Back in 2007, Honda debuted several prototypes at the Tokyo Motor Show, among them a standard-style CB1100 that reincarnated the bike's groundbreaking '60s and '70s-era CB-series motorcycles. Fast forward to 2010, and the CB1100 has finally hit production... for the Japanese market.
The modern CB sticks to the basics, and from what I gathered on the Japanese Honda website, it's got an 1,140cc engine that produces 87 horsepower. Curb weight is 536 pounds (545 pounds with ABS), and apart from the anti-lock option, the new old bike appears to be fairly elementally basic. Incidentally, the bike-you-can-see-through phenomenon sure contrasts future-chic Hondas of late, like the automatic transmission-equipped DN-01 and the VFR 1200F sport tourer.
To find out if and when we're getting the CB1100 in the U.S., I called my PR contact at Honda, who-- rather predictably-- didn't have an answer for me. He did, however, say, "I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" to which I replied, "I want one, too!"
How about you? Take a look at this 2010 Honda CB1100 Photo Gallery for a closer look.
Source: Honda Japan (with zen-like video here)
Related:
- Honda Confirms Five More 2010 Motorcycles... But Dude, Where's The CB1100?
- 2009/2010 Honda Buyer's Guide
- 2007 Tokyo Motor Show Honda Motorcycles Revealed
- Retro-Styled Honda CB1100F, CB1100R, and Futuristic EVO6 Concepts Revealed!
Photo © Honda; click for photo gallery
I want one three! Reminds me of my old ’78 Honda CB (400). I would love a version of that old bike with fuel injection and ABS.
I had a 1973 cb 500, what a great bike and this one looks cool too. Just wish they made it a 750 instead of a 1100. It could compete with bikes like the Triumph Bonneville then, another cool retro bike.
In typical Honda fashion, the fit, finish & quality will be the standard to measure others by, however I don’t think it will gain a foot hold, or a following big enough in North America to warrant the cost of developing a N.A. spec model.
I say this because:
With the retro throw back to “the day” which I remember clearly & fondly, this bike brings to 2010 with it:
- Air cooling
- Again typical ‘back in the day’ Honda fashion, at least 50 ~ 60 lbs too much weight
- Only 87HP? It’s an 1100!
I’m playing devils advocate here.
I have no doubt it’s a great ride, but those 3 factors alone will kill it over here. The riders on this side of both puddles are absolutely & inexorably wired in to 3 styles of bikes. Demon sport bikes (my favorite), Tourers, and Cruisers. Anything other than those is such a small segment, the manufactures are nervous about the considerable investment to make them legal for our market. The people who like this bike, REALLY like it, but it’s a small niche.
As a result, that small group of diehards miss a lot of very cool bikes from all the manufacturers.
I’m with Pete on this one. Although the CB1100 does bring size (which is favored on this side of the pond) to the table which may help its cause.
Remember Kawasaki had the W650 in the earlier years of the past decade and it lasted all of 2 maybe 3 model years before it was pulled due to lack of sales. It was retro-styled and out-Bonnevilled the nouveau Bonneville in price and performance – but the niche just wasn’t big enough.
I think Pete is right on too, if it was a 750, I think it would have had a chance to sell in the US. Would have been a good starter bike for many and would have played into the growing women market as well, but being a 1100 and only 87 hp it’s to slow for performance minded people and to big and heavy for newbies. Seems to me that Honda just missed on this one, shame because it’s a very cool looking bike.
Hi Joe,
I don’t know if it’s a case of ‘missed’ on this one. There’s a very good reason we can’t buy them here – they won’t sell…But – Which came first?…It won’t sell, or we can’t buy it?
At the end of the day the bike, and lots like it, are a hit in other markets, who – depending on your view point – are quite a bit more open minded than most North American riders. The UJM is pretty much dead over here, but it’s very big in Europe & Asia. Some of us, ummm, ‘seasoned’ guys, rode UJM’s for a long time, and not having the option now is, I think, our loss.
Very true Pete, I’m sure the rest of the world may like this bike. I was just trying to say if they did bring a retro bike like this to the US, in a smaller displacement, I think it would sell well. The Truimph Bonneville and HD Sportster sell pretty well in the US and they are good bikes and a smaller displacement bike like this could compete with them. I think Basem was trying to get at with this blog was if this bike should come to the US. If Honda did bring this to the US in a 1100 cc I think it would just miss the mark (because of the big displacement ).
That as well is very true. While bigger has an undeniable appeal (too much HP is almost enough!), it is not necessarily the best seller.
A 750 version might do really well…a little less $ to buy. Speaking of nostalgia, which this bike is big on, the “CB750″ started it all.
I’m not sure what insurance is like in the 50 States, but in most parts of Canada it’s open season on motorcyclists…rape & pillage, at & over a litre. Some companies close the door in your face or hang up as soon as they hear 1000cc or sport bike.
I’m paying almost $1100 / year for nothing other than 3rd party on an 03 Superhawk. 40+ years riding…no tickets in at least 15 years and zero claims. (the no tickets bit is sxxxhouse luck)
Basem….Insurance woes might make an interesting blog?
makes me miss my ’83 Yamaha XJ750. That was a great bike, I owned it for like 17 years.
oh, and it was 86hp as I recall.
That’s one of a million UJM love stories. Over 11 years, I put 60,000 miles on a ’79 GS850 Suzuki. 80hp at best.
Bullet proof and stone ax reliable.
I agree with most of the other posters, make it a 750 and it would be great. My current ride is a 1982 Honda CB750F, and I’d love to find a modern alternative to replace it. This style of bike just does it for me, but I realize others don’t feel the same — until then, I’ll try to keep my old CB750F running.
Anyone ever see Yamaha’s XJR1300 sold in Europe?
That’s the one I want!!!
This bike is selling like hot cakes in Japan. I just ordered one!!
I think it will sell fine.. I see a lot of younger hipstes and guys my age with their older STD. Jap bikes.. I know I love a STD. over other bikes.. I think there is a great chance it will sell right.