The Honda CB1100F is a retro‑styled standard motorcycle produced by the Japanese manufacturer Honda. It is a variant of the Honda CB1100 series that features a full fairing and, in some markets, optional electronic aids such as anti‑lock braking system (ABS).
Development and market positioning
- The CB1100 series was introduced in 2007 as a modern reinterpretation of Honda’s classic 1970s “Super Cub” and “CB” lineup, emphasizing a large‑displacement air‑cooled inline‑four engine with contemporary chassis components.
- The “F” designation denotes the fairing‑equipped version, which was primarily targeted at the United States and select European markets. Production of the CB1100F commenced in the late 2000s and continued until its discontinuation in the mid‑2010s.
Technical specifications (typical for the CB1100F)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1,140 cc air‑cooled DOHC inline‑four |
| Bore × Stroke | 73 mm × 59 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Power output | Approximately 102 hp (76 kW) at 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | Approximately 110 Nm (81 lb·ft) at 5,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6‑speed manual, chain final drive |
| Frame | Twin‑spar steel tube with aluminum subframe |
| Suspension | Front: telescopic fork, 120 mm travel; Rear: twin shock absorbers, 120 mm travel |
| Brakes | Dual 300 mm disc front (with 2‑piston caliper); single 260 mm disc rear (with single‑piston caliper); optional ABS |
| Wheels / Tires | 17‑inch cast wheels; front 100/90‑19, rear 130/80‑17 |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase: 1,459 mm; Length: 2,150 mm; Width: 810 mm; Seat height: 795 mm |
| Dry weight | Approximately 218 kg (480 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L (4.8 gal) |
Design and features
- The fairing on the CB1100F provides wind protection and a visual cue reminiscent of classic sport‑tourer motorcycles from the 1970s, while retaining the upright ergonomics typical of standard bikes.
- Instrumentation consists of an analog speedometer and tachometer, complemented by a digital fuel gauge and round indicator lights.
- The model incorporated modern safety and convenience features such as a digital odometer, optional ABS, and a fuel‑injection system that replaced the carburetors used on earlier CB1100 iterations.
Production history
- Initial production began in 2008 for the 2009 model year, with the CB1100F marketed principally in North America and selected European countries.
- The model was discontinued after the 2013 model year in most markets, as Honda shifted focus to newer models in its standard‑bike lineup. Exact discontinuation dates vary by region; some markets may have retained limited inventory beyond this period.
Reception
- Automotive press and motorcycle reviewers generally praised the CB1100F for combining classic aesthetics with reliable modern engineering. Common points of acclaim included the torquey air‑cooled engine, comfortable riding position, and the added wind protection of the fairing.
- Criticisms typically centered on the bike’s relatively high curb weight and the absence of more advanced rider aids such as traction control.
Legacy
- The CB1100F contributed to a broader resurgence of retro‑styled motorcycles in the late 2000s and early 2010s, influencing subsequent models from both Honda and competing manufacturers.
- While no direct successor bearing the “F” designation has been released, Honda’s later standard‑bike offerings, such as the CB1100 and the CB series launched in the 2020s, continue to draw on the design philosophy established by the CB1100F.