Honda CB 1100 motorcycle test

Menus

• A mechanical celebration of the famous CB 750 Four, the CB 1100 combines neo-retro aesthetics and current performance. Without sacrificing anything on the altar of the past, the new Honda brilliantly synthesizes the best of times.
• Four-midable seductress
• Discovery: classic passion
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental: back to roots
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion
• Colors
• Accessories

A mechanical celebration of the famous CB 750 Four, the CB 1100 combines neo-retro aesthetics and current performance. Without sacrificing anything on the altar of the past, the new Honda brilliantly synthesizes the best of times.

Four-midable seductress

The era is a celebration of myths, as evidenced by the vintage spirit that blows through the motorcycling world. Faced with the headlong rush towards ever more performance and sharp lines, some pilots aspire to a more peaceful style. Many bikers also want to find machines that are simple but powerful in images. Those who were then only dreams for some or regrets for those who once possessed and then lost them.

Among the essential references, the Honda 750 Four undoubtedly finds its place on the podium. Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1968 and marketed the following year, it made an impression in many ways. In addition to its large engine, then classified as Superbike and derived from RC Grand Prix machines, the beautiful Hamamatsu is the first production motorcycle in the world equipped with a hydraulically controlled single-disc front brake. Its 749 cm3 four-cylinder, single camshaft and air-cooled, then developed 67 hp and also integrated an electric choke. Its price, $ 1,495 at the time, is also a popular quality.

During the 30th anniversary of the creation of the original roadster, Honda presented a concept bike CB, already “four” enticing. This test was followed, in 2007, by an even more successful project called CB 1100 F. This model then entered production, but only for Japan, in 2010. It was only after three years of insistent European demands. that this machine is finally entering the old continent. Originally intended only for the Japanese market and thus representing a low volume of machines, the CB 1100 seemed too expensive to adapt for export. If the 2013 novelty claims its heritage with this prestigious grandmother, let us also mention its obvious affiliation with the 1983 CB 1100 F, whose displacement and air-oil cooling are also common to the genetics of the new opus..

Discovery: classic passion

The ultra-modern city center of Valencia (Spain) welcomes our first laps of the wheels during this presentation, however marked by old-fashioned elegance. However, the excellence of the line and the purity of the style tie the surrounding architecture to the design of the Honda. In fact, although this CB 1100 in no way usurps its classic heritage, its design is also dressed in a refined modernity. Same observation for mechanics and cycle parts that mix the ages.

We thus find the inevitable round optic, suspended from an ordinary Showa telescopic fork of 41 mm, adjustable in preload. Discreet, this front axle emphasizes the strong silhouette of the machine. Particularly long, flattened at its top and made up of lines and indentations with finely softened angles, the tank catches the eye. Topped with a profiled cap mounted on a hinge and fitted with a sliding cover, this can, however, only carries 14.6 liters of leaded liquid. On these forms, which have become rare, is supported by a welcoming, almost flat, monobloc saddle. Devoid of a streamlined rear loop, the seat seems to be placed directly on the chrome mudguard. The latter supports a massive and prominent light, framed by round indicators with profiled cabochons. The set makes up a stern with a very successful retro look. Imposing side covers and double shock absorbers, unfortunately devoid of adjustment, further reinforce this trait. These are attached to a rather basic steel swing arm..

We will admire the advantage of the 18-inch aluminum rims of the "Comstar" type, with five split branches. Their rotation is stopped by two front discs of 296 mm driven by three-piston calipers. The opposing retarder bites a 256mm disc via a single element clamp. The assembly is of the C-ABS type: the slowing down of the rear partially causes that of the steering gear. Proven efficiency equipment, now essential on Honda models. We will also appreciate the direct fixing of the discs on the rim arms..
Finally, it is especially the superb four in line that captivates the eye. Necessarily carried by a double tubular steel cradle frame with six fixing points (four rigid and two flexible), its shoulders protrude from the sides of the tank, whose deliberate finesse allows the high engine to stand out. Likewise, we admire the finesse of its fins (less than 2 mm), cutting subtly rounded and finely satin-finished housings. This block is particularly surprising at Honda, a fan of water cooling. Indeed, the winged manufacturer is betting here on an air-oil boiler, specially designed for the CB 1100. According to the chief designer, Mr Mitsuyoshi Kohama, "It had to be an air engine…." For him, mechanical life depends greatly on this architecture. "Finally, starting from my sketches, this machine that defies all logic and asks to be driven has become a reality." In fact, vintage novelty combines the solutions of an era that many consider to be over for big roadsters. Fork, frame, shock absorbers, line and engine…. beauty cultivates contrasts.

However, current technology is not lacking at the 1140 cm3 of its big heart. The very concept of its design places much more emphasis on its coziness than on pure performance. Notably studied and neat, the design of the cylinder heads highlights the integration of the double overhead camshaft attacking 16 valves. A latest generation electronic injection is of course in order. Efforts also focused on cooling, with an oil circulation more specifically directed towards the ignition, aluminum cylinder liners and external openings between the cylinder heads in order to optimize the dispersion of calories..
Finally, for the European market, the block differs slightly from the Japanese version. Adjustment of injection, valve opening angle, exhaust. The latter, longer, narrower and devoid of valve, captures the flow of the four collectors via its single silencer. Modification often chosen by the owners of the 1969 version for a more sporty look, Edouard BRACAM in mind. The assembly has therefore been reworked to meet more stringent pollution control standards and delivers 89.7 hp (66 kW) at 7,500 rpm and a torque of 9.3 da.Nm (9.48 m.kg) at 5,000 rpm. Values ​​that many will find modest on a large-displacement machine, but which, as we will see, perfectly serve the philosophy of this CB 1100, a modern expression of a traditional motorcyclist ideal..

The borrowings from the original model are therefore real but discreet. Fluid, fine, racy, if the design of the Honda gives pride of place to the sporting canons of the "yesteryear" roadsters, the line retains a beautiful modernity. Focusing its power of seduction mainly on its powerful chest, the CB 1100 is also dressed in a demanding minimum of chrome, of which the mudguards are the most notable expression. We regret the absence of bellows on the fork’s dip tubes as well as rear units lacking in aesthetic quality and finish. A little sad, the silencer would have deserved to be duplicated in a superimposed flutes version, as on the 1999 Four concept. Finally, the flexible and elusive curves of the collectors of the original CB 750 are followed by a bunch of more commonly contemporary tubes..

In the saddle

Narrow and relatively low, the long saddle positioned at 795 mm from the ground gives frank support for the bikers of more than one meter seventy-five. The volumes, more flattened than usual, give the impression of dominating the machine. However, placed low, long and slender, the plates regrouping the pilot and passenger footrests, make the knees fall under the lower line of the tank, pressing on the side covers of the injectors..

Soft, the seat is pleasant, as is the general position of the pilot on the handlebars. However, you have to stretch your arms slightly to grab it as the container extends its almost rectangular shapes seen from this angle. The hanger, with marked lugs, welcomes the hands with a lot of naturalness on handles higher than usual, in the old fashioned way..

While the saddles nicely enliven the steering with their neat finish, that of the top tee is more common. Similarly, the welds of the frame, especially at the level of the steering column, are not worthy of homage to the ancestor. This clumsy mimicry turns out to be less successful than the original ….

On the other hand, the instrument panel is dressed in a more secure style. Two analog counters, surrounded by brushed metal, display tachometer and rev counter. Their deep petroleum blue background copies that of the ancestor. Modernity requires, a digital window separates them, grouping a clock, an odometer (totalizer and two partials) and a fuel gauge type horizontal bargraph with five segments. Rather succinct, this information deserves to be readable.

There is also a coded contact barrel, adjustable spacing levers and a hydraulic clutch control. On the practical side, around the passenger area, two discreet grab handles highlight the base and each receive a pair of luggage lugs. Two helmet holders are just below. Under the saddle, which can be opened by operating a zipper on the left side, the practical space is reduced but will accept, in a small bin, a pair of summer gloves or a medium-sized U-lock. Finally, the rounded mirrors reflect a good field of vision and the CB 1100 adopts a standard center stand..

In the city

The industrial work of art making up the four cylinders turns into a metallic quartet. A soft and muffled chant emanates from it and, in this discreet breath, the CB 1100 soars, instantly demonstrating the velvety of its mechanics. Flexibility is also required, allowing urban evolutions on the last report at idle speed (1,100 rpm) or 30 km / h. The go-around then does not cause any vibrations or slamming and the roadster resumes its serene journey in traffic. As long as other users let you go…. because this legendary neo-classic wields the universal language of passion. In the absence of linguistic understanding, gestures and onomatopoeias quickly make it clear that this model speaks to the seventies generation. Something to flatter your ego and ensure your capital sympathy.

Like a good Honda, the heiress is also a model of balance and ease of handling. Despite a significant weight of 248 kg in running order, the chassis shows a remarkable distribution of masses as the machine is agile. This pleasure is accompanied by a gentle and precise selection, quick to change and choice of one of the five speeds..
On the intermediates, the roadster then shows a much more lively character, ready to leap along the Iberian avenues. Its apparent softness, a guarantee of comfort, does not make you forget its muscular capacity. Nor the sulphurous past of its distant predecessor, a fan of cafe-racing in vogue at the time. Any frank opening of the gas also directly risks freeing up space on your pink paper…. To quench the thirst for sport of our CB Four-tiche, let’s take off.

Motorway and expressways

A brief moment is enough to reach the legal motorway. Stalled at 4000 revolutions, the boiler is just waiting for an order to reveal a less civilized character and a more hoarse voice. 1,500 additional revolutions change it into a powerful elastic, carrying the crew with a wide and interminable thrust towards high speeds and the breaker at 8,500 rpm. Hidden improbably behind the counters, taking advantage of the long tank, we will look for the last fractions of the tachometer. If your cervicals resist the treatment, the CB 1100 then proves very contemporary performances. Admittedly, its four-cylinder is not as sharp as that of other current references but is nevertheless particularly dynamic..
Returned to a more consistent pace, we once again appreciate the general smoothness of the machine.
The lack of protection and a fairly raised position due to the raised handlebars still encourage you to take the tangent.

Departmental: back to roots

Putting good manners in the closet, the CB 1100 brings out the perfecto and its arsonist aftershave. Politeness has limits that the Honda ultimately dreams of transgressing. This is the moment Jose Bar Team, Spain obliges, and our roadster is looking for his sparring partners. In the absence of European to smoke, the colleagues will be enough to play the pilots.

Because the novelty knows how to be playful. Particularly available, the air 1100 becomes angry at two-thirds of the tachometer, reacting vigorously to requests from the pilot. Fixed on the third report, the boiler then gives the best of itself in the more or less tight shell. Remember that, from 3000 revolutions, more than 9 da.Nm of torque mistreat the rear envelope. The Bridgestone BT 54 R fitment, constant radius tires, also provides excellent comfort and correct grip, even on wet roads. Their 140/70 rear and 110/80 front ribs associated with 18-inch wheels and a limited caster angle, 27 °, give an unusual agility to this CB of nearly two and a half quintals..

And to stop this mass, the C-ABS equipment knows how to plant braking to make more dynamic machines pale. The attack of the stirrups is straightforward but retains effective progressiveness. The rear element is very convincing because of its combined action on the front. The girlfriends of the segment will not "do the brakes" at the end of the straight line. In addition, our arsouilleuse is unfazed by the grip of the levers on the angle. A slight pressure on the wide handlebar and the CB then tilts smoothly, like its suspension. Once again, the design of the retro Japanese doesn’t go overboard and the damping shows more comfort than sportiness..
Healthy on all occasions, the chic roadster could however be more incisive in more sustained piloting. What most of its owners will probably not inflict on it. For the others, wedged on the asse ‘behind your racing accomplices, only the fear of the cap will reduce the pace. Roaring retro-culbuto, the Superbe-bike is the delight of lovers of fine riding. With all due respect to the bad faith of your playmates. Subtle osmosis between hymn to the past and current standard, the CB 1100 is in no way unworthy on the secondary network and becomes a toy of character, a lively sculpture of charm.

Part-cycle

Homogeneous in every way, the CB 1100 once again proves that simple and proven solutions remain highly effective and perfectly in line with the product presented. Pleasant to take with you at any time, the classy Honda seduces with its ease and dynamic joviality. A bit of additional hydraulic sportiness, however, would not harm it in any way..

Braking

One of the strong points of the machine, unlike its predecessor. Coupled, associated with an anti-lock and provided with three-piston calipers, the braking of the new CB is almost oversized. A real plus in terms of security, allowing the attack without too much qualms.

Comfort / Duo

Approval is constant on the handlebars. If the thick saddle turns out to be less soft than expected and its angles sometimes awkward, the overall position of the crew is convincing. The pilot can also tilt the handlebar towards him to further improve the grip. For him as for the passenger, the flexion of the legs is not very marked. The seat of the latter is pleasant but its grab handles ineffective. According to the laws of comfort, the damping satisfies the evolutions in duo.

Consumption

Although bulky in appearance, the tank carries only 14.6 liters, including 3.5 liters of reserve. The reduced appetite of the boiler should allow stages of 200 to 250 km depending on the mood of the pilot.

Conclusion

Marrying certain aesthetic codes of its ancestor with modern technologies, this trans-generational roadster seduces as much by its plasticity as its efficiency. Its line, more modern than it seems, invariably charms, the asset of a line with assumed classicism. This success owes as much to its designer as to the inescapable Hirofumi FUKUNAGA, Project Manager of the four-cylinder series. Joined Honda in 1977, this engineer is THE house specialist in this engine. CB 750 K, CBR 400 F, CBR 900 RR, CB 900 Hornet, CB 1300, CBR 1000 RR and our CB 1100 all have this same guide in common. Suffice to say that the CB 1100 is the fruit of an experienced talent. Evidenced by his balance and character with two faces.

Its remarkable sales in Japan also confirm this point. Since 2010, more than 7,100 models have found buyers, including 4,300 in the first year. Its success in France is announced: already 400 models ordered according to the manufacturer for 700 sales expected in 2013. Announced at € 10,990, the CB 1100 is installed in the high price range both in the neo-retro niche as well as the big charming roadsters. In direct competition, the Yamaha XJR 1300 ABS, € 9,499, however, offers much more engine box and high-end suspensions. The legend less. Two-cylinder radius, Moto Guzzi is offering its 1200 Griso 8V for € 11,990. Finally, more vinage, we can mention the Triumph Bonneville T100, € 9,490 and Kawasaki W800, from € 7,799 to € 8,099. However, these are nowhere near equal to the overall qualities of Hamamatsu’s Superb-bike. Conversely, we will not fail to mention the other high performance products of the roadster segment, in obvious price struggle. Although in a completely different style, Honda CB 1000 R, 10,290 €, Kawasaki Z 1000, 10,399 € and the Hinkley icon 1050 Speed ​​Triple, 11,690 € have many other heavy arguments to make in case of choice.

Straddling two worlds, the CB 1100 represents a sort of missing link, an unexpected bridge between elegance and performance. Synthesis of the best of both, it may represent this point of balance that sometimes needs to be found. In addition, it leaves its future owners the possibility of further personalizing it for ultimate appropriation and a return to the dreams of youth. A new production definitely able to remind that Honda is the Power of dream.

Strong points

• Captivating aesthetics
• Engine character and availability
• Exciting agility
• Selection

Weak points

• Finishing details
• Suspensions a bit flexible

Competitors: Aprilia Tuono, BMW K1300R, BMW R1200R, Ducati 1100 Monster, Honda CB 1300, Kawasaki Z 1000, Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport V8, Suzuki
Bandit 1200, Suzuki GSX 1400, Yamaha Fazer 1000, Yamaha XJR 1300

Datasheet

Colors

Pearl Milky White
Candy Glory Red
Darkness Black Metallic

Accessories

Set of heated grips: € 279.00
Chrome side covers: NC
Chrome instrumentation casing: NC
Chrome headlight housing: NC
Luggage rack: NC

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