New CB1100R Could Become A Reality

CB1100F Joined: Feb 17, 2009 Posts: 2105 Location: Oz

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2015/december/honda-cb-racer-revived/

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:45 am

My friend Yasuko in Japan has a brother that's been working on this project. It's been very hush hush for a few years but now things like the patents are public information. Would be great but like everything else, whether we would ever see them in the USA is another story.....go figure....

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 2:27 am

That's truly a beautiful bike and a work of art. If production doesn't come to fruition, I'll understand. If it does and they aren't sold in the U.S., I'll be deeply disappointed with Honda. I wouldn't hesitate to sell a bike or two to make room for one of these in my garage.

Hawk Joined: Jan 10, 2012 Posts: 439 Location: Chicago

I'd even go as far as selling a few bikes.....or a liver or kidney to get one imported if possible....C'mon Honda...Hello, It's the US calling......

E

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 3:25 am

Yea....but there's the tale of two cities.....I'll understand if they don't sell them here, but I'll come to Chi Town to ride yours E!!!!!

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 11:53 am

Stop off in Tennessee and pick me up Wayne I want to ride one too.

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:17 pm

Erock wrote:

I'd even go as far as selling a few bikes.....or a liver or kidney to get one imported if possible....C'mon Honda...Hello, It's the US calling......

E

I would also spend the extra money to bring one over if it could be done. Let's just hope that the bike goes into production and they bring some over. These would sell a lot better than those lame CB1100's that are sitting on showroom floors gathering dust.

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:26 pm

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:40 pm

TomK I think has hit the nail on the head and is also why I DOUBT Honda will bring this bike into the USA. His statement of "These would sell a lot better than those lame CB1100's that are sitting on showroom floors gathering dust." It's because of the lack of enthusiasm for the current model (CB1100F) and the overstock sitting on dealers floors; and probably in the warehouses as well, that Honda will probably NOT bring the "R" bike here. Why would it make good business sense to do so?.

Same thing happened with the 1994-95 CB1000F "Big One" which did reasonably well overseas and went on to become the CB1300. Lack of interest here in the USA for the 1000 meant no good reason to bring in the updated models. That updated model went on to become a bike which Several members-myself included-would love to have. Several versions/colors/trim levels were produced. I think it is STILL AVAILABLE even today.

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_cb1300_super_four_2015.php

I HOPE I'm wrong as I would honestly enjoy seeing the bike here in the USA especially as a lighter more powerful version.

I will remain hopeful.

Ricardo

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 2:12 pm

Yeah, that would actually tempt me to buy my first new motorcycle in 33 years. The last one was my 900F.

Twinstar Joined: Nov 25, 2015 Posts: 152 Location: Phoenix

I'd say that as of late there is a resurgence of attraction to naked bikes. So many new bikes available in naked form now. It may bolster demand in the states. I'm sure there are also a bunch of 40 and 50 somethings that are looking for some nostalgia now that they are old enough and financially able to have bikes they couldn't have in the late 80's and early 90's.

I agree, it is always disappointing when a manufacturer doesn't bring a cool new bike to market in the U.S.

Personally, I can appreciate the 1100R, but it isn't really the bike for me if I'm throwing down money for a new bike.

ben

Hawk Joined: Jan 10, 2012 Posts: 439 Location: Chicago

Or how about this idea...If Honda will truly produce this bike and their main focus is to sell them in countries other than the US.....why not offer the bikes to US buyers on a special order basis with limited quantity....?

I'd still buy one and a CB1300 if I could get my hands on one....

E

Hawk Joined: Aug 17, 2013 Posts: 302 Location: Devon. UK

I wonder if it will be twice the price of the road going version like the original was compared to the CB900.

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 4:38 pm

Some of its potential release in the US also hinges on exhaust emissions standards I'm sure. Bikes in Europe now need to comply with Euro4 emission standards. Does anybody know the difference between the Euro4 standards and the US Standards?

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 4:56 pm

Air cooled? 108HP?

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 6:04 pm

I think I would sell my MV-Agusta and buy one it they brought them here.

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 7:00 pm

Wayne750F wrote:

Some of its potential release in the US also hinges on exhaust emissions standards I'm sure. Bikes in Europe now need to comply with Euro4 emission standards. Does anybody know the difference between the Euro4 standards and the US Standards?

I've no idea how Euro standards compare to their U.S. equivalents, but our new trucks (big rigs) have been at Euro 6 standard for well over a year now.

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2015 11:48 pm

I have read that Euro 4 is more restrictive than current US legislation in most states. The new Ducati Panigale has twin exhaust cans for 2016 in EU whereas in the US they will exit from the fairing as they did in 2015

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 12:54 am

Thanks for chiming in mate!!! If that's true them maybe we have a shot at seeing them here...IF they continue development of it.....

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 9:25 am

My choice would be if they kept it - at best as a small volume production special - loss lead type of thing -why?
because what I see is design idea's that could filter into home spun one off's - for example I'm seeing some good idea's for my Harris build - mainly the cafe race look coupled with a more sit up UJM bar to seat to pegs set up - monoshock V twin - etc.. - let it inspire

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 9:58 am

I have already registered with the "sell a testicle" organ sale website.

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 3:42 pm

Bike looks great but we have no evidence that that air cooled new engine is anything other than an 85 hp boat anchor..No thanks for me...

Imagine a cb1100R tribute with less than or equal hp to an Africa Twin adventure bike ...Bummer....I don't think that bike would sell beyond a short collectors run .

It has less mass appeal than the CB1100's sitting on dealer floors all over the country now.....That boring engine is the reason for that IMO...

Do we really think the new 1100R will come with 130 hp? I don't

If only the BMW S1000R looked like that cb1100R.........

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 3:57 pm

The marketing types of the large motorcycle manufacturers have significantly different opinions about what sells than specific consumer groups (like we are).
In order to make the process of legitimizing the bike for sale in the U.S. justifiable, there needs to be a large enough return. It's called a "business plan" Laughing

I do not see it with this bike. A street bike, which is NOT a replica racer, with a single seat position will not garner enough interest here. It also has to fit into the product portfolio as far as price and thus profitability.
And the model has to be supported by the service and parts network. If it is too unique, it will not appear.
If I would still own the dealership, my prediction would be we sell about two or three a year.

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 4:29 pm

If they build it, and it goes racing and is successful, then it could be the 'R' returned ... otherwise its a factory custom ...

I admit, its an attractive factory custom, but it has no history or heritage that matters, just adding an R to its title and painting it Red White and Blue doesn't do it. For the money this could cost, you'd be better getting a real CB1100R and refurbishing it. Before anyone chimes in about availability, real Rs are as available as this would be. Doing it this way you would have an appreciating asset, but also one that has a real, global, racing heritage. Incidentally it would look fabulous and be brilliant to ride ...!

I will steal some of the design concepts for my RC special, but other than that, not going to get excited ...

To be honest, if I had money to burn, a Laverda Jota, Moto Guzzi Le Mans, Kawasaki Z1B, Suzuki GS750 and some other stuff would come higher up the list.

Regards,

Max

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 4:49 pm

All good and valid points from Rob and Max....But Max, the R's might be available in the UK but not so here in the States although some have more than one!!!!! Ahemmmm you know who you are!!!!....and like this one likely will be, when they do show up here they aren't really affordable to the average guy....but it will be interesting to see what becomes of this....Like a few have said, they are still licking wounds from the total flop of the retro CB1100 here that are gathering dust at dealerships....but my buddy in Japan said watch for an announcement after the first of the year....

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:09 pm

Wayne750F wrote:

All good and valid points from Rob and Max....But Max, the R's might be available in the UK but not so here in the States although some have more than one!!!!! Ahemmmm you know who you are!!!!....and like this one likely will be, when they do show up here they aren't really affordable to the average guy....but it will be interesting to see what becomes of this....Like a few have said, they are still licking wounds from the total flop of the retro CB1100 here that are gathering dust at dealerships....but my buddy in Japan said watch for an announcement after the first of the year....

I don't see why they would be unaffordable to the average guy.....The bike has an existing engine and I'm willing to bet no electronics. What's expensive?

We also have no evidence that air cooled engine designed for torque could ever race and compete with water cooled engines from competitors so I don't see a racing pedigree to work and fall back on to create interest.

IMO, if Honda made a bike with a styling and a look like the 1100R, along with a capable engine that generates some excitement, a cult market could develop....

Kawasaki made that kind of bike with the ZRX1200R and I don't think that was a great seller, but that certainly seems like a cool bike to me....I'd like a Honda 1000R version

In my world the best looking bike by far on the market at this time is the New Norton with Ohlins suspension . The look alone is enough to make me want one....And I would have one at 20+K , except for the fact that it has like 80 HP..Not enough ...that's a bummer...

I doubt that look could generate the same excitement that Running a BMW S1000RR through the gears does ..when the engine is screaming at 14K and the electronics are keeping the front wheel an inch in the air at 100+ mph. That is enough to generate instant wood and a big rush.If only a bike could supply some of that while looking alike a CB1100R or Norton Commando, or Kaw EL replica .... Rolling Eyes

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:12 pm

This is not a race bike, and will never be. In what race segment would it compete? This is not part of Honda's race bike development. It will not be able to establish a successful racing history.
It is just another pretty concept, that may come alive or not.

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 6:33 pm

Why would Honda bother? They're interested in selling machines in the tens of thousands not the hundreds. In fact Honda has been introducing more bikes that cater to the beginner market and not to the CBR end of the spectrum. I'd like one as much as anyone but I'm not gonna hold my breath. Besides money spent better would be to call that guy Darren Begg and see what he could do with 13K....

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 7:43 pm

Wayne750F wrote:

All good and valid points from Rob and Max....But Max, the R's might be available in the UK but not so here in the States although some have more than one!!!!! Ahemmmm you know who you are!!!!....and like this one likely will be, when they do show up here they aren't really affordable to the average guy....but it will be interesting to see what becomes of this....Like a few have said, they are still licking wounds from the total flop of the retro CB1100 here that are gathering dust at dealerships....but my buddy in Japan said watch for an announcement after the first of the year....

Rs are available on and off across Europe and they can be shipped. Wout has sold an RC recently and has an RB for sale at the amount ... shipping to the US is practical.

The overall costs won't be cheap, but neither would the new bike ... and it all depends on your priorities any way.

There's nothing to stop someone getting a deal on the new CB1100 and investing money in making the engine perform and some bodywork and paint. If someone can make a Blackbird look like an RC, they can do it to anything ...

Regards,

Max

Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2016 7:43 pm

I guess we'll have to wait and see what's up....it's not good business to spend big bucks on development and file patents and scrap the whole project. This project has been on the development boards for a very long time now. I don't know about anyone else and maybe I shouldn't speak with terms such as "average" guy. I certainly am in no position to spend $15K on a toy that's for sure....And Rob is right, this bike isn't going racing....