Design Disadvantages of the CB1100

[thessler3_imp]

All inline 4 engines have good primary balance (2 pistons up and two down simultaneously) but inherently bad secondary vibration. Secondary vibes occur at twice engine speed and create a high frequency buzz.[/size] I believe the CB1100 has a single balance shaft. Some other Hondas, like the Blackbird had two, which is a better solution. However, pistons go up and down and balance shafts rotate, so they only reduce secondary vibration, not eliminate it. By the way, most 4 cylinder bikes have cylinders that are separate from the crankcase, not cylinders bored into the block. Also, parallel twins can have several configurations, like Triumph's 360 degree crank with both pistons up and down together, Honda's earlier 350 & 450 have 180 degree cranks with one up and one down and the Yamaha Tenere with crankpins at 90 degree separation. I have studied vibration for years and the smoothest engines are straight sixes, boxer sixes and 90 degree V-twins of smaller displacement. In my opinion, any other engines would be better served with rubber motor mounts, even if it adds weight.