03-25-2015, 09:15 PM
Notice the two bikes in the picture here with designer . Clearly the two bikes pictured were the primary inspiration for the CB1100. The CB 750K ( with rlets and gaiters btw) and the CB 400 supersport. Original design had a 4 into 4 system. Updated designs had the snaky headpipes from the CB400 fours 4 into 1.
http://world.honda.com/design/designers-talk/cb1100/
With regards to tank shape, for the EX/DLX they wanted to increase capacity. One of the design goals was to let the rider view the engine from the riders seat, so it couldn't be wider. Going longer would mean less room in the rider/passenger area, so it couldn't be longer. Only 1 way to go and that was up, hence the boxier look. I think the 13 tank is probably a better looking tank, but I don't find the tank shape of the DLX objectionable, just different, and maybe closer in shape to the original CB750. It goes with the 4 into 2. It would not look as good on a 4 into 1 model, as it is not as sporty.
On another note I must correct a mistake I made above when I said no DOHC I4 had a 4 into 1. That was wrong. I was thinking about this as I went to sleep last night. Honda did put a 4 into 1 on a couple of models. The 600, 900 and 1000 cc fully faired sport models called Hurricanes and models designated RR's (road race) but most relevant, the naked Honda 599 and 919s. I was still working for Honda when the first 600 and 1000 Hurricanes were released, but not when the later RRs or 599/919s were released so they didn't readily come to mind. Sorry about that.
http://world.honda.com/design/designers-talk/cb1100/
With regards to tank shape, for the EX/DLX they wanted to increase capacity. One of the design goals was to let the rider view the engine from the riders seat, so it couldn't be wider. Going longer would mean less room in the rider/passenger area, so it couldn't be longer. Only 1 way to go and that was up, hence the boxier look. I think the 13 tank is probably a better looking tank, but I don't find the tank shape of the DLX objectionable, just different, and maybe closer in shape to the original CB750. It goes with the 4 into 2. It would not look as good on a 4 into 1 model, as it is not as sporty.
On another note I must correct a mistake I made above when I said no DOHC I4 had a 4 into 1. That was wrong. I was thinking about this as I went to sleep last night. Honda did put a 4 into 1 on a couple of models. The 600, 900 and 1000 cc fully faired sport models called Hurricanes and models designated RR's (road race) but most relevant, the naked Honda 599 and 919s. I was still working for Honda when the first 600 and 1000 Hurricanes were released, but not when the later RRs or 599/919s were released so they didn't readily come to mind. Sorry about that.