18" tires are hard to come by.  

[bikefreak47]

The front 120/70ZR18 isn't a problem. But the 170/60ZR18 rear is not too common. When I find an application that fits I order two- right now I'm using a Dunlop 205 on the rear. That's another reason to snag that 1254 CB1000 in Arizona-already has the 17" Marvics fitted.

[2DFlyer]

So I went and saw the bike yesterday.  It seemed to run okay (but he had it warmed up  ) and appeared to be in decent shape.  The rubber at both ends, chain and sprockets are all toast so the price is probably high by a few hundred.  

This is only my first look at the bike so I only rode it up and down the street but was surprised at the low speed handling.  Steering was kinda wierd, almost backwards from any other bike I've ridden.  Turning the bars stood the bike up.  The po says he got used to it and the tendency goes away at speed but I found it a bit unnerving.

[bikefreak47]

I guess I'm so used to my CB over the last 16 years and 63,000 miles that I don't notice handling differences as much. I do keep in mind that this thing has a long wheelbase and is heavier than anything else I ride. The bike that always feels a bit different is my '06 Speed Triple. I feel like I'm sitting over the tank- just seem so short. Assuming the previous owners had some mechanical sympathy and did the recommended maintenance the CB engine is anvil tough.

[scottzilla]

Doing the nightly scan of the Raleigh Craigslist  I happened upon this beauty.  Assuming they're well maintained are these things really just getting broken in at 25K miles?  I want to get another bike but really need it to be inexpensive.  I've been angling for a Buell M2/XB or a Monster but this is seriously tempting.  Guess I shoulda kept the ZRX.  Man there are a lot of good buys out there right now!

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/1033657532.html

I always wanted one of these.
$2900 sounds a bit high though.

[2DFlyer]

I guess I'm so used to my CB over the last 16 years and 63,000 miles that I don't notice handling differences as much. I do keep in mind that this thing has a long wheelbase and is heavier than anything else I ride. The bike that always feels a bit different is my '06 Speed Triple. I feel like I'm sitting over the tank- just seem so short. Assuming the previous owners had some mechanical sympathy and did the recommended maintenance the CB engine is anvil tough.

I had an 05 Speed Triple for awhile.  It is different - in a way I like.  The seat pushed you up front so it sits something like an XB9/12S but not quite as small and tight.  Probably in a vain attempt to keep the front end on the ground.  

I loved the motor.  I think the 1050 is probably one of the best road going motors around - especially when breathing through a Chain Reaction exhaust.  Better move over to Triumph.

[2DFlyer]

$2900 sounds a bit high though.

$2400 he offers now.  Something to think about...

[scottzilla]

$2400 he offers now.  Something to think about...

Show up with $2000 cash and ride it away.  Bring $2200 just in case.  If the weather was nicer i'd buy it.