Honda CB1100 EX and RS Test - Road Test

This is how the new classic Honda models are going: one more elegant, the other more sporty and fashionable.

New classic. They are beautiful not only in appearance, but also in the car. Honda. CB1100EX ed RS update in 2017 with small and important aesthetic and technical innovations.

One is more classic and elegant, the other is more sporty and looks like a cafe racer. They take the engine four-cylinder Euro 4 with 90 hp and the new Showa Dual Bending Valve fork. They are fun but also comfortable.

I wasted no time in telling you that I prefer the RS, even if the EX liked me more to drive. On the Italian market, they are offered in different colors at the following prices: EX a 13.200 euro and the RS a 13.600 euro... I and I have tried the streets of Barcelona looking for strengths and weaknesses. This is how it went. 

Honda CB1100 EX and RS 2017, how they are made

New 1100 Honda CB2017 EX earn LED lights front and back, new steel wheels with spokes, a more rounded chromed steel rear fender, aluminum mounts for the smaller driver and passenger footpegs, and a longer sidestand. But there is also a new aluminum chain guard and flush-mounted fuel tank cap.

Engine four-cylinder in-line with dual camshaft (DOHC), air-oil cooling, from 90 CV at 7.500 g / min 91 Nm at 5.500 g / min... It is paired with two new lightweight tailpipes (-2,4 kg), a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch with a lighter lever.

The tubular steel double frame of the carrycot is connected to the new one. Fork Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) with 41mm stanchions and dual Showa shocks with adjustable spring preload mounted on a classic steel swingarm. The braking system – with ABS as standard – uses two 296mm floating discs up front paired with four-piston Nissin calipers and a 256mm disc with a single-piston caliper in the rear.

The seat height is 792 mm and the curb weight with a full tank of petrol is approximately 255 kg. RS version features low handlebar folding, Showa Dual Bending Valve forks. with rod 43 mm and external reservoir shock absorbers attached to a new aluminum swingarm.

Also, instead of wheels with spokes, there is 17 '' light alloy wheels with sports tires. reduced (120/70 and 180/55). The braking system is more efficient and consists of 4-piston Tokico radial calipers on 310mm discs at the front and a single caliper on 256mm discs at the rear. And the curb weight with a full tank of gasoline is 252 kg.

Honda CB1100 EX and RS 2017 as they go

You are wrong if you think that these are bicycles, just beautiful to look at. Because they reflect how Honda, which has always been careful about product performance, interprets the segment. "Neoclassical" (pass the term to me).

On EX driver's position is comfortable and comfortable. The body is straight, the footpegs are in the right place, and the shape of the handlebars provides a comfortable posture. The saddle is quite low and, thanks to the shape of the tank, allows even short people to easily put their feet on the ground. IN the weight it can only be heard during stationary maneuvers, and it disappears as soon as you move.

On the road, the EX is agile and manageable. He rides well too between curveswhere it makes you feel good, easily getting into the crowd and always showing light and sincere behavior: the more experienced can have a lot of fun, and the less experienced have nothing to fear.

The four-cylinder engine works well at low revs, the gearbox and clutch do the same. Obviously, the engine is at its best when it's “revving high”, which guarantees an exciting range: at low revs, this is normal. elastic and pleasant, but not energetic. The RS has a more sporty spirit, which translates into more congested forward gear. IN steering wheels it is narrower and shorter, and the rims are 17 inches with a classic cut for naked motorcycles / sportbikes.

It is more stable at fast speeds, out of corners, in acceleration, but it is less steep than the EX and needs to be ridden a little with the body. However, this slight agility and speed when changing direction does not affect the overall driving pleasure, which remains significant for the category to which it belongs. Plus there is braking system more efficient. Ultimately they both convinced me for several reasons. They are stylish, ride well and are inexpensive. 

Used clothes 

Light: Scorpion ADX-1 Soul

Jacket: Dainese D-BLIZZARD D-DRY

Back Defender: Daines Manis

Jeans: Dainese Bonneville

Boots: Dainese Nighthawk

Gloves: Dainese Anemos