1. Introduction 

Since 1959, when they first adorned the twin-cylinder CB92 Benly, the two letters CB have always meant a great deal to Honda, and Honda owners. And they came to mean even more in 1969; the four-cylinder CB750 was a seminal moment for motorcycling as the world’s first production superbike took centre stage, laying down a blueprint that still stands today In the present day, old school has become very much new school and in 2013 Honda brought the CB1100 - already a best seller in the Japanese market - to Europe, satisfying pent-up demand from an army of riders for whom a traditionally styled air-cooled four-cylinder CB was a must-have piece of engineering craftsmanship. For 2017, two versions of the CB1100 will be available. The CB1100 RS* offers a new kind of more sporting appeal, while the CB1100 EX has been imbued with extra layers of retro style and several performance upgrades. Manufacture takes place in Honda’s Kumamoto factory, with a production process that’s been fundamentally revised to integrate technology and expert skill in order to create motorcycles rich in craftsmanship and attention to detail, plus a place in history that only comes with the passage of many decades. 

Mr M. Imada, Large Project Leader (LPL) 17YM CB1100 EX: “As with past CBs, we understand the timeless pleasure that our customers get from owning and riding an air-cooled inline four-cylinder motorcycle. So building on the CB1100’s desirability and joy of ownership, while adding functionality and quality to deepen the sense of fulfilment, were very important elements for us to consider. With the CB1100 EX we hope many riders get to appreciate and understand a very traditional motorcycle structure.” 

2. Model Overview 

 

The CB1100 EX outlines the proportion and silhouette of a true 1970s superbike. Its curvaceous fuel tank – made without seam-welded lips – evokes hand-made craftsmanship, while the single round headlight and twin instrument dials denote Hondas from a bygone age. Adding crisp-edged modernity, the front and rear lights are now LED and new 18-inch wheels run stainless steel spokes. Offering improved suspension compliance, the 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve front fork is matched to Showa rear shocks. The engine breathes more easily thanks to revised inlets and smaller, lighter dual mufflers. An assist slipper clutch makes for easier lever engagement and rear wheel stability on downshifts. With its classic lines the CB1100 EX conjures memories, mixing the engine’s addictive performance and soulful sound with evocative appeal. It’s also a machine to savour and contemplate and everywhere you look; every angle and part is satisfyingly perfect. 

 

3. Key Features 

3.1 Chassis 

The CB1100 EX’s classic tubular steel double cradle frame holds the engine with four rigid and two rubber mounts. It features relaxed steering geometry, with rake and trail of 27°/114mm and wheelbase of 1490mm, delivering sure-footed stability with neutral handling characteristics. The ‘rider triangle’ is also relaxed and upright; seat height is 790mm and the handlebar shape has been revised to maintain a neutral position. Kerb weight is 255kg. To give excellent control the CB1100 EX is equipped with a Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) 41mm front fork, which uses two valves to generate both compression and rebound damping force for a linear suspension feel. A new die-cast aluminium top yoke features a buffed finish and clear coat, while the bottom yoke holds the fork legs in a higher position. Twin Showa rear shocks offer adjustable spring preload and operate through a steel swingarm, which has a clean look thanks to an under slung rear brake hose. An aluminium chain guard replaces the previous plastic design. 

The CB1100 EX features redesigned 18-inch spoke wheels, wearing 110/80 R18 and 140/70 R18 front and rear tyres. Smaller aluminium hubs lace the wheel rim with 40 longer stainless steel (rather than the 48) zinc-plated spokes. Twin 296mm floating discs up front are mated to four-piston Nissin calipers, with a 256mm disc and single-piston caliper at the rear. ABS is fitted as standard. Together with the look of the exposed engine, the shape of the fuel tank - its curves and lines - go a long way to give a naked motorcycle its character and appeal. Honda’s engineers wanted to maintain a 300km plus range, but were also focused on creating a truly hand-made look. The 16.8L fuel tank they came up with does away with the seam-welded lips along both bottom edges, and pays homage both to CB history and contemporary style with a cutaway rear section that displays the cam cover to the rider. An aircraft style filler cap adds another visible touch of class. The side panels are made of brushed aluminium with a textured ‘hairline’ finish while the seat is well padded and comfortable. Chrome seat rails add seamless lines, with no clutter, and the chrome steel rear mudguard has a more rounded cross section. Smaller die-cast aluminium hangers mount both rider and pillion footpegs, while a longer sidestand makes it easier to get the machine upright. A chromed round front headlight (it’s now LED, with a spiral running light) crowns the front of the machine, underlined by twin horns. It’s held with aluminium stays and flanked by classic-style 70mm diameter indicators. 

The LED rear light, indicators and number plate mounting bracket has been minimalised for a streamlined look. The circular speedo and rev counter are adorned in chrome; equipment includes a fuel gauge and clock, gear position indicator, fuel efficiency gauge and range computer. Ignition is now via a ‘wave’ style key. Subtly blacked-out, the engine wears natural aluminium engine covers, and features a cylinder head finished in silver with a burnished aluminium cam cover and chrome end caps. The CB1100 EX will be available in Pearl Shining Yellow, Pearl Sunbeam White and Candy Prominence Red, with a super smooth finish suggestive of repeated, and fastidious, wet sanding. 

3.2 Engine 

Proudly at the heart of the CB1100 EX is its silky-smooth DOHC engine. Linear, instantly accessible power and torque is what this motor’s all about, and plenty of it, anywhere in the rev range. Maximum power output of 66kW arrives at 7,500rpm with peak torque figure of 91Nm delivered @ 5,500rpm. Air (via 2mm fins) and oil-cooled (via a 335mm 9-tier, front-mounted oil cooler), the engine revs to 8,500rpm and features a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Bore and stroke is set at 73.5mm x 67.2mm. Drive for the twin camshafts is via central chain, and the valve included angle is 26.5° inlet and exhaust. Inlet valve diameter is 27mm, with a 2.5mm stem; exhaust 24mm with 2.5mm stem. A single secondary balancer shaft ensures smooth running. PGM-FI and 32mm throttle body are fed through a revised, shortened air inlet tract and new air cleaner, and work with the pair of shorter (minus 70mm in length, 7% less in diameter and 2.4kg lighter than previous design) chrome plated exhaust mufflers to boost low and mid-rpm engine reaction. 

Internally split into two expansion chambers, each muffler features dual hole-punched link pipes optimised for resonance and the generation of an evocative four-cylinder engine note. Both mufflers hug the machine tighter for improved ground clearance and the downpipes are double skinned to stop heat-induced discolouration. An assist slipper clutch is now fitted. With die-cast aluminium cam and slipper cam it saves weight, reduces lever effort by 16% and minimizes rear wheel ‘hop’ through engine braking on rapid down changes. The six-speed gearbox, ¬¬with carefully matched ratios for gears 1-5 gives crisp response and acceleration, while 6th is an overdrive reducing fuel consumption and lowering engine rpm at highway speeds. Final drive is by 530 chain. The CB1100 EX engine is EURO4 compliant. 

 2017 CB1100 RS 

Model updates: Honda’s new CB1100 RS delivers minimal, hand-crafted style and sporting edge with sharper chassis geometry, uprated 43mm Showa Dual Bending Valve two-piece front fork and remote reservoir rear shocks, plus 17-inch cast aluminium wheels and dual radial-mount four-piston brake calipers. The engine breathes through revised inlet and exhaust systems and is now equipped with an assist slipper clutch. 

 

1. Introduction 

Since 1959, when they first adorned the twin-cylinder CB92 Benly, the two letters CB have always meant a great deal to Honda, and Honda owners. And they came to mean even more in 1969; the four-cylinder CB750 was a seminal moment for motorcycling as the world’s first production superbike took centre stage, laying down a blueprint that still stands today In the present day, old school has become very much new school and in 2013 Honda brought the CB1100 - already a best seller in the Japanese market - to Europe, satisfying pent-up demand from an army of riders for whom a traditionally styled air-cooled four-cylinder CB was a must-have piece of engineering craftsmanship. For 2017, two versions of the CB1100 will be available. Newly arrived to sit alongside the upgraded CB1100 EX, is the CB1100 RS. Imbued with layer upon layer of retro style - and several new performance upgrades - the CB1100 RS offers a new type of sporting CB1100 appeal. Manufacture takes place in Honda’s Kumamoto factory, with a production process that’s been fundamentally revised to integrate technology and expert skill in order to create motorcycles rich in craftsmanship and attention to detail, plus a place in history that only comes with the passage of many decades. 

 

Mr M. Imada, Large Project Leader (LPL) 17YM CB1100 RS “As with past CBs, we understand the timeless pleasure that our customers get from owning and riding an air-cooled inline four-cylinder motorcycle. So building on the CB1100’s desirability and joy of ownership, while adding functionality and quality to deepen the sense of fulfillment, were very important elements for us to consider. With the CB1100 EX we hope many riders get to appreciate and understand a very traditional motorcycle structure.” 

 

2. Model Overview 

Stripped back and lean, the CB1100 RS has the look of a 1970s race bike, with more than a hint of café racer. The curvaceous fuel tank – made without seam-welded lips – evokes hand-made craftsmanship, while the single round headlight and twin instrument dials outline a timeless silhouette. Adding crisp-edged modernity, all lighting is LED. Backing up the sportier styling, the CB1100 RS’s chassis uses sharper geometry matched than the EX, with firmer Showa suspension, front radial-mount four-piston brakes, cast aluminium 17-inch wheels and sportsbike-spec tyre sizes. A lower, more compact riding position moves the rider’s weight forward, complementing the chassis changes. The air-cooled four-cylinder engine breathes more easily thanks to a revised inlet tract and smaller, lighter 4-2-2 exhaust system while an assist slipper clutch makes for easier lever engagement and rear wheel stability on downshifts. With a keener edge to its appeal and performance, the CB1100 RS is a perfect machine to cut through the city in style, and cut loose on winding roads at weekends. It exudes exquisite engineering that draws in the observer, and is also a platform ripe for customization, and ready for an owner’s imagination. 

 

3. Key Features 

3.1 Chassis 

The CB1100 RS’s classic tubular steel double cradle frame holds the engine with four rigid and two rubber mounts. It features tighter steering geometry than the CB1100 EX, with rake and trail of 26°/99mm and wheelbase of 1485mm (as opposed to 27°/114mm/1490mm) to give faster steering and more responsive handling. Seat height is 795mm with kerb weight of 252kg. As well as a more aggressive stance and riding position the CB1100 RS is also equipped with a Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) 43mm two-piece front fork, which uses two valves to generate both compression and rebound damping force giving linear feel, excellent ride quality and precise road holding. A new die-cast aluminium top yoke features a buffed finish and clear coat, while the bottom yoke holds the fork legs in a higher position. Twin Showa remote-reservoir rear shocks (with damping rates to match the front fork) operate through a new aluminium swingarm, which has a clean look thanks to an under slung rear brake hose. An aluminium chain guard replaces the previous plastic design. Dual radial-mount four-piston Tokico brake calipers grip 310mm floating discs with ABS control, the rear single-piston caliper works a 256mm disc. The CB1100 RS also features 17-inch cast aluminium wheels – finished in black – wearing sportsbike-sized 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17 front and rear tyres. Three effects from this change are obvious: quicker side-to-side steering, improved cornering traction and a 3% increase in acceleration due to the overall gearing change of the smaller rolling diameter of the rear tyre. L-shaped air valves make checking tyre pressure easy. Together with the look of the exposed engine, the shape of the fuel tank - its curves and lines - go a long way to give a naked motorcycle its character and appeal Honda’s engineers wanted to maintain a 300km plus range, but were also focused on creating a truly hand-made look. The 16.8L fuel tank they came up with does away with the seam-welded lips along both bottom edges, and pays homage both to CB history and contemporary style with a cutaway section that displays the cam cover to the rider. It’s topped with an aircraft style filler cap. Building on the modern café racer theme the sidepanels are constructed of pressed aluminium with a textured ‘hairline’ finish while the seat is stripped back to a slim, sporty profile. 

The black seat frame rails add seamless lines without clutter and the black chrome steel rear mudguard has a more rounded cross section. A compact black resin front mudguard skims the front tyre and ties in subtly with the machine’s minimalism. A long sidestand makes it easier to get the machine upright. The handlebar is clamped 7mm forward (compared to the previous design) and more compact, sleeker die-cast aluminium hangers mount both rider and pillion footpegs. 

Standing proud, the round front headlight – an LED unit with spiral running light – crowns the front of the CB1100 RS and is held with aluminium stays flanked by compact LED indicators. The LED rear light, indicators and number plate mounting bracket has been minimalised for a streamlined look and the circular speedo and rev counter are dressed in satin black with a chrome band. Equipment includes a fuel gauge and clock, gear position indicator, fuel efficiency gauge and range computer. Ignition is now via a ‘wave’ style key. The CB1100 RS will be available in Candy Prominence Red and Graphite Black with a super smooth finish suggestive of repeated, and fastidious, wet sanding.

 

3.2 Engine 

At the heart of the CB1100 RS is its muscular DOHC engine. Linear, instantly accessible drive is what this motor’s all about, and plenty of it, anywhere in the rev range. Maximum power output of 66kW arrives at 7,500rpm with peak torque figure of 91Nm delivered @ 5,500rpm. Finished in black, with natural aluminium engine and cam covers its air (via 2mm fins) and oil-cooled (via a 335mm 9-tier, front-mounted oil cooler) and revs to 8,500rpm. Compression ratio is 9.5:1, with bore and stroke set at 73.5mm x 67.2mm. The twin camshafts are driven by a central chain, and the valve included angle is 26.5° inlet and exhaust. Inlet valve diameter is 27mm, with a 2.5mm stem; exhaust 24mm with 2.5mm stem. A single secondary balancer shaft ensures smooth running. PGM-FI and 32mm throttle body are fed through a revised, shortened air inlet tract and new air cleaner, and work with the pair of shorter (minus 70mm in length, 7% less in diameter and 2.4kg lighter) chrome-plated exhaust mufflers to boost low and mid-rpm engine reaction. 

Internally split into two expansion chambers, each muffler features dual hole-punched link pipes optimised for resonance and the generation of an evocative four-cylinder engine note. Both mufflers hug the machine tighter for improved ground clearance and the downpipes are double skinned to stop heat discolouration. An assist slipper clutch is now fitted. With die-cast aluminium cam and slipper cam it saves weight, reduces lever effort by 16% and minimizes rear wheel ‘hop’ through engine braking on rapid down changes. The six-speed gearbox, ¬¬with carefully matched ratios for gears 1-5 gives crisp response and acceleration, while 6th is an overdrive reducing fuel consumption and lowering engine rpm at highway speeds. Final drive is by 530 chain. The CB1100 RS engine is Euro 4 compliant.