HONDA CB1100 EX (2017 - 2021) Review

Brakes are great and ride quality so much better than my previous Moto Guzzi V7. I find the seat okay for about 90 minutes and then I need a break. I sometimes wear cycling padded shorts under my riding jeans which helps. I’ve adjusted the preload settings to fine tune the ride. I’ve not ridden with a pillion. No wind protection, but I’ve put a classic Dart Flyscreen on, a bit fiddly to fit but it does make a small difference to wind blast.

Smooth and effortless, good torque for an in line 4. More than enough power for what the bike is intended for. I get about 58 UK miles to the gallon riding steadily. 70mph shows about 3000 rpm in 6th.

6 years old this year and no corrosion, although it gets washed regularly and kept in a garage. Had a new set of tyres last summer, previous ones both lasted about 6000 miles. Looks as good as when I bought it.

Service it myself, so easy to do. Discs, pads and chain all fine, never had to adjust chain yet.

ABS as standard. I’ve added a rear genuine Honda rack, Shad brown leather look vintage carrier and had Bridgestone Battlax BT 46 tyres, which has made a real difference to the ride and handling. Also installed a Dart Classic flyscreen, which I do think makes a bit if a difference.

The ride is like a magic carpet. True, there isn’t a lot of adjustability but it is set up well to start with. I found the pegs touched down a bit early. The preload was on 2/5. I now have it on 4/5 and it’s still smooth but with a bit more ground clearance. I’m 13.5 stone. Seat is very comfy. Riding ergonomics are good. If you are taller you might want a bit more legroom. I’m 5’10 and it’s fine for me. It feels like a small and light bike and much lighter than its weight suggests.

This is a lovely engine. I’m normally a fan of twins but this is just so nice it has me hooked. It’s not the fastest bike but it’s fast enough and it’s nice to be able to use all the power and the full rev range. It’s torquey enough to pull from low revs in top but will spin up to the red line if you’re in the mood. It has a “heavy flywheel” kind of feel so doesn’t pick up revs very quickly but does keep on pulling smoothly. The gearing is great. So many bikes have short gearing and feel buzzy at speed. This has nice high 6th for cruising (3000rpm at 70mph). The other ratios work well for the twisties.

It’s a Honda.

Easy enough to do most jobs yourself if you are so inclined. Easy access to plugs, no fairing to remove for usual maintenance. Centre stand for easy chain lube and wheel removal. I average 55mpg riding it as hard as I want to.

It’s a retro and quite authentic so don’t be expecting loads of gadgets. Personally I don’t want rider modes and TFT on my bike so it works for me. It has a gear indicator which is useful. One thing that would be handy for touring would be a usb near the handlebars but I can sort that out if I need it. It runs tubed tyres so you’ll need a can of slime instead of a plug kit.

At its best on more gentle rides , not in a rush and just enjoying the experience. I’m still feelings fresh after 120 to 150 miles but when my wife is on the back we do about sixty miles have a break and return home

Smoothest engine ever , no vibrations and high torque available at very low rpm, cruise all day at motorway speeds with less than 3000rpm in 6th

Absolutely no corrosion anywhere, nothing has failed or worked loose. Honda perfection !

So easy to work on if you do your own servicing, everything is easy to get at. Honda service items are expensive but it’s quality and worth paying the extra for.

Would definitely recommend fitting a front fender extender to help protect the chrome header pipes and the oil filter. Wheels are 18” and have tubes so tyre selection is very limited.

It's a Honda

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.

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.

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.

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.