Honda CB1100!

[boatdetective]

So I was in the neighborhood today and strolled in to see the good folks at Greater Boston Motorsports. There it was- the new CB1100. All I can tell you is that this bike in the flesh is a very, very impressive machine. the attention to detail is phenomenal. You get the impression that every single widget was designed with the utmost care and regard for aesthetics as well as function. The visual "balance" of the bike is fantastic- walk around the bike and it looks super from all angles.  When you throw a leg over, you get the immediate impression that this is a physically "medium" sized machine- much smaller than I would expect from a typical 1100 - much smaller than the equivalent Guzzi.

I got the strong feeling that I could definitely see me buying one. I just bought the 1200 sport, though.  In any case, it's a bit late and I have to turn in. Kevin Ballowe here really needs to chime in about his.

[bad Chad]

Great looking bike.  Only visual fault I can find is the fork looks a little spindly.

[Penderic]

It certainly appeals to many previous owners of the CB series. And there are lots of us!  ;-T

I had one of the original CB750's when they first came out and the bike was an amazing machine at the time.

My CB750 got a lot of attention because of the 4 beautiful exhaust pipes and I have to say the new CB1100, although it looks great, would look even better with 4 symmetrical chrome pipes.


Very nice looking!  ;-T

[Moto_Chicago]

Sat on one at the dealer...beautiful bike

I agree it felt smaller, probably because it has only ~3 gallon tank.  Can't go far on thet.

Also, it really does need dual pipes on each side

[boatdetective]

I'll agree with you that the stock exhaust can is just too massive. The 4 into 4 pipes you show are just beautiful.  I do hope the company does well with this model. It seems that the more interest there is, the more bits and pieces will pop up to customize it.   

[lucydad]

I examined and sat on the new CB1100 at the Honda tent in Austin at the MotoGP.  Yes, I agree the bike is a stunner and Honda probably has a winner here targeted at guys like me that always lusted after a CB 500 or CB 750.

On the pipes, the four into one is ok, but I would prefer the four fingers sticking backwards.  The price point is very competitive and yes the tank seems smallish.  These bikes will sell.

[menzies]

The dealer in Chattanooga received three and they sold in just hours. I was able to preview and they are stunning, well built and just tasteful. I would have to wait on a peg lowering kit as the bike is just too tight for my right leg. I would probably sell my scrambler and buy one. The engine sounded like a Triumph Triple and that is a good thing to me.

[rboe]

I keep being drawn to it. It fits me much better than the Griso but is heavier (in the long haul will that make a difference?) and I fear Guzzi has spoiled me with its motor. Me thinks a V7 Special and a CB1100F would be a nice mix.

[youcanrunnaked]

Great bike.  However, with all of that attention to detail, I see two things lacking. 

First is fuel capacity.  In order to show off the engine, Honda intentionally made the tank narrow, but a bike like this would be a nice traveling companion with another gallon or so of gas on board.  I think Honda made the wrong choice, here.

Second is the black plastic covers that hide the fuel injection.  Why couldn't Honda follow Triumph's lead, and style the throttle bodies to resemble carburetors, as with the EFI Bonnevilles?  Those covers are an eyesore, more so because the rest of the bike is so exquisitely finished.


The four-into-one exhaust doesn't bother me.  I actually like how the headers sweep to one side; that's part of the Honda CB styling heritage, albeit not the CB750 Four.

[SteveRivet]

I like where they've gone with this a lot - it looks like a hit, and will be interested in seeing what the aftermarket comes up with and what they do in future model years.  I had a Nighthawk S CB700SC in the 80's and always thought if it was a 1000 or 1100 I would have kept it forever.  

I actually like the 4 into 1 a lot, paying respect to the old 400 four.  The only styling element I really don't like are the 5 spoke Comstock-style wheels - I mentally associate it with a lot of the Honda throwaway models like some of the 400-450cc stuff in the 78-82 timeframe.  

-Steve

[bigtex]

The only styling element I really don't like are the 5 spoke Comstock-style wheels - I mentally associate it with a lot of the Honda throwaway models like some of the 400-450cc stuff in the 78-82 timeframe.

And some of the not-throwaway models from78-82  ;D

[LongRanger]

Love the bike, placed a deposit on one but decided I didn't want to part ways with my V7C to make room for it.

One thing I recently noticed is that the Euro-spec bikes have a silver engine and silver wheels, while the US bikes have a black engine and black-trimmed wheels. I really prefer the silver. The black engine looks a lot like a '73 Kawasaki Z-1 engine, at least to me, and I don't love the black-trimmed wheels. Spokes would look nicer on this bike.

[Travman]

Great looking bike.  Only visual fault I can find is the fork looks a little spindly.

Some fork gators might remedy that.

[Zoom Zoom]

It certainly appeals to many previous owners of the CB series. And there are lots of us!  ;-T

I had one of the original CB750's when they first came out and the bike was an amazing machine at the time.

My CB750 got a lot of attention because of the 4 beautiful exhaust pipes and I have to say the new CB1100, although it looks great, would look even better with 4 symmetrical chrome pipes.


Very nice looking!  ;-T

THAT is exactly what I was thinking! Give it a four into four exhaust. ;-T

John Henry

[Travman]

I keep being drawn to it. It fits me much better than the Griso but is heavier (in the long haul will that make a difference?) and I fear Guzzi has spoiled me with its motor. Me thinks a V7 Special and a CB1100F would be a nice mix.

The CB1100 is actually a little lighter than the Griso. IIRC the curb weight is 540lbs.

[rboe]

I have seen so many different weights on the Griso; with most around the 500lb range that I take all with a grain of salt. Guess I need to weigh mine.  My Griso certainly feels lighter than the Honda which is sort of odd. Well, after the Quota a LOT of bikes seem lighter.

[Eric Plante]

Hello,
Yes indeed, this is a fine looking machine! But I got friend's comments who test-rided it that it is a dull machine whithout vibes and soul.

Me, I just sit on it at a mc show and I loved the bike.

[RichEV]

Hi....saw this too at my Honda place.....this is a beauty by any standards...Rich EV

[GearheadGrrrl]

Looks to be eminently hackable...

[Travman]

I have seen so many different weights on the Griso; with most around the 500lb range that I take all with a grain of salt. Guess I need to weigh mine.  My Griso certainly feels lighter than the Honda which is sort of odd. Well, after the Quota a LOT of bikes seem lighter.

Weights are notoriously hard to find for motorcycles. The manufacturers just make up what they want. I wish all the reviewers would just take the time to weigh the bikes with tanks full and tanks empty.

I've seen the curb weight for our Griso's to be 580lbs.

[rboe]

Last one I looked at a couple days ago was 555lbs. 580 is really high. When I dropped it next to my house (kick stand was not down like I thought) I just grabbed the handle bar and righted her. Not being a beefy guy this would indicate to me she weighs much less than 580 (tank was not full).

Meh, gotta weigh my bike I guess.

[Travman]

I've seen that number quite a few times too. Where would you weigh it?  I had a buddy that had a set of scales for weighing his race cars, but he passed away.

[rboe]

Local dealer, while not admitting fault, gave me a deal on a CB1100F to settle our differences. So I bit. Better fit than the Griso, less power (good for my health! and better in town manners. The very short stretch on the freeway, first impression, not as good as the Griso.

Make no mistake, this motor is no torque monster but it does have a fair amount of very usable torque - she's a keeper.

Looks wise she is gorgeous but compared to the Griso it's apples oranges.

But the Griso may have to go to pay for her. If she goes, and I suspect she will, once I retire I think the 1400 California would be an excellent Guzzi replacement; and it's a better fit too. :)

Another short ride tomorrow, but so far, I'm impressed.

[alpine]

A couple of weeks ago I was at Riders Hill picking up a Guzzi and saw three CB1100 s at he same time in the parking lot. They were pretty impressive . I guess they are going to sell well.

Roberto.

[mtperry85]

My dad's got a Griso & a CB1100... he says the CB1100 feels much smaller even though the number's are similar. He won't be getting rid of either one. Both are perfect for what they intend to be.

[redbirds]

One dealer I spoke to sold their CB1100 as soon as it was on the floor and had a deposit for the next bike they receive.

I sat on one at the Statesboro dealer. As mentioned in previous posts the finish and detailing are flawless. I think Honda got the styling perfect. The 4 into 1 exhaust is in keeping with the overall design, losing the cluttered look of a 4 into 4 system. An after market silencer will satisfy those who want a more vintage sound and make a wee power gain. Having not been designed as a long haul bike, the smallish tank should be adequate for the bikes's intended riders. The only change Honda should make is more color options.

[rboe]

After the short ride today I'm thinking I prefer this bike in town and speeds below 65 I think it's an easier and more comfortable than the Griso. Above 65 (and this may be me just having to get use to it) the Griso is much better. 65-90 the Griso is like a locomotive and sounds about the same. The Honda gives me stronger audio cues that it is working harder. It's up the task and not stressed, but noise and vibrations go up. You know you going faster. That darn Griso just goes without telling you; sneaky little bastard!  ;D

When bench racing with the guys my impression was the two bike would be too similar and it would not make sense to keep both. I'm not so sure any more. Kinda like comparing the new Thunderbird to a Boss Mustang. The Honda is more of a gentleman's bike while the Griso is a "refined" hooligan.

[Dave Swanson]

I like the CB1100.  It tugs at me because the first motorcycle I bought when I was 18 was a brand new 1974 CB750.  I loved that bike!   But nowadays I would plunk down the extra $1500 and get the CB1000R instead. 

This things will run rings around the CB1100!!  It has a proper sized gas tank too - 4.5 gallons.

[LowRyter]

CB1100

I don't get it.




my 98 Bandit has 110 HP.  Styling is subjective.

[Speed King]

I finally saw one last week in Chicago at the Mods & Rockers show. It looked good and got lots of positive comments. Can't wait to see one with a tasteful custom treatment.