2017 Honda CB1100EX Review

Kevin Duke
by Kevin Duke

The nicest literbike for the nicest people

One of the most famous taglines in motorcycle history is “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” And when it comes to nice motorcycles, Honda most often exemplifies this description. The retro-themed CB1100, first offered on our shores in 2013, made a nice case for nice, and so does this nicely updated version, the CB1100EX.

2017 Honda CB1100EX

Editor Score: 84.0%
Engine 16.5/20
Suspension/Handling 12.5/15
Transmission/Clutch 8.5/10
Brakes 8.25/10
Instruments/Controls4.5/5
Ergonomics/Comfort 9.0/10
Appearance/Quality 9.0/10
Desirability 7.75/10
Value 8.0/10
Overall Score84/100

2013 Honda CB1100 Quick Ride Review

First off, the harsh critics out there should be thrilled the CB’s fuel tank has gone seamless, and it’s one of the prettiest modern tanks in recent memory, with a lustrous depth of color highlighted by glittering metallic sparkles. It verges on stunning. More bling is offered by rich chrome accents seen on both fenders and the new LED taillight housing.

Honda has also adorned the CB1100EX with pricier-than-steel aluminum in several locations for some higher-end componentry. Alloy engine covers are set off against the blacked-out engine, and an aluminum chain guard is a classy touch. Aluminum brackets also hold the new LED headlamp, and the upper triple clamp has a tasteful brushed finish protected by a clear coating. Smaller aluminum wheel hubs hold 40 stainless steel spokes instead of the shorter-length 48 from previous CB hoops.

Aluminum side panels are polished by hand in Honda’s Kumamoto factory in Japan.

Despite those aluminum bits, the EX remains a heavyweight motorcycle, scaling in at 562 pounds with its 4.4-gallon tank full of fuel. Once rolling, however, the CB11 is feels anything but ponderous. Credit for the bike’s agility must go to its skinny tires – 110/80-R18 and 140/70-R18 – the same widths as a Ninja 300. There’s nothing particularly sporty about its chassis geometry of a 27.0-degree caster angle, 114mm of trail and a 58.7-inch wheelbase.

Size queens/kings need not bother bitching about the narrow rubber, as there’s more than enough grip to provide traction up to and exceeding the cornering clearance offered by the footpegs that will drag if ridden aggressively. Remember, the CB is a nice bike, not a 1980’s superbike, so your Freddie Spencer aspirations might go unfulfilled here.

Twin shocks and a centerstand as standard equipment are a couple of rare sights on contemporary motorcycles. Modern touches include LED lamps throughout (taillight, turnsignals and license-plate light).

However, ridden with some decorum, the CB is a delight to lean over, entering corners with a linearity unusual with most modern bikes, partially due to the 18-inch front wheel in contrast with the 17s so common these days. A rider can confidently pitch the Honda into a turn and never be surprised by its responses.

Keeping the CB11’s wheels in control is an upgraded suspension. Up front is a new 41mm Showa fork that impresses both for its control and its compliance. Dubbed a Dual Bending Valve, Honda claims it offers performance equivalent to a cartridge fork but is lighter. And, presumably, cheaper. Its responses are very good.

The Showa Dual Bending Valve fork is the first to employ technology that “uses two valves to generate both compression and rebound damping force for a more linear suspension feel.”

Also new is the rear suspension, with revised old-school twin shocks providing a generous 4.5 inches of travel. They, like the fork, are adjustable only for spring preload. Compliance is good, even if rebound damping feels a bit loose.

Brakes take modern inspiration, boasting four-piston calipers biting on a pair of 296mm discs up front, with standard ABS working along with a 256mm rear rotor and single-piston caliper. Power is strong but predictable, with decent feedback to dole out precisely the speed retardation required.

The centerpiece of the CB1100 is, of course, its four-cylinder motor that harkens back to Honda’s glory days of blowing rider’s minds with the original CB750 Four. This one is fuel-injected and uses double overhead cams to actuate four valves per cylinder. Despite the updated technology, including using both air- and oil-cooling, the 1140cc lump is a pussycat.

The CB1100EX’s finish detailing is splendid. Headers are double-walled to prevent heat discoloration.

Honda says revised air-intake ducting and a new air cleaner, along with a new four-into-two exhaust, improve “engine breathing and power characteristics,” but it feels quite similar to the previous mill that dynoed at modest 83.5 hp in the shootout linked below. Torque peaked at 66 lb-ft, although describing a portion of one of the flattest torque curves we’ve ever seen as a peak is a bit of a misnomer.

Retro Roadster Shootout: BMW R nineT vs. Honda CB1100 vs. Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

Power delivery is anything but peaky, with a robust bottom end that will allow taking off from a stop in second gear. Modulation from a new clutch is perfectly predictable, and its assist function is claimed to reduce lever effort by 16%. Its new slipper function isn’t especially slippery. Both hand levers are adjustable for reach.

The CB1100EX’s ergonomics are comfortable for riders of various sizes. The 4.4-gallon tank is remarkably slim between the knees and now includes an aircraft-style flip-up filler cap. The seat is very comfy, and its flat profile is appreciated by passengers.

The CB11 isn’t slow, but neither is it fast. The broad powerband means there’s always oomph at the ready, but power tapers off as revs pass 7000 rpm, leaving a sporting rider a bit unsatisfied. Many who are in the market for a retro machine like the CB will be content with its power, but aggressive riders will likely be wishing for a lumpier set of cams to awaken the motor’s top-end output. The exhaust note is reminiscent of a 1970s Four, pleasingly deep and with a few pops when using the engine for compression braking.

The CB’s motor is held in the double-cradle steel frame with four mounting points, two of which are rubber to help quell vibration. The handlebar also uses rubber mounts to damp unwelcome vibes. Riders still feel some tingles, but they aren’t problematic. The 2014 update that brought in a sixth gear to the tranny, and overdriven ratio, keeps revs respectably low on the highway.

2014 Honda CB1100 Review

2017 Honda CB1100EX

+ Highs

  • Quality finishes
  • Authentic retro
  • Nice, nice, nice

– Sighs

  • A little too heavy
  • A little too expensive
  • A little too nice?

Overall, this new EX model of the CB1100 is an appealing retro standard, and it’s sure to catch the eyes of Baby Boomers who recall the heady era of Honda’s 1970s superbikes. But at its $12,199 MSRP, we wonder how many millennials will be pulled away from Triumph and Harley dealers to select this beautifully finished and wonderfully accommodating Honda. That might depend on a rider’s perception of nice.

2017 Honda CB1100EX Specifications

Engine Type1140cc air/oil-cooled inline-four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke73.5mm x 67.2mm
Compression Ratio9.5:1
InductionPGM-FI electronic fuel injection
IgnitionDigital transistorized w/ electronic advance
Valve TrainDOHC; four valves per cylinder
Final DriveChain
StartingElectric
Transmission6-speed
Front Suspension41mm telescopic fork (SDBV) w/ adjustable spring preload, 4.2 inches of travel
Rear SuspensionTwin Showa shocks w/ adjustable spring preload, 4.5 inches of travel
Front BrakesTwo floating 296mm discs w/ hydraulic calipers (2 channel ABS)
Rear BrakesSingle disc w/ hydraulic caliper (2 channel ABS)
Front Tires110/80-R18
Rear Tires140/70-R18
Rake (Caster Angle)27.0º
Trail114mm (4.5 in.)
Ground Clearance5.3 in.
Seat Height31.2 in.
Wheelbase58.7 in.
Fuel Capacity4.4 gal.
ColorCandy Red
Curb Weight562 lbs.
Kevin Duke
Kevin Duke

More by Kevin Duke

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 92 comments
  • Robert J Schwandner Robert J Schwandner on Aug 15, 2017

    Purchased a new Honda after 200 miles I noticed a viabration at 37 to 41 mph. The dealer wants $125.33 to inspect to see if warrenty will cover. But this is probably a balancing issue therefor it would not be covered. Another $100 to have them balanced. Honda has let me down,I am not one of the nicest people on a Honda. I have been riding for more than 50 years. This is my first brand new motorcycle ever. Not pleased with the out come with Honda.

  • Bronco fan Bronco fan on Aug 24, 2021

    I bought a 2017 CB1100 EX this summer, and I love it. Compared to the CB750 I had back in the 70s, I think it feels lighter, even if the scale disagrees. But it's so much prettier than they were back then, no comparison. That red tank is gorgeous. And it's still got a center stand! (Why don't all bikes?) I just wish they still had kick starters, as I've been stranded before by a dead battery. It's very responsive at any RPM, with the 6th gear hardly even needed. Not "cammy' like back in the day, just good strong power at anything above 3,000 RPM. Strong brakes! ABS for good measure. In short, it does everything well. I don't know why they don't still make them.

Next