Topic: Honda CB1100 Observations

[fastbroshi]

Who said Honda does not listen to their customers!

By popular demand, Honda will be offering from now on the CB1100 with spoke wheels and double exhaust! What a beauty!

Is that just for the European market Raul?  I don't see it on Honda's American site.

[brooze72]

If so, we will probably get it in 3 years 

[fendersrule]

I've said it before, but this is a very poor rendition of a classic SOHC Four, but a pretty faithful recreation of a DOHC four.

If Honda actually WAS listening to customers, they would have created a more classic model. Now they made something that taller riders cannot ride unless they totally reshape and build up the seat. I'm certainly not going to buy a new bike that I have to "fit" it so that I can actually ride it.

Triumph is doing a better job. The new Bonneville is a fine example of a recreation that IMO, looks better than what they looked like in the past. I would love to see more classic rendition come out as new bikes look so bland and boring.

Unless Honda revamps the CB750 again properly, or comes out with a classic twin (without the tear drop tank look) then I will probably be in the market for a Bonneville T-100.

[brooze72]

I've said it before, but this is a very poor rendition of a classic SOHC Four, but a pretty faithful recreation of a DOHC four.

If Honda actually WAS listening to customers, they would have created a more classic model. Now they made something that taller riders cannot ride unless they totally reshape and build up the seat. I'm certainly not going to buy a new bike that I have to "fit" it so that I can actually ride it.

The first part is true, but I wonder how many people except us guys even see the difference between the SOHC & DOHC?

I'm 6'2" and did't find it uncomfortable on a short 30KM test run, but maybe I was too excited to notice
I was impressed with the engine, though.

[Damfino]

Awesome!! Looks like they've also added 6th gear and a gear indicator to the instruments!

2014 Honda CB1100 EX Official Promo Video

[Raul CB750K1]

Sorry for having posted twice! I posted here first but got a warning that this post was really old. I thought it would go unnoticed therefore I opened another thread in the open forum....

Those pictures are from the spanish Honda site. I know the bike has been unveiled in the Tokyo motor show. Don't know whether it will or won't be released in the US.

I had the chance to test the actual version, and even when the displacement is big, the bike doesn't feel that akward. And that coming from somebody far from tall. Regarding the tank size, I think this engine is pretty thrifty so you may be getting 180 miles out of a tankfull. I'm getting 200 miles before switching to reserve in my CBSeven Fifty -nighthawk for you americans-


Still I believe this bike is overpriced, but Honda hasn't survived that long without knowing a thing or two about marketing. Probably this bike is aimed to the mature people who is after a classic look but doesn't want to wrench anymore. The Bonneville is a beauty -and way cheaper too-. I would have a hard time choosing either one.

Don't forget that pollution laws are very restrictive, so bike manufacturers pretty much use what they already have tested and homologated, and then build a bike around it...  it is not that easy nowadays to build an engine that looks old but still complies with pollution laws and incorporates gadgets such as fuel injection. It's way easier on a faired bike; you have plenty of covers to hide unsightly components...

[Retro Rocket]

I've said it before, but this is a very poor rendition of a classic SOHC Four,

It was never supposed to be in the first place so the comparison is irrelevant.....

This was the 750 concept ... It was shown at the Tokyo motor show in 1999 but never made it into production...

[fendersrule]

I've said it before, but this is a very poor rendition of a classic SOHC Four,

It was never supposed to be in the first place so the comparison is irrelevant.....

This was the 750 concept ... It was shown at the Tokyo motor show in 1999 but never made it into production...

Thanks for sharing. THATS what it should be. I don't care if the engine is a DOHC or an SOHC, but that should have been the style of the bike. Only thing I would do is "slightly" lower the handlebars and flatten out the seat, but that's damn near spot on.

What we got was something that almost mimics a very contemporary '79 model. Why did Honda leap from that photo to the one that they created now is what I'm wondering. There's no way that more people prefer the 79+ CB750s.

[Retro Rocket]

Like I said, 2 completely different animals, the 750 concept pictured, for one reason or another, never made it into production, the 1100 on the other hand was just a vintage style bike and not meant to be a 750 clone at all, just a retro cruiser. I really like the 750 concept, pity they never made it into production.....A petition to Honda maybe...

[Bankerdanny]

Other than the tail light, the CB1100 is made to be an updated version of.....the CB1100.

It's the motorcycle magazines that keep trying to draw the line back to the SOHC4. I don't think that Honda has really tried to.

[fendersrule]

Honda is guilty as sin for doing this too.

http://powersports.honda.com/2013/cb1100.aspx

"Back in 1969, Honda’s legendary CB750K0 changed the world of motorcycling forever. Powerful, technologically advanced, flawlessly built, it instantly redefined what a motorcycle could be.

And you can say the same about the new CB1100. Same engine architecture, except now it displaces a full 1140cc and offers fuel injection, and much more. Same, timeless style, but updated with contemporary accents. It’s a bike a whole new generation of riders is going to appreciate. "

I mean, come on!

[Stev-o]

I've said it before, but this is a very poor rendition of a classic SOHC Four,

It was never supposed to be in the first place so the comparison is irrelevant.....

This was the 750 concept ... It was shown at the Tokyo motor show in 1999 but never made it into production...

Very impressive!

[Tews19]

^^^^

That is cool. If the 4-4 pipes were cheaper (2500) I may be tempted to purchase the bike. The wife keeps telling me to buy a new bike..

[Stev-o]

^^^^

That is cool. If the 4-4 pipes were cheaper (2500) I may be tempted to purchase the bike. The wife keeps telling me to buy a new bike..

You're slipping, you haven't bought a bike in ages!

[Tews19]

HAHA I haven't bought as many as I did the year before. I think I have had 5 this year. Maybe less. 2 or 3 550's and 2 750's that sold. But I am really thinking I may take the plunge if the spoke version with blue paint shows it's head here.

[fendersrule]

That is what I want. I am willing to sell some of my Hondas for it! Probably will still cost the same as the CB1100....$10k.

I really wish Honda would dive more into the retro thing.

[Wobbly]

I would prefer the Thruxton: http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/thruxton/2014/thruxton

But they all pale in comparison to the Norton: http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/bikes/Norton%20Commando%20961%20Cafe%20Racer/index.php

[fendersrule]

Those are cool too. I've never been a fan of the cowl seals like most people though. They partly could interfere with my seating position cuz I'm a giant, and I like the looks of a flat seat better.

Triumph is doing really good work.

[Damfino]

I don't get it people! Everyone was all hot & bothered to have a retro version of the CB750 and now that it's here, everyone's whining over this little doo-dad or that little doo-dad not being faithful to the original. Sheesh!!  Here's the way I see it....We're all, (most of us anyways) getting to be old fogies. As to those who complain about the performance of the 1100...really? I don't care to do 110 mph everywhere I go. If I did, I sure wouldn't be riding my CB750. I'd be riding one of those new fangled, modern, super speed, transgender insect bikes for that. But at my age, I don't think I'd find that too comfortable to have my ankles wrapped up behind muh back! I agree, the Triumphs are nice bikes, but I'm mostly a Honda man. I don't think the triumphs have the performance of the CB1100. Throughout my life Honda has been nothing but reliable, never let me down and I'll stick with that kind of service any day.

What Honda has built in the CB1100 is a retro take on a number of their classic bikes but an with an emphasis on the CB750. Ask yourself, what are the things you enjoy about your older CB's that you don't think you'll find on the new 1100? Especially with the added features of the 2014's. Spoke wheels, dual exhaust, 6th gear, gear indicator on dash, side covers re-styled and painted to match the tank, slightly larger tank, all new for 2014, plus upright classic ujm seating position, chromed fenders, analog speedo & tach, 1100cc's and FI....tell me again how Honda screwed this up? And all that for 10-11 grand! Retro looks with modern ride-ability and Honda reliability!  I'll be in line when the 2014's hit the US! 


BTW: that Norton at 15,250 British Pound Sterling works out to $24645.53 US Dollars!
The Thruxton would be $11866.43.

[70CB750]

Sorry wobbly, they all look clumsy and ugly to me.

[brooze72]

I don't get it people! Everyone was all hot & bothered to have a retro version of the CB750 and now that it's here, everyone's whining over this little doo-dad or that little doo-dad not being faithful to the original. Sheesh!!  Here's the way I see it....We're all, (most of us anyways) getting to be old fogies. As to those who complain about the performance of the 1100...really? I don't care to do 110 mph everywhere I go. If I did, I sure wouldn't be riding my CB750. I'd be riding one of those new fangled, modern, super speed, transgender insect bikes for that. But at my age, I don't think I'd find that too comfortable to have my ankles wrapped up behind muh back! I agree, the Triumphs are nice bikes, but I'm mostly a Honda man. I don't think the triumphs have the performance of the CB1100. Throughout my life Honda has been nothing but reliable, never let me down and I'll stick with that kind of service any day.

What Honda has built in the CB1100 is a retro take on a number of their classic bikes but an with an emphasis on the CB750. Ask yourself, what are the things you enjoy about your older CB's that you don't think you'll find on the new 1100? Especially with the added features of the 2014's. Spoke wheels, dual exhaust, 6th gear, gear indicator on dash, side covers re-styled and painted to match the tank, slightly larger tank, all new for 2014, plus upright classic ujm seating position, chromed fenders, analog speedo & tach, 1100cc's and FI....tell me again how Honda screwed this up? And all that for 10-11 grand! Retro looks with modern ride-ability and Honda reliability!  I'll be in line when the 2014's hit the US! 


BTW: that Norton at 15,250 British Pound Sterling works out to $24645.53 US Dollars!
The Thruxton would be $11866.43.

+1 Dam, unparalleled reliability, retro looks & a killer engine? What's not to like? Sure I would like a lower price, who wouldn't, but it's not stupid compared to the other bikes quoted IMO.

[Retro Rocket]

Agreed, and who ever said that a bike with 80 odd HP wouldn't be faster than a CB750 {50 odd HP} doesn't know sh1t from clay....

[Stev-o]

I don't get it people! Everyone was all hot & bothered to have a retro version of the CB750 and now that it's here, everyone's whining over this little doo-dad or that little doo-dad not being faithful to the original.

Now, wait a minute there, Schmitty.  No way was I all hot and bothered about a new version.
I prefer to collect/restore/ride '70's era Japanese bikes and have no desire for other bikes at this time.  I could trade a few of my CB's for a modern version, but why? Faster? (Don't want to go faster) Better brakes? (Proper functioning brakes work fine for me) Better handing? (No problem there) Reliability? (Think not)
Cb1100.....thanks but no thanks.

[70CB750]

Don't you have at least one new bike? 

Sometimes I am tired of all the old vehicles - wouldn't be bad to have a new one for a change.

[Stev-o]

Don't you have at least one new bike? 

Sometimes I am tired of all the old vehicles - wouldn't be bad to have a new one for a change.

No, the newest is my K8. 

On the other hand, my Infinity, Tacoma and RAV4 are all relatively new.