Honda brings back the UJM CB1100

[James England]

I was basing my facts on the exhaust on this pic but now i'm not sure its a 4 into 1 at any rate it matters not as this is exactly how I'd like one...black and chrome....looks downright bitchin' and even better lookin than the Honda IMHO...

That's the model I have. It's a 4 into 2 exhaust system. The change year was 2005 and they went to fuel injection instead of carbs and had the 4 into 1 exhaust. I bought mine deliberately to get the 4 into 2. The single silencer on the later models is pretty huge and ungainly and there's the problem of the 'bare' side, of course (I like symmetry!)

[foreda]

Fuel injection

Do they make a Power Commander for that model?

[TomB]

Do you lads get the GSX1400 Suzuki over your side of the pond?? I think its a great bike styled in a similar vein to the XJR1300.

[jetmechmarty]

GSX1400 was sold in Japan and Europe only.

[TomB]

NOOOOO!!!! they really stiffed you lads ain't they

Another bike that'd have sold in millions in the US, what were their marketing blokes thinking of ???!!!






.

[jetmechmarty]

NOOOOO!!!! they really stiffed you lads ain't they

Another bike that'd have sold in millions in the US, what were their marketing blokes thinking of ???!!!


.

It could have something to do with meeting our EPA regulations.

[DGXSER]

It could have something to do with meeting our EPA regulations.

Exactly! Combine that with the large portion of the MC market in the USA being folks looking for their status symbol Harley, or the most fuel efficient vehicle, and it narrows the market to the point it would not make sense in my opinion.

I briefly looked into the requirements to get an XJR1300 over here, briefly for sure. Found that the cost for the avergae folk like me would be so astronomical I could have one custom built here for less, and then as a custom one-off bike, not subject to EPA.

[WMarshy]

Unfortunately the only "retro" bikes we have (had) are the Kawasaki ZRX1200 which has been discontinued for some time now. Other than that your options are the Kawasaki Z1000 and Yamaha FZ1000 which are not retro but just a naked bike...

I think the new CB pays more homage to retro styling of the past unlike the XJR and the Suzuki 1400. Unfortunately I think the fender and rear tire have a little awkwardness to it and I would prefer the more modern styling of the Yamaha and the Suzuki. All are beautiful bikes though.




I think I would have to choose this one over any of them though. This one just screams 'lets go racing'.

[jimbyjimb]

The XJR and the Zuki are awesome.

Not a fan of the whole 'retro' bringing back the past movement. The XJR and the Zuki pictured certainly contain styling elements of the past but cannot be mistaken as classic bikes. They look new, they look fresh and they look great. The Honda is fine, I love Honda, but it's the same with the retro muscle car crap. Move on. Make something new. The new mustangs and camaros do a fine job of using classic element while looking like new cars. The Challenger looks like a crappy re-pop of a way better looking Challenger from 1970. I equate the Zuki and XJR with the Chevy and Ford, whereas the Honda just looks too much like a semi-failed attempt to rehash the past.

The other thing is charm. The whole point of riding the dinosaurs we ride is that they offer a unique experience based on their age that will never be repeated ever again. That, or lack of income. Either way, new wanna-be old stuff lacks that charm and can never earn it.

[madmax-im]

Well I like certain elements of retro styled bikes while incorporating modern day improvements in design and function...to me its the best of both worlds...not everyone likes retro but I do as do many others I suspect...an XJR or even the CB1100 would be a fine addition to my stable...

[jetmechmarty]

I love this:


and I love this:


What does that tell you?

[motoman]

I love this:


and I love this:


What does that tell you?

.........You also like symmetry...........

[madmax-im]

really love that Guzzi too...

[mharrington]

Here in the states most purchasers of motorcycles want a Harley or something that LOOKS like a Harley. Purchase decisions made based on color/riding apparel and how one looks pulling into the bar. I read when a survey is done in the US the participants will say alllll day long they want retro this and classic that but when /if the model makes it to the dealer those models sit while V Twins with chrome and crotch rockets sell by the dozen. I love the new Honda but read its only 86hp. With modern port, combustion chamber and fuel injection designs seems like it could make AT LEAST 100hp????

[Bonz]

Yeah, the venerable XS we all love makes about the same hp as the Honda. I'll bet the first magazine to road test one doesn't beat the XS by much if at all in the 1/4 mile ET and trap speed.

The Honda probably makes better power down low, and weighs 50 or 60 lb less, so realistically it will probably be slightly ahead of the XS. However it redlines at 8500 rpm, the same as an XS, and if it is geared taller than the XS, this would make it back to an even match. Looking forward to seeing how the CB compares for sure once it is tested.

As for power commanders, Honda uses their own fuel injection, and at least on my ST 1300 could not be changed with at power commander. What we COULD do was put on different fuel pressure regulators (higher pressure), to effetively spritz more fuel in during the injector firing cycle, thus theoretically making a wee bit more power, but improving driveability was the main gain.

I think Honda is after a price point, like they are with the new NC700V ($6999). If Honda brings this in under $10k, which is what I hear they will, then the price will be a very big part of it's success. And Honda builds good stuff, so it won't be a matter of taking a chance because of the lower price.

I am sure it will turn some pretty good MPG as well, given the mild tune, and that is important to folks these days as well.