A Moment at the Dealership: CB1100 Timeliness

[rdprdp01]

I openly acknowledge that my love of the CB1100's engineering, aesthetics, ride, and functionality is extreme. So much so, that any comparison I make with another motorcycle may be suspect. That said, I had a "moment" at the Honda Dealership / Service Center, which I frequent: Contra Costa Powersports in Concord, CA.

I am working with them and Galfer to create a steel braided clutch cable and brake line kit for a 2017 CB1100 EX. When we are finished, Galfer will be able to sell a complete kit with instructions to anyone else who may be inclined to replace perfectly functional OEM brake and clutch lines.

To complete the task, I coordinated with Sam from Parts and Joe from Service to gain access to a lift to complete the documentation requirements.





The moment I experienced occurred when I arrived at the Dealership. When I parked on Motorcycle Row behind the Service Department, I noticed a relatively new Honda Rebel 1100. This bike is often positioned as an all-rounder motorcycle, similar to how the CB1100 was marketed, minus the retro styling. Although the Rebel 1100 lacks the retro styling of the CB1100, it does have rider modes, a TFT display, and other gadgets many motorcyclists consider requirements for an everyday motorcycle. Conversely, I see most of those items as things that can break or interfere with my riding experience. Setting aside that discussion for another post, this post focuses on aesthetics and the riding experience.

As I parked, I studied the successor to my obscure motorcycle. I looked closely at the materials, engineering, and craftsmanship. It is a well-made motorcycle. After all, Honda reports that 40,000 were sold in the United States last year! For all that commercial success, I would still much prefer to own a 2017 CB1100Ex over a 2026 Rebel 1100. See Spec comparison below:



Although I it may be ia matter of taste, I believe the materials and workmanship of our CB1100s is unmatched:









My reactions were so one-sided, I began to 2nd-guess myself. Perhaps I am simply comparing the wrong motorcycle to my CB1100EX. I noticed a NT1100 also parked outside waiting to be serviced. It is also well made based on sound engineering, but my reactions were the same:







I encourage everyone, if we have rooms in garages, to keep our CB1100s and simply add newer motorcycles to the collection. My Cb1100Ex was manufactured 10 years ago and sold in 2017. It will look and run the same way it does now 10 years from now. You cannot replace the heart and soul of a CB1100. Have a great week. David

[pdedse]

Very cool that you are working with Galfar to create CB1100 specific steel braided clutch and brakes lines. I have come across their brand in several other forums as it's common for dual sport and enduro riders to want to raise the handlebars, and this sometimes requires longer lines.

[Wisedrum]

I openly acknowledge that my love of the CB1100's engineering, aesthetics, ride, and functionality is extreme. ....My Cb1100Ex was manufactured 10 years ago and sold in 2017. It will look and run the same way it does now 10 years from now. You cannot replace the heart and soul of a CB1100. 

I agree with your statement. If you like Inline 4, you will experience the soul and the heart of the CB1100. It surely has some. If you don't and find Inline 4 boring, there are people who will do,  then not. My 2013 built CB1100 runs very well after nearly 83.000km as I recentlly as always could find out on an ride yesterday. Though I don't even have a garage I will keep my  CB for many more years together with the RE Classic 500 EFi and W800. They fit together very well.

[17-CB-002]

How is the braided line project progressing? 
I have a 2017 EX and is interested in upgrading the brake & clutch hoses.

[rdprdp01]

There has been some back and forth about the dimensions, cable routing, and my color preferences. I am expecting a call / update on Wednesday. Will post the info later next week. Have a great weekend, everyone. David