2009 Honda CB1100 Sport Concept
Honda’s beautiful retro, the CB1100 (last imported to the U.S. in the 2014 model year), may be getting a sportier sibling. In addition to the concept that may portend changes to the standard model, Honda indicates it has a new “Concept II”.
The “Concept CB Type II” will premier, according to Honda’s announcement, at the Osaka Motorcycle Show beginning this Saturday, March 19. Although an image and details have not yet been released, it is widely believed that this may be the sportier version of the CB1100 first shown in concept form several years ago (see pictures). Honda has plans for long term development of the CB1100 platform, including the sportier concept pictured, as reflected in this 2009 quote from Hirofumi Fukanaga (Chief Engineer of the original CB1100):
“We can’t say no to this bike. It’s not just a simple concept bike – it can’t be. I can’t say when, but the way the European market is going we may well be seeing naked bikes and retro bikes out-selling sportsbikes and the CB1100 has been designed with a long time of development ahead of it.”
The burning question is whether the sportier version of the CB1100 will feature nothing more than styling and ergonomic changes, or whether performance enhancements (such as engine power and suspension) will also be part of the package. Stay tuned for Saturday’s debut of the Concept II.
2009 Honda CB1100 Sport Concept
See more of MD’s great photography:
One week waiting for nothing ! Honda, you miss it again.
But if anybody at Kawasaki is listening. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring back the ZRX1200 to America. At least to Canada to test the market. We all know you wont sell a lot. But keep small amount each or even two year apart. It maybe will kill the Z1000 but who care about that ugly face. The ZRX is the essence of beautiful standard bike. It the equivalent of VW Golf, Ford Mustang, Bic pencil, you see the picture. Something you see everyday for years but never tired of, something that work !
You want to bring new customer that the way.
PLEASE KAWASAKI!!!
Can’t happen. Won’t pass CARB, or any US emissions standards for that matter. You know that that bike has been gone from the world market since 2008,right?
The ZRX1200 DAEG has been available in Japan – with fuel injection and a six-speed gearbox – from 2008 onward.
I thought it was ugly when they first introduced it, and I think it is ugly now. But it is a great bike nonetheless.
I was chuckling to myself even before I read your reply, Jeremy. In the Osaka show video link I posted about a foot down in the thread, there is significant video time given to a ZRX1200, so it must still being made, at least for Japan. I actually liked the unfaired model sold alongside the faired version in other markets a little better. I sat on one once, and was a little cramped, but still a very nice motorcycle.
It did look a lot better without the square headlight fairing. The Euro market also had a version with a more modern half fairing that looked good, too.
I remember when old timers told me, a Triumph 650 was the only real motorcycle. I get that now. Some people have a specific view that a ‘motorcycle’ should look a certain way, and that’s that. Any deviation is too weird, too new fangled, to crazy, to be ‘in his view, what a motorcycle “should” look like. It looks like Honda is trying to recreate a certain “look”, a feel, of past times, when a motorcycle looked a certain way. Now, everybody is a critic, “I don’t like this”, “I don’t like that”, it has tank seams, it needs wire wheels, it needs upside down forks, it needs a fairing, it doesn’t need a fairing, it needs saddlebag mounts, it needs blah blah blah. We are living in a golden age of motorcycle production, where there seems to be such a huge introduction of new models, so much to pick from, many of them needing some small change to customize it to my liking, or yours. So many bikes, so little time…
My ’66 Tr6C was a real motorcycle. Sold it 4 years ago and still pissed at myself. We live in the Golden age of cartoon Transformers. The CB 1100 looks real nice, why do they limit the power?? If not for that I would own one.
The Cb1100 has almost twice as much power as a Tr6C, and you can always have the ECU reflashed for under $400 which raises the rev limit 500 rpms and removes any and all speed restrictions.
Whew! Thank you Honda for helping me hold onto my money. Another miss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBzPH5s9Vk4
The Concept II is a pretty good looking bike.
The bike revealed on March 19th is nothing like the bike pictured above. Too bad, as it registers as a gigantic FAIL once again for HONDAS marketing department. Money will not be leaving my pocket as it looks to be nothing other than a 4-cyl Thruxton look-alike.
True, it doesn’t look like the bike pictured above, but it’s still an appealing motorcycle. Actually I think it out-thruxtons the Thruxton. It’s not something I would be purchasing either since the ergos will not work for me. I think Honda has put forth a coupla nice bikes.
Another swing and a miss. I like the bike at top of page.
It saturday morning here in Montréal. Maybe saturday night in Tokyo.
Anybody having info yet on the bike ???
There is a youtube video up. Just saw it. It doesnt look anything like the bike pictured above. It really looks more like a Thruxton polished tank with deep knee dents, low bars, bar end mirrors, bum stop seat, upswept cone pipes
Looks like a Thruxton sales killer to me.
You made me search….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo7h7o1AO7U
Let’s hope it doesn’t look like the bike pictured. Ugly headlights. This holds no interest for me if this is what it turns out as. xLaYN: your video indicates it has been removed- so no help there.
Follow the link Tommy D posted above. The bike is there in all its, er, glory….
Yeah, it was a short lived one; probably taken down to prevent leaking the bike though unofficial channels, the link above displays the same bike.
Try this one, it is about 12 minutes long, and the Honda you’re looking for starts at about 6:52. I’m not sure what to think of it, it is definitely different from the photo lead-in to this article. I guess I need more information. To be honest, I like the looks of the CB1100 “Special Edition” that follows it at about 7:20. Like an old Batman episode, “To be continued….”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PafGSNmaMjE&ebc=ANyPxKos0uvWMa9O4usr32GJ9qS6HlTqiYDVufYHC-38jgXNw5TMMhzp5AWdis1wWQhGyOyNe-4L
Upside down shocks, aluminum box swingarm, radial brakes .. Really a nice looking bike. Ummm no tanks seams I could see… And no beak lol
Does it have a bullet fairing?
No fairing I recall, believe the front is naked. I’m sure Samurider in Japan will quickly have aftermarket fairings available.
The concept II is way too fussy & overdone for me. Too much like the BMW R9T. I much prefer the light open lines and 1100R tribute look of the 2009 prototype.
So it’s Honda’s version of a Yamaha XJR1300 Racer. Nothing like the concept pictured.
Next…
I wish they would make something simple like this and price it accordingly. That’s what I wanted in my 82 GS1100E. No BS, just a good simple aircooled I4. Keep the weight down and they don’t need more power. Make the suspension rebuildable and we could always revalve. That could get me back to I4s.
I am skeptical whether many of the 50-ish aged guys buying these actually owned them the originals. I owned several (despite not listing them in my screen name) and rode them as much as anyone. I rode them pretty much year around. I rode them to school, to work, to drag main, to pick-up girls, to ride the highway, to play road racer, and to tour. Anyone I know who owned these bikes are just like me. They really liked them in their day and have absolutely zero interest in owning a retro example. We are all interested in thoroughly modern bikes and what is coming out in the next couple of years. Most guys who really rode the sportbikes of 80’s are more than satiated with that experience.
Spot on. I love the aesthetic of these bikes as they are what I was initially exposed to as a kid. That said after having owned modern bikes I have little desire to go back in time. At least this one looks to have modern suspension, brakes, and a frame built with some rigidity. I’ll pass on the air cooled motor that is both under-powered for my tastes and likely to go completely spongey on a hot day. Nice to look at but I will never own one.
Very nice bike. There’s not a single detachable plastic or metal cover or shield on there, trying to hide batteries or tool kits or whatever. How many shields and covers were on Vincent Black Shadow?
The Black Shadow may not have had shields and covers, but I find it hard to picture that tangled mess of parts thrown together as an “aesthetic benchmark.”
I want it and there many dealers to choose from.
Cool bike, beautifully sculpted, smooth flowing lines, true garage candy. I wonder if they put in LED laser beam lamps up front? I hope Honda has the ‘Nads to sell it.
Do any of you guys actually own motorcycles that you are truly happy with? Reading through the comments here it’s almost hard to imagine.
I love both of mine. Great motorcycles!
Why two of the same? it’s a common reference from you, and as per your comment your current two (as in you don’t have a significantly different one).
I have a GS500 and definitively would not buy a CBR500 (previously had a CBR450 and to be honest were extremely similar to the GS), later then I bought a TL1000R so probably another vtwin is not an option… or another 110hp on the wheel street/race motorcycle (this is the I4 600 bucket).
xLaYN… I bought a 2013 CB 1100, then in 2014 when they brought out the 14 DlX I traded the 13 in on one of those. So I have bought 2 CB 1100s but currently only own one of them, the 14 DLX.
My other bike which I have had for 8 years is a Honda ST1300
2 completely different bikes, one a naked I4 roadster, the other a V4 sport tourer with fairing, bags and trunk. They compliment each other very well, and both are great motorcycles.
I thought you had two CBs.
Danke for the info.
Yes,
Once I modified it to suit my taste.
Then I sold it and moved on to the next one.
So many bikes,
So little time. . . . . . .
I love both my street bikes.
The only motorcycle that I actually fell in love with on sight was my 1984 Honda Nighthawk S. I also very much enjoyed my 2007 650 V-Strom. I ultimately ended up owning 10 Hondas (so far) but I haven’t had one since the 90’s. They haven’t made anything that appeals to me and for the last several years have made bikes that were either not competitive in the marketplace or complete bombs (NM4 Vultus, NT700V, CTS1300, VFR1200F, F6C Valkyrie) I don’t know that the CB1100 was that big a hit after everyone who wanted one bought one; maybe this new version will help but as nice as it is the lineup won’t compete with the new Bonneville’s/Thruxton’s.
“NM4 Vultus” — Just reading that name, then remembering that oddball contraption, actually made me laugh. ‘Funniest motorcycle design ever?
‘Happy with my ’11 Bonneville, but dangerously attracted to the ’16s.
Yep me! Had the same Guzzi since 2004 and love it. Its perfect for me.
I really like the current 2014 CB1100 standard, the one with 4 into 1 exhaust and the 6 speed. I have actually thought of selling my 2012 Rocket 3 Roadster and buying one but after Perusing the CB1100 forum, I’m not so sure. The top speed of the bike is 108 mph, controlled by the ECM. I may be old but where I live, I exceed that all the time just to put a smile on my face and raise my pulse. I remember that my first new 1974 CB750 would easily exceed that and many bikes that I had did over that in 2nd gear. It also needs a larger fuel tank and longer valve adjustment intervals. The concept bike just looks dumb to me as those designs were around 40 years or more ago.
It’s getting to where I’d rather watch the presidential candidate debates to coming here and reading the relentless arguing that goes on, topic after topic. Isn’t it enough to say we’re all a little bit different but enjoy the same thing..motorcycles?
If a particular bike doesn’t fill your wildest dreams then move on. What sense is there in arguing another’s stance? …I know, we can argue them into submission until they see things my way! Good golly, maybe there’s still time left to get on up to Canada before they install turnstiles?
Come on up!
Reading another’s insight might give us a new perspective. I enjoy reading all the differing comments and yours is certainly welcome. I’m glad it’s not a world where everything is agreed upon with no room for opposing views.
Insight is fine, I welcome opinions of all kinds. I have no problem at all with any of that. What I’m referring to is the almost non-stop bickering than goes on all too often. Let’s face it, this isn’t a cruiser forum by a long shot and if it was I probably wouldn’t be here. But I don’t begrudge those that ride them other than I sometimes think some of them could expand their horizons a bit more. 🙂
Thank goodness we have choices to choose from. I like variety and certainly don’t look at a world of sameness as being some sort of nirvana. All the same, there seem to be some very strong willed individuals that respond here that are never quite satisfied about anything. If someone speaks out that they like this character or that of a specific bike there are those here who are here to tell them they’re wrong. I don’t find that the kind of insight I find useful.
Haha. But seriously, what fun would a comment section be if every post was, “Oh, yeah… that’s a nice bike right there.” “Uh, huh. Yep, it sure is.” “Yessir, definitely good enough for its class and target audience, I’d say.”
I personally like all the different points of view and critiques. Like Grover said above, it gives me new perspective sometimes. While I guess one could see it all as incessant complaining, I see it as each person contributing something that would a make a particular bike better in their eyes. Yes, some people are adamant about persuading others to their point of view, but I enjoy the debates mostly. If I don’t, then I skip over them.
I agree with all of you.
Another 20hp? Really? It’s a retro bike with way more than power the bike it is built to resemble.
Some folks are never happy. I know. I am one of them. Wake me when they make something with around 80hp and 325 wet pounds. I’d be willing to pay about $15K for it. Until then, I’m stuck having to build my own stuff.
Building your own makes a lot sense, especially if you have the time and skill.
Make it light, pump up the hp and add a modern suspension.
It can be a very rewarding experience.
This would be nice. Here’s hoping.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X4pnyzl_GFs/VFFIDJAGeZI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/eYE0SLjNs_Y/w1920-h1280/RFK-CW-Honda-CB1100-41.jpg
The bike that will premier on March 19 may not look anything like this.
Lose the dual headlight arrangement and place a nice big 7″ headlight and I will buy it on the spot…well maybe not but will consider it. Nice bike.
That’s why we cannot elect a President this time. We have too many cooks in the kitchen. Once we start saying I wish this or that, we might as well be building a custom in our garage, which is exactly what Honda is doing with this. It’s THEIR custom. It’s a classic old design which if it were sitting in front of your house with the keys in it and a note saying RIDE ME, you would fire her up and smile until you got home.
I wish!
The clutter free design looks very clean and simple. Not a fan of the front faring shape and headlights however.
The fairing kinda reminds me of 60’s racers and is somewhat reminiscent of the “Turnip Eater”. I like it.
I am not a huge fan of the ’80s sportbike look, so this particular machine doesn’t tickle any special emotions in me like the CB1100 or new Thruxton do. That said, I still like it a lot save for the front face which looks like one of those ghosts from a PacMan arcade game.
I think we all need to stand back a bit and take a deep breath. Honda may be coming out with a sportier CB1100, but I think it will only have a general resemblance to the concept shown in the photos. Didn’t anyone notice that this is not the same motor the CB1100 uses? My bet is that whatever they show on Saturday will most likely use the existing CB1100 motor, not the one shown in the pictures; I don’t believe that motor is used in any existing U.S. Honda, so it would have to go through certification from scratch, whereas the existing motor will probably be ‘waived’ right through. Not to mention, the pictured motor is a stressed member, whereas the existing motor isn’t, which would require expensive re-casting of the motor cases, which in turn might dictate the frame design. Personally, I think my CB1100’s motor (with Staintune slip-on) has plenty of power for its intended audience. I also have no doubt that if Honda wanted to they could easily re-tune the existing motor for better high rpm power — I mean, c’mon, this is Honda after all — but then they would be responding to people who are perhaps shopping in the wrong market segment in the first place.
As far as the appearance of the concept, again I think at the very least it will be milder than the pictured concept. Will they use such an open and airy frame? Or will it be deemed impractical (and unprofitable)?
I like the overall style of the concept with the caveat that I’m not crazy about the small dual headlights. I’d prefer to see such headlights recessed and fared in behind a single clear plastic panel shared by both lights like the early GSXRs had.
“I also have no doubt that if Honda wanted to they could easily re-tune the existing motor for better high rpm power”
I’ve seen this desire expressed before, and I recall reading a review of the then-new CB1100 by Kevin Ash. He tested the engine’s flexibility by purposely riding through a town in top gear, stopping at traffic signals, and found that it was no problem to accelerate in top gear without lugging (within reason, on level pavement). Maximum flexibility is what Honda was going for, so no, I don’t think sacrificing that ability for more high-end horsepower would be something Honda would want to do with this particular engine.
Liquid cooling serves several purposes, it allows more consistent engine temperatures across a wide operating spectrum, that consistent temperature allows for a better emissions picture, reduces engine noise and allows for greater power output while keeping those in check, etc. The CB being retro and mostly air-cooled cannot take advantage of that benefit. That’s why it’s in a relatively lower state of tune. But that aids its flexibility as you mentioned.
Who rides an inline four like that? If you want flexibility AND performance, give the thing a high rev ceiling and mild (low overlap) cams. That way you can make the most out of every gear, not just sixth.
Maybe people who ride like that would prefer a Hondamatic…
todd says: Who rides an inline four like that?
Is that a legitimate question? Anyone who doesn’t fancy himself a racer boy. The people who buy these retro motorcycles. A survey on the CB1100 forum found the vast majority of owners (and btw the vast majority of owners, something like 68% of them according to our survey are 46+ year olds) operate their bikes in the 2500-3500 rpm range with occasional blasts up to 4500 rpms…and no they don’t want Hondamatics. These are guys with decades of experience, that have probably been riding since before you were born, and have been riding inline 4’s for the last 45 years.
You were just joshing with that question, right?
mickey, the people on your forum ride at those extremely low RPM because that’s how the CB1100 is designed to be ridden. If Honda extended the rev range and gave it another twenty HP, people would adjust accordingly. And the bike would still be very torquey down low. It would just be more versatile, and more fun.
Here’s a little experiment for you. Since you always reference that owner’s survey on your forum, which is worded to elicit a “yes” answer, let’s try wording it another way. Let’s try, “Would you turn you nose up at another twenty hp, if it didn’t come at the expense of all that easygoing torque? Would you have still bought and loved your bike?”
See, Honda could easily produce such a motor, and adjust the brakes and suspension accordingly. Wouldn’t cost a dime extra, either. Stiffer springs cost no more than soft springs, and more oil in the suspension costs no more than less oil when you’re already inside the forks and shocks anyway. We’re fully aware of the pains to which Honda went to produce that motor, so hotter cams and higher compression wouldn’t change a thing, cost-wise.
Pose the question. If the respondents are being honest, 100% of them would answer in the affirmative. More importantly, the membership of that site would swell considerably if Honda would simply give the CB such a motor.
VLJ I’ve already said another 20 horses would be fine with me, as long as they didn’t mess up the sweet delivery the bike already has. I assume other forum members would feel the same way. I do know another 20 horses wouldn’t mean squat to me. Remember I got rid of a 125 hp Yamaha Fz-1 to get my first CB, and was happy enough with the hp on my first CB to buy another CB. But my response was to Todd who thinks I4s should all have a high rev ceiling ( and by that I assume he means 12, 13k rpm and believes that everyone rides or should ride them that way). That may be true for supersport I4s and 20 somethings in the canyons, but not for middle aged men on standard or retro I4s, who rely on torque more than horsepower to propel them along. I have yet to see a motorcycle with a 13k rev ceiling that was easy to ride around in top gear at 2500- 3500 rpms, and my bike happily does that all day long without complaint, and that’s how I like to ride it. I’m not racing anyone, I’m not out to impress anyone wth how fast I can corner, and I’m more than happy to ride around like that ….all day, every day. 27,000 miles year before last, 270 days and 22,000 miles last year..50 days and 3400 miles so far this year. I ride 12 months a year and have for the last 9 years since I started keeping track of such things. From -1 to 105 degrees. If there is no snow or ice of the road, I am riding.
For those that want more excitement there is the Honda CBR1000. It’s just not as pretty as a CB1100. Choose excitement or beauty, you have a choice. I did and am happy with my choice. It is what it is, wanting it is not going to make it happen. Could Honda have made a 100 hp CB? Undoubtedly. Did they? No, they did not.
There is a reason the new Sreet Twin, the Bonnevilles, the CB 1100 all have low rev ceilings, it’s because bikes with low rev celings and high torque figures are just plain easier for the average person to just ride. You have to ask yourselves WHY would these makers bother making bikes with these hp figures if everyone wanted 100 hp. It’s because not everyone cares about a dyno sheet. In fact most don’t. Some people, the people who buy these bikes have reasons other than high rev ceilings and besides the fact that they don’t make a ton of horsepower for making their purchases. They have emotional connections to those bikes, that go beyond rpm limits and hp. Obviously there are those that just can’t comprehend this fact. It’s not always about the numbers!
Many riders ar perfectly happy with their W650s, W800s, V7 Moto Guzzis and first gen Bonnevilles to substantiate the fact that it’s not all about horsepower, since these bikes put out between 36 and 58 horsepower. Far short of 100 hp, and none rev over 8500 rpms that I recall
Rollie Frees Vincent Black Shadow ran over 150 mph and only made 55 or 60 hp.
We have never surveyed CB1100 forum members specifically about whether they would be happier with more horsepower, but the vast majority of them have said without provocation that they are happy with the motors just the way they are. Certainly a few have wished for more power, some have added pipes, had thier bikes ecus reflashed and some of them have moved on to other bikes, but we still have thousands of members from 21 countries who love their CBs, regardless of dyno numbers.
The fact is every ‘tuned for the street’ experiment of large displacement standards has been a commercial failure. Honda went in the ‘wrong’ direction on the CB 1100 and they are sitting in showrooms across the country heavily discounted. Get it to 100 rwhp and the market opens up. Good looks and you can still give it the occasional rip through the gearbox, if it sounds like the old UJM formula again it is and it was the key to standard sales success then and now.
You can still rip it thru the gears if you want.
I’m sorry but I disagree. Having another 12 or 15 horsepower is not going to magically make CB1100s fly out of dealer showrooms. It’s a niche bike, appealing to a certain crowd.
If it takes 100 hp to sell, then the Thruxtons and Bonnies and Street Twins are also going to languish in dealer showrooms available later at slashed prices.
If the CB had 100 hp the detractors would say it should have 110, or 120 or 130 and then they would find something else to complain about like the weight. Sure it has 120 horsepower but it’s a boat anchor. Needs to lose at least 50 pounds. If it weighs more than 500 pounds it’s a turd no matter how much horsepower it has. It needs ride by wire, and modes..it diesn’t have any modes, and no traction control either., and what’s with those skinny 18″ tires? i can’t even get sticky rubber for it.
Seriously you are either willing to accept it for what it is or youre not. It’s not for everybody, but for those that want this type of bike and willing to accept its limitation in hp, weight, skinny tires, lack of electronic goodies etc.
“operate their bikes in the 2500-3500 rpm range with occasional blasts up to 4500 rpms…”
I just wept a little. 🙁
it’s ok Jeremy, they are perfectly happy riding like that, and you don’t have to
The point is, it’s a loser for Honda. The newer generation of modern standards are making money for the manufacturers because the power levels have gone up. They sell despite their transformer looks. A motor with the potential for power can always be restricted by the throttle, the CB is anemic and misses what drew a lot of people to motorcycles to begin with, that’s fine if it’s a value priced mid size. But another failure of the under powered standard. Enjoy it, I prefer 5k in a zrx with 140 rwhp, real suspension, and be able to adapt the cosmetics as I want.
Mickey, I weep for the bike itself and the soul of Soichiro Honda. I’m glad you guys are happy in your pokeyness. 🙂
Slipjoint: “The point is, it’s a loser for Honda.”
The bike wasn’t what I wanted it to be, but I wouldn’t say it was a loser for Honda. They may have missed the mark slightly with the first gen, but the DLX models sold like hot cakes around here.
I do agree that they could have broadened the market appeal considerably with more power, but this run of bikes might just be a market feasibility test for Honda. As a platform, they could probably do quite a bit with the CB.
So as you profoundly point out, there ARE other options with more horsepower for someone wanting that.
See.. Told ya if it had 100 they wouldn’t be happy. Sounds like slipjoint wouldn’t be happy unless it had at least 140 hp.
I’ve been riding all my life and, since I’m in California, I ride every day of the year. Though I don’t own any bike with more than 85hp or so, I’ve ridden a few with 150hp or more. They were just as easy to ride slowly if you wanted (except for the Ducati 1198 that had terribly lean fuel injection and was jerky at low rpm) but could wick up the pace and your heart rate as quickly as you desired.
I think you are a victim of misconception. Just because a bike can make 100hp doesn’t mean it can’t make 20 or less and there’s nothing wrong with using more if it’s available. WHY ON EARTH buy a 1100 inline four if you don’t want power? There are plenty of other lighter weight, more fuel efficient engines that make 20hp.
I would be more willing to buy a modern CB400F than the 1100.
todd..I believe in another thread you said you had a 35 hp 650 dual sport bike. Why on earth would you ride a 650 when you could ride a 250 or 350 or 400 something lighter, easier to pick up, gets better gas mileage, is easier on tires, cheaper to insure? Or why not a Tenere, or BMW R1200 or KTM or another bigger trailie that has more than 35 hp? So ething with some real get up and go that can go anywhere?
The heart wants what the heart wants. I love liter I 4 bikes and have been riding them since I bought my first one, a KZ1000 new in 1977. That means I have been riding liter I4s for 39 years. i buy them because I like them regardless if I ride them to your expectations or not. My money, my choice.
todd..I believe in another thread you said you had a 35 hp 650 dual sport bike. Why on earth would you ride a 650 when you could ride a 250 or 350 or 400 something lighter, easier to pick up, gets better gas mileage, is easier on tires, cheaper to insure? Or why not a Tenere, or BMW R1200 or KTM or another bigger trailie that has more than 35 hp? So ething with some real get up and go that can go anywhere?
The heart wants what the heart wants. I love liter I 4 bikes and have been riding them since I bought my first one, a KZ1000 new in 1977. That means I have been riding liter I4s for 39 years. i buy them because I like them regardless if I ride them to your expectations or not. My money, my choice.
I got the 650 for $500. The 35hp 650 can go anywhere and has good get up and go (XR650L). Otherwise I ride my 90, 360, maybe one of the 500s, or another 650, a couple of 750s and a 900. Every one of those were cheap and that’s what motorcycling is to me; cheap primary fun transportation.
Thanks for the comments mickey. I love my CB1100F. When it was first shown at the Tokyo show in ’07, I told my wife, not asked, that I would get one if Honda brought to the U.S. They did and I did. I also told her that if Honda also brought in the bike pictured above, it would also be in the garage. Could have bought the CB1000R. Lighter, more power, whatever. Its ugly. And so is every other bike like it, regardless of origin. The ’13 1100, reminds me of the 75-76 CB400F. A very cool little bike. And stylish. One last thing, my bike is great for what it doesn’t have. Electronics.
High revs on the street are frankly a waste of time. I’ve had 1000cc fours and they were all quite illegal over half throttle. It’s called a CBR1000RR. If that’s what we want, they already make it.
The illegal is the fun stuff, might as well get the scooter. The inline 4 was the Japanese key to thriving as motorcycle manufacturers because of the new reveloutionary motors. Why celebrate the past without acknowledging why it was built.
Looks great. Shame they aren’t bringing it to the U.S.
I’d give serious consideration to owning one.
Now this, I like. The mirrors need to go and be replaced by proper bar-ends, but that’s it.
That Britten was giving me freaking nightmares.
I like this motorcycle, the minimum excess in bodywork and see thru. Honda makes great motorcycles but is out of touch with the market.I and a handful of riders might buy into 1980’s sportbike and. 100 hp is plenty for a talented street rider.it would all come down to price.
I actually want this bike. Too bad it won’t be imported.
Don’t sweat it, by time Honda gets done tweaking it, it will be dissapointment in both appearance and performance. This company is has been out of touch with the market for a long time.
You are right! I just saw the video and it’s nothing like the bike shown above. Its more competition for the Thruxton, if you like that sort of thing. Another FAIL for Honda.
I don’t envy Honda’s position with this bike, given the potential competition. Do they go up against premium retros like the new Thruxton, or budget street sporties like the MT-09? How do you price it? It can’t go toe-to-toe with the superstreet models like FZ1 or GSX1000S – models which already have keen pricing. How about full-premium limited edition, like a Norton? I feel for the Honda executive having to make these decisions.
Lovely, can see folks lining up to see it but not buy many, so limited production I guess would be fine. But that’s me. I say bring back this retro racer concept using the VTR 996 platform with a bit of update in parts and a bit more comfort and make it light and nimble, fun to ride, a super less than superbike.
If a major manufacturer such as Honda actually brings a motorcycle to market with a design as clean-looking as that concept, eager buyers will snap them up, if only for the investment. The investment would actually be a poor one, but what the hey, it’s a perfect rationalization to grab onto a beautiful bike!
Just looked up ZRX 1200, 490 lbs. dry, and 122 HP.
And a 15 year old retro at that… they did start off with a water cooled ZX-11 engine which is a long way from what the CB1100 is using. I know Honda has the engineering prowess to pull off 120 hp out of an engine like that but I’m certain they won’t. They also won’t import it to the US and if they do they’ll do it 2 years after the rest of the world gets it and they will drop it after another 2 years with no follow up model.
It’s sad, I’m sad, the nation weeps for a new cool Honda….
490 dry in those days (late ’90s), where everything was measured for weight on the Moon means 540 wet in real-life. The ZRX was a neat bike, but hardly a lightweight. They dyno’d out at about 105-110, though, and made a great spread of power.
The mill in the Versys 1000/Z1000/Ninja 1000 these days is the modern, emissions/noise-compliant analogue. More peak power, and an even better spread of power from smaller displacement. But of course, those looking for the retro aesthetic need not apply.
My point was that the Honda will not make that kind of power, will weigh at least 500lbs, and, oh yeah, Kaw quit building this kind stuff years ago.
Is that an oil cooler in the square opening under the headlights?
Appears to be and would make perfect sense
I want it….BAD!!!
Great looking sport bike for the gentlemen in the crowd.
BUILD IT!
Love it, the styling goes back to the classic early eighties CB1100R.
If it comes in wet under 450lbs and puts out 130HP they will sell like hot cakes. Having said that my guess is that it will come in about 505 wet and produce 108HP. No thanks
If I am doing 80mph into a heavy head wind and want to pass six cars I like to have 130HP on tap.
Look at that nice comfy seat, should have a nice view of my elbows with those mirrors, stealth solid rear rotor, and no abs sensors….gotta have it, especially for the low low price Honda is known for…
Honda believes in the future of naked and retro bikes , yet they don’t sell any.
They have sold enough to know there is a future in it. Sounds like the CB1100 is just the start of a long term plan. If you ever ride one, you will understand. They are great motorcycles.
I rode one. In fact, I wanted to like it so bad that I went back and rode it several times. I never understood.
Lol I understood twice.
Lol. I thought of you not long ago… I was chatting with this guy on a CB1100DLX as we were filling up our bikes. He said he so fell in love with his CB that three months after he bought it he went down to his dealership and and bought a second one because he was afraid Honda might stop importing it.
Some guys really do understand!
We had a couple of guys on the forum do that Jeremy.
The current CB1100EX sold in Japan and some markets is excellent, much better than the CB1100 sold in 2014. Sales were slow with the CB1100 but the latest model looks and performs nicely. Honda marketing really are hopeless.
Tony, just to clear things up the only difference between the Honda EX sold in Europe and Asia and the 14 Honda CB1100 DLX sold in North America is overseas EX gets spoke wheels and tubed tires and North America gets mag wheels and tubeless tires.
Needs one large headlight and more rounded/substantial tail section to really nail the look.
I agree. Especially the headlight.
Just slap a number plate over the left headlight.
I like the dual headlights,the 1983 CB1100F had a rectangular one and I didn’t much care for that.I like the look of the bike but I’m old and out of shape so would look like an idiot riding it.
I like the look. 80’s retro. Ergonomically it wouldn’t work for me, but I like the idea.
If they change the valvetrain in that engine to make where it doesn’t require a service every other time you change the oil I would be interested.
Honda will put syntetic oil ! Ahaaaa!!!
I’m joking
Syntetic oil = longer period = longer time between valve check.
IMO the primary goal for valve lash clearance interval spec is to keep the EPA and EU compliance enforcement happy.
The manufacturing spec of modern bikes is well beyond that of my 1979 CB750 SS/DOHC (a great bike). Try this “interval spec” passed to me by one pro wrench w/30 years full time experience, and confirmed by others. Check all other service items first. Then:
Hard starting, spitting or back firing on deceleration: valve lash clearance likely below spec (too little clearance)
Excess top end noise/clatter: likely excess valve lash clearance
Valve face/seat surface wear diminishes valve lash clearance. Conversely, shim and/or follower wear increases valve lash clearance. Improper valve lash clearance causes improper valve timing.
For Ducati Desmodromic valve train (no “valve” spring per se, only a tension spring for the follower), the above rules do not work, but I don’t recall why.
All that empty space under the seat will be used for battery, wiring and fuses. The production version will change a lot before it (if) gets here.
And then the airing of grievances will commence!
Followed by the feats of strength….
I’ll bring the pole.
LMAO you win the internet today
SERENITY NOW!!!
On that bike, it could be a festivus…
At least get it under 500 pounds wet weight.
Honda has completely lost step with the motorcycle market…..they keep shoving old school models down the markets throat …..No new models just old stuff from years back with a different paint job…..Worn out touring bike(Goldwing)that gets worse mileage than a prius,no blue tooth,abs optional….No sport touring bikes…If you put TOURING in the title it should have Cruise control…PERIOD!!!!I bet old man Honda is rolling in his grave!!!!!
Old Man Honda never added cruise control to a motorcycle. I’m fairly certain he wouldn’t have given a toss about it.
People have toured on motorcycles without cruise control for many, many years. Among the myriad things that truly matter, cruise control is mighty low on the list.
I thought that too until I spent a long ride on a bike with cruise control. Now I wonder how the OEMs sleep at night knowing they are producing models without cruise control.
Believe me, I would never turn my nose up at cruise control. I’ve added throttle locks to a few of my bikes, and they were nice to have.
That being said, in the overall scheme of things cruise control is still a very minor detail. I would never consider its absence a deal-breaker.
I’d say, with many models they came up with in last 5-7 ears they follow the trend. However, this is different – old school styling and it will never come our of fashion. It is highly cultivated in a way only Honda can do.
I may be little biased though; my last3 bikes have been Honda…:-)
“they keep shoving old school models down the markets throat …..No new models just old stuff from years back with a different paint job”
I think Honda may have a new NM-4 waiting for you. NC700X? Brand new Africa ADV bike? The new 500s/300s? I’m not a Honda apologist, but I don’t see them “shoving” anything down anyone’s throat. I’d guess the Gold Wing is still very popular with tourers, and cruiser buyers consider “old school” to be desirable, but whatever you/we want, someone, if not Honda, is probably offering it, with little reason for bitterness (but,of course, expressing rage seems to be what internet commenting is too often for).
10 years ago Honda built a practical bike that looked a lot like this.
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_cb1300s_04.htm
But there was already a Bandit in the marketplace.
Some might think a 519 lbs dry sport bike (estimate 560 wet) is a little heavy. As far as comparing that Honda to a Bandit, the Bandit motor buzzes like a saw, something almost never the case with a modern Honda I-4.
Really beautiful but the riding position may be too harsh for most of the demographic this hits.
~raises hand in shame~
No pain, no gain
“No pain, no gain”… Yep, but then (after reaching a certain age), you might learn than the previous gain now produces more chronic pain than you ever expected – ask my neck, lower back, and knees. Now, for me, comfort must take priority.
What is exactly the “gain” for the endured pain?
A heavenly after life?
After years of chasing comfort through uprightness, I realized that, at least for me, a decent forward lean is much more comfortable than sit-up-and-beg. Not super sport forward, but around 15-20 degrees per cycle-ergo. Enough to activate the posterior chain muscles, which saves the knees from taking all the load.
In addition, the forward lean prevents every bump from ramming straight up the spine, killing my lower back, the way a cruiser or scooter does. And finally, more wight on the bars means bars can be narrower, making the bike much more stable at speed, without wind induced wobble of splayed out arms and shoulders working it’s way through a wide, high leverage bar the way it does on Adv bikes.
I’m buying this bike if it comes out. The CB engine is _the_ nicest engine in any street bike for sale today. The current ergos and complete lack of a fairing aren’t my cups of tea, as I do a good bit of highway. And I’m not dedicated enough to do the whole $25K Japan import Cafe conversions, beautiful as they are. But buying one from Honda. Even at full (<=$15K, no silly fleecing) sticker; heck yeah! Would prefer a bit more seat padding, though…. I'm a Kawi guy at heart, but even the tactile wonders that is the latest Kawi I4s, can't quite match a modern engine cooled the way the Gods of internal combustion originally intended them to be. As for weight and power, I'm fine with the current mill. Would prefer another 1000rpm over rev, which would perhaps add 5hp from mandated lighter and more thoroughly blueprinted components, as well as freer breathing and exhaust. 500+-lbs is fine, 550+ not so much. No need to go crazy light on a bike like this. Stick a high quality, high power, old school styled, led head light in it. If anyone can do old school and led at the same time, it's Honda. And most anyone set to pay $15K for a retro like this, will be of an age where night vision is past it's prime. Man, I want this bike so much I'm almost ready to go look for a well kept air cooled 911 to keep it company……. Until I start thinking about the maintenance. This bike is awesome!
Enjoyed your post very much, and ditto the sentiments.
In the second to last line, where you typed “911” did you mean “919?”
There is no such thing as an air-cooled 919, so he was definitely talking about a high-maintenance Porsche 911.
Yup. Air cooled 911 it is. I always go through periods when I really want one, getting all wound up about them never being made again, and getting a year older every year etc. Then I look around my place and realize I have way to much stuff, taking up way to much time tending to, as it is. Stockpiling ever more maintenance intensive occasional-use stuff, does cease to be a net-positive after a while.
A bike like this, will actually be used. No battery tender for this one. Daily driver, back road scratcher, short hop tourer, boulevard cruiser….. And it sings in pretty much exactly my range, to boot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgLNDSkUZSY
Pretty bike!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjftt5agF-w&ebc=ANyPxKpKElUumqdYGjZq45z7v1j2NqOmpcdMdQPZI4e1Y6UST5SB5wAPAuTPTkN02LwKvOGu6bS58-TCtTBOOA0uFS-FMp8Gwg
Look also at the CB1300 SUPER BOL D’OR E Package Special Edition.
This thing also rock. Look a bit like the FJ1100/1200 from 1984-86. (exept the FJ was better looking)
But at least Honda is maybe back on track for the first time since the NR750 and the 1993 Fireblade ! Maybe real sportbike for real world are back
Hope the vacumm cleaner designer guy is out of Honda !!! (VFR1200F yeark!!!)
Please, honda do it to force Kawasaki to respond with the comeback of ZR line ….
I think Suzuki should beat them both to the punch with a GS1000 Wes Cooley replica. Late 70’s/early 80’s Superbike platforms with modern technology would be so much more practical for street/track day guys than Race Replicas.
As the last paragraph mentions, will this version (if produced) have actual power to go along with the displacement?
Now that is a perfect paint scheme/overall aesthetic. Damn, that thing is gorgeous. Look at that tank, and the tail section. So simple, so elegant, so Not a Kawasaki Anime Project or Yamaha Transformers Reject. It’s also not another Honda Jet Ski Posing As a Motorcycle. Not a single piece of stupid, pointless plastic trim clutter anywhere.
Good luck, though, getting that minimalist, CAT-less exhaust system to pass Euro4 or California emissions, and what about the standard CB1100? Is it returning to the U.S., or not?
Beautiful!! Looks like the early eighties all over. Bring it on!
Even the tail has a spoiler like my 83 VF500F (and the CBX).
Beautifully simple looking bike. Looks like a featherweight too.
Redefining beautiful; it’s in simplicity.
Look Triumph… no tank seams!