It's a pure street bike. Honda has great build quality, and the lower power numbers, everyone squawks about, are tuned so there's power throughout the whole range which is ideal for a street bike. I'm glad you discovered this machine as well. What you have under you right there, is 100% practical motorcycle! Thanks for sharing the review.
I know exactly what you mean bro. I just bought a mint 2016 low kms. It's never going to be sold. Always admired them and found the model I like at my local dealers. It had only been in the shop 2 days and not even advertised. It was meant to be. I've owned over 40 bikes since 1978 and this is very close to the perfect bike for me. I blimmen love it.
I'm enjoying your video I bought a 2014 CB 1100 last year brand new. Before I got out of the parking lot I knew it was the bike for me. Your reaction is very similar to my reaction when I rode it. In the first week I went 1500 miles on it and after riding for 35 years felt like it was the first time. It is by far the smoothest most well-engineered motorcycle I've ever owned.
And I enjoy mine near everyday myself. It's just such a pleasure after work to walk out and see her there even after a hard day. Weekend rides last forever and her comfort and smoothness allows me to outlast my group.
Have CB750 , Goldwing , Harley and BMW and many others , this is the best . For my age (62) you want a easier to handle bike yet no lack of power .You get the respect you deserve and you do have power in waiting under , we don't need speed to chase money , we only need speed to come out from deadlock and this bike does just that .
That is one handsome bike! Love everything about it from performane, looks, and sound. Well designed and well balanced. Love the spoke wheels! In the long run it could be a great project for a cafe racer. Thanks Rabid for your passionate feedback and love for this great bike.
I have a 2014 cb1100 stranded and it is very rapidly becoming my favorite bike. I've had it just short of a year now and I have put 3500 miles on it already. Good choice you are sure to love it...
Hey, Rabid H! I can't believe I forgot to comment on this vid back when you first post it. Sorry about that. I had a '79 CB750. Unfortunately, I was forced to give it up back in 1990. I miss that bike everyday. When I first saw the earlier versions of this CB1100, I wasn't that impressed. I thought it was just another boring offering to the Cafe Racer trend that had been popping up, so I dismissed it. But I when I saw this 2017 one, I really liked it. It is interesting that you said you get on it and can just keep going. That is exactly how I remembered my '79 CB750. I can't wait to get this one as a "replacement" for that CB750. Hopefully soon. Thank you for the vids!
Nice video and our shared enthusiasm for the bike really shows. I'm 70 years young and this motorcycle does it all for me too. I was looking for a 650-750 but then I saw the CB1100. It's so smooth and so quiet that it almost feels like an electric bike (well... maybe close but not quite). I had several bikes when I was much younger and I also own a dirt bike, but this is a real treat to ride. No problem getting back into the saddle after about 45 years. Anyone looking for a genuine motorcycle, one that is not hidden beneath angular plastic parts looking like they came from a video game, this is your ride. As far as performance goes, don't worry about it. If 0-60 in 3.6 seconds is too slow, then possibly a sport bike is in your future, and not an upright comfortable bike like this.
I thank you for the support :) This bike literally to me is the perfect machine as it does everything so well and just feels so effortless in doing so. Great ride, simple bike, easy to throw around, and easy to just cruise and enjoy. Nothing like it. Stay safe on yours and ride safe!
@@RabidHedgehog I have found one of theses new left overm Did you get yours new from a dealer or from an owner? I'm tring to buy at $8,500 OTD here om Florida.
Great video man. So good I'm watching it three times : ) As an ex HD man also, I'm curious about this bike as I like retro but I appreciate good engineering also. Love the look of where you're riding too. Living in Northern Ireland, my favourite roads are rural, close by and fairly short so the experience rather than the speed is everything for me. You've inspired me- cheers dude!
Thanks for the support! I've recently added a Givi windscreen to it and will add a few more bits to make it a little touring model. It's my favorite bike by far still.
Thank you for a great review Hedgehog! I am purchasing an almost new 2017 EX this week, and the review helped confirm that I am making a sound decision buying this bike-Robert
I just got a 2014 CB Dlx. Not many miles yet but just love this bike! Reminds somewhat of the CBs of the 70s. Not quite like my old 65 305 superhawk, which is kind of a good thing...
Like your video Rabid, and I can understand exactly what you are saying about the cb1100, mine is 2010 model and I still feel the same way about riding her after 14 years of owning it. The gearbox is spot on and still makes me smile, did put heated grips on for the cold weather and I recon that is all good mate cheers andy from Australia
7:56 I was stunned when I got my 2017 CB1100EX to find that it actually rides SMOOTHER than my 2009 GL1800 Goldwing. Totally unexpected but none-the-less welcome.
Great review, sir. Thank you. Bought mine last summer at the dealership where I work. For some reason it just didn't sell, and I got tired of walking past it every day so I traded my previous bike for the CB. It is certainly gorgeous. Only two complaints: it's a little buzzy in the handlebars (but I am working on solutions) and the damn turn signals are not self-cancelling (like my "83 Suzuki for God's sake") Problem is that the indicator lights are out of the line of sight and I have to continually remind myself to turn them off. Overall, a spectacular ride. Lots of people comment on it, many thinking it's a restoration from the eighties.
I love how happy you are about this bike and this video probably helped me decide on what go get as a second bike. My family just moved to Oklahoma Mx my cousim rides a dual sport maybe we can meet up for a ride this summer i come from California one.
Get this: I got the Z900RS and plans go as planned, I'll be adding this to my stable. The Z more power with plenty of character, the CB smooth with plenty of beauty. Never been a chrome (bling, bling) but they made this happen. You can't have 2-3 wives but you can have 3 bikes (CTX1300) Thx for the review, great choice
I have an RS. Its a beautiful thing, so well made and a really balanced package. Great review by the way, not obsessed by power outputs etc. To any naysayers out there just ride one and then make up your own mind.......
Thanks for the great review this bike had been on my radar for a while love the old school look hopefully I can find one next month right now there kind of scarce be safe out there ps rout 66 is a perfect road for a cb 1100
Agree with everything! I had decided to purchase a Triumph T120 ( test rode 3 triumphs- street twin,t100,t120) and thought I would just rule out the Cb1100ex as a option before I laid out the cash......I knew before I left parking lot it was for me. I did not want to get off the Honda during test ride.
That was my exact test ride! I took it out around Shawnee Oklahoma where the dealer was and I just enjoyed the way it was and felt. I had come from a Harley Night Rod Special to this one and I have never looked back.
I own a 2014 CB1100 I purchased new in 2016 and really enjoy it. It truly does everything 'well' even long distance touring. I have made a round trip tour from DFW --> Ruidos, NM --> Silverton, CO --> DFW over a 9 day span and the only time I wanted a big touring bike was on the 118 mile interstate run on 40 running 75+ during a downpour that drilled home the difference between 'water resistant' vs 'water proof' boots (I'll let you guess which I had on). The remainder of the time I fully enjoyed the light weight, highway touring capabilities of the bike. Will the bike always be in my garage? It's the only bike, after three years of ownership, I have not had the slightest itch to sale. I still, when I get off the bike, turn around a look at it which I never did after that many years with my softail standard, sportster, street triple, Victory 92c. It just might be the one bike I always have in my garage. I do wish I would have sprung for the EX, though, but not enough to sale and make the parts swap....
Indeed they are really close in nature from EX to what you have except the EX does have the extra gear that would be about the only big positive. I hate having a lake in the bottom of the boot after a ride, so I know what you had. Keep on enjoying her and ride safe (and dry) out there!
Loved this bike!. I can't say enough superlatives to convey how great this bike really is! Traded my 2014 in for something a little lighter and sportier, but in the same vein. I wish I had the budget and the space to have more than one bike, otherwise I would have kept it. It really is a great all-rounder, but can be a little lacking in the handling department (it's a little too relaxed, and I wanted something that could corner better - that and the weight are the only complaints I have). Hope you enjoy the Honda for years to come! It's likely to become a classic in the same way the cb750 is.
I shall enjoy her for a long time to come. I am a bit sad at the moment cause she took a nail in the tire a couple of days ago and I cannot ride her at the moment, but once she returns she's going to be going on long trips frequently.
Great bike. I had the 2013 model and loved it. In England we dont ride with full beam on during the day because it would dazzle vehicles ahead, we ride with the dipped or lo beam and only use the full beam ( blue light on dash) at night on unlit roads. Is it normal where you are to use the bright (full) beam in the day ?
I just came across this review. For some reason when I did a search for Honda CB1100 this never came up. The more I read reviews on RU-vid of this motorbike it appears to be a classic motorbike for the more mature sophisticated conservative gentleman. It is the kind of bike you buy for keeps.
Very Nice Bike Mate. I have the CB900 f or the Hornet 919/900. I have ridden the CB 1100 and I loved it but am only allowed one bike. Honda really have done a very nice job. Great review Mate.
I have two CB1100 and CB1100 EX , why 2 ?? Of cos it must be good otherwise why two , Borh has it's own beauty and character, seats have interchange and perfectly suited . Can get China head cowling for 50 bucks and fork seal protector - gaiters for maybe twenty , and it will be as cool as Harley in look -a double plus with Honda performance and reliability and smoothness second to none . You won't be looking on others with thus beauty . Good honest reviews
Thanks!. Love this gal to this day. She gets the most saddle time of the ones in my garage, which currently is a 1979 CX500C, Moto Guzzi MGX-21, and Indian Scout along with this gal who generally steals the show.
Hi. I love the review. And I just like to ask, do you think this bike is something that you can pass on to the next generation? And is it really a difficult choice against the T120?
I would take the CB anytime over the Triumph. It would be allowed to pass on for generations to come. The engine is timeless and bullet with less electronic worries than the Triumph. This being said as I have a 41 year old Honda in my garage that still starts and rides every time.
@@RichardsModellingAdventures I really appreiciate these feedbacks. Was in a crossroad with t120 and cb1100ex. Been a honda lover eversince. Ill take the honda then. Many thanks. Happy Holidays!
@@AnimeUploads0813 No problem :) Don't get me wrong the T120 is a nice bike to ride ( test ridden one) but having owned a CB1100 ex I can say its one of the smoothest bikes engine wise I have ever owned. Also consider the Honda 1100RS. It has better brakes, cast wheels (smaller at the front, wider at the back too) and a black engine. Way easier to look after and looks very cool.
Great review of a great bike. I would of bought one, but we don't appear to get them in Australia. However, I did the next best thing and ordered the new 2018 CB1000R. Once again, great reviews as usual. Ride safe mate.
I just completed the MSF course and we used the Suzuki tu250x. I wish it came with abs because I would definitely buy it. Seems like only the $10k and above retro standard bikes have that basic feature. Awesome honda, just way out of my price/ experience range.
Search as I did. I managed to get this one for 7900 and it had 0 on the clock. It was just a leftover. So there could be an example out there that would be more in your range. Although the TU250X is not a bad machine at all.
Rabid-Great review and agree with your assessment and comments on this bike overall. I just bought a 2017 CB1100 about a month ago and love it. One thing that I noticed is that there is a little “buzz” in the grips when riding but not so much in the 6th gear. Do you experience this with your bike? This is my 1st in-line 4 so I’m not sure if this is normal.
Coming from Sportsters and others very vibe heavy bikes this one is so much smoother and the buzz is normal for an inline when starting to get in the higher rotations. So yes normal, but for me it is not as noticeable any longer.
@@quomofo1 In 1983 I rode my 81 CB650, with the ugly turned up edge on the gas tank, from Denver to Los Angeles. With a fairing, me, and my gear weighing it down. At altitude for a lot of it. THAT was a buzz in the grips i'll tell ya. Other than changing the tank to nix the lip and to stretch it to connect to the seat area, my 81 CB650 is an exact scaled down copy of the new CB1100. I loved that bike, but any speed over 65 was hell on the hands. I bought a physical cruise control, so i wouldn't have to grip the throttle all the time. But around town - that bike was perfect. So the 1100 with enough power - that's a perfect bike. In red of course.
Im on the process of buying this motorcycle and from your review I have the impression I will not regret it. It's unfortunate emission regulation killed the inline 4 air cooled engine. Am I the only one who thinks ADV bikes don't make any sense?
Very nicely done and hilarious! It's really a beautiful bike. I just added a 23 z900rs café, and I'm debating added this for an even more classic vibe, or go way different to a Royal Enfield Continental.
The Enfield is not bad at all but I would get the Interceptor (or INT here in the US, thanks Honda), as it is way more comfortable to ride just like the CB1100 is.
My Suzuki C50 Boulevard is 525+ lbs and only has 42HP at the crank...11 years old with 96,000 miles on the odo and have ridden many many miles on the Interstate. The CB1100 bike has plenty of power...
Hello mate is very good looking motorcycle and to tell you the truth I fallen in love with that CB1100EX by just watching your video. I have some questions likes to ask you,what the difference between CB1100EX and the CB1100RS and can a RS be able to switch wheels from 17 to 18 inches wheels?
Samurider.com actually has a conversion kit to make your EX to a RS so I am guessing that is something that can be done. Here in the US we never got to see the RS, just the EX. The RS has a different suspension setup on her as she has piggyback style rear shocks and a 43MM front fork along with the forged 17 inch wheels and entirely modern LED lighting all around vs. the big indicators on the EX. So in terms of the performance aspects the RS would out handle this one due to its suspension setup and smaller wheel combo. Other than what I can read about it I cannot give you what the feel would be.
Hey RH, your TU250x review is probably still my favorite bike review all time. I am mulling next spring the cb, the Kawi z900rs, the triumph street twin, and maybe the new Suzuki sv650x. Do you prefer air cooled over liquid, and what do you think about the new Kawi z900rs. Thinking I may be able to get a 2018 Kawi next year for 9500 out the door including tax. Especially if I negotiate I am also interested in a cb sv or xsr900. What do you think?
The SV650 is such a fun motorcycle that you would not be disappointed. I actually got a chance to ride the Z900RS, video died on me, however, I can tell you it is faster than the CB, more sporting suspension and more powerful engine. The CB is the best all around and most comfortable motorcycle of them all, but it is the most expensive of them all as well. The SV is the best bang for the buck and that 650 is spunky and wonderful. I would see if they let you try all three. If they do not let you, if you are looking for long range over the road style of riding the CB wins by far. The Z900 is the fastest and similar to the SV650 in the fun factor and city brawler and mid range fun for the day. Hope this helps.
It is extremely helpful. I really like the cb and rs. The sv is definitely the best deal and I love Suzuki. Will be nice to have so many options next spring. Thanks RH!
What year was this bike ya rode? I have a chance at a 2017 model with 18.5k.miles and want to know if ya think it's a decent idea? Or if that's too many miles?
It was a 2017. And when it comes to a Honda powertrain 18.5K is just a baby if it was maintained and not abused and has many more miles to give. Just inspect the chain and sprockets for excessive wear and ask for service records and see if everything is there.
I have to admit this bike (CB1100EX) has caught my eye (brings back memories from the 1970s bikes I owned). But alas, I cannot afford every bike that grabs my heart, haha. I have not yet test rode one, though I am afraid to do so in that I may fall in love with it, haha. One thing that Irks(?) me is that it does not have traction control (I mean this is the 21st century after all). Alas, I still have my heart set on a possible future bike as the Triumph Street Triple or just maybe the upcoming 2019 MG V85tt. and I really do not wanna get rid of my HD Super Low 1200T or my MG V7II, hence the financial problem of owning yet more than one more bike ... Remember What the Doormouse Said and BE SAFE out there on the road !
Well there is that equation out there that states that how many motorcycles should one own and that is X + 1 where X= Current number. But I totally understand if I was to buy everything out there that I love I would have a bit of an issue as well..... And no money... Ride safe out there as well!
Hey Rabid Hedgehog! I think I've been bitten by some bug....Ive never owned a bike but Ive taken the MSF course and have ridden the pants of scooters from 50cc to 500cc singles for years in Philly along with 4 wheeled variants for years. I am a mature 30 something and not looking for thrills and want something I can grow into and take the gf along on rides and even travel a little. My question is would you recommend this bike to someone like myself who will be a 1st time bike owner. My motorcycle license expired a few years ago and life changes came my way otherwise I would have taken one for a test ride by now. Hence the question. I just see nothing but great reviews on this bike. Would love to know your insight or anybody else that reads this. Sorry I couldn't wait til the video finished. Thanks!
Might be a bit on the tall side in terms of seat, but I will say it is one of the most balanced motorcycles I have ever rode. In fact compared to my Rebel 500 it turns better and feels more planted. In all honesty the weight is not bad either due to the way it carries it low.
@@RabidHedgehog , This is a big, heavy, tall bike. And like all 4 stroke, straight four OHC bikes, the weight is high, not low. You want a low center of gravity, get a cruiser. This is not the best choice for a small size beginner.
How has it been the last month? There’s one that’s been sitting at our local Honda dealer...thinking it might a nice change from the America I’ve had for the last few years...
I think you had a Harley before this? What made you go with the Honda? Awesome bike but so different and quite conventional looking compared to a Harley. I ride a 48, love it but i do wish it were a little smoother and comfortable like the Honda at times! Thanks
mark henry 6 Harleys before this actually there different Sporty motorcycles in both engine flavors, a Fat Bob, a Street, and the Night Rod. To be honest it was working for the dealers here that caused it. And for my Night Rod the writing was on the wall as being in the service side I was already having trouble with getting simple parts like brake lines for earlier model variants with no replacement vendor or part meaning mine would soon become lost in that. So why Honda was kind of purely accidental. First one was supposed to be a Yamaha, but I decided on a Rebel 500 when replacing the Z125. The second was the deal I got on the CB1100 being 4200 off its MSRP and still being in crate with 0 miles. The CB really has attention to detail when seen in life and looks so old school. I had one of my old customers from the Harley shop see it today and was astonished by it because of its looks and the details. It maybe conventional looking but it has turned way more heads and started more conversations than any one of my Harleys. Mostly from older guys who had the older CBs like the 750 who, like my previous customer, now rides a Limited, but really has fond memories of that bike. Nothing wrong with a 48 except range though.
Thanks for the reply. Had a look on the Honda web site, bit more pricey here at around £11000. I have fond memories of my first "big" bike too, a 1977 Suzuki GT500 two stroke twin, amazing bike, toured all over on it. Thanks again.
Have you thought of shaving the heads a bit and putting in higher compression pistons and less restrictive mufflers to achieve more performance ? And have you ever rode a 70's CB750 ? if so, has does it compare in performance and handling ? Curious I am. Back in the day the CB 750 was considered a "Super Bike". Yes, compared to today's sport bikes it does not compare as such. I like the prospect of the new Triumph Speed Twin, but have yet test rode one. That bike sems like it will be a great comprimise between a sports bike and a stndard bike (retro styling and great Triumph handling with the power of a 1200 cc Thruxton motor. Though it is water cooled). Let me know what you think ? Later and ride safe ...
I have not gone back far enough for a single cam CB750, only twin cams so far. Closest I have got to that era is the 1979 CX500C sitting in the garage. Am I thinking of doing some power mods to the CB1100EX, yes, but the CX500 is priority one to get her restored and a daily rider.
By the way #Rabid Hedgehog you really should test ride a Motto Guzzi Eldorado and a Motto Guzzi California Touring. They may weigh 700 pounds but feel like they weigh only 500 pounds when you get on one and ride them. They are excellent modern motorcycles and IMO a better choice then a large dinosaur like Harely.
How would Honda rate next to Suzuki bandit 1200 k6? I am owner of this model and seriously considering to sell and buy Honda CB 1100RS. Bandit is too powerful, top speed goes up to 260km/h no point for me as I hardly go over 200km/h. Honda remains me Suzuki GSX 1400 but still like more Honda. HondaIt looks like apparation amongs all monster ghost look bike nowadays. All good to US, I remember on my first visit of USA, seeing San Francisco, wow what is cool city. I have to make some trip again,
Equally loved but the Rebel 500 gets far superior fuel mileage getting easily into the 60s (witnessed up to 67 MPG now vs. the CB1100s 52 MPG). I will say this the Rebel is a great town hopper running into and around town to go to work and run errands where as the CB1100 is an all around bike capable of going out for long range rides and town hops as well.
Ha ha. The irony is I own four bikes. Amongst them is a 2021 GSXS750 (yes I know the one in the video was a 1000cc) and a CB1100EX…also tell that Suzuki owner, “get a tail tidy ya noob!”
I bought this bike this past July brand new. For a couple of months I had sleepless nights deciding between this bike and a new Bonnie T-120. I chose the CB1100 and don’t regret it one bit. The fit and finish of the Honda was better. Also the Honda felt more planted and substantial with its extra weight. Triumph has a very limited dealer network compared to Honda. Plus maintenance is almost nonexistent on a Honda. Those are just a few points that helped me make my decision over a triumph. The T-120 is very similar to the street twin.
Not the street twin: the T120 is better. I went with the Z900RS no regrets but I plan to add the CB later to my stable. We have some great choices now. For a bit more $ The RNinety is in the game too
I have owned my CB1100EX for a little over a year and over 5000 miles since 0 and I have to say that the Griso is beastly, quicker, a little less comfy, and runs a smidge hotter. But in reality they are different from one another. Think riding on a couch (CB1100) vs riding on a rocket. I like them both equally, but more or less the Griso would edge it due to performance which I am into. But the CB is just a greater overall machine for the everyday.
@@RabidHedgehog , Seriously? I would love to see one, but I'd pass on the auto. I'm old enough to remember when Honda tried that in the 70s with their 750. It didn't sell. If I remember right, they made a 400 auto. too. I got the regular 750, and that was the last bike I had that had a kick starter. I loved that bike. Bulletproof reliability. I hope they do bring back the CB 1100, because I want one! The Kawasaki Z900 RS is pretty nice too, but I like the looks of the Honda, better. It just seems more authentic, retro. Like my old '77 750, spoke wheels, lots of chrome (but no points to change!). I hope they bring it back! Honda, do you hear me? Loved your video, by the way!
Sorry but I got really distracted by the headlight on main beam - nobody else is commenting on it - is that what you do in the States - in the UK you'd have people flashing you. Don't know if it's a cultural thing!
Only one problem , chicks stealing side glances , choosing between the bike or me . Needless to say it's both cos the bike is you ! Greetings from Spore brother .
I like gentle perfect this bike. I buyed honda supercub 110 2019 birgin white color. and I will buy this bike too soon. not better but perfect than t120. honda. . best manufacturer. tom south korea