Honda CB 1100 RS in the classic driving report

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Honda CB 1100 RS in the classic driving report

Name is omen?

Content of

Mostly an "S" in the model name emphasizes the sporty claim. The new, beautiful Honda CB 1100 RS is equipped with cast wheels, better brakes and higher-quality spring elements than the civilian EX sister. What’s the point?

When looking at the Honda VS.B 1100 RS helps a brief look back into the tradition of the manufacturer: The abbreviation CB officially adorned the two-cylinder CB 92 Benly for the first time in 1959. “The CB model name has always meant a lot to the world’s largest manufacturer and its customers, ”says Honda today full-bodied. Sure, a CB 750 Four or the unrestricted 110 hp CB 1100 F "Super Bol d‘Or" are among the brand icons. But times have changed. The CB 1100, which was launched in 2010 but was only imported to Europe in 2013, was a neat retro bike with 90 hp that was especially attractive because of its appearance.

Honda CB 1100 RS in the classic driving report

Name is omen?

Tight enough and yet comfortable

The EX version was even more stylish in 2014, thanks to 18-inch wire-spoke wheels, six-speed gearbox and four-in-two exhaust system. It will receive an update in 2017: The Retro-Four gets an anti-hopping clutch against rear wheel stamping when shifting down, LED headlights and taillights as well as spokes made of stainless steel. In addition, there are shorter and slimmer silencers, new engine software and – to round it off – a new, only 16.8 liter steel tank with an embedded tank lid that is welded without seams. That should look more classic.

All these innovations also adorn the sportier sister Honda CB 1100 RS. Black 17-inch cast wheels with ten spokes each, the golden anodized Showa telescopic fork with a stanchion tube diameter of 43 millimeters (EX: 41 mm) and yellow stereo struts with reservoirs as well as a classy-looking, significantly more massive than aluminum box swing arm that fails on the EX. The front and rear of the RS spring nicely in sync and are smoothly dampened. The set-up fits even on bad surfaces – tight enough and yet comfortable.

Nevertheless, the asphalt should be perfectly flat. The Honda CB 1100 RS stands up noticeably on bumps in the slope. Other tires than the mounted Dunlop RoadSmart III may roll more neutral – there are plenty of alternatives in the standard dimensions 120/70 R 17 and 180/55 R 17.

Honda CB 1100 RS 400 euros more expensive than EX

The wider tires of the Honda CB 1100 RS require more lean angle at the same speed. No wonder that the long footrest nipples create furrows in the tar early on. When it comes to handling, the RS wants to score points with smaller wheel diameters and lower unsprung masses compared to the narrow 18-inch spoked wheels of the CB 1100 EX. Despite the steeper steering head and the shorter caster, the RS does not necessarily look more manageable. Let’s call this a stalemate. The air-cooled engines of the two 1100s are identical. However, the RS wears its finely ribbed cylinder completely coated in black.

Honda has throttled both 1100s gear-specific via the electronics, so the RS also runs a maximum of 180 km / h. Funny, today’s chassis can handle a lot more than before! Downright absurd: in third gear there are real 91 hp at 7,300 rpm, in sixth gear it is just 71 hp at 5,300 turns! To make matters worse, the highest gear is an incredibly long overdrive: At 100 km / h, there are not even 3,000 turns. Which is why you are forced to downshift one or two gears before overtaking despite the full 1140 cm³. But the crisp and finely adjustable, radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers safely catch the 255 kilogram machine – with ABS, of course.

Conclusion: Like the CB 1100 EX, the Honda CB 1100 RS stands for "peace and stress-free", not for "speed and sportiness". It costs 13,190 euros. That’s 400 euros more than the more classically styled EX.

Offers for the Honda CB 1100 RS

Used Honda CB 1100 RS in Germany

The stylish Honda CB 1100 RS invites you to leisurely cruising on country roads. For fans of retro design, it is definitely worth taking a look at the used motorcycle exchange. There you will find a Honda CB 1100 RS in top condition and at reasonable prices: Used Honda CB 1100 RS in Germany

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