Two years after Japan saw the introduction of the retro CB1100, and after two years of drooling by middle-aged American males, Honda is finally bringing the CB1100 to the U.S. market. Aggressively priced at just $9,999, we suspect early units will be snapped up quickly.
Despite the retro styling and the 1140cc air and oil-cooled inline four, the big CB has plenty of modern elements. These include fuel injection and four valve heads, along with dual disc brakes up front squeezed by four-piston calipers.
The period-correct 18 inch wheels are shod with narrow 110 section front and 140 section rear tires.
We hear the CB1100 makes massive low end power for a satisfying pull away from stop lights. Only five speeds are needed to make the most from this powerplant. The U.S. will only get the Candy Red color for 2012.
Take a look at Honda’s web site for additional details. Here is the full press release from Honda:
For many riders, a motorcycle with a timeless look retains its own special place in the sport—and that’s what the CB1100 is all about. Better yet, with this bike it’s not just about sleek lines and a purist approach: check out the powerful 1140cc air-cooled DOHC engine that harks back to so many classic high-performance Hondas. The twin-shock rear suspension and 18-inch wheels build on the classic bike theme while still delivering sporty performance, and the powerful, thoroughly modern triple-disc-brake setup offers the option of ABS. There’s also the dual-overhead cam layout and four valves per cylinder for superior engine breathing, Honda’s sophisticated Programmed Fuel Injection for the latest in accurate fuel metering and consistent power production, plus more contemporary touches. All these modern highlights complement the CB1100’s timeless style to create a fresh category of motorcycle that’s just right for the times.
Features and Benefits
- All-new 1140cc air-cooled DOHC engine generates impressive amounts of midrange power plus a smooth, sophisticated feel for a rewarding riding experience.
- Timeless styling and ergonomics for a relaxed, open seating position and excellent versatility for all kinds of street-riding environments.
- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors numerous variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture is delivered for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions. Net result: remarkably crisp throttle response over a wide variety of riding conditions.
- Stout 41mm fork is adjustable for spring preload.
- Classic dual-shock rear suspension system features spring preload adjustability.
- Dual front 296mm disc brakes with powerful four-piston calipers plus a rear 256mm disc brake provide strong stopping power.
- ABS version available for enhanced braking characteristics in less than ideal conditions.
- Sweeping four-into-one exhaust system is both aesthetically pleasing and remarkably functional.
- Low seat height of 31.3 inches makes the CB1100 especially rider friendly.
- Lightweight and efficient chain final-drive is in keeping with the classic styling theme.
- Classic fuel tank shape, handlebar bend, instrument pods, taillight configuration and more are evocative of early Honda four-cylinder bikes that helped establish trends in motorcycle styling.
- Available in Candy Red.
- Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Honda Genuine Accessories†
- Heated Grips, Heated Grips Attachment, Rear Carrier, Tank Pad, Chrome Meter Cover, Chrome Headlight Case, Gold-Color Front Fork Adjustment Bolt
† WARRANTY: Because we’re so confident in the quality of each of our Honda Genuine Accessories, we’re pleased to offer one of the best warranties in the industry. One-year warranty begins on the day accessories are purchased by the customer.
Final accessory list TBD and subject to change without notice.
2013 SPECIFICATIONS
Model: CB1100 / CB1100A
Engine Type: 1140cc air- and oil-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 73.5mm x 67.2mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 32mm throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive: #530 O-ring-sealed chain
Suspension
Front: 41mm fork with spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Rear: Dual shocks with spring preload adjustability; 3.5 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Dual four-piston calipers with full-floating 296mm discs
Rear: Single-caliper 256mm disc
Optional Honda ABS
Tires
Front: 110/80-18
Rear: 140/70-18
Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 27.0°
Trail: 114mm (4.5 inches)
Seat Height: 31.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.9 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Estimated Fuel Economy**: TBD
Color: Candy Red
Curb Weight*: 540 pounds (CB1100) / 549 pounds (CB1100A)
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
**Miles per gallon values are calculated estimates of fuel consumed during laboratory exhaust emissions tests specified by the EPA, not during on-road riding. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride and maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, cargo and accessories, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
Meets current EPA standards.
Specifications subject to change.
©2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. • All Rights Reserved
If you love this bike (as I do) then watch the short movie Honda made about it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHf1vuhH6Ik
I’m getting on my dealer’s order list today.
Frank
Interesting that it has only a single throttle body.
Where have you read that? It clearly says 32 mm throttle ” bodies ” above.
I hope it runs on regular gas
Ok i have now read in other places it has a single 31 mm throttle body
Red WAS a ’70s color. In fact it was the most popular color on the K0 and K1 CB750…the bike that inspired this bike.
I went to my local dealer today and told him I wanted this bike. He will place the order for it as soon as possible. $9500 out the door. I’m not happy. I’m ecstatic!
Man hat pounds like a goodness pice. I haven even started negotiations yet. Does that include tac
X or do you have to pay that separately?
Damn laptop says whatever it wants
Yeah I thought it was pretty good. Does not include tax. Here in Missouri you pay the tax at the DMV.
Only offered in red. Hmmm. Hey Honda, wanna go retro? Bring this thing out in those 70’s colors.(only this time use good metal and good primer so the paint actually sticks to the tank.) Hell, the only thing you have to paint is the tank!
Honda’s version of a cruiser? My 1984 Honda Nighthawk S had a 4.2 gallon tank, which is pretty close to this 1100. The Nighthawk also had twin shocks and an air cooled engine. It was plenty quick and great fun to ride (fast) through the canyons, and it was smooth. Sounds just like this bike. Yes, some of us “old timers” will putt around on this bike, but when we decide to turn it up, we can. When it comes to sport riding, cruisers are the wrong tool for the job. Let’s call it nostalgia, with options!
Well, I put my money where my mouth is. Stopped at my local dealer and had them put my name on the first one they get in. Supposed to be in in April. Yea baby!
okay, now i know what’s off about this model. it’s the contrasting paint on the rims. the euro model wheels are solid silver (better emulating the appearance of lace ups). no problem. nothing a can of aluma-blast and a satin top coat can’t sort. 🙂 looks like the engine has been shaded also, but i’ll let that go.
Norm you are right, I googled imaged cb1100 and the silver wheels looks deceptively like spoked wheels..interesting. Wonder why Honda didn’t go with the silver wheels for the U S?
Maybe because the rims as painted look very similar to Lester mag wheels a popular conversion in the late 70s? I know I put them on my 77 KZ 1000 so that I could run tubeless tires.
re: “Lester mag wheels”
LOL he’s right. i haven’t heard that name in like forever. that’s old skool.
I like it though it might be a little too conservatively styled for my tastes today. Still, I had a ’78 CB750F once and if it’s as fun to ride and competent as that bike was, I’d definitley want to take a look at this bike. I hope Honda will offer a nice, sexy, practical windscreen.
Another bike that won’t sell. I bought (and really liked) a ’93 CB1000. It failed, as did the standards from all the other manufacturers that tried it (except the Yamaha FZ1- they built a no BS superbike with rational seating). This thing is a visual throwback that will languish on the showroom floor.
re: “This thing is a visual throwback that will languish on the showroom floor.”
you have fallen ill and have a malady my friend. “you’ve lost that lovin’ feeling” (righteous brothers sing). as your doctor, i have the prescription for what ails you… 1 trip to the barber museum…! airfare to hartsfield-jaokson and ground transportation are on you, but i’ll spring for admission. 🙂 been there like 3x or 4x so i know that of which i speak. send me a paypal address. i’m good for it.
I wouldn’t say the Standard 1999 – 2005 ZRX1100/1200’s were a failure……they have a huge USA following and can be used for Touring, Drag Racing, kickin little 600’s in the Twisties, as well as a docile grocery getter. They are still being produced overseas……..are easy to maintain and hop-up by DIY’s to produce gobs or HP and Torque. True, pimple-faced kids don’t give them a second look…….until they ride one or get pasted by an old-phart on one. http://www.zrxoa.com
Some background info in this video on the design and development of the CB1100 (the translation is a little spotty so the subtitles may come across as a bit hokey):
http://www.honda.co.jp/CB1100/impression/english/index.html
I Like It! Old school meet’s new school!
For the naysayers out there,I think you are being very shortsighted. Yeah, the Harley crowd says ridiculous things like “You could had a sportser!”, but please let’s think of the motorcycle industry as a whole. It hasn’t been in the doldrums just since the economy went bad, it’s been on a downhill slide for 15 years because, as someone else pointed out, we’ve been given only three choices in the entire marketplace. CrotchRockets, Galaxy-class cruisers and Euro-expensive. We NEED the UJM’s to come back.And they NEED to be attractively priced. And we NEED young people thinking CB350 instead of GSXR. And I applaud Honda for their recent moves and I hope the others do the same.
Nice enough, and for $10k not too expensive compared to the other nostalgia rides. T100, for example, is creeping up on 9100, plus “freight and prep”, and Triumph sells all of those it can make, mostly to older guys who “had one of those back in the day.” I can easily envision a similar scenario playing out at Honda dealers.
Now everybody that said, “Bring that bike here, and I’ll buy it!”, will have the chance to put their money where their frantically typing fingers are. What luck!
Not really what I am looking for, but I think it is a nice bike with a price tag that doesn’t offend. I would say it is a little pricey for a heavy bike with budget suspension and brakes, but then all bikes seem a little pricey these days. I hope they sell like hotcakes.
It’s certainly a nostalgia-driven product. The WHY is simple: Old Honda UJM’s are disappearing faster than free Krispy Kremes from junkyards, barns, and garages all around the country. Watch any episode of CAFE RACER. Check the customs at Bike EXIF. Triumph has done amazingly well with their Bonnevilles and Thruxtons. Honda has a doppelganger in the Far East with Kawasaki’s W800.
I’m just glad that the market is finally giving us choices besides Personal Cruise Missles and Chrome Barges. All these introductions are nice to see from the same company that a while back thought Runes, DN-01’s, and the like were good ideas. Now . . . revive the Interceptor, please ?
More proof there is something wrong with me. I started riding the year the CB750 came out, I loved my CB500-4 (591 CC, cam, pipe, etc.) but this bike does absolutely nothing for me. Then I got the the 3.9 gallon gas tank and realized it is just Honda’s version of a cruiser. Old guys will buy it, not ride it very far, park and stand around talking. I’m old but I still buy my bikes to ride.
If you like it buy it, just don’t make fun of the guy on the soft tail, your both riding nostalgia.
Goose
Count me in. I’ve been waiting for years. Now it’s here. Sorry, retirement fund. Sometimes we have to live for today.
Honda made a GORGEOUS movie about this bike a few years ago. The rider takes it out of the dark garage, starts it up and rides all over CA. I can’t find a link to this short film. I’ve tried “Honda CB1100 Movie” etc… with no luck. Anybody know the link or website this movie is connected to? I’d love to see it again. Not American Honda, it’s from World Honda. Thanks!
~Frank
Here it is:
http://www.honda.co.jp/CB1100/pv/
Yes, its indeed a gorgeous movie. Seeing it, I fell in love with this bike.
It was shot in New Zealand (not CA) and here is the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwieXvpQNxE
Thanks for the link. Yeah, we don’t drive on the left here in Californy.
I lol’ed at this: Sweeping four-into-one exhaust system is both aesthetically pleasing and remarkably functional.
Remarkably functional? Ummm… it collects exhaust gasses and routes them to the rear of the motorcycle. Remarkable! How come no other manufacturers thought of that?
Yeah, someone got carried away with that one.
I’m surprised there isn’t an exhaust pipe goiter on there like most of the cruisers.
What a great looking motorcycle. The motor is muscular and sculpted. This is what a motorcycle should look like. It needs wire spoked wheels and its too bad they didn’t leave the cooling fins but liquid cool it to wring out a few more HP. Otherwise it’s pretty perfect.
I bet it outsells the DN-01 by at least 20%.
A staggering 3 hp more than the 06 599 and it only
out weighs the 599 by 140 lbs.
The customer who buys this isn’t looking at a dyno chart. If they are, they’re not interested in the top, they’re interested in what it makes from 2,500-7,000rpm, where the 599 is wheezing.
They dont sell so well in Australia,too expensive for what it is,the Yamaha XJR1300 has killed off it’s “competitors” in the retro naked market for well over a decade now and I’m pretty sure the CB1100 will be next.
I can’t wait for the 400cc version. Should be smaller, lighter, less expensive, get better mileage, etc. and probably easier to ride faster. I guess it’s hard to brag about 400cc at the bar though.
-todd
Forgive me, but I just have to write this rant….
Swear to god, the gods must hate me. Seriously. How else can this be happening? (Well, besides the old adage that says stupid is supposed to hurt.)
Okay, where to begin? I’ve been lusting after the CB1100 ever since I first saw the pics and read about it a couple of years ago. Either the white one or the red, they were both stunners. The red in particular, though, man but that thing really appealed to me. So beautiful, so classy, so everything that used to be good about Honda before they completely lost their way in recent years.
It became even more appealing to me post-radiation/chemo treatments, including another bout of neurospinal surgery. Once I regained use of my extremities, well, dammit, I wanted another bike to celebrate! No, I NEEDED another bike, just to reclaim some sense of my former self.
And I needed an upright bike. My ‘new’ neck won’t allow me to do the lean-over thing any longer, so I have to say a fond farewell to my beloved GSX-Rs and CBRs.
This was the one I wanted.
Wait. What? It’s only available in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc.? It’s not coming to the U.S.? C’mon! You can’t be serious, Honda!
Then they brought the CB1000R here. I wanted to like it. I tried like crazy to like it. Clearly it’s a better bike than the CB1100 in so many basic functional ways, so why not?
Nope. Couldn’t bring myself to like it. Too much Japanese anime styling. Not quite Kawasaki-levels of “Transformers” silliness, no, but still too trying-too-hard for me. The CB1100 looks like a real motorcycle…an adult’s bike. I would never grow tired of looking at it.
Waited another year. Still no CB1100. Then the cancer hit. Another year goes by, and the news on the medical front is at least halfway hopeful.
Screw it, I’m getting a bike.
Naked. Upright. Classy. Something that will force me to slow down yet somehow keep me interested six months later. The CB1100 still isn’t available, and all the reports from Intermot made no mention of it coming to the States. Guess I need to give up on the thing. It’s simply never going to show up here.
Triumph Bonneville? Rode both new versions. The T100 turns too slowly and heavily for my tastes. The SE/basic version with the 17″ front wheel handles much better. Somewhat of an anemic-feeling motor, though. I’m worried it’ll bore me the first time I do a 500-mile day including a healthy sampling of twisties, plus it probably doesn’t have enough power to handle two-up 80 mph riding at elevation without feeling overly strained. Love the look of the bike and the whole British oeuvre thing, absolutely, but that 57rwhp gives me pause.
Motor Guzzi V7 Stone? Yeah, it has no power (on paper), but it’s so light that maybe it’s still enough power? I rode the thing, and it’s a great around-town bike. Decent enough on the freeway too, at least solo. Again, though, probably not enough power to be comfortable on an extended highway trip, especially with a need for passing-power at elevation on the menu. It’s also a bit too small, seat-wise.
Triumph Street Triple, either version? This was my first choice. Two problems, though. 1. I know that that little devil would force me to ride faster than I ought to now. Life insults me often enough as it is, I don’t need my own bike impugning my manhood. 2. No centerstand option, no heated grips, and I’d really prefer shaft drive. Not too thrilled with the new bug-eyed look either. Wish they’d kept the dual round headlights, even if they don’t actually work as well as the new ones.
Okay, but what about the Tiger 800, the street version? Other than the lack of shaft drive, what’s not to like? The price, mainly. Including the usual dealer gouging on freight and set-up, that thing was going to get into the price range of…hmmm, you know, maybe I could look at that OTHER one besides the CB1100 I really want?
Lastly, there was the Kawasaki Ninja 1000. Awesome bike, obviously. Does everything well, nothing poorly, some things exceedingly well, and only a couple of things so-so. Again, though, with the ridiculous styling. Do I really want a chain-driven Japanese origami project that still screams “NINJA BIKE!” to the unwashed masses?
Not particularly, no. Also, that adjustable windscreen very likely produces excessive windnoise/turbulence. High insurance costs, too. And, like the Street Triple, I just know it would goad me into going faster than I ought to anymore, and I need to not be a knucklehead now.
So, as I’m sitting at the dealership looking at the three Triumphs I’m considering, what should the internet sales guy roll out onto the floor but a mint-condition, stupidly low-mileage 2012 BMW R1200R, the funky-looking-yet-still-vaguely-cool naked standard? And hey, it would barely cost me much more OTD than a new Tiger 800.
Enough is enough. Make a decision, moron.
I do. I step up and buy the most expensive bleedin’ bike of the bunch. It checks off nearly every box on my wishlist: naked, upright, shaft drive, heated grips, able to accept hard luggage, decent fuel range, sufficient power and sporty enough handling for any real-world situations, a decent amount of Euro-bike ‘character,’ funky looks, good build quality. I liked my ’97 R1100R, but that one needed more power and a sixth gear. This one has those things.
I’m fairly stoked with it. The mirrors are useless under hard acceleration and at any speeds over 70 mph, and the on-off throttle response in low gears takes some getting used to, but those are the only nits to pick with the thing. It really is a tremendously good bike.
So, cool, I was all set. This was as good as I could get.
Then I log back on here a week later and see this CB1100 announcement. It’s only $9999 (a lot less than that BMW!), and they’re giving us the stupendously gorgeous Candy Apple Red?
GAH!!
I wanna stab myself in the forehead.
Yes, I know, I know…my bike is faster, lighter, tricker, better suspended, has better brakes, is probably equally comfortable (or at least close enough), it has shaft drive, a much larger fuel tank, yada yada yada.
Still….
That Honda is so damn gorgeous, the lower seat height fits me better (without having to resort to BMW’s stupid ice cream cone scooped seat, which I won’t do), plus it’s a freaking Honda. It’ll be much cheaper to own and maintain, and it will last every bit as long as the BMW.
Did I mention how gorgeous it is? Or how it just pushes all my right buttons?
Not funny, Honda. Not funny at all.
Pretty good rant! You pretty much hit all the bases. But I am sorry to inform you, but in addition to your cancer (more and better treatments every day, so hang in there!), you also suffer from MLS. Motorcycle Lust Syndrome. It is a fairly common condition, and is harmless except for the mental torture you just wrote about. But it is incurable. Some relief can be found by following the advice of Peter Egan. Buy several bikes, preferably not all of them are running, then trade one for another bike, enjoy it for a few months, then wish you still had the old one! Repeat.
We now call to order, the meeting of MLS victims.
Dino, believe me, one recent stint of owning/swapping seventeen bikes over the span of maybe fifteen years says that I am all too aware of the insidious power of MLS. I have always had a bad case of the guitar-based equivalent, as well.
Even had I waited and gotten the CB1100 I am 100% certain that I still would have lusted after this new BMW…and the new Street Triple…and perhaps that silly-looking Ninja 1000…and….
I know there is no cure, and it never really ends.
VLJ,
Very sorry to hear of your medical issues. Hope you get to ride and own the new Honda…wishing you good health and happiness!
Unfortunately, the people who buy these will be too mature to drag me on my UJM, the ZRX.
Or will they?
same size rear wheel/tire as my FZR400.
Don’t get your hopes up. I’d love to see a 150/60/18 sport tire but it ain’t gonna happen due to this bike.
If anybody puts a king and queen seat on one of these, so help me I’ll…………..
Funny comment and true! You must not be married?
Yes,but I’m just having retro nightmares of CB’s with 6″ extended forks,
snuff-r-nots, 36″ sissys and drug induced paint jobs.
What does it have that my 1981 CB900F doesn’t have? FI, a hydraulic clutch, larger displacement, a counter balancer, and 30K less miles. Supposedly $3500 in 1981 dollars is about $7000 today. I think it will sell (I want one!), but if they were priced at $8999 with ABS they would sell like 1970’s CB350s. A used FJR1300 with ABS can be had for $9K and adds adjustable suspension, lots more torque and power, shaft drive, a fairing w/windshield, and luggage. Hey, how about a new CBX? And a Yamaha RD350/400?
Please, dear God, I pray posters would stop comparing new bikes and their prices to used bikes. I’ve owned about 80 bikes, most used, a good number of new bikes. New bikes don’t have issues like hidden main oil seal leaks such as the case with one of my used bikes. Other used bikes had other unknown hidden problems. I’m not saying there’s no reason to buy used bikes. Just saying new is new with factory warranty, and used is used. If there was no reason to buy new bikes there would be no bikes in the world once all the present bikes wore out. Just get off it.
The fact that someone visits this website proves an interest in new bikes. No one stops anyone from buying every used bike in the world if that’s your desire.
I’m 51 and buying one. I’ve owned some of the fastest bikes for their time and gone faster than most squids on the street and don’t need to apologize to anyone for liking the CB1100F. This bike has styling that looks like someone cared about what the end product looks like. Not like they let their 3 year old with hiccups and a pencil draw it for them. If someone doesn’t “get it”, that’s fine with me. Plus, I really like the CBR500R. Who knows, maybe I’ll walk out with 2 bikes.
Price seems about right if you compare it to HD offerings. Lots of chrome and detail work bring the cost up. This is a boutique bike so they aren’t going to make up for the costs of bringing over a new model in volume. I only wish they had made that side cover red instead of silver.
And the countershaft cover chrome instead of black.
I mean polished instead of black
Somebody check this if convenient: I think the curb weight is within a couple lbs of the old naked CB1100F.
But this new bike is tons better, obviously. I’ve owned about 80 bikes including one with FI. I never want to see a carburetor again, ever.
Did I say I don’t like carburetors? 😉
Carburetors were fine until the Feds forced ethanol on us…
I’m sure many people thought hand crank starting on horseless buggies “were fine” when electric starters arrived.
I also very much presume anyone who owned motor vehicles with carburetors and FI (such as myself) would always prefer the former over the latter, and would never find the former “fine” by comparison.
Just my 2c.
I’m 32 and have wanted one of these since Honda first announced it. I’ve owned a CB350 and CB750 and love retro styled bikes but also like modern performance and reliability. A UJM covers all the type of riding I do. I’m so stoked Honda have decided to bring the bike to this side of the pond. Hopefully in a year or two I’ll be parting with my ’88 Hawk GT and swinging a leg over the CB1100.
I’ve heard a lot of riders whining right here in this forum about how they wish HONDA would sell this bike in the USA. Well, here it is so don’t let us down by complaining about the little 140 size rear tire, the smallish 3.9 gallon tank, candy red being the only color offered and the $10,000 price tag. Now, go out and buy this bike that you’ve been dreaming of because it’s now here.
I was one of those people who swore up and down that I would buy this bike if Honda imported it. They have, and I will.
My current bike is a 2002 Honda 919. It’s a fine bike, but I’m ready for a replacement. I wanted to like the CB100R, but it just wasn’t quite right somehow. The 1100 might be heavy, but I don’t mind that so much. It might be down on power compared to the 1000R, but hell I don’t even use all the power the 919 gives me.
I’ll be trying one out at Daytona this spring and if all goes well, I’ll be laying my money down soon after. I’ll get the accessory rear carrier too… and strapping a milk crate to it… just because.
Great idea, sir! Used to see those crates all over the place. Where do you get a milk crate from these days? Honda should come out with one as a genuine accessory! If you can find one at a store it is probably cheap plastic that will break when you look at it funny..
For you younger folks, Milk used to come in small glass bottles, delivered to your house by friendly men in white suits. They would keep these bottles in a crate that was used by everyone to keep other things in. And they worked fine when strapped to the back of a bike.
Do a Google shopping search for milk crates, they’re out there.
It’s about a grand too expensive, missing a gear, and also missing about 25 HP.
CB1000R. Six speeds. 110HP. I rode it. Plenty of power and nice and smooth with the 6. The price is less than the exchange rate given the price in Japan. They designed it to be relaxing and NOT have so much HP. Why do we need a million HP anyway? We can buy the Kawasaki for that. Speeding tickets all over the place. This is for OLD GUYZ. OLD GUYZ designed it. And if younger guys like it, cool. A Harley Sportster is the same price. Hard as a rock. Less horsepower and vibrating even WITH the rubber mounted motor. They knew EXACTLY what they were designing. It is, as designed, perfect.
re: “It’s about a grand too expensive, missing a gear, and also missing about 25 HP.”
WHOOP WHOOP…!!! DEVALUER ALERT…!!! DEVALUER ALERT…!!! WARNING WARNING…!!! DANGER…!!!
$10K for a bike like this is totally reasonable. If they listed it for 8K there would still be the tightwads moaning that it was a 6K bike. Great job Honda. At this price it should be a winner – tightwads be damned! hehe
re: “If they listed it for 8K there would still be the tightwads moaning that it was a 6K bike.”
YAHTZEE…!!!
This bike looks awesome but I wish it had spoked wheels. I bet the paint shines like the mini trail cancy colors. I just turned 50 but I don’t think I’m ready to give up the zx10r.
Kawasaki’s Z750S made 100HP, cost $7000(maybe$8500 in today’s $$$?) weighed 100lbs less, and lasted all of 2 years in the American market. Good luck to Honda on this one at 10 grand. Still…..a much better choice than any Harley.
If everything was about HP and weight, Harley would be out of business instead of dominating sales in the U.S. The z750s didn’t sell because it was ugly. Ditto the bandit 1200. This is much more attractive than either of those.
Actually a friend of mine has a Z750S and gets compliments everywhere he goes. This bike is only more attractive to those who wax nostalgic about bikes of days/decades gone by. I was there for the old CBs, and I love the new Hondas for what it is, and had I the bucks, would seriously consider one. But, after such consideration, and being a serious rider who rides more than drives a car, I’d spend my money on a smaller, quicker bike, such as a Street triple, A z1000, or a CB1000R.
If the z750 is so beautiful it gets many compliments, was cheap, had good power and was light, what do you suppose was the reason it didn’t sell then? For me, z750s and bandit = ugly. They both are cheap, reliable and good performers. common ground = ugly. I’d even rather ride a xr1200r, not because it can run with those bikes, but simply because it’s better looking in my eyes. Myself and many others don’t ride for “track day on the street” where the last bit of performance is a factor and looks can be thrown out the window in search of it. I have a job that depends on me keeping my license intact. Just as important as power, handling, and braking, is the smile it puts on my face as I walk up to it to go for a ride. I wouldn’t personally own one, but Harley has always known this. Maybe that’s why they can dominate sales with mediocre perfomance year after year and why the other manufactures have had to copy them to keep up. transformer styled bikes are a reletively small segment in comparison that has to try to outdo itself every year in styling, resulting in bikes with a face only a mother praying mantis could love.
Can I say, centerstand?!
Yes, it has a center stand.
I’m 62 and have been waiting for Honda to bring this bike into the country for a couple of years. Love my 2000 750 nighthawk and my 2001 Yamaha FZ 1 but think ill sell both of them and get one of these, which should replace both of them nicely….more powerful than the Nighthawk, more comfortable than the FZ. It looks fantastic. Nice to see a bike with a real back fender, one without a rear section that looks like the back end of Hondas latest road racer. One that has a seat that is comfortable, and one my wife might actually enjoy sitting on the back of. I love the traditional round headlight too, and those sexy pipes.The ergos look comfortable as well.
I don’t need 160 horsepower, as I rarely run in excess of 80 mph anyway, I don’t need the latest adjust on the fly suspension, or 3 or 4 power modes for rain or canyons ( right wrist takes care of that ) I don’t need complicated linked brakes ( like those on my ST 1300 ) don’t need a radiator, water pump, thermostat or other cooling plumbing, don’t need a fuel pump because gravity will make gas flow if the fuel tank is in the proper place. Motorcycle are starting to rival cars in complexity.
For those that think the price is out of line I believe the base Triumph Bonneville retro is close to $ 9 K, has 30 less horsepower, a single disc front brake. In comparison this CB 1100 is a bargain.
Mickey you will need a fuel pump on this one, its fuel injected. 😉
Well. Crap lol ….wonder where they are hiding it, in the fuel tank I suppose. That’s a shame. Just had 2 fuel pumps replaced on one of my Yamahas. I always thought gravity was the perfect delivery system for fuel to a motor.
Think you’d be happy with 50% less horsepower than the FZ1? At 12 years old, maybe you just want a new bike, but w
hat will the Honda do better than your FZ1?
Bob the FZ has 124.9 hp with most of the power between 8 and 12000 rpms. I am never in those rpms range. Ever. I have rarely been over 6000 rpms. it runs great below 6,000.. plenty of power for me. At 8000 where the CB 1100 bike makes 87 horsepower, the FZ 1 makes around 92 ish according to the dyno chart. So we are really looking at 5 hp difference in the real world, which I’d gladly give up for the additional torque of the CB 1100.
yay!
I can’t say it appeals to me, especially for $10,000.
Why would anyone buy THAT over a used Kawasaki ZRX1200???
C’mon. Make it a modernized CBR1100F and sell it for $8000 and you might have a deal.
Yes, everyone knows used bikes (or anything else) are cheaper. I’ll be looking for a brand new bike next year, and this will be it – not a used ZRX, or anything else.
Easy… *NO CARBS!*
I have a friend with a ZRX. Even with the Ivan’s kit, I’d rather have the fuel injection these days…
So I just turned 31 years young 🙂 today and I have been drooling over this bike since I saw it years ago. Finally went out and got a CB1000R having convinced myself it is the logical successor to the CB750 even though what I really wanted was the CB1100.
Lettuce beef cereal you guise; most of you can’t handle a scooter but are so deluded that you can’t stand back and tell yourself “I’m not good enough for a literbike.” I don’t feel like I can use all of what even a 600 can offer so why force it, but I like riding therefore naked standard. And this is by far and away the best one.
Well certainly it’s an aesthetic success without even riding it. But, if I was looking for a fast, light, four cylinder liter-bike, I’d probably buy Honda’s own CB1000R. Seems to me this is the REAL evolution of the four cylinder Japanese UJM and they sell it right along side of the new CB1100. Look at the specs; more horsepower, lighter weight, adjustable suspension, bigger brakes, upright seating position…..for just a little more money. I’m as nostalgic as the next guy, but if it’s my hard earned money, I’m looking for as much performance as I can get, without sacrificing practicality.
Beautiful motorcycle with great homage paid to the original 1970 Honda CBs. Its appeal is it’s uncluttered and not burdened with unnecessary technology street riders don’t need. A mechanical piece of art to my eyes. I’m 52yrs old and prefer a bike like this one. I accessorize to my tastes which usually means bars for my height and a change of grips. No loud aftermarket pipes need apply. I currently own a 1994 CB1000F because its a great and capable bike and reminds me of the 1980s Super Sports from Honda. I would have preferred the CB1300 Super Four make it here but so it goes.
This is cool. This will sell. They need to offer a wire rim option though.
Back in the 80s when Honda was “pushing the envelope” with CX Turbos and Interceptors, if you had told me that they would have a this bike in their 2013 lineup, I could not have taken you seriously.
I gotta say, though, the exhaust system as as clean a design as any I’ve seen with a catalytic converter.
Hope its available in Canada, or at least importable. I may have to make a run across the border to get one. Yes, I’m 57, but I really love the simplistic sinew of this bike. No nonsense, Honda quality, modern build. This machine could easily be my forever bike.
Fact is, there’s a lot of younger riders, especially in California who are into the retro UJM look, and they’re making cafe bikes out of them. It’s not just that they’re vintage, they like the look. Those of us that went through it might not see it, I’m more into the vintage BMW’s (50’s, 60’s) myself, but to them, this is cool. For the most part, they’re entry-level 20-somethings, not broke college kids. They don’t want a preconfigured factory bike. And I think the price is low enough for them to outfit the bike any way they want. I could be wrong, since you can just buy a 70’s or 80’s UJM and probably spend quite a bit less to do the same thing. It’s just a matter of how many people would rather spend the extra money, not have to rebuild an old bike, and have it ready to go. My old CB900F weighed close to the same, and had just about the same HP, and it was plenty fast. Time will tell if there are enough guys out there to make this bke successful.
Since these probably won’t appeal to the “Transformers Generation” anyway, Honda should have consulted Whitehouse , http://www.whouse.jp/ , before offering these in America. Being 50+, I know I would have vastly preferred one styled like the Whitehouse version. It may be “one last hurrah for the 50+ crowd”, but that’s a large crowd that can still, (even in this economy),buy a new bike without resorting to a loan. Too bad Honda, you had a shot at some of my retirement cash but you blew it. I wont pay twice as much for one from Whitehouse. As evidenced by the new Kawasaki Z800, I think the transformers thing is hitting a dead end anyway. How many more hideous angles must we endure in the search for something “new” or “rad” before we inevitably return to a more organic look? I despair at my choices for a reasonably priced used roadster in 10 years.
Deja vu — didn’t Honda try this about 20 years ago with the CB750 Nighthawk for about a decade or-so (until everyone just kind’a forgot about them)?
I am 71 years old. My current street ride is a 1976 KZ-900 with 157,000 miles on it. I put 30,000 miles on a ZRX-1200 I owned, but sold it as the old KZ is more comfortable to move around on. I am interested in this retro CB-1100. If for nothing else, it has a center stand. I hated the absence of this on the ZRX.
gmtcm
I can’t imagine younger riders giving the Honda second look. And when did 9999 get reasonable? Figure close to 12K out the door after dealer prep and sales tax. Throw on a Kerker- $600 and a fly screen, $250 or so, and you could buy a lot of other competent bikes.
I don’t know about that.
Have you ever paid msrp for a Japanese bike? Have you ever paid dealer prep on a Japanese bike? I know I never have.
I’m with Doug. Of course I haven’t ridden one either, but 83hp and 540lbs? Bet it’s more like 575 wet. I have a 48 year old friend going nutty over this bike, and I don’t get it. I’m a little older, rode GS1100’s, GPZ1100’s, and CB1100F’s back in the day. I remember always wishing I had a six speed. I remember always wishing I had wider, shorter, modern wheels. Doesn’t a Bandit 1250 answer all those deficiencies? Bandit 12’s don’t sell like hot cakes, and if I’m not mistaken, they are $8999. I don’t remember ever seeing a write up or even a mention of one here…
Curb weight, as stated, is ready to roll, full of fuel and oil. Honda normally states the weight of their bikes full of fluids, not dry.
You just don’t get it then. Look at a Bandit and then look at the CB1100. Also, I used to own an FZR1000 with five speeds. It did have more power and torque than the bikes you listed but still, I never wished for another gear.
For Doug Miller, and anyone else who might not see the appeal,you have a good point, but I see a couple of good reasons right off the bat. First off, it’s price vs. performance. And I don’t think that will just appeal to older riders. Younger riders on a tight budget should appreciate it too. The second, which I think is most appealing, is that it’s a blank slate. With a few mods, you can make this bike whatever you want it to be. Lower bars, a fly screen, etc., and you’ve got a trick little cafe racer. Add a full wind screen, some bags, maybe an aftermarket seat, and you have a tourer, or even a commuter. The price, combined with the fact that it’s not restricted to a limited type of rider, should make it very appealing to some.
This is the right bike at the right time for the US market. One of the largest demographics of rides is the middle aged men who are returning, after many years of absence. This bike is one they can understand and identify with at a price point that can be considered is reasonable. There is a reason why Triumph’s Bonneville sells well.
One last hurrah for the 50 plus crowd.
Pretty pipes like the old CB400S
The gas tank is smaller than the gas tanks on their new 500cc bikes. Meh…
Can anyone explain the public clamor for this motorcycle? I am not being sarcastic. I have not ridden one and do not know what makes it so sought by American riders. It seems that we have quite a few bikes that, to me, would be as or even more desirable that are not being clamored for in the manner as is the CB1100. This is not a put down of the CB1100. I just need enlightenment. : )
One reason is nostalgia. Also, many riders are atracted to motorcycles on emotional levels. And the majority of those riders are 40-60 yrs old. This bike harkens back thier the “good old days”. When these riders were first attracted to the sport. These are the bikes they fell in love with. And the “torch” is still carried for them. They were damn comfortable too. Now you can have it all with modern brakes, ignition, tires, fueling, suspension and a comfy back seat to boot. I can go on. But I think you get the idea. Under 10 grand for 1100cc is good too.
EXACTLY, Glen!
The descendants of these bikes were the workhorses of the late 60’s and 70’s. The CB750 was used and made to do everything, a jack of all trades type bike. Reliable, fun and not too expensive to buy into.
re: “Also, many riders are atracted to motorcycles on emotional levels.”
not many riders… ALL riders. henry ford built the better mousetrap.
Doug, I guess it’s just nostalgia. But, in a world of specialized bikes and specialized bikes within already specialized categories…. it does seem appealing (to me) to find a general motorcycle with little if any pretenses about a particulary purpose or image. Just simple lines etc. that dont dictate anything about the rider, or the expected ride. At some point, a simple pair of ropers and a broken in pair of jeans make more sense than a cutting edge, up-to-the-minute Hugo Boss suit for going out on the town. The same appears to hold for motorcycles.(my $0.02)
At $7,999 we’ve got a deal! Too much dough methinks, at $10,000 for this piece. But that’s Honda for you.
Tell the government to stop printing dollars then, Dave. That is the issue, NOT the bike price. The dollar is worth less everywhere in the economy. We have other choices. We could get a used ZRX1100. Old Bandit 12 with that horrid fairing. I had an 1st gen FZ1. Heavy steering. Peaky power. Always felt like it wanted either the next gear or more throttle. 2 grand. Eat less junk food. Drive less. Cancel cable…etc
re: “At $7,999 we’ve got a deal! Too much dough methinks, at $10,000 for this piece.”
WHOOP WHOOP…!!! DEVALUER ALERT…!!! DEVALUER ALERT…!!! WARNING WARNING…!!! DANGER…!!!