The CB1100RS: Can it Really Outperform the Standard?

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Thanks for "showing the work" behind the original set of points, Ulv, and I mostly agree with your conclusions. The fundamentals of the '13 and '14 are very good, and it can be made to handle just as well (or better) than a stock '17 RS with very few (if pricey) mods.

I'm still hoping the RS rear shocks will bolt up to a '14 std despite the swingarm change.

I am just about ready to buy the Ohlins HO 239 shocks; the Ikons helped quite a lot but I just can't get them precisely adjusted. I figure the Ohlins are a lot less than buying an entirely new motorcycle which itself will still need a whole bunch of fine-tuning and mods.

I am just about ready to buy the Ohlins HO 239 shocks; the Ikons helped quite a lot but I just can't get them precisely adjusted. I figure the Ohlins are a lot less than buying an entirely new motorcycle which itself will still need a whole bunch of fine-tuning and mods.
Great thread. For what ever it's worth when I had my Harley Night Rod I had Penske build a set of shocks and replace the cartridges in the forks, made a world of difference. Harley's from the factory are probably the worst POS when it comes to suspension. Now as far as the CB1100 STD goes, it handles just fine for me so I'm just going to leave it alone. I'm not a good enough rider that I need any more than what Honda has provided from the factory. You may want to check out Penske before you buy the Ohlins.

Good point, and Works Performance as well. Around $1500 is what it will cost for any of those.

Basically the Ohlins can be ordered up directly, just providing rider weight, type of bike, and riding style. Here's what I got from Ohlins USA:

Thank you for your interest in our Öhlins Products!

We will be happy to help! We unfortunately do NOT have a black line shock available for your bike, but we do have a fully adjustable model that has rebound adjustment, compression adjustment, and adjustable ride height (+10mm). The Part # is HO 239 and it shows to fit the 2010-2016 Honda CB 1100. To place an order for our products you would have to go through a dealer, we unfortunately do NOT sell to the general public. You can go to this link http://www.ohlinsusa.com/ohlins-dealers and type in your zip code to find a dealer within your area that can place the order for you!

All of our dealers have been instructed to get the Rider’s weight without gear and riding style (Street/Track Day/ or Race) so we can help choose the correct rated spring for you and your particular set up. Below is the pricing information on the HO 239, we do not have it in stock, it will have to be special ordered directly from Sweden (2-3 week turnaround time to us once the order has been placed). Let us know if you need anything else, or if you have any more questions or concerns.

HO 239 (Honda CB1100 / Type: S36PR1CL) Zero in stock
Retail price $1,529.00

Regards,
Matt