Honda CB1100 EX (2014-2020) Review: A Timeless Love Letter to Motorcycling’s Golden Era

Introduction

The Honda CB1100 EX isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rolling tribute. Built between 2014 and 2020, this retro-modern classic channels the spirit of Honda’s iconic 1970s CB750 while wrapping its soul in contemporary engineering. Designed for riders who crave the aesthetic simplicity of old-school motorcycling but refuse to compromise on reliability, the CB1100 EX walks a tightrope between nostalgia and modernity. After spending a week with a 2019 model in Candy Chromosphere Red, here’s why this bike might just be the perfect middle ground for purists and pragmatists alike.

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Design: Retro Done Right

Honda’s designers clearly studied the CB750’s playbook. The CB1100 EX features a double steel cradle frame that screams 1970s authenticity, paired with wire-spoked wheels (18-inch front and rear) that add vintage flair. The round LED headlight and chrome accents on the exhaust, fenders, and engine covers are subtle nods to tradition, while the digital-analog instrument cluster (with gear position indicator and fuel economy readouts) quietly acknowledges the 21st century.

At 2200 mm (86.6 inches) long and 255 kg (562 lbs) wet weight, it’s substantial but never bulky. The 792 mm (31.2-inch) seat height accommodates most riders, though the narrow saddle makes reaching the ground easier than the numbers suggest. Paint quality is exceptional—the Candy Chromosphere Red variant glows like liquid metal in sunlight, though black and white options offer understated elegance.

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Engine & Performance: Inline-Four Symphony

The 1140cc air/oil-cooled inline-four is the star here. With 88.5 HP @ 7500 RPM and 91.3 Nm (67.3 lb-ft) of torque @ 5500 RPM, it’s not chasing liter-bike specs. Instead, it prioritizes smoothness and character. Thumb the electric starter, and the engine settles into a muted idle at 1100 RPM. Roll on the throttle, and the PGM-FI fuel injection delivers linear power without the abruptness of modern sportbikes.

The real magic happens between 3000–6000 RPM. The engine hums with a velvety baritone that evolves into a sonorous wail as the tach climbs. It’s fast enough to thrill (0–100 km/h in ~4.5 seconds) but never intimidating. The 6-speed gearbox shifts with Honda’s trademark precision, though the cable-actuated clutch requires a firm pull in traffic.

Fuel economy sits at 6.0 L/100 km (39.2 MPG), giving the 16.8–17.5L tank a 280–320 km (174–199 mi) range—enough for leisurely day trips.

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Handling & Ride Quality: Unhurried Confidence

With a 1490 mm (58.7-inch) wheelbase and 27-degree rake, the CB1100 EX favors stability over flickability. It’s happiest carving sweeping backroads rather than attacking hairpins. The 41mm conventional fork and twin rear shocks (both adjustable for preload) strike a plush yet controlled balance, absorbing bumps without wallowing.

The 110/80-R18 front and 140/70-R18 rear tires provide ample grip for spirited riding, though the upright riding position (790 mm/31.1-inch seat) creates wind resistance at speeds above 130 km/h (81 mph). Braking is confident, with dual 296mm front discs (4-piston calipers) and a single 256mm rear disc (1-piston). ABS intervenes smoothly, making it a reassuring companion in wet conditions.

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Comfort & Ergonomics: All-Day Companion

The CB1100 EX’s ergonomics are a masterclass in neutral positioning. The wide, flat seat supports riders without pinching hips, while the slightly pulled-back handlebars place your shoulders in a relaxed stance. Vibration is minimal—thanks to rubber-mounted footpegs and a well-balanced engine—making 2-hour rides feel effortless.

Passengers get a generous seat pad, though the lack of grab rails (on earlier models) might unsettle newcomers. Wind protection is minimal, but that’s easily fixed with an aftermarket flyscreen from MOTOPARTS.store’s catalog.

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Technology: Just Enough

This isn’t a gadget-laden tourer, but Honda included thoughtful touches:
- Gear position indicator: A boon for new riders.
- Instant fuel consumption display: Handy for hypermiling.
- LED lighting: Brighter than period-correct bulbs.
The analog tach and speedometer are legible at a glance, though the LCD trip computer feels dated by today’s TFT standards.

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Competition: Standing Out in a Crowded Field

The neo-retro segment is fiercely contested. Here’s how the CB1100 EX stacks up:

1. Yamaha XSR900

• Pros: Lighter (195 kg/430 lbs), sharper handling, traction control.
• Cons: Triple-cylinder engine lacks the CB’s classic thrum; polarizing design.

2. Kawasaki Z900RS

• Pros: Retro styling with modern tech (LED lighting, ride modes).
• Cons: More expensive; exhaust note can’t match the Honda’s inline-four.

3. Triumph Bonneville T120

• Pros: Authentic British charm; torque-rich parallel twin.
• Cons: Higher maintenance costs; less power above 5000 RPM.

Verdict: The CB1100 EX wins on engine character and build quality but lags in tech. It’s for riders who value mechanical purity over electronic nannies.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Hondas are famously durable, but the CB1100 EX rewards attentive care:

1. Oil Changes

• Use SAE 10W-30 (3.8L without filter; 3.9L with). MOTOPARTS.store stocks OEM-equivalent kits.
• Interval: Every 12,000 km (7,500 mi).

2. Chain Maintenance

• The O-ring chain needs lubrication every 500 km (310 mi). Try MOTOPARTS’s high-adhesion chain lube for dusty conditions.

3. Valve Adjustments

• Check clearance every 24,000 km (15,000 mi): 0.15 mm intake / 0.28 mm exhaust (cold).

4. Brake Fluid

• Replace DOT 4 fluid every 2 years.

5. Tire Pressures

• Front: 2.5 bar (36 psi)
• Rear: 2.9 bar (42 psi)

6. Suspension Tweaks

• Adjust preload for payloads over 180 kg (397 lbs). Retrofit progressive springs for sharper handling.

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Conclusion: A Modern Classic Worth Preserving

The Honda CB1100 EX isn’t the fastest, lightest, or most technologically advanced bike in its class—and that’s precisely its charm. It’s a machine that prioritizes feel over figures, rewarding riders with tactile feedback and timeless style. While rivals chase specs sheets, the CB1100 EX remains content to be enjoyed, whether you’re threading through mountain passes or posing at a café.

For owners looking to personalize their ride, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from vintage-style leather seats to performance exhausts that amplify that glorious inline-four soundtrack. In a world of disposable trends, the CB1100 EX is a keeper—a motorcycle that’ll still turn heads and stir souls decades from now.

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Specifications sheet

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