2017 reflectors

[baxtercat_imp]

Took delivery on my 2017 today, but it was too wet to take her out for her maiden voyage. So instead I performed my first mod. I don't intend to do much--I don't think the bike NEEDS much--but I did want to perform the same procedure as on my 2013--the reflectorectomy. The front was easy on the old bike--just let the fork sit in the sun for awhile, then twist the things off. On the 17, just as easy, but a more refined approach: they are held on with hex screws, but come off in under 60 seconds. before and after:
For the back, I found a nice solution. The reflector lobby in North America is evidently very powerful, as our bikes arrive with an unattractively wide license plate holder with red reflectors hanging off either end. On the 13 and 14 bikes, people employed the Chip Beck Spec mod to get rid of these and clean up the tail. Whenever possible prefer not to take files and sandpaper to parts that go on a new bike, however, and I happened to notice that, in the photos of Euro and Japanese bikes, there were no side reflectors on the front or rear. So I ordered the corresponding Japanese model license plate holder (thanks, Takashi!) which arrived in the same shipment as my OEM rear rack. The Honda part number is # 84701-MGC-DA0. As you can see, switching the NA part for the Japanese involved simply loosening three 10mm bolts and replacing it with the new part. Factory appearance and cleaner look. FYI I compared the stock North American holder I took off with the corresponding part on the 13, and they are not interchangeable--the 17 version has a third threaded post not found on the 13, so this swap only works on our 2017s. Now that I'm plated, I hope to get out on the road!

[Houtman_imp]

Better a reflectorectomy than a prostatectomy , I might need one down the road.

[redbirds_imp]

First thing I do with every bike I've owned also. Least I don't need to cut the RLETs off my new Hondas.

[Lord Popgun]

Hummm, a disturbance in the force I feel.

[pdedse]

This is timely; just a few days ago I pulled out my '14 modded bracket for the plate, and realized it won't quite work on the '17.

Looks very nice the way you have it.

[PowerDubs_imp]

You still have a silly reflector above your rear plate- and the plate is too low because of it.

Fender? What fender....

[baxtercat_imp]

You still have a silly reflector above your rear plate- and the plate is too low because of it.

Fender? What fender....

that one can be removed easily also, if you choose. as for "too low," you'll have to take it up with the Honda designers. they've been doing it that way since the 70s.

[guitar gord_imp]

Oh no! I just finished posting in the "New Members" section that I was not going to succumb to customizing my '17 CB1100EX. Did way too much of that in my past Harley days. But I have to say that I really prefer the look without all of those side reflectors. And I'm placing an order with Takashi for the Rear Rack today so might as well have him throw the plate bracket in the same box. Here we go....

[peterbaron]

Oh no! I just finished posting in the "New Members" section that I was not going to succumb to customizing my '17 CB1100EX. Did way too much of that in my past Harley days. But I have to say that I really prefer the look without all of those side reflectors. And I'm placing an order with Takashi for the Rear Rack today so might as well have him throw the plate bracket in the same box. Here we go....

again

p.s I also keep its classic look unchanged

pb

[baxtercat_imp]

Oh no! I just finished posting in the "New Members" section that I was not going to succumb to customizing my '17 CB1100EX. Did way too much of that in my past Harley days. But I have to say that I really prefer the look without all of those side reflectors. And I'm placing an order with Takashi for the Rear Rack today so might as well have him throw the plate bracket in the same box. Here we go....

if it helps, Gord, you can justify this mod as simply bringing the 2017 to "country-of-origin" specs--not so much customizing as returning the bike to a more authentic version of the designer's intention, before the North American add-ons. that worked for me.