The CB1100RS: Can it Really Outperform the Standard?

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Should Honda make the RS available in the US, we should have more than a few 2013/2014 CB1100 owner switching over to the RS. It will be interesting to read comparison reports.

17" wheels are generally quicker than 18" wheels. Maybe Honda will adjust the frame and suspension geometry to maintain good corning clearance. And if the 180 rear wheel prove problematic, it should be possible to go with a smaller rear. And tire choices will be more numerous.

A few intake and exhaust changes should gain 5 plus HP on top of the 5 HP the RS has over the standard.

I'm playing devils advocate but I think the RS may have the edge, albeit with a few easy mods.

The RS will have the edge in sales for certain, I think even over the Triumphs and other sport heritage machines. It's a looker and if it's a first CB1100 for someone, they won't know or care about the differences. I am pretty confident the bike is going to come well-sorted for the new pieces.

But there again, it gets back to whether the CB1100 is really a supersport in any way, and that it is not, in any guise. Squeezing out another 5 HP, with the additional heat generated and expense involved, won't make much difference out in the open, where the guy on a 600 will still effortlessly dust the bike on a straight. The same gains can be made on the current engine.

Those 18's work very well; there are vintage racers flailing the daylights out of bikes on those sizes. A big part of easy turning is having a decent amount trail, which is also leverage. The wide tires and reduction in trail will affect turning, but Honda already indicated they reduced rake and trail to help the bike turn. It's a well-considered package.

I do think this bike will sell very, very well. If I didn't already have one I'd be in the market for it.

You "never touch anything down"? Really? You did say you replaced the rear shocks, correct? I've got the preload on my stock shocks at the maximum setting and I touch my foot pegs down often. (I weigh 185 lbs). I have grounded-out the kickstand twice, but that was with my wife on the back, and it really scared me. I am not saying that I disagree with your comments about the CB1100RS, but I have learned the limits of my CB1100 dlx, and they are not very high.

I forgot to mention, I replaced my peg feelers with pieces about 1/3 the length of the stock items. Also I removed the centerstand, just in case. Don't use it anyway.