From 2017, two versions of the CB1100 will be available. Newly arrived to sit alongside the upgraded CB1100 EX, is the CB1100 RS. Imbued with layer upon layer of retro style  and several new performance upgrades – the CB1100 RS offers a new type of sporting CB1100 appeal.

Manufacture takes place in Honda’s Kumamoto factory, with a production process that’s been fundamentally revised to integrate technology and expert skill in order to create motorcycles rich in craftsmanship and attention to detail, plus a place in history that only comes with the passage of many decades.

Mr M. Imada, poject leader says:

“As with past CBs, we understand the timeless pleasure that our customers get from owning and riding an air-cooled inline four-cylinder motorcycle. So building on the CB1100’s desirability and joy of ownership, while adding functionality and quality to deepen the sense of fulfillment, were very important elements for us to consider. With the CB1100 EX we hope many riders get to appreciate and understand a very traditional motorcycle structure.” 

The new Honda CB1100RS gets more aggressive rake and trail figures, a shorter wheelbase, and smaller, 17″ wheels accepting modern sport rubber promise more aggressive, nimble handling. Quicker steering response should also result from a new, beefier (43 mm tubes versus 41 mm) Showa dual-bending fork. The RS also has updated remote reservoir shocks.

Showa dual-bending fork technology includes a new valve structure designed to provide cartridge-style fork performance at lower cost and weight than full cartridge forks.

The CB1100 RS also gets a much higher front brake specification in the form of Tokico four-piston, radial mount calipers. Together with the stiffer, better performing fork, this could also provide an interesting improvement to front-end feel compared to the older design.

CB1100 RS Key Features

The CB1100 RS’s classic tubular steel double cradle frame holds the engine with four rigid and two rubber mounts. It features tighter steering geometry than the CB1100 EX, with rake and trail of 26°/99mm and wheelbase of 1485mm (as opposed to 27°/114mm/1490mm) to give faster steering and more responsive handling. Seat height is 795mm with curb weight of 55 lbs (252kg).

As well as a more aggressive stance and riding position the CB1100 RS is also equipped with a Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) 43mm two-piece front fork, which uses two valves to generate both compression and rebound damping force giving linear feel, excellent ride quality and precise road holding. A new die-cast aluminum top yoke features a buffed finish and clear coat, while the bottom yoke holds the fork legs in a higher position.

Twin Showa remote-reservoir rear shocks (with damping rates to match the front fork) operate through a new aluminum swingarm, which has a clean look thanks to an under slung rear brake hose. An aluminum chain guard replaces the previous plastic design.

Dual radial-mount four-piston Tokico brake calipers grip 310mm floating discs with ABS control, the rear single-piston caliper works a 256mm disc. The CB1100 RS also features 17-inch cast aluminum wheels – finished in black – wearing sportsbike-sized 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17 front and rear tires. Three effects from this change are obvious: quicker side-to-side steering, improved cornering traction and a 3% increase in acceleration due to the overall gearing change of the smaller rolling diameter of the rear tire. L-shaped air valves make checking tire pressure easy.

Together with the look of the exposed engine, the shape of the fuel tank – its curves and lines – go a long way to give a naked motorcycle its character and appeal Honda’s engineers wanted to maintain a  186 mile (300km) plus range, but were also focused on creating a truly hand-made look.