2021 Honda CB-F Concept Bike

[Guth_imp]

Thought I would compare some retro standards with their origins. To me, the Honda is truest, retro without compromise. The Kaw's laid-down shock forces the airbox under the tank, causing it to be very bulbous. The tank looks too far back, and the engine looks puny, especially with the gap above it and the small sidecover. It looks busy and really tall. The Katana is all bodywork, not about the engine at all. I have no words to describe it except busy.

Just one more example. The best of them all :

All just my opinion here, but for me this particular comparison highlights the fact that the CB1100 was designed around 18" wheels. As a result the proportions of the RS appear off to me. Yet I can understand the attraction for those who want to have access to a greater selection of rubber available but for me the smaller 17" wheels.

When considering the original CB1100 design, the proportions appear much more balanced to me. While the CB1100 was not intended to replicate any one specific motorcycle, the goal was to create a motorcycle that was unique and stood on it's own, while at the same time honoring a range of CB motorcycles that primarily existed in the 1970's with a bit of overlap into the late 60's and early 80's. A big part of that challenge was getting the proportions right as compared to the bikes back in the 70's (such as those seen here in the image of the CB750).



The later variations of the CB1100 weren't so much a reflection of Honda's vision that the engineers and designers brought to the table as much as they were an answer to market demands after the original CB1100 design had been around for a few years. The CB-F concept bike is interesting because it largely reflects Honda's direct vision as it relates to the current market for retro-styled motorcycles (should it make it to production). I personally find this particular concept to be far more attractive than Kawasaki's Z900RS which is the motorcycle I would be comparing the CB-F against as opposed to the CB1100. In my mind the CB1100RS sort of bridges the gap between these two approaches. How the CB-F might change to accommodate market demands would be interesting to see.



I like what I see of the CB-F. For what it is, I think that it's a great looking motorcycle — at least based on what I've managed to see of it so far. Kawasaki did a pretty good job of presenting photos of the Z900RS that managed to show only the better views of that tank. But once I got to see just how bulbous that thing is "that tank" came to define the motorcycle for me.

If Honda does go through with producing the CB-F concept, then not only will it be interesting to see how well the bike is received but also to learn what the demographic of CB-F buyers ends up looking like. Finally, in my case in particular, I will be most interested to see what the final design that makes it to production looks like (how will they incorporate a license plate support?) and, like the CB1100, how it might change over time.

[VLJ_imp]

Also, what does Honda do with the current "Neosports" CB1000R, if this retro version comes to market? The current model isn't selling, so I can't see Honda doubling down with the same basic bike. Certainly not American Honda, anyway.

Kudos to Kawasaki, for offering up not just two but three versions of their Z900.

[Wisedrum]

Don't like one of the Kawas 900. Just the very old one.
Same with Hondas like Neosport or the shown new model. Free hanging rears without stereo dampers have never been my case. Guess that a lot of bikes today, actually most of them, are not been designed for guys like me. If the optic doesn't please my eyes, I'm quicker out of it, than I count to 3. May they be a good riding experience or not. Simply not attractive.

Wisedrum

[VLJ_imp]

You aren't their target market, obviously.

[Stichill_imp]

Thought I would compare some retro standards with their origins. To me, the Honda is truest, retro without compromise. The Kaw's laid-down shock forces the airbox under the tank, causing it to be very bulbous. The tank looks too far back, and the engine looks puny, especially with the gap above it and the small sidecover. It looks busy and really tall. The Katana is all bodywork, not about the engine at all. I have no words to describe it except busy.

Just one more example. The best of them all :

All just my opinion here, but for me this particular comparison highlights the fact that the CB1100 was designed around 18" wheels. As a result the proportions of the RS appear off to me. Yet I can understand the attraction for those who want to have access to a greater selection of rubber available but for me the smaller 17" wheels.

When considering the original CB1100 design, the proportions appear much more balanced to me. While the CB1100 was not intended to replicate any one specific motorcycle, the goal was to create a motorcycle that was unique and stood on it's own, while at the same time honoring a range of CB motorcycles that primarily existed in the 1970's with a bit of overlap into the late 60's and early 80's. A big part of that challenge was getting the proportions right as compared to the bikes back in the 70's (such as those seen here in the image of the CB750).



The later variations of the CB1100 weren't so much a reflection of Honda's vision that the engineers and designers brought to the table as much as they were an answer to market demands after the original CB1100 design had been around for a few years. The CB-F concept bike is interesting because it largely reflects Honda's direct vision as it relates to the current market for retro-styled motorcycles (should it make it to production). I personally find this particular concept to be far more attractive than Kawasaki's Z900RS which is the motorcycle I would be comparing the CB-F against as opposed to the CB1100. In my mind the CB1100RS sort of bridges the gap between these two approaches. How the CB-F might change to accommodate market demands would be interesting to see.



I like what I see of the CB-F. For what it is, I think that it's a great looking motorcycle — at least based on what I've managed to see of it so far. Kawasaki did a pretty good job of presenting photos of the Z900RS that managed to show only the better views of that tank. But once I got to see just how bulbous that thing is "that tank" came to define the motorcycle for me.

If Honda does go through with producing the CB-F concept, then not only will it be interesting to see how well the bike is received but also to learn what the demographic of CB-F buyers ends up looking like. Finally, in my case in particular, I will be most interested to see what the final design that makes it to production looks like (how will they incorporate a license plate support?) and, like the CB1100, how it might change over time.

Two reactions to these pics:
[li]The CB1100 is definitely more attractive than the CB750[/li] [li]If this version of the original CB1100 (silver engine and wheels) had been offered in the US, I'd likely be an owner of one
[/li]

[Wisedrum]

2 reactions to yours.
Would not compare both bikes optically.
The CB750 has an overwhelming charme of her own.The charme of a never to be catched forerunner.

I'm glad to own such a CB1100 with a silver engine and wheels. It was offered in Germany/Europa. Don't like too much blackened motorbikes but a black tank and sidecovers. They are good looking. Best CB color in my eyes.

Wisedrum

[Guth_imp]

Thought I would compare some retro standards with their origins. To me, the Honda is truest, retro without compromise. The Kaw's laid-down shock forces the airbox under the tank, causing it to be very bulbous. The tank looks too far back, and the engine looks puny, especially with the gap above it and the small sidecover. It looks busy and really tall. The Katana is all bodywork, not about the engine at all. I have no words to describe it except busy.

Just one more example. The best of them all :

All just my opinion here, but for me this particular comparison highlights the fact that the CB1100 was designed around 18" wheels. As a result the proportions of the RS appear off to me. Yet I can understand the attraction for those who want to have access to a greater selection of rubber available but for me the smaller 17" wheels.

When considering the original CB1100 design, the proportions appear much more balanced to me. While the CB1100 was not intended to replicate any one specific motorcycle, the goal was to create a motorcycle that was unique and stood on it's own, while at the same time honoring a range of CB motorcycles that primarily existed in the 1970's with a bit of overlap into the late 60's and early 80's. A big part of that challenge was getting the proportions right as compared to the bikes back in the 70's (such as those seen here in the image of the CB750).



The later variations of the CB1100 weren't so much a reflection of Honda's vision that the engineers and designers brought to the table as much as they were an answer to market demands after the original CB1100 design had been around for a few years. The CB-F concept bike is interesting because it largely reflects Honda's direct vision as it relates to the current market for retro-styled motorcycles (should it make it to production). I personally find this particular concept to be far more attractive than Kawasaki's Z900RS which is the motorcycle I would be comparing the CB-F against as opposed to the CB1100. In my mind the CB1100RS sort of bridges the gap between these two approaches. How the CB-F might change to accommodate market demands would be interesting to see.



I like what I see of the CB-F. For what it is, I think that it's a great looking motorcycle — at least based on what I've managed to see of it so far. Kawasaki did a pretty good job of presenting photos of the Z900RS that managed to show only the better views of that tank. But once I got to see just how bulbous that thing is "that tank" came to define the motorcycle for me.

If Honda does go through with producing the CB-F concept, then not only will it be interesting to see how well the bike is received but also to learn what the demographic of CB-F buyers ends up looking like. Finally, in my case in particular, I will be most interested to see what the final design that makes it to production looks like (how will they incorporate a license plate support?) and, like the CB1100, how it might change over time.

Two reactions to these pics:
[li]The CB1100 is definitely more attractive than the CB750[/li] [li]If this version of the original CB1100 (silver engine and wheels) had been offered in the US, I'd likely be an owner of one
[/li]

While not exactly a toss-up for me, I do like the silver engine / silver wheels. If Honda had chosen this combination for the initial CB1100 release here in the States there's no doubt that I would have still bought one.

I'll always be glad that Honda chose to go with the configuration that they did for the initial rollout here in the States. Not only is the red tank with silver/black stripes, silver side panels and black engine / black wheels & polished rims my personal favorite, but this is the exact combination that Honda chose to feature when they first rolled out the CB1100 in Japan back in the beginning of the bike's existence. This particular configuration will always be the definitive CB1100 look for me. I'll admit to digging the direct connection to the bike's roots from the get go. Apparently I share Honda's view of this combination.

I have similar feelings about the livery featured on the CB-F concept bike. The silver paint with blue stripes as featured on the CB750F and CB900F here in the States back in late 70's / early 80's will always strike me as the definitive look for those motorcycles as compared to the other options Honda made available. I'm glad to see that this is the route Honda appears to be going with this new model.

Speaking of rollouts, another thing that I find interesting is that Honda did not include the stripes on the tank of the CB1100 as sold in Australia — where they did choose to go with the silver engine / silver wheels. I would be curious to know what bit of market research lead to that decision. That makes for a cool side note in the CB1100 history books. Does anyone here know first-hand if Honda happened to do so in any other countries?

[Cormanus]

The 2013 models that went to the UK (and Europe, I think) had the tank stripe but an all silver engine and wheels.

[VLJ_imp]

Of the mag wheels/seamed tank variants, this...



...is my favorite of the original CB1100s. Stripes on the tank, silver motor and wheels. Basically the same as the 2014 Deluxe, only with one pipe instead of two, and silver sidecovers rather than matching red with the extra extension covering the forward portion of the subframe. The tank doesn't hold as much fuel as the Deluxe's, but it looks sleeker...better. All that bike needs to be perfect is the pleated seat, and elimination of the tank seams.

Anyway, when you get right down to it, four-cylinder bikes really don't get much prettier than that. The CB1100's basic design is just gorgeous.

Dang it.

[Guth_imp]

I found a Virtual Tour set up on the Honda Japan website that is interesting to see. It includes a walk around video of the CB-F Concept Bike.

[url=https://www.honda.co.jp/motorcycleshow/#movSpl-cb-f]Virtual Tour: Honda CB-F Concept