HONDA CB1100RS (2017 - 2021) Review

Highlights

  • Café racer variant of CB1100
  • Retro looks with modern running gear
  • Slightly outgunned by the competition

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £280
Power: 88 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.3 in / 795 mm)
Weight: High (556 lbs / 252 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £7,500 - £8,800

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The RS feels like a retro that has been forced to be a café racer slightly against its will. The look is all there, and the engine is lovely, but it’s not as sharp handling as the competition and that lets it down. Honda have pulled their punches when they could have gone all-in.

Sadly, the Honda CB1100RS was dropped from Honda's range when Euro5 emmissions regulations came into effect in 2021.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The RS feels like it is a bike that has had its sporting side forced upon it rather than engineered in and as such it slightly misses the mark and is behind the competition. It lacks the agility of its rivals and in a café racer with modern components such as radial brakes and beefy conventional forks you expect more.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The inline four engine is typical Honda in some ways – it’s smooth, fuels perfectly and has a sixth gear for added practicality, although the top three gears are very widely spaced and feel almost overdrives. And yet in other ways it is wonderfully un-Honda. Its designers have gone out of their way to inject some spirit into it and have engineered not only a lovely air-cooled pinging when it is cooling, but also a slightly off-beat note through altered valve timing between cylinders.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Honda doesn’t build a poor machine and the RS has the usual lovely level of detail when it comes to finish and overall level of quality. It hard to imagine any reliability horror stories or the finish being anything other than picture perfect.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

A price tag of £11,139 puts the RS at the higher end of the retro market and it is more than the £10,775 BMW R nineT Racer as well as the £9395 Ducati Scrambler Café Racer and Triumph Thruxton, which is £10,700. The higher spec Thruxton R with its Öhlins shocks, Brembo brakes and Showa BPF forks is only £800 more at £12,000.

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 ABS, radial brakes and beefy conventional forks are quite nice touches, although they lack the big name branding. There are lots of neat styling touches, but for a café racer the performance spec doesn’t wow you.

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 795mm
Bike weight 252kg
Front suspension 43mm forks, -adjustable spring preload
Rear suspension Twin shocks, adjustable spring preload
Front brake 2x310mm disc four-piston radial Tokico calipers, ABS
Rear brake 256mm disc, one-piston caliper. ABS
Front tyre size 120/70X17
Rear tyre size 180/55x17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 53 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £280
New price -
Used price £7,500 - £8,800
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 CB1100RS (2017 - 2021)

13 owners have reviewed their HONDA CB1100RS (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 CB1100RS (2017 - 2021)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Engine: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Reliability & build quality: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £280
5 out of 5 The one that Honda let get away?
17 July 2023 by David Faulkner

Version: Better than the old model

Year: 2019

Best ! Ride ,quality, the build quality is all Honda would recommend this bike to my older friends.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

It’s like sitting in an arm chair, can go for hours, and with a pillion , But I’m 72, and the old body starts to ache, so when it tells you need a rest I listen!

Engine 5 out of 5

There’s nothing to dislike about the engine the torque is phenomenal , just keeps pulling in all gears !

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Still purring alone ,a sheep in wolves clothing! No rust etc ,

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Just had yearly service Honda main dealership.first mot august will need new tires,

Equipment 5 out of 5

Slipper clutch, needs heated grips as standard. Dunlop tiers are brilliant.

Buying experience: Bought from Honda main dealer, done a cash deal as it was one of their last! As Honda had decided not make anymore,

5 out of 5 Timeless masterpiece! (THE ORIGINAL MAN MACHINE 🏍 EXPERIENCE)
07 March 2023 by Giri

Version: RS 2023 Final Edition

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £1,400

I am reviewing this from a pure Man Machine connect experience. Unaltered raw motorcycling 🏍 experience connecting you and the bike. No fancy electronics to baby sit you. The CB1100 RS is a timeless masterpiece like a Swiss ⌚️ and it screams quality in everything you touch. I am sure this bike can be handed over as a legacy to your kids as it will outlive you 😉 My experience with the 🏍 is blissful, it rides smooth, the engine is refined and overall a fantastic ride experience.If you have an opportunity to buy one, don't think twice. You can thank me later 😊 . I think MCN have new generation riders who rely on fancy stuff and I believe the rating provided is unfair. I think the CB1100 is a benchmark for retro bikes. For example the BMW R9T version comes with Electronics and USD forks (How is this retro?)

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This bikes have ample braking power for it's purpose, let us not ride it like maniacs and expect it to perform like a CBR1000 Fireblade or a Ducati panigale. This is where you should rate the bike based on the audience.

Engine 5 out of 5

It is one of the smoothest air cooled engines you could ride. The reliability is outstanding and you can maintain it yourself (Except for the major valve adjustments)

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Honda CB750's has been timeless and same with the CB1100's. The engineering is top notch and everything you touch is of high quality. It has more metal parts than plastic parts, probably drive the cost and weight high!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I will not claim it is very cheap to maintain a Honda due to the service intervals, but the cost of spares compared to the Western counterparts are cost effective and reliable. So the cost saving will be on your long term maintenance and repairs. Average spend is about $400 Annually [AED 1,400]

Equipment 4 out of 5

The accessories provided are what you need on the bike and only complaint I have is that Honda does not provide basic safety accessories like crash guard in UAE.

Buying experience: I should say it was a positive experience getting the CB1100 RS from Al Futtaim Honda in Dubai

5 out of 5
03 January 2023 by Paul

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £150

brilliant !!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

ride is pure bliss! can be pushed if you want to,but why? its a perfect tourer weekend ride or commute on it,i personally would hate to get it wet !brakes have a good feel. Slightly numb bum after 3 hours but to be expected really but very comfortable,works well with a pillion.

Engine 5 out of 5

all absolutely faultless Honda !

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

build quality is awesome, absolutely no issues honda genius.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

expect about that much but slight guess

Equipment 4 out of 5

only a 4 because its basic but thats the beauty of it,if you want electronic stuff dont buy one.

Buying experience: second owner from a dealer perfect experience. £8000 with 3000 miles spot on price.

5 out of 5 A 2 year old with 7 miles on the clock.
09 August 2022 by Den

Version: RS

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £100

MCN's 3 out of 5 stars is a bit unfair. This should be 4 had they got the facts and purpose of the bike right. They claim the rear suspension only has pre-load adjustment.....WRONG, the later RS model also has compression and damping. Why give 4 stars for build quality, then next to it say it's 'perfect' ? MCN missed the purpose of this bike.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Plush ride quality with all day comfort with fuel stops. Brakes are excellent, the rear being better than most.

Engine 5 out of 5

Smooth and effortless in any gear. Most of the bikes I've owned felt like there should be another higher gear, not so the CB1100. Performance, although not startling, is more than adequate for the type of bike it is. 50+ mpg when ridden sensibly.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Exquisite quality, solidly built with nothing plastic that doesn't need to be. Reliable and corrosion free when looked after. Never had a problem.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I self service, so easy and cheap to do on these bikes.

Equipment 5 out of 5

A welcome lack of electronic gizmos. I recommend a front fender extender, oil cooler guard. A fly screen takes the weight off the chest at speeds over 60 mph and a luggage rack, apart from being useful and a pillion grab, is recommended for safer control when pushing the bike around.

Buying experience: Part exchanged my 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX with a dealer. The Honda was advertised online with a feature in 'Bike' magazine for £9,995, registered in 2020, for sale in 2022 with 7, yes seven delivery miles on the clock. The wealthy 80 year old previous owner bought is as a lounge ornament !!

5 out of 5 Old School Air Cooled Bike with Modern Touches
20 September 2021 by Prof Trout

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £40

Comfortable with good riding position, silky smooth engine with great power delivery, nicely built, side panels are metal not plastic. Quite heavy which makes it very planted in winds and on motorways but also can catch you out at low speed and is a job to get on centre-stand. Would recommend to peeps 5'6" and over with reasonable build. If you've got a slight build you may struggle with the weight.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It is weighty but still fun to hustle around. It rewards spirited riding rather than constantly egging you on to hoon around everywhere - my kind of bike. Nice ride, seat is comfy and not scooped so you can move around to ease aches. Just seems to eat the miles without being tiring despite lack of wind protection. I think it's a combination of the smooth torquey engine and weight, makes cruising easy somehow. Can go a full tank in one go easy enough.Brakes are good but initial bite is a little lacking, which is a bit disconcerting on such a weighty beast! You almost have to practice an emergency stop every day to convince yourself the brakes will do the job, which they do.

Engine 5 out of 5

This engine just works in the real world making it a great road bike. Smooth and linear power, pulls from low down you can make rapid progress without going above 4k revs. Fueling is really good, smooth, no hunting at low throttle settings.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Mainly used in dry and cosetted but very little signs of any corrosion or furring after 4 years. No problems whatsoever.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Only ever needed yearly oil change and checks and 2 year clutch and brake fluid change due to low mileage use which I do myself and is easy enough.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The combination of flat seat and bungee hook points make carrying large boxes surprisingly easy. It's got a little storage compartment under the seat that holds tools and waterproof trousers and also has a helmet holder lock. Would like to add a topbox but it would just be wrong on a bike like this. Tyres are stock factory, I've only done 4400 miles and they don't seem to wear much.It's a very basic bike with minimal tech and all the better for it.

Buying experience: Bought secondhand from Groombridge Motorcycles in Sussex, really good experience, decent price £7k I think.

5 out of 5 CB1100RS blows my mind!
17 June 2021 by Mike Davies

Year: 2019

Love mine & would definitely recommend! It's like a Rolls Royce! Stunning build quality, stunning to look at and it's a pleasure to ride!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Despite the weight, she handles reasonably well. It's no sports bike in the corners but once lent over, it's stability promotes confidence in fast sweeping bends. No weaving or wobbly bars at speed. Brakes are very good! Seat is comfortable.

Engine 5 out of 5

super smooth engine & sounds really nice! Plenty of torque, pulls well in lower gears but runs out of steam quickly at the top end. High geared, so great for low rpm relaxed cruising. Getting around 50mpg on mine.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Superb build quality. No cheap plastic on this beauty, it's built to last! 2000 miles so far, no issues!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought from Honda main dealer last year for £8300. No discount!

5 out of 5
24 May 2021 by The Danga

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £140

Beautiful finish, it's not meant to be a sports bike which the testers seem to forget. I use it for commuting and for fun and great for both although a little heavy on fuel (get a smaller bike if thats the most important thing to you). At used prices I think it's a great long term keeper.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Not ridden with pillion, brakes feel adequate for the weight.

Engine 5 out of 5

Beautiful torquey pull, happily pulls at motorway speeds too.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Honda...that's it.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

An excellent purchase as a used bike for the money, was relatively pricey new but the quality finishes on everything excellent. I have used all year round without issue.

Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Gentleman’s express.
30 April 2021 by Jon F

Version: RS (actually a 2018 bike registered in 2020)

Year: 2020

It’s exactly what it looks like to own and ride. Classy, smooth, well built, torquey, comfortable. No gizmo’s either just an engine on wheels. It’s not a sporty ride so don’t expect it to be. If you want a point and squirt go elsewhere. If it were an alcoholic drink it would be a glass of nice red wine.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Very comfortable at normal speeds. Like any naked bike over 60mph (depending upon the wind) can be uncomfortable. Brakes are strong with excellent feel.

Engine 5 out of 5

Smooth, looks stunning, low revving nature and very tall gearing, try 60mph at around 2600rpm. Effortless wafting is the order of the day.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Honda’s make great bikes. Never (or rarely) the most powerful of their type but they make proper machines that will last for years if looked after.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Do my own servicing so it’s just a top quality oil and OEM filters. Good to go. Servicing is very easy. Only the valve check is more involved (dealer job for me) but saying that owners on the CB forum have racked up mega miles on them with little to no adjustment ever being needed! Low stressed big air cooled motor 👍

Equipment 4 out of 5

Centre stand, decent horns, can have Honda factory heated grips if you want them. Mirrors are great but some find a bit narrow, I can live with that minor niggle.

Buying experience: Terrific. Main Honda dealer.

4 out of 5 An under the radar retro
23 October 2020 by Dicky

Year: 2018

A retro classic underrated by power crazy testers

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Comfortable seat.mirrors needed extension

Engine 5 out of 5

Not the most powerful but that’s exactly what attracts me to it. Super smooth delivery. Great for those that don’t want rider aids and unnecessary distractions

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Excellent fit and finish

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Awaiting next service

Equipment 4 out of 5

It’s looks

Buying experience: Dealer

5 out of 5 Mr
17 June 2020 by Feste

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £180

Beautifully finished, very comfortable and a motor that is ultra smooth and torquey. Quite heavy to manhandle, but totally balanced on the move

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Heated grips and charger point should be standard

Buying experience: Bought new from a Honda dealer in 2019 for 9000.

5 out of 5 Worlds best cruiser
22 May 2020 by Crash

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £150

Sheer all-day comfort from the soft seat.Top end fast enough,good torque in every gear,very stable in all situations.Fuel economy about 50 mpg.Low seat height inspires confidence with a heavy bike.Would recommend for older or shorter riders.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden and being 73 years old was chosen for that reason,although being a head-turner is a bonus.I can honestly say that I could ride this bike all day,except for fuel stops.

Engine 5 out of 5

Long established inline four Honda lump,with over 90nm torque and as smooth as silk.Power arrives progressively and smoothly belying the 550 lbs. of weight.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It s a Honda.Cannot remember how many Hondas I ve owned but never had one break down on me.Looking after the bike is the key to good reliability.Owned a cb750 all through the eighties and commuted over 2000 miles a month for almost 10 years,changed the oil monthly.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

In addition to dealer service for warranty reasons,I change the oil & filter every 3000 miles and do any running repairs as needed.

Equipment 5 out of 5

This bike only has ABS as required and I do not want anything else.The clocks are analogue and torque control is in my right hand,with no other distractions.Also comes with a centre stand ,making chain cleaning and adjustment a simple job.One of my favourite features is the very loud twin horns as standard.Why don t all bikes have these?

Buying experience: Bought this bike from a main Honda dealer.As I had previously purchased 3 bikes from him,and this was the last one left,(fortunately it was silver),he gave me a discount of almost a £1000.

5 out of 5 Honda CB1100rs
19 January 2020 by John F

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £200

Great quality, smooth engine, great suspension and brakes. A joy to ride and own.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5

Super smooth.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Could do with heated grips and a 12v charger as standard

Buying experience: Excellent. Bought from Via-Moto, Sheffield

5 out of 5 Honda CB1100RS bike review
06 April 2019 by David andrew

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £150

Does exactly what is says! Nice to have LED lights etc and being a Honda just all works, rear grab rail for passenger should have been included as standard.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Dealer was perfect.

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