2017 CB1100 EX

Press release date: October 4^th, 2016

Model updates: With its lines refreshed in exquisite detail the Honda CB1100 EX exudes even more classic style, and features new stainless steel spoke wheels, Showa suspension and LED lighting. Its evocative four-cylinder engine breathes through revised inlet and exhaust systems and is now equipped with an assist slipper clutch.

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

Since 1959, when they first adorned the twin-cylinder CB92 Benly, the two letters CB have always meant a great deal to Honda, and Honda owners. And they came to mean even more in 1969; the four-cylinder CB750 was a seminal moment for motorcycling as the world’s first production superbike took centre stage, laying down a blueprint that still stands today

In the present day, old school has become very much new school and in 2013 Honda brought the CB1100 - already a best seller in the Japanese market - to Europe, satisfying pent-up demand from an army of riders for whom a traditionally styled air-cooled four-cylinder CB was a must-have piece of engineering craftsmanship.

For 2017, two versions of the CB1100 will be available. The CB1100 RS* offers a new kind of more sporting appeal, while the CB1100 EX has been imbued with extra layers of retro style and several performance upgrades.

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.

*See separate CB1100 RS press kit.

Mr M. Imada, Large Project Leader (LPL) 17YM CB1100 EX

“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 fulfilment, 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.”

2. Model Overview

The CB1100 EX outlines the proportion and silhouette of a true 1970s superbike. Its curvaceous fuel tank – made without seam-welded lips – evokes hand-made craftsmanship, while the single round headlight and twin instrument dials denote Hondas from a bygone age.

Adding crisp-edged modernity, the front and rear lights are now LED and new 18-inch wheels run stainless steel spokes. Offering improved suspension compliance, the 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve front fork is matched to Showa rear shocks.

The engine breathes more easily thanks to revised inlets and smaller, lighter dual mufflers. An assist slipper clutch makes for easier lever engagement and rear wheel stability on downshifts.

With its classic lines the CB1100 EX conjures memories, mixing the engine’s addictive performance and soulful sound with evocative appeal. It’s also a machine to savour and contemplate and everywhere you look; every angle and part is satisfyingly perfect.

3. Key Features

3.1 Chassis

The CB1100 EX’s classic tubular steel double cradle frame holds the engine with four rigid and two rubber mounts. It features relaxed steering geometry, with rake and trail of 27°/114mm and wheelbase of 1490mm, delivering sure-footed stability with neutral handling characteristics. The ‘rider triangle’ is also relaxed and upright; seat height is 790mm and the handlebar shape has been revised to maintain a neutral position. Kerb weight is 255kg.

To give excellent control the CB1100 EX is equipped with a Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) 41mm front fork, which uses two valves to generate both compression and rebound damping force for a linear suspension feel. A new die-cast aluminium top yoke features a buffed finish and clear coat, while the bottom yoke holds the fork legs in a higher position.

Twin Showa rear shocks offer adjustable spring preload and operate through a steel swingarm, which has a clean look thanks to an under slung rear brake hose. An aluminium chain guard replaces the previous plastic design.

The CB1100 EX features redesigned 18-inch spoke wheels, wearing 110/80 R18 and 140/70 R18 front and rear tyres. Smaller aluminium hubs lace the wheel rim with 40 longer stainless steel (rather than the 48) zinc-plated spokes. Twin 296mm floating discs up front are mated to four-piston Nissin calipers, with a 256mm disc and single-piston caliper at the rear. ABS is fitted as standard.

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 300km plus range, but were also focused on creating a truly hand-made look. The 16.8L fuel tank they came up with does away with the seam-welded lips along both bottom edges, and pays homage both to CB history and contemporary style with a cutaway rear section that displays the cam cover to the rider. An aircraft style filler cap adds another visible touch of class.

The side panels are made of brushed aluminium with a textured ‘hairline’ finish while the seat is well padded and comfortable. Chrome seat rails add seamless lines, with no clutter, and the chrome steel rear mudguard has a more rounded cross section. Smaller die-cast aluminium hangers mount both rider and pillion footpegs, while a longer sidestand makes it easier to get the machine upright.

A chromed round front headlight (it’s now LED, with a spiral running light) crowns the front of the machine, underlined by twin horns. It’s held with aluminium stays and flanked by classic-style 70mm diameter indicators. The LED rear light, indicators and number plate mounting bracket has been minimalised for a streamlined look.

The circular speedo and rev counter are adorned in chrome; equipment includes a fuel gauge and clock, gear position indicator, fuel efficiency gauge and range computer. Ignition is now via a ‘wave’ style key.

Subtly blacked-out, the engine wears natural aluminium engine covers, and features a cylinder head finished in silver with a burnished aluminium cam cover and chrome end caps. The CB1100 EX will be available in Pearl Shining Yellow, Pearl Sunbeam White and Candy Prominence Red, with a super smooth finish suggestive of repeated, and fastidious, wet sanding.

3.2 Engine

Proudly at the heart of the CB1100 EX is its silky-smooth DOHC engine. Linear, instantly accessible power and torque is what this motor’s all about, and plenty of it, anywhere in the rev range. Maximum power output of 66kW arrives at 7,500rpm with peak torque figure of 91Nm delivered @ 5,500rpm.

Air (via 2mm fins) and oil-cooled (via a 335mm 9-tier, front-mounted oil cooler), the engine revs to 8,500rpm and features a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Bore and stroke is set at 73.5mm x 67.2mm.

Drive for the twin camshafts is via central chain, and the valve included angle is 26.5° inlet and exhaust. Inlet valve diameter is 27mm, with a 2.5mm stem; exhaust 24mm with 2.5mm stem. A single secondary balancer shaft ensures smooth running.

PGM-FI and 32mm throttle body are fed through a revised, shortened air inlet tract and new air cleaner, and work with the pair of shorter (minus 70mm in length, 7% less in diameter and 2.4kg lighter than previous design) chrome plated exhaust mufflers to boost low and mid-rpm engine reaction.

Internally split into two expansion chambers, each muffler features dual hole-punched link pipes optimised for resonance and the generation of an evocative four-cylinder engine note. Both mufflers hug the machine tighter for improved ground clearance and the downpipes are double skinned to stop heat-induced discolouration.

An assist slipper clutch is now fitted. With die-cast aluminium cam and slipper cam it saves weight, reduces lever effort by 16% and minimizes rear wheel ‘hop’ through engine braking on rapid down changes. The six-speed gearbox, ­­with carefully matched ratios for gears 1-5 gives crisp response and acceleration, while 6^th is an overdrive reducing fuel consumption and lowering engine rpm at highway speeds. Final drive is by 530 chain.

The CB1100 EX engine is EURO4 compliant.

5. Technical Specifications

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.