2013 Honda CB1100 Retro
Honda has come up with a winning combination of a classic retro bike in the advent of the CB1100. Based on the 1969 CB750, Honda did a great job in catching the essence of the Japanese invasion of North America. The bike does look like it came from the late 60' s or early 70' s, with a few "modern-fications" to meet the challenges of today. And with only 75 being imported into Canada for the 2013 season (pearl White , Blue in the US) owning one makes this bike highly desirable, and the ride and handling characteristics makes the bike even more desirable!
In producing the CB1100, It looks like Honda took a page out of the Harley manual and raided the parts bin to change the looks and produce a new bike from existing stock. The exhaust system looks very close to that found on the CBF1000,
the handlebars / triple tree remind me of a CBF "Biffer", the forks are really similar to those found on the Biffer as well, or maybe the 919, which are similar to the Biffer (get the idea),
and the instrument cluster looks real similar to the 919. Hmm?
Oh yes, check out the headlight. Look familiar? Not to mention the signal lights, but they can be found on the VT 750's and the VT 1300's. This where Honda missed the total mark because the original signal lights on machines of this vintage were of the rectangular style, and metal.
On the not-so-out-of-parts-bins are the fenders, they are not plastic but are metal. A real throw-back, and chrome to boot.
The braking system of the 1100 is definitely not old school. This beauty comes with dual discs on the front and single disc on the rear. the best thing.... the brakes are C-ABS, and stop the bike, under complete control from hard braking, easily, and in a short distance. I am a big believer in the ABS braking systems (especially C-ABS) and Honda did not disappoint here!
The centre stand is also a plus, and if you have never had a motorcycle with a centre stand before, you may not appreciate the convenience of this stand, but when it comes to routine maintenance or storing the bike for a period of time, the centre stand is invaluable!
This bike is one that you sit on, not sit in. Again, it harkens back to a different era in riding. Once on the bike, you note the simple ergonomics and comfy feel. The handlebars, for me, were perfect for the long haul or doing parking lot maneuvers as I did not have to stretch in making tight turns, and that seat, wide and easy on the butt.
On the highway, comfort, power, and quiet. The 1100 has plenty of power to spare, allowing you to pass vehicles on the main highway traveling at 100 km/h or in excess with a mere twist of the throttle ( just hold on as the acceleration wants to push you out of that comfy seat, and the added wind blast tries to help as well!) Did I say WOW?
This bike is one that you sit on, not sit in. Again, it harkens back to a different era in riding. Once on the bike, you note the simple ergonomics and comfy feel. The handlebars, for me, were perfect for the long haul or doing parking lot maneuvers as I did not have to stretch in making tight turns, and that seat, wide and easy on the butt.
On the highway, comfort, power, and quiet. The 1100 has plenty of power to spare, allowing you to pass vehicles on the main highway traveling at 100 km/h or in excess with a mere twist of the throttle ( just hold on as the acceleration wants to push you out of that comfy seat, and the added wind blast tries to help as well!) Did I say WOW?
On back roads, the CB feels much lighter than it really is, and makes the twisties that much more enjoyable. It takes no effort to push steer or find its line on the road. The upright seating position also allows you to maintain excellent control while maintaining a comfortable and relaxed stance which will enable you to cruise for long periods at a time ( or at least in my case, until my pee threshold gets to me :). Wearing a full face helmet, this machine was extremely quiet as my helmet did not have any turbulent sounds or buffeting from directed wind blasts caused by other bikes wind screens. I almost had to check to see if I was loosing my hearing during my rides because my helmet, although fairly quiet on my own bike, was unbelievably quiet on this one.
The upright seating position (remember, sitting on, not sitting in) makes this beauty comfortable without sacrificing strain on your back or shoulders. As well, because of the superb riders triangle, the bike is at home on the highway or back roads and especially with the ever important slow speed parking lot maneuvers. You can't say that about all bikes.
Overall, the CB1100 is a joy to ride and one of the most nimble bikes you would ever want. On the down side, the price is pricy. At $13199, the folks at Honda Canada need to readjust the pricing structure ( the same bike, err, almost the same bike ) can be had for $9999. However, they are not white or have ABS. As well, if you bring it in from the states, Honda Canada does not honour the warranty. Something to think about. So, if you are looking for a " keeper", this is the bike!
The upright seating position (remember, sitting on, not sitting in) makes this beauty comfortable without sacrificing strain on your back or shoulders. As well, because of the superb riders triangle, the bike is at home on the highway or back roads and especially with the ever important slow speed parking lot maneuvers. You can't say that about all bikes.
Overall, the CB1100 is a joy to ride and one of the most nimble bikes you would ever want. On the down side, the price is pricy. At $13199, the folks at Honda Canada need to readjust the pricing structure ( the same bike, err, almost the same bike ) can be had for $9999. However, they are not white or have ABS. As well, if you bring it in from the states, Honda Canada does not honour the warranty. Something to think about. So, if you are looking for a " keeper", this is the bike!