1983 Honda CB1100F Review - History, Specs, Riding Impressions - Best Air-Cooled Honda Superbike!

[@rocketman6973]

I was 20 in 1983 and this was my dream bike but out of my budget at the time. In 1993 (I think) a friend told me of one that was a victim of a divorce and had been sitting in a garage for several years with low mileage. I bought it and after cleaning out the green goo in the carbs, a new battery and much other TLC, I finally had it. To top it all off, it was red, which I much prefer. I still have it over 30 years later!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool! Patience pays off. I'm glad to hear you still have it. cheers!

[@Riley.Orourke]

My pops drove one of these and bought it nearly brand new. Only has 14k miles on it. He passed away when I was 17 and its still sitting at my parents house. i'm going to restore this bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's very cool that you are restoring your pops motorcycle. Cheers!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Don't damage it, or ruin the patina. That's the original finish if you didn't know.

[@leviefrauim1425]

Another beautiful flashback. Reminds me of my former '85 blue/black Honda CB700SC Nighthawk, one of all time favorite bikes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Those were great bikes, too! Cheers!

[@64faffi]

While 1983 was the only year of production for the CB1100F, it was still sold as 1985 models in Europe, by then fitted with the fairing from the CBX550F2 (look it up). With the fairing you also got an engine cowl unique to the 1100, plus a clock and a voltmeter fitted inside the upper fairing. These items were fitted in an attempt to shift the remaining bikes, the bike itself being sold at a very attractive price. The "real" CB1100F from 1983 was completely naked, however, and very similar to the CB900F. The instruments differed on the European version of the 1100 compared to the US version, being basically the same as those on the original CBX six, but without the voltmeter and with different idiot lights. The footpegs were luckily higher and further back for Europe, just as we got narrower and lower handlebars to suit. This gave a slightly sporty, but very natural riding position. Less desirable were the ComStar wheels akin to those fitted to the CX Turbos. The frame differed from the earlier versions in that the frame tubes were stronger to allow for the engine to be rubber mounted. USA got this frame for the CB900F a year or two earlier, but still with the older style ComStars in 19in front/18in rear sizes. From 1983, both the 900 and 1100 shared the frame with rubber mounts and the new ComStar wheels in 18in front/17in rear sizes here. The fork was upgraded for 1983, with 39mm fork stanchions, air valves and 3-way rebound damping. The shock absorbers were adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping, giving a total of 30 combinations. Despite the rubber mounts, the CB1100 could be a real vibrator. After a 350 mile ride, my fingers tingled for 8 days afterwards! As such, it was the most uncomfortable bike I have ever ridden, despite the rest of the bike being perfect for me; riding position and suspension were next to perfect, the stability above anything I have ridden before or after. Apart from my KZ1300 DFI, the CB1100F is the thirstiest bike I have owned, probably due to the average speed I tended to travel at. The 20 liter / 5.3 US gallon fuel tank only too me 300 km/185 mi to empty. Strangely, the consumption was constant at exactly 35 mpg whether I rode gently or hard, so ridden gently it was thirsty, ridden fast it was frugal. These bikes were made at a time when Honda did not care too much about production tolerances. Which is why you could buy a CB750/900/1100F that ran like on rails, or one that would wobble and weave dangerously from as little as 90 mph. Mine was dead stable, even scraping pegs and stands and engine cowl around bumpy bends doing 125 mph, whereas my brother's identical bike was next to impossible to control around even the mildest bend at that speed (straight-line was OK). More than once, he needed more than a mile to regain control of the bike, as neither acceleration nor braking nor constant throttle would see the chassis calm down in any way. On the other hand, his engine made an insane amount of power. He would redline fifth gear within a 1/4 mile. Sitting upright. Weighing in at 200 lb in his underwear. He would leave FJ1100s for dead. It would even wheelie shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear at redline. Riding in the wet was next to impossible, as it would just spin up in every gear at any rpm. Mine? Not very fast. If I should hazard a guess, my brother's made at least 130 hp at the crank, probably more, mine maybe 92-95 out of the claimed 108 hp. Reading test reports of the time, I think mine was closer to typical than that of my brother. One benefit of having less power was tractability. With a soft and smooth throttle response, I could use full throttle even in the wet in the four upper gears, with little fear of being thrown off. Top speed was accurately measured to 131 mph prone on my bike over level ground and no wind, 9 or 10 mph less than the bike Cycle World tested IIRC.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for sharing this. Honda had leftovers here for several years after 1983 as well, but I think they were sold as 1983s. I love hearing the personal stories with your CB1100F as well. Cheers!

[@mrweeby1961]

I have the blue version still along with a 79 CBX. Very cool bikes from those years.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Sounds like you have two nice ones there! Cheers!

[@mrweeby1961]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yes and I've been around long enough to see all those old bikes when new, then get cheap when used, then get rare and then expensive. There are still a handful of other bikes I'd love but they've become too expensive for good clean examples. Kawasaki 900 Eliminator, 84 Honda 1000 Interceptor, Suzuki GS 1150, Kawasaki KZ1300, Mid 90s Honda CBR600 Smokin Joe's race replica, Yamaha FJ1200.... as you can see, a LOT of money in that wish list lol.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@mrweeby1961 Right on! I've owned the KZ1300 and GS1150 previously. I currently have the FJ1200 and Eliminator and a few others. But they're getting expensive at this point. However, this makes them worth restoring, which is good. It also makes them a decent investment. Cheers!

[@russ3080]

Always liked the CB’s, haven’t had the chance to ride one yet. Thanks for the comparison Jon!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome, Russ!

[@luvtheus]

I've had my 1100f for 5 years now and have complete respect for the ole girl. Mine still has the original exhaust system on it as the entire bike looks as new. Hard to believe I snagged one in such great condition. I'm a couple years away from 70 yrs old but hope to continue to "ride it like I stole it" as they say. Mine is the Maui Red color which is spectacular. What a machine!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool 😎! It's great to find a classic superbike in such nice condition. My friend has the red and white one that he bought new. It is beautiful. I would love to find another CB1100F. Cheers!

[@charlieneal8253]

I have the Maui Red version too! I've added a Yoshimura Header and exhaust and tuned Mikuni RS 36 smoothbore flatslide carbs with adjustable accelerator pump for an awesome power delivery! I've loved this bike over the years, but I've slowed down, not the bike. Don't get me wrong, I still open her up to breath, just don't test her limits anymore! The bones don't heal like they use too!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@charlieneal8253 Right on!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

It seemed very rare and a brief offshoot of the CB1100R that was built for production racing as a competitor to the Katana. I serviced and test rode one briefly when I was a Suzuki/ Kawasaki mechanic working in our Kawasaki branch. Very nice bike like most Hondas and like you said a great representative of the pinnacle of big four cylinder bikes. Bikes with fairings and watercooling became terrible to work on. Services would take twice as long and were a real pita. Especially trying not to scratch parts when removed.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I completely agree. The full fairings look sharp, but they are a pain. It's why I generally stick to the naked vintage bikes. Cheers!

[@sebby1760]

I had the red and white one bought it brand new in El Monte ca when I was 22 years loved that bike 100% stock fast as he'll race gpz's, v45's, kz's 650's got a divorce ex wife sold it with out my knowledge 😢

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for sharing the memories. Sorry to hear about the surprise sale but it sounds like you enjoyed it while you had it. Cheers!

[@blairfright9622]

I owned a new one back in. 1983 , mine was blue and I added a shoei fm3 fairing color matched to the bike. Mine had gold rims as it was a Canadian model. It also had more hp than the us model at 108 hp.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Sounds beautiful!

[@1vincej1]

I bought the 1982 CB750F new. Silver & blue striped. Last yr for the bike. Then Honda went with the V4 Sabre & Magna. Which i owned one of those too. One of my friends owned the 82 900f same color. My fathers best friend had the 80 black CBX. (Which as a 19 yr old got to ride). My F would run with any stock KZ 900. Even my buddies 78 Z1R. Couldnt beat them. But I'd stay right next to them. Fast 750. Always wanted the 1100F. Big brother of my bike. Only made in 83 and getting rare and more expensive if you can find a decent one. Terry Vance set NHRA record with the CB1100F. Great video Jon thanx!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for sharing this. I probably should have held on to the one I had... Cheers!

[@jimmyjohnson2170]

I've had mine since 1987! It has 7,000 miles and iv've got some 44 mm Sudco Carbs and Yoshimuro 4 into 1 header. This thing drowns out any motorcycle I've ever heard with the baffle out! LOL

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! I just went and looked at several CB1100Fs. I'm putting together a video called "Honda dream garage" which will feature them. It will post in a few weeks. Cheers!

[@andrewnewman6510]

Great bikes. I’m looking at an 1984 Honda 750 nighthawk s. Very similar looking to CB 1100f. I’ve wanted one since I was a kid. Hard to find. I really like the bikes you bring to the channel. Keep up the great work.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Andrew! The Nighthawk 750S is another I'd like to have in the garage - very cool bike!

[@mcdk72]

I had a cb900costum in Denmark imported from California. Ofcause the 900 boldor engine, air supported suspension and sharft drive. But the very need feature to the 5 speed gearbox, was the high low box behind it. 2 gear pedals. And yes a very smooth operator. 90hp costum, one took some wind when they were folded out:)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool!

[@markr.1984]

A guy that owned a gas station was trying to sell his 1100F and he would only let me ride it around the parking lot of his small Amoco station. I understood that, his bike, his choice. But I turned it down because I felt I need to ride out on the road to see if I liked it!! So he lost a sale. I think he did end up selling it about 6 mo. later. Since we were in Florida, he had the entire year to sell it. One of the truly cool things about Florida, all year long bike riding pretty much. But I did come pretty close to owning one. In the parking lot it seemed to have pretty light handling. But that was about '86 or 7 so fading memory.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I understand both sides of that, Mark. When you're selling something with more performance (and less safety) than a Ferrari, it's a liability to let someone ride it. But as a buyer, you want to know what you're getting. What to do? Cheers!

[@minimumeffortenthusiast8242]

Great video. I'm looking to buy one, we have quite a few here for sale in Puerto Rico and I was wondering how good it was. I'm planning to turn it into a Cafe Racer stripped style with clip-on and solo seat. This video only pushes me forward.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! They are nice bikes if they have been taken care of. Cheers!

[@IceBreaker1]

Ok, I bought a lemon. Prior to that, I had a 900F which I would like to get back. That was a very well balanced bike. Thanks.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I would love to try out a CB900F if I get the chance. Cheers!

[@flexjay87]

This is a great example of Honda super bike history. Also, speaking of the Honda CBX, i have seen a few for sale lately, and the prices have skyrocketed from just 3 years ago, cuz i thought about buying one when i was still working, but that thought is long gone now :)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I have toyed with the idea of buying one. I always come back to the high complexity and maintenance of the CBX and decide against it. If Jay Leno can't keep his running right (watch his CBX episode), that tells you something.

[@flexjay87]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 , True. As far as i have seen, the channel " Digital Pizza' has the most concise restoration of a CBX , and this dude is good, but he mut have really, really DEEP pockets !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@flexjay87 I have a good friend with one and I've yet to hear it run, sadly!

[@straightchad8059]

The shape and color scheme of the CB1100F would later trickle down to other smaller models , including the MBX125 - which is considered as the king of 125 cc sports bike in Asian countries .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! I didn't know that. Cheers!

[@Mannix2023]

I had a red and white cb1100f the reason I sold it was the vibration you mention plus the foot pegs were to tall for me so it was uncomfortable so I did not enjoy the bike now I’m riding a 1982 KZ1100 A2 with shaft and it pulls harder than the cb plus is more comfortable it only have 6700 original miles and it’s all stock . Thank you Jon

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome! I've previously owned a KZ1000 A2 shaft and really enjoyed it. Sounds like you have a nice one. Cheers!

[@TheMarcball]

The CB1100RR was a legend back in France, with motorcycle journalists beating the bullet train TGV from Paris to Toulouse or Lyon at over 120mph averages on open roads...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool! I have ridden the TGV and seen 300 kph on the in-car display. That thing is no joke. I can't imagine trying to outrun it on public roads! European moto-journalists are crazy. Cheers!

[@AndrewTheCelt]

I have a blue 1100f project bike I’m looking for a new home for, I’m hooked on vintage BMW’s now

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@AndrewTheCelt where are you located?

[@1990-t1j]

What a great-looking bike. I like a naked bike, but the bikini fairing looks good. Certainly very fast for the era. Great old-school dash. NJ

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They are beautiful bikes! Cheers!

[@aamirmalik9053]

Beautiful Machine Beautiful❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Amir!

[@Errol.C-nz]

Perhaps we're lucky here in NZ being used by a lot of marks as a market testbed.. but the cb1100r was the killer at the time.. on the pocket too at $10k NZ nearly double the price of Suzukis gsxr1100.. we got a factory homologated lightweight hotrod version gsx1100 that was able to beat the cbr thanks to Rod Colman's connections in Suzuki.. the cbx prior out paced the F in production racing.. my dream bike thought is the vfr1100/vf1100r even today sounds better than the current crop of off beat cross plane engines .. 👍👍🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Errol! The CB1100R was a beauty. I'm jealous of a lot of the bikes imported to Europe and elsewhere that weren't available here in the US. Cheers!

[@DocJonesGarage]

Nice looking bike, I wonder why they didn't include the dual range from the CB900

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Great question, Doc! The dual-range transfer case on the CB900C was to allow for the use of the Goldwing's shaft-drive. The CB900F had the conventional 5-speed and chain drive. Cheers!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola jon. Aca en Argentina nunca llegó el modelo CB1100F pero si el CB 900 F. Lo mejor que tenia(a mi criterio y por mi altura) es la posición de manejo y el sonido con un escape 4en 1. Li peor la fragilidad mecanica del motor con respecto a sus cadenas internas. En el año 1981 llegó el modelo Boldor( carrera francesa) la grafica y la pintura que venian era de las mas bonitas . Espero que consigas una para que ke hagas un test y nos relates tus muy buenas impresiones.

[@markr.1984]

Here, I translated for you. Hello Jon. Here in Argentina the CB1100F model never arrived but the CB 900 F did. The best thing it had (in my opinion and because of my height) is the driving position and the sound with a 4-in-1 exhaust. The worst is the mechanical fragility of the engine with with respect to its internal chains. In 1981 the Boldor model arrived (French race) the graphics and paint that came with it were one of the most beautiful. I hope you get one so you can take a test and tell us your very good impressions.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

¡Gracias ricardo! Estoy de acuerdo, ¡el bol d'or era un modelo tan hermoso! Tengo un amigo que vende una CB1100F. Tal vez me deje montarlo...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@markr.1984 Thanks Mark!

[@kingbeat101]

The tank for the 1983 CB1100F was 5.3 gals...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!

[@kingbeat101]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538Your Welcome. The 1100F was one of my overall favorite bikes of all time..I did lots of mods and it was a monster..I rode it until it was slap worn out..:)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@kingbeat101 Nothing wrong with that! 🙂 Cheers!