HONDA CB1100 (2013 - on) Review

This model has ABS, an important feature for me.

Smooth and powerful, love the low end torque.

Zero issues, totally reliable.

Servicing is not complicated. I do my own maintenance including tire and chain replacement, oil changes etc. Mileage is usually just under 50 mpg.

Removed the original mufflers and the center stand (I have a lift). Installed "Coffman's Exhaust System's cans. The net weight loss was 22 pounds. The sound is sweet and satisfying, not too loud when cruising but great snarl when accelerating or when you want a pretty girl to know you notice.

Comfy and rides well for 2-3 hours before I need to step off. Really good pillion ride. Sweeping curves are fun but plan ahead into bends. The back wheel can be temperamental if you ignore some basic rules and think for a second you’re on a super sport.

Nearly fell off the back the first time I really opened the throttle! My inexperience on it more than the bike. Good power delivery, if rather gradual. Mechanic pal described it as “a plodder” but he rides a Fireblade. No sports bike, though. More for cruising. Great on hills!

Only once did the battery go flat (my stupid fault in darkest Covid times). The build is excellent. Switches are much better than, say, the Yamaha equivalent. Stay on top of the chrome, though. “Tin trays” are less attractive if dull.

Standard servicing and no big issues. It eats front tyres for breakfast but replacement costs are low.

The sitting position on the seat! Seriously, it’s like a sofa. Many miles and little pain.

I have given it 5 because when you ride the bike within its design limits it is worth 5, push it beyond and the standard suspension gets a bit bouncy at the rear so a 4, but there are no dramas through the bends, all is controllable and plush-try one you will love it.

Lovely like putting your finger through whipped cream!

Its a modern bike, with limited technology other than fuel injection so I doubt it will ever go badly wrong!

Cheap as chips to service-and can be done at home-simples!

It has all you need to know about.

Excellent brakes, front better than rear, classic riding experience with 70s type handling which you get used to fast. Twin shocks a bit basic but that's part of the charm.

Really smooth and tractable, adequate power for the character of the bike. No problem with a road overtakes, fairly quiet but still has a good sound.

I use mine to commute, 16400 miles in two years now in all weathers bar snow and ice. No faults at all, zero oil consumption, generally good corrosion resistance except for some furring of the cooling fins despite ACF-50

Always returns 50mpg even when ridden quite hard, Dunlop D204 tyres last approx 7000 miles. Servicing cheaper than some, though needs oil change every 4000 miles

Hasn't many hi tech bits, though abs seems very good (doesn't cut in easily) great attention to details, especially the deep paint, comstar style wheels and footrest hangars. It's a quality refined act

The ride is excellent and the brakes cannot be faulted.

The engine is smooth throughout the range and easy to manage. One should not expect it to produce vicious power has it was never intended for that.

With less than 500 miles the under surfaces of the mudguards started to show signs of corrosion, as did the spokes. Honda UK arranged for my dealer to replace the spokes but refused to do anything about the mudguards, which they claimed was normal! Fortunately my dealer didn't agree with them and put the matter right themselves. Now with around 1500 miles dry miles, the engine finish is showing signs of distress. Goodness knows what it would be like had it been ridden in the wet!

I do not think the £9,999 the bike cost would have been excessive, had they used better quality materials in the build. I used to own a 1969 CB750 K0 which showed no signs of corrosion after many miles of everyday use. A friend of mine has a K2, which again shows no signs of corrosion.

There is no doubting the fact that the bike is beautiful to look at. It's not often I'm approached by people in the street and told as much. I am quite happy with the standard equipment