Red1100f's

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

Hello all,
thought i would make a thread i could use to ask questions and show progress on my bike.

I have an amazing 1100f. It just crossed 27k miles but i am not the first, second, or 3rd owner as far as i know so that number could have 100k added to it im sure, not likely but its possible. She runs good for being 30 but it definitely needs some going over to make her practical to ride often. First and foremost she will remain the 1100f she was built and meant to be. I will be buying a 900f in order to customize and tinker on. None the less, i need some advice from the powers that be on going over her. I am an aircraft mechanic that is confident in my ability but my only bike experience is with a honda ruckus. I bought one tore it down to nothing and rebuilt it as i wanted. slammed her, swapped a 150cc motor in her and made all kinds of parts fit her that were never designed to go on her but in the end she was exactly as i imagined her.

That being said, i have the ability to put into action what suggestions i get. What are some good places to check to ensure that the 1100f will be in a running worry free condition.
I will be replacing the wiring harness when i pull the motor and will probably make my own. (3 attempts on the ruck got me real good at soldering and troubleshooting wiring issues)

She has squeaky rear brakes, she has a tapping valve, and her throttle cables are routed incorrectly i believe. Her fairing needs some love but i can take care of that on my own. Ideally i guess this particular post is more of an introduction. I have pics and once i figure out how to upload them ill show you what i got.

Thanks for taking time to read this.
Any comments are appreciated criticism included.

DB

Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2013 4:17 am

What is your overall plan? Going to pull and rebuild the motor? If not, your #1 project is to check and adjust the valves. Clean and sync carbs could come next. If the motor is coming out, then there are many threads on the rebuild process. Welcome to the site, learn to use the search function (many topics have been discussed, many times), but do not hesitate to ask questions!

Post up some pics, when you get a chance, we really like pics.

Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2013 4:20 am

The tapping valve may be the only one that is in the correct range. The manual says that you can run them as tight as .002" up to .005" We have learned that .005 up to .008" is where you want to be which makes for some ticking but it's much better then burnt valves which is how many of these end up because of the valves.

Other then that start reading and you will see many tricks that have been learned in the past 30 years that make these bi9kes run and last.

This thread will show you some of the mod's that we do to them.
http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=65524&highlight=blue+1100+shop

This one is on a 900 but the same mods are done except for the 1100 clutch pusher mod. The 1100 has a different clutch actuator then the 900/750 uses.
http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=58352&highlight=blue+1100+shop

Also look up John Youngs build on his 1100 very detailed and a very good job.

Peace, Jim

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

Here is my 1100f. In my humble opinion she is one of the most beautiful bikes on the planet. Sure someone messed with her by taking away her twin black chrome exhausts but ill give them back to her when I can. Not much to look at in the fact that she is like all of the others but she is still mine and she is still a head turner in and around town.
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This is her little sister and now I have an idea on how to paint her. Here she sits waiting for paint
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The Ruck has been heavily modified, motor swapped from a 49cc to a 150cc, she has been slammed a few inches, stretched a foot, and she does 55mph sitting upright, close to 60 in a tuck and she still gets 75 miles to a gallon.

Well, these are my money pits. We all have them, some are just slower than others.

Take it easy,
DB

Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 9:46 pm

So whats wrong with it 3d. By the pics looks to be a nice bike that's been taken care of.

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

it has been well taken care of but it has the 30 year old gremlins that need to be tweaked. For instance, there is some corrosion at the bullet connectors in the front headlight/indicator wiring harness. I believe the carbs need to be synched or maybe one of them has an air leak for its running rougher now that i put some miles on her. Heck, she might be running like a top but i dont have the experience with her to determine that. I am a newb to the cb line. When i was a kid, my dad had an 82 750f and i remember riding on the back of that for hours with my dad.

Maybe i shoulda just gotten a 750 and started there but why?... i know what i like and i like to think i have good taste hence the 1100f Smile

All in all this thread is a place for me to ask newb questions that i first cant figure out by searching or researching.

Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 10:25 pm

Im a rookie to the dohc line of bikes, no doubt about. All my bikes are sohc4 Honda's, but interested in maybe getting a 1100f or maybe a 900f in the furture. On my old Honda's I live by the saying- If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It. I replace and fix whats needed to make the bike a safe and road worthy bike and thats it. I don't want a show bike just a good, decent everyday rider that I feel confident I can jump on a ride just about anywhere.

How about a little history and info on what you know about your bike.

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

I dont have any history on it. I purchased it from some dude in Colorado Springs off of craigslist. My father lives there and went and took the bike for a spin. It reminded him of his 82 but was faster and meaner sounding. He is a Harley guy now but appreciates the inline hondas as a previous owner.

The bike has everything there, doesnt have any of the signs of it being down hard and has a very clean frame. The motor does need some love though and i am in discussion with a guru to get that taken care of.

I wish i knew more about it but at the moment i dont. I will try to do some research and see what i can dig up.

take it easy,
DB

Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 1:55 am

Welcome to the group, DB. You have a nice 1100F there and a little attention will have it running just the way you want. Be patient and you'll learn if you hang around here long enough. There are tons of threads on how to repair various things and you can always ask questions. We're all here to help each other and I can tell you first hand that the guys here have taught me a LOT!

Tom

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

Thanks guys. I appreciate the warm welcome and good advice straight from the gate.

Ill introduce myself now I guess.

My name is David, I have a wife and 2 boys, 7 and 4. I just turned 35 and I have been successfully married for 10 years and hope to make it the distance because my wife is the enabler that makes my dreams happen. Such as my 1100.

I have loved Honda CB's since i was a kid on the back of my dads. I am glad that i got the 1100 and i am glad this site with its amazing and knowledgeable members is here for me to search through and kill time looking at amazing bikes.

take it easy,
David

PS. please don't be offended by my lack of capitalization, its a bad habit i am trying to break. Smile

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

Looking at the Vin and its meaning thanks to this thread, http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7593

Looks like I have a Japanese made bike from the Hamamatsu factory and my bike was number 897 that came off the line.

Pretty neat info if you ask me

Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 3:26 am

Welcome David.

It is in pretty good shape from the pics, the ruck looks like a blast.. Very Happy

I personaly, would check the valve lash first, it is quite a bit different than the single stick hondas, and is usualy the main cause of greif.
After that I would look for a set of direct lift carbs, and IMO then you would be set for a good long life of fun.
It may use oil, and if it does talk to Jebby (another member here) and get a replacment set of valve seals.
If you are more adventurous, and it needs a set of rings, then consider seeking out "The Captain" for a upgraded set of timing chain guides.

All in all, I am sure you will have a blast, here and on the bike.. Smile

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

I am discussing with a member the options available for a rebuild of the motor. I am quite excited actually. I have done some research on some of the threads that demonstrate his work. It'll be some time before he gets to mine but its worth the wait. Smile

none the less, i imagine that when all is said and done, the 1100f will be the king of my stable despite what other bikes may grace my garage.
I never intended to do a frame up and i don't believe that is what will come of it but what do you call it when you take it apart and massage every part before putting them back on? I don't plan on replacing things unless they are no longer functional or are unsafe. My wife got a Nikon 5200 camera for her birthday so ill be sure to load this thread with pics.

Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2013 1:35 am

Welcome aboard bike looks great. Take your time and enjoy its a labor of love. Best of luck

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

Sorry for the off topic pic. It is my thread though so i forgive myself a little. I promise to keep on the 1100f subject from now on.
This is my companion. She has been with me as long as my wife and i have been married. I really wanted to show off the pics that the camera can take. I am impressed with the camera as its our first nice one. Up until now they have all been mostly disposable. Cant wait to take some pics of the work going on with the bike.

Her name is JoJo. My wife and I got her when we lived in Harrogate. A small town in Northern England not so far from the city of York.

Take it easy,
Dave

Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2013 2:20 am

Cute puppy.

Check out this thread:

http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=68327

Enjoy!

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

So i am working with a member here to get a 900f frame. I am gonna make it a restomod for sure. I will be doing the usual front end and swing arm swap.

I happen to have this non-titled R1 sitting in my garage that i bought to make into a track bike. Problem is i dont want too any more.
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A couple of questions to the powers that be.

Has anyone used R1 components for a swap yet?

The following are rough measurements:

R1 front fork length is 28"
R1 rear swing arm is 23" from pivot center to axle center

When measuring my 1100f the rough measurements are:

1100f front fork length 32"
1100f rear swing arm is 19.5" from pivot center to axle center

Anyone running aftermarket gear similar to the R1 measurements? if so any pictures?
I know that with skill, tools, and ability anything is possible and that lacking any of the 3 can be made up for with cash, but following in someones footsteps is far easier than paving ones own way. So I was hoping that someone here could share some of their experiences.

Take it easy,
Dave

Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 1:59 am

Dave the swingarm is just way too long to be used but the wheels, brakes and front end could be used. The forks are on the short side but they will work. You will just have to be careful with speed bumps and the side cases will be low. But if your name isn't Freddie Spencer then you probably won't be leaning it over as far as your mind tells you that you are. I have seen even shorter forks installed. Check out the build by "Burned". He used F4I forks and they are short. It looks like he jacked up the rear to compensate for the low forks and gained a little height.

The rear wheel may need some surgery to get center lined in the bike? Don't know as I haven't tried one but I have made 6" RC51 wheels fit so it can be done at a price. May be easier to part the R1 and get better fitting parts? That's up to you.

Peace, Jim

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

Jim,

Thanks for the input. I will probably parting out the R1 as you mentioned. I don't have much of the 3 requirements i previously mentioned so parting the R1 should help bring in some cash to make up for it. Smile

By any chance do you have any pics available with the RC51 wheels. I bet it looks amazing having the rear end that wide.

Ill see what i can find around the interwebz and ill keep posting pics.

As always, thanks for taking the time to comment and
Take it easy,
Dave

Red CB1100F Joined: Jul 19, 2010 Posts: 6420 Location: Ct

I say go with the R1 swinger!!! You will probably be the first one to do it. I dont think the extra length would be such a huge deal. I ran a 4" over swinger on my 750 and sliced and diced just fine. Jim, how much longer than the stocker is it anyway??

You can always just mock it up to take a look before you decide. You already have the complete rear end (wheel, arm, brake etc). Post up some pics. Cool

If you dont end up using it, I would vote for GSXR componants. They are cheap, plentiful and nearly bolt on.

Good luck with it. Very Happy

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 3:59 pm

Greetings New guy. Keep researching and make a plan. So many great options. F3/f2 wheels, gs1100 swinger , cbr 41mm forks, cbr coils ,ss break lines, Corbin, g s x r carbs, etc etc etc. Welcome to the addiction.

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

Thanks for the welcome. Other than F2 wheels and new bars, the 1100 will remain the way it is. I simply think its too good to mess with.

I am acquiring a 900f frame that will be the object of my modifying bug/addiction. It will get the works. USD forks, swinger, an 1100 motor, bigger carbs... pretty much alot of modern go fast parts. There are loads of bikes on this forum to emulate.... Sooo many beautiful bikes to inspire me, soooo little room in my garage for all the bikes i want.

take it easy,
Dave

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 5:35 pm

ctluba wrote:

I say go with the R1 swinger!!! You will probably be the first one to do it. I dont think the extra length would be such a huge deal. I ran a 4" over swinger on my 750 and sliced and diced just fine. Jim, how much longer than the stocker is it anyway??

You can always just mock it up to take a look before you decide. You already have the complete rear end (wheel, arm, brake etc). Post up some pics. Cool

If you dont end up using it, I would vote for GSXR componants. They are cheap, plentiful and nearly bolt on.

Good luck with it. Very Happy

Steve, the Yamaha R1 motor is compact and Yamaha moved the pivot way forward. I don't have and R1 arm anymore but my FZ1 arm is 24" to the front of the adjuster. That is 4.5" longer then what these bikes like IMO.

Peace, Jim

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

had to tape it there to snap the photo's a more exact measurement could be made but this gives the idea of length

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

Here is the 1100 for comparison.

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 6:37 pm

If all looks good....you may not need to part out that R1 after all! Wink

Can't wait to see it....

Jebby

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

I decided to not use the R1 for a donor bike. There are better options available to rework a 900f with. I might pass the R1 off to a member here for some of his services. I am searching for what bike i can use the most as a donor that has USD forks and a good swing arm. Looks like most folks piece their mods from several bikes not just one donor. Ill keep looking. Ideally once i actually have the frame in hand and can take measurements, ill be able to go look around some salvage yards for what would be the easiest to swap over. I have seen the RC51 forks and i love the they way they look on the 900f's. Cant wait to get into the meat and potatoes of the build. Visual concepts and research only satisfies so much of the addiction.

Take it easy,
Dave

Twinstar Joined: Sep 02, 2013 Posts: 114 Location: Texas

some guy near me is parting out a 99cbr 900 fireblade rr. Anyone have any idea if this is decent gear for a swap? i ask simply because i have no way of measuring the swingarm at the moment. I am sure the front end will work but i am not sure of the swing arm width.

Thanks for any help with this,
Dave

*************** using the search function solved this problem.... so did reading the guide to using the search function..... Smile

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 4:38 pm

Dave the CBR900rr wheels and brakes are a good option. The rear wheel is a little wide but I can modify that. Thje forks are on the short side but have been used. See Sebspeeds 900 build and the Goosekats last build. They both used CBR900RR forks and Seb makes a pretty cool upper triple clamp to raise the forks a 1/2".

The swingarm is the same one that I have done and shown in my swingarm thread and I have successfully made one shorter but I think that it is just a coffee table center piece? What a shame that is. I will have the arm to use here in a couple of weeks. It is short and looks proper when on the bike.

I also bore out 900 triple clamps to except the 41mm F2 forks. F2 forks with Race Tech springs and emultion emulator are really all anyone needs IMO. They are conventional forks so they look correct, they are nearly as long as the stock forks, F2 wheel and brakes bolts rite in.

If you want the USD style fork look then ZX9 forks in the 97 era are a good option and I do that set up as well.

That's all I know.

JJAM

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 4:52 pm

JJam wrote:

Dave the CBR900rr wheels and brakes are a good option. The rear wheel is a little wide but I can modify that. Thje forks are on the short side but have been used. See Sebspeeds 900 build and the Goosekats last build. They both used CBR900RR forks and Seb makes a pretty cool upper triple clamp to raise the forks a 1/2".

The swingarm is the same one that I have done and shown in my swingarm thread and I have successfully made one shorter but I think that it is just a coffee table center piece? What a shame that is. I will have the arm to use here in a couple of weeks. It is short and looks proper when on the bike.

I also bore out 900 triple clamps to except the 41mm F2 forks. F2 forks with Race Tech springs and emultion emulator are really all anyone needs IMO. They are conventional forks so they look correct, they are nearly as long as the stock forks, F2 wheel and brakes bolts rite in.

If you want the USD style fork look then ZX9 forks in the 97 era are a good option and I do that set up as well.

That's all I know.

JJAM

When you come by you can see my 600F2 forks in the 900 clamps to get an idea if you like them..... Wink

Jebby