I think the CB engine is just right

[Wisedrum]

I am surprised how many times forum members comment about wanting more power on the CB1100.

It will exceed 100 MPH, in third gear in 8.6 seconds from 0 MPH.
90 MPH in 6.8 seconds.
Zero to 60 MPH, in first gear, in 3.3 seconds.

Typical 2 lane passing, from 65 MPH took me to 90+ before I am around just one vehicle, without dropping more than one gear. Solo, 185# rider.

My riding was frequently (weekly) from 2,200 feet to 8,500 feet elevation. About 5,000 feet of that climb was in less than a dozen miles. At the steepest grade, it did prefer 4th gear to hit 100, but 80 MPH in 6th was done effortlessly.

My snorkel mod may have helped slightly at elevation, but otherwise a stock bike.

The quickest 4 wheel vehicle that I have owned was a 73 Datsun pickup with a 1982 Chevy 350 V8. I became accustomed to it, after driving for a while, and wondered if I should have geared it lower. With a 2.92:1 rear end it was no faster than a new Corvette in 1982. I am sure that there were faster vehicles on the road, but being faster than most was more than sufficient. I feel the same about the CB.

The fastest vehicle I have driven was a rather ugly 1974 AMC matador police interceptor 401 V8. Contrary to published numbers, it would do 135 MPH at less than full throttle. The sway bars were so stout, it would out-corner a newer CB750 (with sparks from its footpegs) on a curvy mountain road near Los Angeles, circa 1978.

I got annoyed enough to pass that CB750, who was not yielding, then terminated the pursuit before the rider injured himself. Never cited a motorcyclist, although I was compelled to arrest one after a 5 mile, 120+ MPH pursuit across town.

I mention this to point out that I am not a stranger to speed, but still feel that the CB1100 powerplant provides a very responsive ride, with more HP than generally needed and with little need to get into the 6500 to 8500 RPM range.

I am also of the opinion that there will not be much power gain without a higher compression ratio and more timing advance, both of which would necessitate higher octane fuel. Considering the heat issues overcome during engine development by Honda, I would not be inclined to mill the heads.

The CB1100 is conducive to ride, refuel, change oil, lube chain and just ride and ride and ride...

I feel and think the same.
In Germany they tested the 2013 model with an acceleration of 3,9sec from 0 to 100km/h. That's more than enough, don't know if I ever tested it out....
A few bikes my accelerate faster, who cares. Most likely not the average or common CB rider.

Of course if you rev your CB often hard, you'll get to soon used to its power and may find it too early 'boring', if you've kept your driving license by doing so. But if you keep yourself back most of the time and only do the more full throttle thing once in a while in lower gears this will be the times, when the CB is able to spread surprises and excitment with only 90 HP. 90 fun and well assembled HP .

Wisedrum