New (aircooled) Honda CB1100 goes on sale in Japan. Video & pics

[SpitfireTriple]

First, here's a pic that has been around a while


a newer pic - note the changes for production

Exhaust pipe is longer and less 400-4ish.  I daresay it won't be long before an aftermarket supplier sorts that out.  The engine looks bigger than the 2007 concept, it lacks the piggy-back alternator of the concept, and its engine fins are less pretty .  In fact, to my jaundiced eye, it almost looks like a finned version of the CB1300 engine.  That might explain the weight.  Maybe it's not even air-cooled.  It would seem Honda has let its accountant head rule its designer heart.  Anyone care to bet against me on this?  Overall, I prefer the proportions of the concept.

Now here's the video.  It's a bit Honda-corporate.  Actually it's very Honda-corporate.  But at least it shows the bike in motion.


1140cc, dohc inline four rekindles the classic style of iconic Honda inline fours such as the CB750, puts out 87bhp with a kerb weight of 248kg. Suspension is by 41mm conventional forks at the front with a pair of preload adjustable Showa shocks at the rear. The bike is available in red, white or black and ABS is an option.

248kg.  87 bhp.  Hmm.  Okay, it doesn't need to be a 150 bhp monster, but is 87 bhp enough?  Maybe they'll offer a genuine 1970s Moriwaki tuning kit. Maybe the power is restricted so as not to overheat an air-cooled motor?

Or maybe, he hopes, they're saving the hot motor for...


I also like...

AFAIK it's not an official model (yet?)
But it seems to have the "production" engine...

This would have been nice, but it has the "prototype" engine

[chornbe]

That might be the most boring motorcycle video ever shot. And yes, for that video, 87 HP is plenty!  

Man, that is one pretty bike.

[maddjack]

WANT

[Rincewind]

So they make a flagship retro bike, a classic UJM, and they won't even sell it in the UK, let alone the US?  

[volleykinginnc]

87bhp??  You had me until then..... .....that's like only double a Harley.

[MadMax96]

WANT

+100!!  I'd so rock that bike in the first pic.  

87hp seems kinda weak, the torque has to be decent though.  

I really like the simplicity of an air-cooled engine after working on a couple of bikes that were liquid cooled.

[homebrew]

Truely a beautiful bike regardless of anyones preconceptions.

Honda calles it an "emotional naked"

http://www.honda.co.jp/CB1100/impression/english/index.html

[sammyseaman]

Me want. Come on Honda, restore my faith....... before it's too late.

[chornbe]

I really like the simplicity of an air-cooled engine after working on a couple of bikes that were liquid cooled.

Huge factor in the many reasons I own the bikes I own.

[maddjack]

Why does everyone think 87 HP is weak, come on what GP are you intending to run? Its plenty for that machine.

[volleykinginnc]

Why does everyone think 87 HP is weak, come on what GP are you intending to run? Its plenty for that machine.

It's not weak....it's anemic and boring

[chornbe]

Why does everyone think 87 HP is weak, come on what GP are you intending to run? Its plenty for that machine.

Agreed. I think people would expect more power and grunt from any 1100cc engine these days, but I seem to get along just fine... and get into trouble, unfortunately... on my little anemic and boring bikes.

The fun isn't in having the most powerful bikes, IMO... to me the fun comes from carving a nice line and.. yeah... occasionally grinning that evil grin when you're the dude on the Sportster having to stop and wait for the dudes on the Gixxers.

[maddjack]

It's not weak....it's anemic and boring

Uh yeah......right.

[maddjack]

Agreed. I think people would expect more power and grunt from any 1100cc engine these days, but I seem to get along just fine... and get into trouble, unfortunately... on my little anemic and boring bikes.

The fun isn't in having the most powerful bikes, IMO... to me the fun comes from carving a nice line and.. yeah... occasionally grinning that evil grin when you're the dude on the Sportster having to stop and wait for the dudes on the Gixxers.

I 100% agree , people are too hooked into spec sheets.  

[volleykinginnc]

Agreed. I think people would expect more power and grunt from any 1100cc engine these days, but I seem to get along just fine... and get into trouble, unfortunately... on my little anemic and boring bikes.

The fun isn't in having the most powerful bikes, IMO... to me the fun comes from carving a nice line and.. yeah... occasionally grinning that evil grin when you're the dude on the Sportster having to stop and wait for the dudes on the Gixxers.

I'm not an absolute power junkie (look what I ride) and I agree that a carving the corners is a lot of fun but so is acceleration.  87 BHP which translates to somewhere around 72 or so at the wheels pushing 500+ pounds just isn't that exciting.....otherwise scooters would be fun.

[steve.m]

why the airplane?  I just learned that honda does a shitty job of advertising nostalgia.  i did find the vid amusing though, if only because it mimicks so many harley ads.  ah well.  the bike looks nice for what it is, but nothing i'd be interested in.  If it comes from honda it better come with nobby tires or hit 150mph...

[sammyseaman]

Why does everyone think 87 HP is weak, come on what GP are you intending to run? Its plenty for that machine.

If the torque curve is good, 87hp is fine  
But..... if the torque is low then that is another story.

[homebrew]

This engine was designed more for the aural experience and visceral feel of an air cooled engine, as well as to capture beautiful asthetics.  Power was not the main objective.  Those of you whining about the 87 horse power are totally missing the point.  Just go by a CBR and get over yourselves.

[JIMLARCH]

It's not weak....it's anemic and boring

+1.  It won't sell.  Much as I like 80's styling, this is a boring looking bike.  They would have been better off making another CB1100f look alike from 1983 with 17 wheels, modern brakes etc.  Now the sporty looking version is a much different thing.  That I like.

[JIMLARCH]

 

The fun isn't in having the most powerful bikes, IMO... to me the fun comes from carving a nice line and.. yeah... occasionally grinning that evil grin when you're the dude on the Sportster having to stop and wait for the dudes on the Gixxers.

Sounds like you should be riding the gixxer, and them riding the sportster.  Posers shouldn't ride gixxers, but Harleys!