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Presentation of the Honda Dark Racer based on a CB 1100 EX

Limited special model

Honda Switzerland is celebrating its 40th company anniversary not only with snacks and champagne, but also with a special model: a CB 1100 EX converted into a cafe racer, the Honda Dark Racer.

E.It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to imagine the fervently played flourish for this performance. Tatatata, spot on, the cloth is pulled away, and here it is: the birthday surprise for the 40th company anniversary of Honda Switzerland – the Honda Dark Racer. The number 40 is unmistakably emblazoned on the flanks of the velvety black lacquered tank. A reminiscence of the company cradle festival and at the same time the edition of the dark beauty. In keeping with the occasion, a dedicated team made up of a few motorcycle enthusiasts from the Geneva-based Swiss importer put a small series of dark racers on their bikes, limited to 40 pieces.

Presentation of the Honda Dark Racer based on a CB 1100 EX

Limited special model

CB 1100 served. After all, this retro bike is the only air-cooled engine still remaining in the Honda model range. In addition, the Japanese gave the CB an extra dose of nostalgia with the EX edition launched just for the 2014 season. Spoked wheels replace the cast rims, which are already visually annoying for this concept, and a four-in-two system replace the individual silencer of the basic version. Irony of fate: Both modifications for the Honda Dark Racer immediately found their way onto the spare parts shelf. But more about that later.

Only the bottom of the bench is still from the Honda CB 1100

Because the Honda Dark Racer initially becomes a cafe racer thanks to the M handlebars and the hump seat. The tubing supplied by the North Rhine-Westphalian supplier Fehling nestles low and narrow behind the lamp housing, and the small digital display seems to literally squeeze between the round clocks on the rev counter and speedometer. The clutch and brake levers milled by Rizoma are easy to grip. The bench looks classy. Fine Alcantara leather spans the upholstered seat in a Swiss upholstery shop. Only the bottom of the bench is still from the Honda CB 1100.

Ultimately, the milled footrest supports commissioned by Honda Switzerland round off the ergonomic triangle in style. But what does round mean here? Sharp knee angles, jagged upper body bent forward, arms drawn narrowly towards the handlebars – this is how the Honda Dark Racer places its pilot in an aggressive and rebellious way. Just as the youth of the sixties, the founding generation of the Cafe Racer movement, probably saw themselves back then. Nothing reminds of the very comfortable riding position of the basic CB with high handlebars and low footrests.

Meinert

The clutch and brake levers milled by Rizoma are easy to grip.

Especially since the two tightly coordinated Ohlins shock absorbers, which replace the standard parts, do away with the wimpy appearance of the standard version. Hard edges, which the conventional telescopic fork can just about put away at the front, are unabashedly passed on to the pilot by the rear. What the hell? A certain ability to suffer was also a matter of course at the time. The Black Beauty remembers its base well in other respects. Despite a total weight of almost five hundred pounds, the Honda Dark Racer falls playfully in an inclined position, keeps the line clean and can be swiveled effortlessly through changing curves.

The main reason for good behavior: the easy handling, narrow 18-inch wheels (rear tires 140 / 70-18, front 110 / 80-18). What the modest tire sizes cannot visually do, the spoked wheels designed for tubeless use by the Italian specialist Kineo take over. Like cartridges in their drum, the brass-colored rollers of the spoke mounts are in the rim, breaking with the classic line of the Honda Dark Racer with this look.

The big block has already made great progress from 2000 turns

If you feel disturbed by it, you don’t need to look far. Because the slim trumpet of the exhaust system from QD Exhaust, also made in Italy, fits the Honda CB 1100 like a fist on the eye. Also acoustically. Instead of the extremely insulated standard system, the engine now blows its sound – still socially acceptable – with a full four-cylinder hissing outside. In general, the engine of the Honda Dark Racer is becoming enormously important in this environment. Visually anyway. Because with its black engine housing and cylinders, the mighty block also blends harmoniously into the overall picture in terms of color. By the way: The Swiss did not have to take care of the coloring of the quadruple, which was only built in silver for both the standard CB and the EX model.

In Japan, the propellant is also offered directly from the factory in black. And he pleases in every respect. With 90 hp from a displacement of 1140 cm³, the four-cylinder remains unchanged in the Honda Dark Racer. Already from 2000 tours the big block pushes ahead with confidence, copes with every speed level unimpressed, does not even begin to bring itself to its knees by the long-translated sixth gear added to the EX model and thus generously leaves the show to the velvety black periphery. And the fun for the pilot. If he gets hold of this Swiss creation. Because the good news – the Dark Racer costs an acceptable 16,335 euros for the effort of the conversion (basic CB: 12,255 euros) – is followed by the bad: Each of the 40 Dark Racers has already been sold.

Honda Dark Racer conversion info

Meinert

Each of the 40 Honda Dark Racers has already been sold.

Basic motorcycle: Honda CB 1100 EX, displacement 1140 cm3, output 66 kW (90 PS) at 7500 rpm; Torque 93 Nm at 5000 rpm; Empty weight 248 kg; Price including additional costs 12,255 euros.

Changes:

  • Wheels from Kineo / Italy
  • Brake and clutch levers, rearview mirrors, footrests, handlebar end caps from Rizoma / Italy
  • Exhaust and foot peg holder, taillight, indicators, license plate holder, seat bench with Alcantara cover from Honda Switzerland
  • Stereo shock absorbers from Ohlins
  • Four-in-one exhaust system from QD Exhaust / Italy
  • Handlebar from Fehling / Germany
  • Price: 19,970 Swiss Francs (16,335 euros)
  • Manufacturer: www.hondamoto.ch

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