Anticipation of a revamped Honda CBR1100XX (known as the Blackbird in Europe) has grown over the last couple of years, without a new model appearing from Honda. Now, Britian’s Motorcycle News is reporting that a restyled CBR1100XX, with a new engine, will appear as a 2005 model.
According to MCN, the new bike will displace 1200cc (the current bike is 1137cc) and feature variable valve timing. Reportedly, Honda will use the V-TEC system long ago developed for many of its automobiles in the new bike. Unlike the system found on the Honda Interceptor (which simply opens more valves at higher rpm levels), the automobile V-TEC system provides different cam profiles for different engine rpm ranges. MCN also reports the new bike will be restyled, but not dramatically different looking from the current model.