[motorcycle.com] - 2014 Honda CB1100 Review

[Ninjette Newsbot]

2014 Honda CB1100

Editor Score: 77.75%Engine 13.0/20Suspension/Handling 12.0/15 Transmission/Clutch 8.25/10Brakes 8.25/10 Instruments/Controls4.0/5 Ergonomics/Comfort 8.75/10 Appearance/Quality 8.5/10Desirability 8.0/10Value 7.0/10Overall Score77.75/100Honda’s homage to itself was a big hit for 2013 with all those fans who still can’t get enough of the original earth-shattering 1969 CB750, even though the bike picked up design influences from a few more CBs as it rolled along Memory Lane: 1100F-ish fuel tank shape, 400F-like right-side four-into-one pipe … In any case, its style definitely pushed a lot of the right buttons for vintage Honda enthusiasts.

For 2014, Honda offers two versions of the bike, a standard and a Deluxe. Both get a new six-speed gearbox instead of last year’s five-speed, and a new LCD instrument display with a clock, gear-position indicator and an updated trip computer.

The new Deluxe version comes with a four-into-one exhaust with double-wall chrome headers, combined ABS brakes and an extra half-gallon of fuel capacity – also candy red paint instead of basic black. Check that Deluxe box, and you’ll be looking at a price tag of $11,899. (That’s $139 more than the way-modern CB1000R, a great bike CB1100 lovers love to hate whenever we dare to compare the two. Seems to be a definite generation gap here.)

Stylish, classic, efficient.


If it’s the CB1100 you’re attracted to, we would in no way try to dissuade you. The CB takes all the things that made Honda Honda, and rolls it into a cohesive whole that seems to be more than the sum of its really basic parts: 83 horsepower is no longer earth-shattering, but the CB delivers its fuel-injected power so seamlessly and linearly, it feels like there’s always plenty – and the new six-speed box gets it to the drive chain more positively and precisely than the five-speed did. Honda did see fit to add one tooth to the rear sprocket (now a 40). Combined with the new gearbox’s slightly overdriven 0.964 top-gear ratio instead of last year’s 1.111 top ratio, rpm at cruise have gone down a bit, but our bike still has a little buzziness in its rubber-mounted handlebar that begins around 75 mph.

There’s nothing revolutionary about the CB’s 41mm fork tubes or its preload-adjustable rear shocks, but together with its thick seat and near-perfect ergonomics, the CB serves up a great ride when you’re just tooling around, along with good sporting performance when you need it – and we’re in no way implying that original CB lovers are getting up there when we say the CB’s as easy to pilot as a Hoveround scooter (though you probably can’t get your doctor to prescribe you a CB1100 and have Medicaid pick up the tab). Clutch pull is light and progressive, triple disc brakes have excellent feel and modulation along with serious power when you need it!

Our standard CB had the $199.95 engine guards installed. Heated grips are $349.95, yikes! – and the attachment kit is another $70.95.


For getting your full daily dose of nostalgia with zero of the problems that come with owning an actual 40-year-old motorcycle, the CB1100 will prove very tough to beat. Some are faster, some are tricker, many are more exotic – but the CB is one-hundred percent true to its roots: presumably bulletproof and turn-key ready to go anywhere whenever you are, just like you were in 1969. Now with the priceless upgrade of 46 years of experience.

+ Highs</p>

• One of the most “user-friendly” motorcycles you can buy
• Near-perfect ergoes if you’re within six inches of 5’8”
• You’re sitting on history every time you climb on

- Sighs</p>

• The original CB was famous for out-horsepowering the competition
• So perfect it can seem a little bland
• Engine is a little vibey upward of 75 mph in spite of rubber-mounted handlebar risers

2014 Honda CB1100 SpecsMSRP$10,399/ 11,899 (Deluxe)Engine Capacity1140ccEngine TypeAir- and oil-cooled inline four-cylinderBore x Stroke73.5 x 67.2 mmCompression9.5:1Fuel SystemPGM-FI; four 32mm throttle bodiesIgnitionDigital transistorized with electronic advanceValve TrainDOHC; four valves / cylinderTransmissionSix-speedFinal Drive#530 O-ring-sealed chainFront Suspension41mm fork with spring preload adjustability; 4.2 inches travelRear SuspensionDual shocks with spring preload adjustability; 4.5 inches travelFront BrakesDual 296mm discs; four-piston calipersRear Brakes256mm disc; single-piston caliperFront Tire110/80-18Rear Tire140/70-18Seat Height31.2 inchesWheelbase58.7 inchesRake/Trail27.0º/4.4 inchesMO measured wet weight556 poundsFuel Capacity3.9 gallons/ 4.4 gal. (Deluxe)ColorsBlack/ (Candy Red for Deluxe)2014 Honda CB1100 Review appeared first on Motorcycle.com.



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