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!

[chornbe]

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

Well, now that I have a Guzzi, I think I have to buy race leathers and sip cappuccino at road-side cafes after puttering along on curvy roads at 30 miles per hour, looking suave and sophisticated.

I'm still trying to learn all the rules. This shit's complicated!!!

(Un)Fortunately, I'll never confused with suave *or* sophisticated!  

[Mach VIII]

TURD.  

Didn't like it as a concept, and don't like it as a production bike.  It's about as exciting as the toaster oven on my counter and likely performs at about the same level.  If I wanted 30 year old technology (aside from the EFI), I could easily go buy the real thing for a couple of grand - or hell, go buy a Nighthawk from a couple of years ago.  Sorry, but I've come (albeit not lately) to expect more out of Honda.

[chornbe]

Sorry, but I've come (albeit not lately) to expect more out of Honda.

I hear you, but... take a step back and look at what they *DO* offer. (and hey... I'm a long-time Honda lover turned apathetic)

* Cutting edge new Sport-tourer. Love or hate it, the VFR1200 *is* a rather new and charging and polarizing machine.
* The worlds best touring bike. Harley may own the market, but the 'Wing is a class leader, a class definer!
* World class sport/racing bikes. I mean... CBR1K... 'nuff said.
* Retro bikes - the new CB1100 is exactly what it purports to be
* dirt bikes that are ageless and beloved
* cruisers that are new redefined and seem to be gaining market appeal. They do not lead, but they follow and usually improve while doing so.

Honda may not be what they once were, but they are a long way from dead and ignorable.

[county]

At 248 kilos it's fat, like the FJR.  And it doesn't even have a radiator.

[oldenslow]

+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.

+2.  It reminds me of the old Kawasaki Zephyr.  If Honda wants to sell a standard, bring over the 1300 for crissakes!

[steve.m]

I hear you, but... take a step back and look at what they *DO* offer. (and hey... I'm a long-time Honda lover turned apathetic)

* Cutting edge new Sport-tourer. Love or hate it, the VFR1200 *is* a rather new and charging and polarizing machine.
* The worlds best touring bike. Harley may own the market, but the 'Wing is a class leader, a class definer!
* World class sport/racing bikes. I mean... CBR1K... 'nuff said.
* Retro bikes - the new CB1100 is exactly what it purports to be
* dirt bikes that are ageless and beloved
* cruisers that are new redefined and seem to be gaining market appeal. They do not lead, but they follow and usually improve while doing so.

Honda may not be what they once were, but they are a long way from dead and ignorable.

sorry chris, but i've gotta disagree with most of your points there.

*the new viffer isn't all that radical of a design.  they put a miniaturized version of audi or mitsu's semiauto transmission on there as an option and did some work with crumple zones.  crumple zones...i mean really, on a bike?  you've got to resign yourself to the fact that if you screw up, you're getting hurt.  honda can't engineer themselves out of that small piece of physics.
*the wing is what it is...but i'm not big on it.  i'd prefer the ultra (but that's just me and my good taste talking  )
*cbr is a nice bike and a brutal track weapon, but the R1 is the better bike these days (technically speaking)
*retro, they'll never touch harley and this CB would likely flop in the states.  mcqueen,bronson and easy rider didn't ride hondas.  the retro factor is negligible
*i'll agree with dirt bikes
*did you really just say something good about honda's cruisers??  

disclaimer:  these are all my opinions and i hold fast to them.  any attempts to dissuade me will only result in sticks and stones and name-calling, possibly scratching and biting as well.  you have been warned  

[chornbe]

possibly scratching and biting as well.  you have been warned  

Oh, man.... you take your pillow talk somewhere else, pal!

[steve.m]

 

[SpitfireTriple]

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

A cynical man might wonder whether Honda will say now they have no plans to export it, only to relent later "following an amazing response from the people of (name your country".

[atadaskew]

Why are people surprised this isn't coming to the US?  It would be a showroom anchor like all the other nekkid Japanese bikes before it.

Anyway, the prototype version had uprated suspension, cooler tail light, nicer passenger foot peg brackets, different (better?) brakes etc etc so what you would get, hypothetically, is a severely lamed down version of the original intent.

Much much cooler is their nekkid CB1000RR, which of course isn't coming here.  Cuz no-one would buy it (apart from the two of you who would wait a couple of years for a nicely farkled low mileage unit to hit craigslist...)

Honda may be lame, butt they're not stupid.  They're not going to certify and import a bike because 5 people say they may buy one..

[chornbe]

Bingo

Why are people surprised this isn't coming to the US?  It would be a showroom anchor like all the other nekkid Japanese bikes before it.

Anyway, the prototype version had uprated suspension, cooler tail light, nicer passenger foot peg brackets, different (better?) brakes etc etc so what you would get, hypothetically, is a severely lamed down version of the original intent.

Much much cooler is their nekkid CB1000RR, which of course isn't coming here.  Cuz no-one would buy it (apart from the two of you who would wait a couple of years for a nicely farkled low mileage unit to hit craigslist...)

Honda may be lame, butt they're not stupid.  They're not going to certify and import a bike because 5 people say they may buy one..

[kendenton]

Sad, but true.  As much as I like the CB1300 I know there aren't enough folks over here to make it a viable proposition for Honda.

[bikerstarfjr08]

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.

The real question on this forum is................Is the bike lighter than an FJR? Just trying to beat county to the punch. Thasss all im sayin.

NOTE: Damn, he already jumped in. Missed it. Crap.

[Hardware]

...87 bhp.  Hmm.  Okay, it doesn't need to be a 150 bhp monster, but is 87 bhp enough?...

According to the links at the end of the vid, it looks like this bike is intended for the Japanese market.  The overall styling closely matches bobbed 400cc bikes I used to see daily when I lived in Tokyo.

Japanese spec bikes are restricted to somewhere in the mid-high 80's in terms of hp.  I knew an ex-pat in Tokyo who rode a Japanese spec VFR.  His bike was limited to 85 or 87 hp - where a North American spec Viffer makes just over what, 100 hp?

My guess is if this bike was ever sold in NA, it would come from the factory in the neighbourhood of 100 hp - or could easily be uncorked by it's owners.

[chornbe]

According to the links at the end of the vid, it looks like this bike is intended for the Japanese market.  The overall styling closely matches bobbed 400cc bikes I used to see daily when I lived in Tokyo.

Japanese spec bikes are restricted to somewhere in the mid-high 80's in terms of hp.  I knew an ex-pat in Tokyo who rode a Japanese spec VFR.  His bike was limited to 85 or 87 hp - where a North American spec Viffer makes just over what, 100 hp?

My guess is if this bike was ever sold in NA, it would come from the factory in the neighbourhood of 100 hp - or could easily be uncorked by it's owners.

You've got a lot of nerve bringing facts and reasoned analysis into a thread that was just gearing up for some fantastic baseless and uninformed bashing.

[bikerstarfjr08]

 His bike was limited to 85 or 87 hp - where a North American spec Viffer makes just over what, 100 hp?

My Dynojet print out shows 120.97 HP at the rear wheel and 82.16 lb/ft. A little better than "just over 100 HP?"

[Hardware]

You've got a lot of nerve bringing facts and reasoned analysis into a thread that was just gearing up for some fantastic baseless and uninformed bashing.

That's me...nervy and analytical...or analytically nervous...or...drunk...

[Mach VIII]

[Sigh] I almost mentioned the CB1000R.  That's the ONE bike Honda currently makes that really DOES excite me.  While I've never bought a brand new bike in my life, if Honda brought that over here, I might just have to find a way to get one in my garage.  But this silly lo-tech dinosaur of a UJM they've just released - bah!  NFW.  I hope they never bring that thing here to the US.  

I think Honda has foisted quite enough crap on us in the last few years, from pathetically lame cruisers (after killing off their unique and better performing V4 & B6 cruisers), a 5 years too late chopper, a $15k scooter, the lame Dullville, the gaudy and overpriced no-purpose Rune, etc.  Nevermind that they've not bothered to bring us an Adventure bike, a modern and competitive dual sport (ie. something lighter and better kitted than the ancient XR650L), a proper naked (ie. one that isn't underperforming and overpriced), or a decent half-faired sporting bike.  Hell, even the almighty Wing is what, 7 years old?  And WTF is going on in the styling department???

Sorry, I didn't mean to turn this into a Honda rant.  Honest.    

[Hardware]

My Dynojet print out shows 120.97 HP at the rear wheel and 82.16 lb/ft. A little better than "just over 100 HP?"

Notice I put the "what" in that sentence.

I recall hearing a friend who owns an '02 or '03 mention around 120 hp.  When I was writing the other post I did a quick search and found a Wiki article that listed 107.

That's why I left it vague - I didn't want Viffer owners to get all whiny...

[bikerstarfjr08]

At 248 kilos it's fat, like the FJR.  And it doesn't even have a radiator.

NO thread would be complete without County crappin on the FJR.

[bikerstarfjr08]

That's why I left it vague - I didn't want Viffer owners to get all whiny...

With County lurking around, all us Viffer owners are just a bit paranoid about ANY comment regarding our beloved machines.

[Hardware]

The Viffer is a great bike - just not for me.

I remember a moto mag article years ago on an earlier gen VFR where they basically said that as moto journalists, they had to find something wrong with the VFR...so they bitched about the font on the gauges.

[chornbe]

...so they bitched about the font on the gauges.

that might explain all the commotion over the t-shirt design for the National.

[bikerstarfjr08]

I remember a moto mag article years ago on an earlier gen VFR where they basically said that as moto journalists, they had to find something wrong with the VFR...so they bitched about the font on the gauges.

I hope County reads this. It just might give him a real reason to hate the FJR. I think he needs a real reason.

[Mookie]

Weak sauce.  My old 84 Suzuki GS 1150 made 125 hp stock, with a bitchin' torque curve to match.  You'd be better off just getting an old CB750 and doing some simple upgrades to it.

[atadaskew]

Weak sauce.  My old 84 Suzuki GS 1150 made 125 hp stock, with a bitchin' torque curve to match.  

Yeah butt that's before people told you all you needed was 85hp out of a motor that size.  

Hold on a sec.. 2010 - 1984 = 26 years.  125 - 85 = 40hp.

26 years later, almost 50% less hp.  Now THAT'S progress!  Nice work Honda!

[gritsngravy]

Last time I checked Honda still makes some fairly powerful bikes.    

I'm really liking this new air cooled bike, very sweet.     My guess is if they do import it to the states BUY ONE quick 'cause it won't be on the market long.     I'd love to see a return to more rational and insurance friendly bikes like this one.    87 hp is more than adequate for this machine, even for County.

[chornbe]

Last time I checked Honda still makes some fairly powerful bikes.    

I'm really liking this new air cooled bike, very sweet.     My guess is if they do import it to the states BUY ONE quick 'cause it won't be on the market long.     I'd love to see a return to more rational and insurance friendly bikes like this one.    87 hp is more than adequate for this machine, even for County.

He has a 450 Rebel and a girl's BMW... this thing might scare him.

[homebrew]

Weak sauce.  My old 84 Suzuki GS 1150 made 125 hp stock, with a bitchin' torque curve to match.  You'd be better off just getting an old CB750 and doing some simple upgrades to it.

You know they used to measure horsepower differently back then.  125 is wishful thinking.

[BradleyRas]

Nice looking bike. Always liked the old honda air cooled bikes. Depending on the US market HP I would be interested.

sad to see this thread turned into a my dick is bigger than yours thread    

[Mookie]

You know they used to measure horsepower differently back then.  125 is wishful thinking.

source? It was the worlds fastest motorcycle so I don't think that number is all that wishful.

[BobM]

OK a nice Standard, old style like my bonnie, 87 hp ok, now price it affordable.

[IrishFazerBoy]

I like it!   The Triumph Bonneville is good for what 65 hp, the Scrambler for 50 ish.    Both very nice bikes also.   Comfy and Fun.   Leave egos at the door, we're riding!   The only fly in the ointment will be price I'm afraid.  

[JIMLARCH]

I hear you, but... take a step back and look at what they *DO* offer. (and hey... I'm a long-time Honda lover turned apathetic)

* Cutting edge new Sport-tourer. Love or hate it, the VFR1200 *is* a rather new and charging and polarizing machine.
* The worlds best touring bike. Harley may own the market, but the 'Wing is a class leader, a class definer!
* World class sport/racing bikes. I mean... CBR1K... 'nuff said.
* Retro bikes - the new CB1100 is exactly what it purports to be
* dirt bikes that are ageless and beloved
* cruisers that are new redefined and seem to be gaining market appeal. They do not lead, but they follow and usually improve while doing so.

Honda may not be what they once were, but they are a long way from dead and ignorable.

I have 3 Honda's in my garage, all from the 80's.  I think they build a fine product, but in the last few years they seem to have lost there way when it comes to styling, and make some horrible looking bikes.  If they are trying to be different, they are succeeding, but I don't like them.

[SpitfireTriple]

According to the links at the end of the vid, it looks like this bike is intended for the Japanese market.  The overall styling closely matches bobbed 400cc bikes I used to see daily when I lived in Tokyo.

Japanese spec bikes are restricted to somewhere in the mid-high 80's in terms of hp.  I knew an ex-pat in Tokyo who rode a Japanese spec VFR.  His bike was limited to 85 or 87 hp - where a North American spec Viffer makes just over what, 100 hp?

My guess is if this bike was ever sold in NA, it would come from the factory in the neighbourhood of 100 hp - or could easily be uncorked by it's owners.

Aha! We have an insight!  I didn't know that about Japanese domestic bikes being limited to 80-odd bhp.  If that's an accurate statement, then it will indeed be easy to unlock the missing HP.

[sammyseaman]

[Sigh] I almost mentioned the CB1000R.  That's the ONE bike Honda currently makes that really DOES excite me.  While I've never bought a brand new bike in my life, if Honda brought that over here, I might just have to find a way to get one in my garage.  But this silly lo-tech dinosaur of a UJM they've just released - bah!  NFW.  I hope they never bring that thing here to the US.  

I think Honda has foisted quite enough crap on us in the last few years, from pathetically lame cruisers (after killing off their unique and better performing V4 & B6 cruisers), a 5 years too late chopper, a $15k scooter, the lame Dullville, the gaudy and overpriced no-purpose Rune, etc.  Nevermind that they've not bothered to bring us an Adventure bike, a modern and competitive dual sport (ie. something lighter and better kitted than the ancient XR650L), a proper naked (ie. one that isn't underperforming and overpriced), or a decent half-faired sporting bike.  Hell, even the almighty Wing is what, 7 years old?  And WTF is going on in the styling department???

Sorry, I didn't mean to turn this into a Honda rant.  Honest.    

I couldn't have said it any better  

[UFO]

I kind of like it, looks like something fun to just cruise around on...but it's certainly nothing I pay to own considering all the other bikes on the market.  And I'd hazard to guess that every person in this thread who says they would buy one if it were brought to the US...wouldn't.

[Giaka]

Its a cool bike but no I wouldn't buy one. Knowing Honda it would cost $19,000! Besides other than looking old it wouldn't do anything any better than the bikes I currently have in my garage. As far as being boring? If you find bordom in ANY bike, don't blame the bike, blame the rider.

[ST-DocLizard1]

An interesting video from Mother Honda. The open-face helmet and 5 point shield reminds me of times gone bye.

Doc

[Hardware]

Aha! We have an insight!  I didn't know that about Japanese domestic bikes being limited to 80-odd bhp.  If that's an accurate statement, then it will indeed be easy to unlock the missing HP.

It's accurate.

I bought my Hayabusa there - a Canadian spec bike with a Transport Canada registered VIN right from the dealer's warehouse.

Certain sportbike models (Hayabusas and Blackbirds are two I specifically recall...I believe most of the 1000 cc bikes are the same) aren't built to Japanese spec.  They're built to various foreign specs (Canadian, EU or Aussie were ones I saw in showrooms) then exported to Hong Kong, literally shipped right back two weeks or so later which apparently exploits some obscure Japanese trade loophole.  

Then the bikes are sold to dealers and offered up in regular showrooms - proudly marketed (in Kanji and English) as "FULL POWER MODELS".

I was on the fence between getting the Blackbird or Hayabusa, but Cdn spec 'Busas were easy to find.  The Blackbirds I found were all Euro spec.

I did a LOT of research to pull it all off.  

A coworker who returned to Canada before me didn't do his homework and listened to a loudmouth French guy who told him he could import any motorcycle.  The guy bought a 2-3 year old Yamaha XJR 1300 thinking he could import it.  Word we got was Customs wouldn't allow him to import it once it arrived in Canada with the rest of his shipment and ordered it crushed.

[JReazor]

That's hot.

[SpitfireTriple]

Isn't it just.

Essence of motorcycle.

[Oilhed]

OK a nice Standard, old style like my bonnie, 87 hp ok, now price it affordable.

Does anyone know the title and artist of the song in the video?  85hp/500lb/5 gallon/40mpg is my idea of a decent motorcycle.

[steve.m]

7 pages  

[maddjack]

I kind of like it, looks like something fun to just cruise around on...but it's certainly nothing I pay to own considering all the other bikes on the market.  And I'd hazard to guess that every person in this thread who says they would buy one if it were brought to the US...wouldn't.

Well that might be , only because Honda hasn't been realistic about pricing for a whiile. Price it right some will sell but it would never be a major player on the market. And please everyone don't sigguest past naked experiances, my two dealers never had a 799 or any of the other naked standards , to even look at on the floor. They set the market, unless you wanted to buy one , sight unseen. Race replicas and ST/ gold wings. They even chinz on dirt bikes at some of the local shops. WTF?

[Oilhed]

 Well that might be , only because Honda hasn't been realistic about pricing for a whiile. Price it right some will sell but it would never be a major player on the market. And please everyone don't sigguest past naked experiances, my two dealers never had a 799 or any of the other naked standards , to even look at on the floor. They set the market, unless you wanted to buy one , sight unseen. Race replicas and ST/ gold wings. They even chinz on dirt bikes at some of the local shops. WTF?

Well I'm thinking the last two bikes I bought new were a BMW & a Ducati.  I can buy this Honda AND a new Kawi KLR650 for less than a new BMW or Ducati and I just might.

[maddjack]

Well I'm thinking the last two bikes I bought new were a BMW & a Ducati.  I can buy this Honda AND a new Kawi KLR650 for less than a new BMW or Ducati and I just might.

No kidding why didn't you add MV in there  

[Oilhed]

 No kidding why didn't you add MV in there  

cuz I have never owned nor considered buying one  

[ninegear]

heres a question. just who is this bike being marketed to on a personal level. i dont think it would be to bad in europe and might make a few sales in america.

to me i think this bike will do decent for comuters. or people who feel the need to make this a cafe racer.(not much modding need to be done there.

[miles]

I like the retro styling a lot.  The proto was the best of them.
This:


reminds me of one of my favorite bikes of all time:

[SpitfireTriple]

Yes, it does have similar lines doesn't it.  Clean and simple somehow. Honest.

And I agree that the original prototype was a better looking bike than the production machine.  Personally I think that in the move to the production model, Honda have somehow lost the essence of the original idea.  I'd buy the prototype, I wouldn't buy the production machine.

It's amazing, isn't it, how just a tiny change here and a tiny change there can make the difference between beauty and no beauty.  I suppose it's the same with a woman's face.

[Oilhed]

And I agree that the original prototype was a better looking bike than the production machine.  Personally I think that in the move to the production model, Honda have somehow lost the essence of the original idea.  I'd buy the prototype, I wouldn't buy the production machine.

Am I not seeing it or or all the pics I have of prototypes?  Looks like just the seat and passenger rails are different.

[Rincewind]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/March/mar1210-honda-cb1100-not-coming-to-uk/?&R=EPI-122728

Honda UK have re-iterated their decision not to import the new CB1100 to the UK stating “it was not deemed that there would be sufficient demand across Europe to make the development and production of a European specification machine cost effective.”

Wankers.  They have the production and money to make it happen in the US and UK - I don't believe it for a second.  Honda can drop big money on a Scooter/bike mash-up, the DN-01, that flops; they can dump money in a chopper-cruiser, that no one wants.  But they can't import something that resonates with their own history, something that people may actually buy.  Buncha BS.

[atadaskew]

Am I not seeing it or or all the pics I have of prototypes?  Looks like just the seat and passenger rails are different.

At a quick glance, the following is also different:
Headers
Exhaust
Rear suspension
Tail light
Turn signals
Engine case
Mirrors
Instrument surround
Headlight seems smaller

[SpitfireTriple]

And most importantly, look closely at the engine.  The entire engine is different.  I suspect it's a variation on the existing CB1300 water-cooled engine.  I'm not against this sort of economy per se.  Engines are expensive things to develop and tool up to produce.  A manufacturer that started each model revision afresh would soon be out of business, spending far too much on development and tooling.  But in the case of the CB1100 production versus prototype, I for one think Honda have thrown the baby out with the bathwater.  It's no longer special. It's just yet another naked bike.

[steve.m]

everyone knows honda buyers fear change.  the 1100 cc twin market worked for a LONG time, they're probably just trying to get buyers to say "hey, i had an 1100 twin, i can ride an 1100 I-4.  that way they don't scare away the 50 going on 16 year olds.  

[SpitfireTriple]

Honda make an 1100 twin?

[steve.m]

used to be all the shadow cruisers were 1100's, they dropped them for the 1300...so now they reintroduce the same number in a I-4

it's all bull$hit i'm shoveling here...i just like picking on hondas who's names don't end in RR

[SpitfireTriple]

Hmmm.  I can't agree with you that Honda's motive in selecting a capacity of 1100cc was to attract former 1100 twin owners.  Can't prove you're wrong, just my opinion.

[motrhead]

I like the retro styling a lot.  The proto was the best of them.
This:


reminds me of one of my favorite bikes of all time:

 That's more than reminding...that's a complete ripoff. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that recognised the SRX styling.

[Thunderbox]

Great looking bike no doubt about that.  For those who have a problem keeping up to the lower HP bikes in the corners this won't be a consideration for you.  You need that extra HP so you can speed down the staights like a bat out of hell.  Man are you good.

This is the dirrection some manufacturer needs to go.  The high HP sport bike market is not growing any more.  Its getting smaller all the time.  This may be the way Honda has to go to increase sales or go all cruiser bike.  The though of an all cruiser bike world just makes me shiver.

Triumph is making a good percentage of their sales on retro bikes with low HP.  Guzzi's V7C is making good sales also at only 46 HP.  I know lots of people who have to have the most HP or they just aren't happy but to dis any other bike because it isn't what they want is just childish and shows a lack of maturity.

Relatively few riders are lucky enough to discover that there is a lot more to a lifetime of motorcycling enjoyment than just going fast. Those who do... become "motorcyclists".  The rest just happen to be riding a motorcycle.  

[vguy]

These all look pretty neat, especially the cafe version...



A few years ago I conjured up this CB750 retro based on the Nighthawk 750 from the 1990's. I sure hope Honda does something right for a change.

[Baz]

Just one problem with marketing this bike.

Those of us who would find this bike cool have all moved on to Gold wings, Cruisers or walkers.  

I just don't see a big market.

[SpitfireTriple]

You may have "moved on" as you put it.
Others, alas, are still stuck in the rut from which you have manfully escaped.  I'm one of them.  And, no doubt, there are others, even now, jumping into that rut to replace those who claw their way out.

Edit: I'm being rather mean here, especially given that you added the bit about "walkers"....

[johnnyquest]

I also like...

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

I like this bike for two reasons: 1. It's a Honda and most likely will run forever and 2. I love the standard riding position, a la Triumph Bonneville. And I love the pic of the one with the flyscreen. Based on the pricing for the NT700, this bike will probably cost $17,000.

Looks great though.

JQ

[JonS]

I can't deny this this version has a lot of appeal.



Around the world there are a lot of people who love the old CB750-1100s, though I doubt that this bike will be a success. The only way it will work is if  the price is very reasonable.

[naustin]

My wife LOVES the look of that bike, and it would be perfect for her.  Maybe someday she'll buy one and I can 'borrow' it now and then.

If honda doesn't bring it to the states, I'll have to write them a really nasty letter.  

[mlinkibikr]

When the original Kawasaki Z1 came out it "only" had 82 HP.  I would write a check for this one in a heartbeat.  

[1KPerDay]

CW says Honda has no plans to bring the CB1100 to the states. Says it will cost $10K plus and that's a hard sell for a "naked" "standard" bike in these parts.