OMG! Honda's showing a pulse of life!

[silvertwin2003]

czech it:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/02january08_honda_cb1100f.htm

[jude]

*Chortle*

Never happen.  Besides, no one here will buy it... everyone hates retro.

 

[Rincewind]

Notice the "?" at the end of the title.  It's MCN speculation.

[county]

I like retro styling as long as the technology is there.

If they offerred it at a good price I'd consider buying one.  (used after a coupla years )  

[atadaskew]

Showing a pulse? Eh? Peeps here have been clamouring for a 1000cc VFR, an updated CBRXX, a rival to the Vstrom.  If this is Honda's answer to what people want, well, ok then..
This bike will never make it to the US, cuz maybe 3 people will buy one here.  And those 3 will be from this site. And they'll be waiting for a nicely used one to come on the second hand market...

[chornbe]

Notice the "?" at the end of the title.  It's MCN speculation.

Oh, they NEVER do that. EVER!   They'll get *something* right one of these days.

[UFO]

MCN in England is reporting that the bike will go into production in 2009, and will immediately be available in the U.S. market that year.

More proof that Honda just doesn't understand the American market.

I predict they'll sell about 10 of them in the US.

[bizarro]

More proof that Honda just doesn't understand the American market.

I predict they'll sell about 10 of them in the US.

So true.

[county]

Showing a pulse? Eh? Peeps here have been clamouring for a ... an updated CBRXX,

Or maybe just import the fcuking XX's they are already making.

[phoenix]

That one was the most conservative of the 3 prototypes they showed off to the public. I haven't seen hardly any of the Ducati retro looking bikes, and I think they look pretty good. So if they do bring it here, I suspect it will do nothing for them.

[Tar Snake]

From MCN:

With its engine acting as a stressed member of the chassis, and its engine an all-new air-cooled design (that allows air between the two middle cylinders of the inline four), this looked a lot like a future production model.

Wow! So the air-cooled inline 4's I had before never did that? No wonder they were junk!

I would consider one, for my next bike I'm thinking Victory 8-Ball, Bonneville, or that new M-G V7 Sport , I don't really want to go fast anymore, but one the other hand an 1100cc 4 might be fun on those rare occasions I do wick it up

Is there a home of double digit sight seeing?

The looks have grown on me, it looks like a Yamaha SRX single on steriods.

[Ant]

From MCN:



Wow! So the air-cooled inline 4's I had before never did that? No wonder they were junk!

I did wonder why they made a big deal about that... The Hornet has the engine as a stressed member so it isn't even as though this "revolutionary" technique has made its way to Honda. Wonder why they mentioned it?

[chornbe]

I don't really want to go fast anymore *snip*

Is there a home of double digit sight seeing?

That's exactly where I'm at right now. I want to ride comfortable and at my pace. The few people who go faster than I can keep up with on my current bikes are riding faster than I'd go no matter *what* I was on anyway. I can only think of two or three people out of those I've ridden with in the last couple of years with whom I can't or wouldn't try to keep up with - and they're just plain nuts!  

*shrugs*

[JonS]

I hope, if they actually produce this bike, Honda spends some time giving it decent forks and proper frame bracing. Retro is nice, but modern handling is better.
It also looks like it has bigger wheels. I would never buy the bike pictured. If I really wanted full retro, I'd buy one like the blue one, which somebody has for sale. Thats where the photo came from.

[AJP]

http://www.cmgonline.com/magazine/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=70&Itemid=105

CMG has a preview of the new-for-2008 Honda models for the Canadian market.  I really like the looks of that CBF1000 - I could see grabbing a used one in a few years.  What I'd really like to see is production on some of those 400cc concepts.  While I'd like a bigger bike (like that CBF1000) for touring, I love small bikes for everything else.  There are rumours of a 250-400cc single on the horizon to slot in between the CBR125R and CBR600RR - that'd be great.

[RexRider]

I'm waiting for the CB1100R (the endurance special retro stylee one).  

[JonS]

I'm waiting for the CB1100R (the endurance special retro stylee one).  

Yeah baby!

[Putt]

More proof that Honda just doesn't understand the American market.

I predict they'll sell about 10 of them in the US.

Ya know, I wonder if it is American Honda that does not understand the U.S...
Honda did pretty well when it was all run from Japan....

Putt..

[bpg]

ya know, if that bike had a Ducati or BMW logo on it, half of ST.N would be heralding it as the second coming of Christ  

It's a neat bike and I hope they do well if they make it.  Stripped down, it'd make THE ultimate cafe racer, IMHO!!!

[kendenton]

There's nothing I don't like about that bike.

[R1150RTMark]

IMHO, too little too late - even if true.  The retro boat has long-since left port for the boomers.

[naustin]

Retro models are huge in the JDM market and the big four are all building similar models for the home makert that don't come to the US currently.  I bet they will definatly build that bike.  Now, whether it will come to the US or not is the real question.

[chornbe]

ya know, if that bike had a Ducati or BMW logo on it, half of ST.N would be heralding it as the second coming of Christ  

Exactly. What a fickle bunch we are. Yeah, I know I am, I own it. It's all good.  

[Kootenanny]

Here in Canada, we'll be getting the CBF1000F and the Varadero from Honda this year.  Apparently, the Canadian market is similar to Germany (so they say), where these bikes sell well...

[Nodaclu]

With the Bandit and FZ1 half-faired bikes selling fairly well here, I sure wish Honda would at least try to bring this one over here. I'd buy it. It would be a nice step up from the Nighthawk, and a little more conservatively styled then the Suzuki and Yamaha - which is more to my liking.

[Baz]

I would not hold your breath here folks. I would bet they can't meet Euro 3 standards with an air cooled inline 4. (Note the new Bandit)

I would hardly call a retro inline 4 a sign of life......

I thought Honda's entire line up was retro!

[Kat-Rider]

I could see this being in contention for the fz1 and bandit for my next bike.

[atadaskew]

ya know, if that bike had a Ducati or BMW logo on it, half of ST.N would be heralding it as the second coming of Christ  

There's a big difference between the Ducati retro models, the SportClassics, and this thing.  Ducati stayed with current chassis technology.  Honda has stepped back into the past using a backbone frame that has long been outdated.  Why build a retro style bike with retro dynamics when Honda could have built a retro style bike with modern dynamics?  Might as well just find an original CBX1100 and refurbish it.

[goodhawk]

I read someplace ( review of M'cycle show, probably) they asked a PR guy about the  Hornet 1000 introd. for Euro last fall ( streetfighter style, 1000 RR engine, new Hornet Alum. backbone frame, USD forks, etc) and the Honda PR guy said ' Honda NA has introd it's whole lineup.  that is, nothin. the big ZERO. If true > heck with Honda, let em sell lawnmowers & SUV's & a few decade old VFR's . . .

[ive_been_hijacked]

There's a big difference between the Ducati retro models, the SportClassics, and this thing.  Ducati stayed with current chassis technology.  Honda has stepped back into the past using a backbone frame that has long been outdated.  Why build a retro style bike with retro dynamics when Honda could have built a retro style bike with modern dynamics?  Might as well just find an original CBX1100 and refurbish it.

Not to mention, Ducati also has a V-twin that makes people's knees weak.  Whereas Honda has that familiar boring sewing maching inline.  If I wanted a CB750 or a CB1000F, I'd just buy one.  Unlike most vintage Ducatis, they are still running reliably.  Hence, the lack of need for a retro Honda and all of the lust for a retro Duc.

USD forks would help, as would some graphics, but that bike looks like it cost $3K for the business to make.  What did they do, discover a pile of old unused forks in a factory and need to sell them attached to a bike?  

[atadaskew]

  If I wanted a CB750 or a CB1000F, I'd just buy one.  Unlike most vintage Ducatis, they are still running reliably.  Hence, the lack of need for a retro Honda and all of the lust for a retro Duc.

That is very true.  When I first got into Ducs, I was about to get an old 'perfectly' restored Darmah 900.  Looked gorgeous, but they couldn't even get it started in the shop.  So it had to be modern Ducs for me which have been turn key perfect.  As you point out, one attraction of the SportClassics is that old look, but with the modern benefit.  Honda doesn't need that! Their old CBs if treated properly are reliable as is.  So why bother with a new 'retro' when everyone who wants an old retro still has them (or can easily find one) and has no problem in them running perfectly?!  For a fraction of the cost.

[gritsngravy]

Looks to me like the proposed cb1100f has wide rims with modern sized radial tires with frame and suspension dimensions perfect for sporting street use.   I love me some early 80's cb750/900/1100 but there is no way I'd compare the skinny bias ply, high cog, weak braked cb's to this modern interpretation.     Even if it's produced the bike will never see the U.S.  market.      The Japanese manufacturers knows what sells in their respective markets and sadly this ain't it.  

[Tar Snake]

Looks to me like the proposed cb1100f has wide rims with modern sized radial tires with frame and suspension dimensions perfect for sporting street use.   I love me some early 80's cb750/900/1100 but there is no way I'd compare the skinny bias ply, high cog, weak braked cb's to this modern interpretation.     Even if it's produced the bike will never see the U.S.  market.      The Japanese manufacturers knows what sells in their respective markets and sadly this ain't it.  

Well said

If you could see the components; frame, brakes, swingarm, wheels, side by side 2008 vs 1982 the differences would be obvious.

[Baz]

Here in Canada, we'll be getting the CBF1000F and the Varadero from Honda this year.  Apparently, the Canadian market is similar to Germany (so they say), where these bikes sell well...

I just read this in Cycle Canada. I must admit though, neither of them excite me.

[bpg]

Well said

If you could see the components; frame, brakes, swingarm, wheels, side by side 2008 vs 1982 the differences would be obvious.

Yip - this bike is very likely worlds different than a 1982 model, especially suspension & brake-wise...  

And FWIW, some folks actually like I-4's that last forever and scream like a banshee...

Yeah, it'd be even nicer were Honda to announce that the US is getting the CB1000R,   but this is a pretty interesting bike in it's own right, IMHO...

[bpg]

Not to mention, Ducati also has a V-twin that makes people's knees weak.  Whereas Honda has that familiar boring sewing maching inline.  

Meh - I like ridiculous, reliable, tractable HP, and lots of it as I keep twisting the throttle.  

V-twins didn't do much for me in cruisers, and still don't in sportbikes (shrug).. (yeah, I know they are 2 different animals in that respect)

V-4's, however...  

[Baz]

I could see this being in contention for the fz1 and bandit for my next bike.

I sat on one of these at our local bike show and really the photo's don't do it much justice. It is actually a pretty nice looking bike & has great Ergo's for my old frame.

It will be a contender for the bandit & FZ-1

[bizarro]

I hope, if they actually produce this bike, Honda spends some time giving it decent forks and proper frame bracing. Retro is nice, but modern handling is better.
It also looks like it has bigger wheels. I would never buy the bike pictured. If I really wanted full retro, I'd buy one like the blue one, which somebody has for sale. Thats where the photo came from.

I'd rather have the original and spend some money upgrading things.

[atadaskew]

I gotta tell ya, those old paint jobs were so beautiful. Dayum.

[PNW Rider]

ya know, if that bike had a Ducati or BMW logo on it, half of ST.N would be heralding it as the second coming of Christ  

It's a neat bike and I hope they do well if they make it.  Stripped down, it'd make THE ultimate cafe racer, IMHO!!!

my thoughts exactly.... funny and true too,,,

[Flightar]

The problem in the US is that Motorcycles "to most people" are not for actually riding. They are for profiling, stunting, drag racing or a fashion statement.

The real riders don't buy bikes in the numbers every year to justify these niche models...no matter how cool they would be to us, the elightened few.

Manufacturers bring over what sells...that means Cruisers, Goldwings and Supersport bikes.

Honda IMHO should horn in on BMW territory with the ST 1300 and the VFR in a niche capacity. Make them slightly quirky and very different to everything else while offering factory options for everything under the sun as BMW does. Make the bikes cool and hip to own instead of 99% reliable and bland like a refrigerator. The Europeans would eat them up and then import a limited number (say 4-5000) each year to the US market regardless of demand. Make them bikes that people will gladly wait a season to get. Market them much the same as an Acura...upscale.

[GRN]

Yeah baby!

No doubt... I've had dreams about this one since the first time I saw this photo... if they make it available and get the suspension right (assuming one of the moron Honda dealers will make one available TO TEST RIDE), I'll sign! I love Honda's, but man oh man do the dealers around here SUCK!