Here's what's in my garage for 2018

[Ulvetanna_imp]

The 2017 bar clamp position got moved farther forward of the stem centerline.
So, in addition to opening up the cockpit larger for taller riders, does this change do anything else, like changing steering input and/or steering effort goes?

ps, the '17 pinch bolt got relocated to the back vs '13/14 front.

You better know it!

Offset is a big factor in stability and handling, and while I didn't specifically recall the details, I felt there had been more than just the forks changed.

Not only the forks, but triple clamps, too.

But...the frame and swingers are different part numbers. That's HUGE. Subtle differences in rake, trail, wheelbase, and swingarm pivot to countershaft make BIG differences in handling.

I am glad you brought this up. The fact that not only are the forks and shocks different, but the entire frame/swingarm assembly, means Honda did a very major massage to the bike to improve handling. It was obviously a comprehensive and integrated approach.

VLJ commented that the 2017 seemed to have no driveline lash to speak of. Every bike has some driveline lash, of course, but the CB1100 does have significant lash compared to many other bikes. Not problematic, but there. Heavy flywheel, drivetrain, large-displacement engine, no throttle-by-wire nor secondary butterflies means it is all in the wrist.

I am guessing that VLJ has a pretty well-trained wrist and if he states the new bike has no issue regarding driveline lash, I speculate that some of the issue has been ameliorated by the changes in the swingarm and frame.