HONDA CB1100 EX (2017 - 2021) Review
Highlights
- Smooth and relaxed riding experience
- Honda build quality
- Retro looks with modern running gear
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
| Power: | 88 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.1 in / 790 mm) |
| Weight: | High (562 lbs / 255 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIf the sun is out and you want a carefree ride on a great looking retro, there aren’t many better options than the CB1100 EX. It’s Honda at its very best and has a feeling of quality and refinement about it as well as a welcome bit of old-school rawness and charm.
- Latest news: How the Honda CB1100 engine survived for so long
THe Honda CB1100EX was dropped from Honda's range when Euro5 regulations came into effect in 2021.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe EX is all about smooth motoring and the new conventional Showa Dual Bending Valve forks are set quite softly, which those aiming on hammering around bends may not appreciate. However if you are after a relaxed ride, they are wonderfully damped and help the bike glide over bumps with ease.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe air-cooled 1140cc inline four is a beauty and is typically smooth and precise in its operation. However Honda has also engineered in a pleasing degree of old-school rawness and it pings when it is cooling like CB’s of yesteryear and has a lovely raw sound at low revs thanks to altered valve timing between the cylinders.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueHonda doesn’t build a poor quality machine and the EX has the usual lovely level of detail. Everything has been thought about, refined, and then thought about again as it is developed over the years into this latest generation. It really is beautifully put together and has a real feeling of overall quality.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentA price tag of £10,795 makes the RX more expensive than the £9800 Triumph Bonneville models (which are a higher spec), the £9990 BMW R nineT Pure and the £8395 Ducati Scrambler Classic. In this context it does look a little over-priced considering what you are getting.
Equipment
The lack of adjustability on the suspension is a bit disappointing (you only get spring preload front and back to play with) but the motor has a slipper clutch as standard and there is also ABS. But this is a retro and the CB is all about the neat styling touches and on this front it really is impressive. What it lacks in traction control and varying fuel modes it makes up for in the fine details.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1140cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, air-cooled DOHC inline four |
| Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 16.8 litres |
| Seat height | 790mm |
| Bike weight | 255kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm conventional forks, -adjustable spring preload |
| Rear suspension | Twin shocks, adjustable spring preload |
| Front brake | 2x296mm disc four-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear brake | 256mm disc, one-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 110/80X18 |
| Rear tyre size | 140/70x18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £180 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £6,400 - £8,000 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | 2 year unlimited |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 88 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 67.1 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 170 miles |
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CB1100 (2017 - 2021)
5 owners have reviewed their HONDA CB1100 (2017 - 2021) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CB1100 (2017 - 2021)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Year: 2017
everything is great. takes me back to yesteryear
Buying experience: private $8800-8500
Version: EX
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £300
Most sophisticated, smooth, perfectly engineered motorcycle I've ever owned. A pleasure in every way.
Smooth as butter. And, if you even think about braking....it stops.
Smoothest, throatiest, solid feeling, predictable, adequate power.
If there are flaws, I have not found them.
Valve adjustments need professional help
It's a naked bike. The ABS standard is appreciated as is the comfy seat.
Buying experience: Private seller. $10K US
Version: EX
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £150
+ Well planted, excellent handling, comfortable. - Bloody heavy when moving around (in out of garage, parking space etc)
Although the saddle looks chunky and we'll padded, I get a ache in my bottom after 50 miles+ The Pillion seat is very short, ok for a 5ft slender Bird, but no good for a chunky lass with a fetish for pies and Lard. (You'll lose the rear tail light in her bum cheeks) 😂
Torque in abundance, silky smooth (like a Slug in a bucket of Snot).
Chrome tarnishes very easy, needs regular polishing to remove pits and blemishes.
Indicator switch and Horn button are around the wrong way. Never get used to it. The amount of times I've got road rage and dragged myself off the bike and give myself a good kicking for being honked up while leaving a roundabout onto a junction. Then realised it was me who beeped myself up while canceling the winker.
Buying experience: Full price from a dealer.
Version: EX
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £150
Top quality and smooth compliant ride. Not for racing but relaxing and enjoying old fashioned motorcycling.
Smooth. Brakes excellent.
Loads of torque. Sounds awesome.
Doesn’t come any better.
Change the oil myself.
Has everything you need and don’t need on a retro.
Buying experience: From dealer. Bought secondhand. Asking £7195 put paid £7000
Version: Pearlescent Yellow.
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £125
This is one that Honda has got right. Exceptional, good quality parts & build. Pure retro with modern technology. Can place both feet on the ground and good comfy seat with retro clear dials. People ask what it is and are very complimentary. Weight is extremely heavy. Drinks fuel very fast. Slipper clutch at slow maneuvering speeds a problem (lacks bite and feeling).
Comfortable bike to ride with a great sound at engine braking and acceleration. Brings a big smile. Power is plentiful and brakes are excellently balanced with ABS. I can ride this bike all day long if you pay for the fuel.
Reliability is excellent and looks great with all metal finish and platinum colours on the crankcase. Its got a real retro sound and feel that is hard to explain. Need to let engine and pipes cool for hours before placing bike cover.
There is no questioning the exceptional and good quality of these models. Very, very well built with quality parts. Everything, the seat, the dials, the spoked wheels, the crankcase, the engine, the exhaust pipes the paint quality. I know Honda make money on these bikes..... but it can't be much given the astonishing quality of every individual part.
Gets 4 out of 5 because of the high fuel costs. Very heavy on fuel. Couple of hours out and about and it is ready to be topped up again. These bikes are such exceptional quality that's why its such good value. Price may seem high but there is no doubting the exceptional quality and build.
ABS is standard. Heated grips is extra ( I got the Oxford). USB is extra (fitted under the seat). I normally buy an upgraded Corbin Seat .....no need on this bike as it is quality, comfy all day long and looks great. Factory supplied tyres are good on this bike and I have not felt a need to change or upgrade. Yellow is the colour that is popular.
Buying experience: Well for me, its always good at Honda Motorcycles......this is my 3rd Honda and I cannot complain about there customer service as I have always been very, very well treated. Got a better than good trade in price against it, in fact I was amazed. Its nice to speak to people that know there business and they know they will sell bikes everyday so there is no sales pressure.... just reassurance that it's Honda .........and that says it all.
