Honda CB1100 RS Review | Better than the CB1000R?

[@citizenpmd565]

Had this bike for six months, it’s superb. Transmission is super smooth, fuelling is perfect and the engine is amazingly flexible, it will pull smoothly in sixth gear from 30mph upwards no problem at all. When you have a look at the details the bike is lovely, paint finish, brightwork and switchgear is all premium stuff. This is a top of the range product and you can feel that as soon as you ride it. Tank range appears to be about 185 miles and the seat is comfortable enough for that range. Suspension and brakes are great, the only negative is weight which disappears once you’re moving. The modern version of the UJM, a do it all bike which looks absolutely superb in the metal. Not unusual to find older blokes walking over to the bike when it’s parked up and looking at it lovingly, maybe remembering CB 750’s of yesteryear.

[@RevMonkey]

Yep, that is how I found it as mentioned in the review. Super smooth, excellent fueling and very well built. Nice looking too. What is not to like! Yeah, the torque was really appropriate to the times when you actually require it. As such, I think it definitely a bike should look at if they are after a Bonneville or cruiser naked. Have you had any problems with this bike at all? I assume you hit the first service at 600 miles and it's been clear since then. Ade

[@RevMonkey]

Actually, I mean to ask, what other bikes did you look at or take out before getting this one? Ade

[@citizenpmd565]

@@RevMonkey absolutely no problems with the bike whatsoever, I was looking at the new triumph speed twin and then saw a cb1100rs parked up outside the triumph dealer. After 20 minutes talking to the owner of the Honda, my mind was made up. The triumph looks good, but the Honda for me beats it all ends up. The triumph may be lighter and quicker but I'm happy I made the right choice, its just a lovely bike, everything just works perfectly and it looks the dogs bollocks

[@RevMonkey]

@@citizenpmd565 Yep, I get that. The CB1100 has the special bullet version as well I believe - 54 or something - but I think it takes away from the purity of the bike's looks. I much prefer the standard CB1100. I have had one Triumph and I did love it. I have two Hondas right now and have had 2 others in the past. 2 Ducatis and one Yamaha. I love all bikes, in all styles, from Harleys to Blades. Ade

[@michaelbailey8729]

@@RevMonkey its a perfect machine for British Roads. BHP is pretty pointless these days.

[@Bilaloriyagami]

I have this bike! The suspension is brilliant and the engine pulls anytime you want it to. Had it over a year, no troubles at all.

[@RevMonkey]

Glad to hear it. It does not surprise me that the bike rarely has issues. It felt very, very robust and beautifully engineered. Ade

[@user-ei6rr7fk7o]

Had mine a week , knew id made the right choice within 10 mins. No test ride just listened to umpteen reviews and good old gut feeling. Having owned lots of Hondas my last being the latest generation VFR800 . The build quality is second to none , from the polished triple tree to the aluminium side covers and the lustrous paint on the tank , even the paint on the engine cases looks deep . But none of this matters without Hondas legendary reliability and this bike I'm sure will be no different.

[@motorbikingaustria2439]

... after 12.000 km - I love my HONDA CB1100RS more and more every day! ... minimalistic, smooth, powerful ... it needs less than 5 liters on 100 km touring ... handling and look are wonderful too ... Greetings & best wishes from Austria

[@RevMonkey]

Ah, love to be motorcycling in Austria this time of the year. Must be incredible. Not so much in the winter perhaps :) Ade

[@motorbikingaustria2439]

@@RevMonkey Thank you - watch my two new videos - its delicious riding in the Alps!

[@RevMonkey]

I took this bike out from Dobles Honda near Croydon when I was down there looking at an Africa Twin! This is a very capable bike and probably perfect for me as a bike that gives me no dramas. Ade

[@reeceevans3688]

Ahhh. Africa Twin is such a cool bike.

[@RevMonkey]

@@reeceevans3688 You are not wrong Reece. The Adventure Sports can go absolutely everywhere too. Ade

[@michaelbailey8729]

As someone who owns one that was a spot on assessment. This bike is a hidden gem.

[@RevMonkey]

Yeah. so smooooth. Pretty flawles.

[@Vazza72]

Hi Ade I actually bought one of these in the same colour from Dobles. I was in the market for a classic and rode every Triumph Bonneville in the range & 4 of the RNineT variants. All of those bikes are beautiful bikes in their own right & are top notch quality. However I went for the the CB1100RS because I much prefer the 4 cylinders on the Honda over the twins of the Triumphs & BMW. As it’s such a smoother engine & the fit/finish is sublime. Also the CB1100’s seem to be ignored a lot as they don’t appear to be “as trendy or cool” as say a T120/Bobber or RNineT. I’ve read a lot too that some people think it’s to heavy & doesn’t have enough BHP - but it’s certainly no slower or heavier than a fully fuelled/wet T120 👍🏻 🏍

[@RevMonkey]

You are spot on with that quote "CB1100’s seem to be ignored a lot as they don’t appear to be “as trendy or cool” as say a T120/Bobber or RNineT." People put a lot of substance into brand and what they think other people think. The real truth is that these Honda 1100 engines are a work of magic and reinvent the term smooth. I'd stick with the standard bike but the RS makes a lot of sense to meif I was in the market for something which truly rivalled the sportier triumphs and R9T style. Did you look at the Monster 1200S? Ade

[@Vazza72]

Which Bike no I haven’t ridden the Monster 120O although I have had a go on the 900. TBH it doesn’t matter you ride as there’s a bike for everyone. And as long as you enjoy it that’s all that matters 😁🏍

[@RevMonkey]

@@Vazza72 I wasn't a massive fan of the Ducati. More fun can be had lower down their range. There is always a trade-off between 'character' and 'quality' and probably only the top Triumphs come close to the Honda 1100.

[@Vazza72]

Which Bike couldn’t agree more. There’s definitely a “trend” at the moment of riding a Bonneville or RNineT whilst wearing turned up jeans & brown boots & gloves. Whether the bikes any god or not! 😁

[@RevMonkey]

I concur. I was never moved by the 1200 personally and prefer the 821. I said as much in my reviews. After further thought, although its a sportier bike, I found my old Triumph Speed Triple R to be a great bike. Not a massive fan of the newer model though. So many good bikes out there to be fair. At the end of the day, no one bike is really enought. Hence why I have a Fireblade SP2, an Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT ES and a Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer! The nearest bike I have actually found that can do this in one is actually the Kawasaki Z1000SX. I guess what I am saying is that if Honda did a CB1100 Sport Tourer I would be the first in the queue :) Ade

[@TheTripleDubya]

I do like it, reminds me of my younger days riding my Dad's bikes but nowadays I've become a cruise control addict. I just need it lol.

[@RevMonkey]

I hear ya. Once you have it you can;t look back - such a wrist saver on long journeys. I miss quickshifters when I don't have one now too. Ade

[@michaelarchangel1163]

A majestic bit of kit. I wonder if anyone managed to get rid of the speed limiter on them ? Sometimes a head down red lining in top is irresistible, albeit illegal {like we care!}.

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

I'v had the EX version since August. Cant really fault it for my 12 mile commute rain or shine. I did fit an aftermarket screen

[@RevMonkey]

Ah, nice smooth bike for a commute. Must be nice for that. Does the screen spoil the looks or is it okay? Ade

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

@@RevMonkey Its fine. It's a smokes Puig screen like this one www.amazon.co.uk/Puig-4620H-Windshield-Transparent-Rauchgrau/dp/B00GA393JU

[@ruhanigencler1381]

I've heard this with an aftermarket can and it sounded really good, real boom.

[@RevMonkey]

I wish it had one on it when I rode it. It still sounded good, so it is not like it actually needs one. Ade

[@mertoyunda4567]

Triumph for me but this is a very lovely motorcycle. Details are spot on.

[@RevMonkey]

Fair enough. Triumph has a great brand right now with some brilliant bikes. My perfect 3 bike garage would be Triumph, Honda and Ducati. I have two of those 3 - working on the third one! :) Ade

[@jfro5867]

Very enjoyable review. I had a cb, lovely bikes.

[@RevMonkey]

Yeah, absolutely flawless - this and Yamaha's YBR/YS. Ade

[@reeceevans3688]

I don't live far from there. I have taken a few out. They have loads of cool rare bikes in their used showroom.

[@RevMonkey]

Yep, Last time I was down there they had about 3 old time classic Hondas - worth a LOT. Would have loved to have gone out on a couple of them. Ade

[@_GRVR]

I have the 2013 and she's paid off, won't be trading it on a 1000r but who knows maybe I'll get the 1000r too lol best of both worlds

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, yeah. Maybe you should go to the dark side and get a bike with different character like a Tuono, Monster 12OO or MT-10. Ade

[@salihdemiryol1889]

Have you seen the bullet fairing special? Totally wicked

[@RevMonkey]

Yes. It is quite rare I have never seen one. Certainly a massive rival to the Thruxton RS and perhaps even a bullet-faired 9nineT. Ade

[@nigel274]

I have owned a Honda CB1300S for the last eleven years. It still looks like new. I have looked at this bike and wonder how it would compare....obviously less power but anyone ridden both?

[@RevMonkey]

I've not ridden that but looks comfy and composed. The CB1100 will likely feel a bit firmer and, of course, has more tech. I expect you would enjoy the way it delivers and the sporty ride emmensely. Get out on one! :) Ade

[@nigel274]

Thanks for that....yes I will!

[@GSP21]

Brilliant review,mines coming on Wednesday.

[@RevMonkey]

Ah, sweet Tony. This bike was a REAL surprise. I knew it would be typical of Honda's great evolution but, wow, that engine is a sweet thing. So smooth, power everywhere, comfy. This is so much more a sensible bike than the MV Agusta I just bought!! Ade

[@GSP21]

Which Bike Gotta ask-what made you buy an mv then?🙃

[@RevMonkey]

@@GSP21 Well, I have a Fireblade SP2 for the track and an Africa Twin for touring so after selling my Ducati Scrambler I wanted something completely different which really meant a super naked. My choices were in kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKjSiJuYo8Scbc0 Was tough. In the end went with the emotional choice. It might be the naughtiest choice of the bunch but I had to have an MV once in my life. As it happens, a friend turned up today on a new Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS - a definite contender to the Honda. Also very nice and far more sensible than the MV! :) Ade

[@GSP21]

Which Bike If it makes you happy👍👍👍

[@RevMonkey]

@@GSP21 Ha, only been 3 days but so far so good - ish. More videos to come on living with an MV! Ade

[@dannyracer25]

Nice one Ade your presentation is always great I've been missing that 😋 thanks from Danny

[@RevMonkey]

AH, thanks! Appreciate it. Ade

[@johniforjames9215]

Ade, such a wonderful review that I have bought one in black,it’s absolutely superb.Can you let me know the headcam that you were using Regards Ifor

[@RevMonkey]

Nice, congrats. Such a nice bike. I was using a GoPro Black , probably a 7 or 8 at that time. Can;t recall how i captured the sound. Ade

[@johniforjames9215]

Thanks Ade that’s very helpful Ifor

[@elagozlu3124]

The kind of bike you should be riding Ade!

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, I suspect you are absolutely right Cakir! Ade

[@Davidlouis3]

Most beautiful bike out there

[@RevMonkey]

It is almost a perfect bike. At first glance it looks a bit, well, 'meh' but on closer inspection the details and quality really sine through. I would have no issue at all owning this bike. Ade

[@alikorkusuz6143]

I actually prefer this to the CB1000R model but overall I'd go with a Bonnie.

[@RevMonkey]

Fair enough. Triumphs are at least the equal of this and I prefer some of their detailing. I'd also contemplate the Monster 1200S from Ducati in this. Really tough decision actually. Ade

[@salumrashidzam9926]

I really really love this bike i dont have even quarter of the money needed to buy this bike but one day yes.it will be dream come true one day

[@RevMonkey]

Hey it is good to have dreams. If you start saving now then as the bike depreciates you can meet ni the middle! :) Ade

[@salumrashidzam9926]

@@RevMonkey yah i will

[@lorenzomarcuccio7744]

Posso chiederti durante il periodo estivo se e quanto scalda tra le gambe la cb 1100? Ho avuto la CB1300 del 2004 e utilizzarla nell'uso quotidiano o in coda ai caselli, per il calore che sprigionava, diventava un inferno....per il resto moto straordinaria. Buona strada e grazie se vorrai rispondermi

[@RevMonkey]

Durante la corsa non ho notato alcun accumulo di calore dal motore. Sicuramente non aveva niente a che vedere con il calore di una Ducati, per esempio. La cosa migliore da fare è fare un lungo giro di prova sulla motocicletta e verificare che non si surriscaldi.

[@lorenzomarcuccio7744]

@@RevMonkey grazie per avermi risposto. Buona strada

[@mertyigit5522]

I have heard that it is so good it is a bit of a non-event. What did you think?

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, I think I only ever hear this with Hondas. The right way of putting it is that they are so well made and smooth that it perhaps misses out slightly on general feel and occasion. Personally speaking, these sort of bikes are better to live with day in day out. However, the perfect answer is to get this, or a bike of a similar ilk and ALSO a bike full of character for the short café runs. Ade

[@tenshin2002]

@@RevMonkey I have this bike and it is very smooth. Love the bike! I also hear that alot about Hondas, that they are boring because of how perfect everything is. To me that is a bit weird. And to think that the Honda engineers even changed the ignition timing slightly to have a rougher engine boggles my mind!

[@RevMonkey]

@@tenshin2002 Yeah. Of course, Honda have always been good at creating fantastic products that appeal to all people and have a strong desire to focus on reliability. This is often at the expense of what we call 'character'. Ideally, one would have one of each - best of both worlds. Ade

[@tenshin2002]

@@RevMonkey Ive been eyeing the Royal Enfield Classic 500. Maybe that will complement my Honda with "character". :)

[@RevMonkey]

@@tenshin2002 Yeah, cool bikes. They have a really good range now. I know Bikke, from our show, likes them. It is one of the very few makes of bike I have not yet ridden! Ade

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Why would you want a quick shifter on this Honda CB1100 ? The CB1100 is for your more conservative sophisticated sensible motorbike rider that wants a quality reliable classy classic motorbike for keeps.

[@RevMonkey]

I do love quickshifters on modern bikes. I do have them on my SP2 and Dragster RR so I kinda miss them on other bikes but that is just me. For an older bike I would stay manual of course. This bike is lovely and doesn't need a Q/S for sure but , for me, it would be a superb addition. Less to do and focus on how marvelous the bike is. Ade

[@Evolution_Kills]

As a yank, I'll never get used to how you guys pronounce 'aluminum'. Also, the 'rev counter' is a tachometer. :P I own a 17' CB1100EX, and I'm jealous that the states won't get the RS version, or see that glorious liquid-cooled CB1300.

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, yeah, it is funny how some of our words differ slightly. No idea whose fault that is!! :) Good point though. I will have to Americanize some of my lingo as it's a big market! Shame you don;t get a lot of our bikes. European and Japanese. The RS is super sweet. I was soooooo impressed. A stunning bike for grown up bikers. I still prefer the nutter nakeds but that is just me :) At some point I will chill out on a bike like this. Ade

[@andrewhills6535]

Got one and there great ✊🏻👍🏻

[@RevMonkey]

Nice, super smooth bike. No flaws at all. What colour livery? Ade

[@andrewhills6535]

Which Bike same as yours tested - have a look at my channel - thanks for reply and your quality videos 👍🏻

[@RevMonkey]

​@@andrewhills6535 Ah yeah, the engine frame suits it. I really liked the bike, it felt kinda 'grown up' - probably the bike I should be riding. i actually preferred it to the Neo Cafe racer. Did you look at any other bikes before getting this one? Ade

[@andrewhills6535]

Which Bike no , just went for this as I had cb750s in the 80s and the brakes were bad ! I'm 55 now and just like to stay alive Because all the modern plastic rockets just encourage speed , also own a zrx1200 muscle bike Style is spot on and triumph wasn't really an option

[@RevMonkey]

@@andrewhills6535 Ah right, cool, you are only a bit older than me and I really, really shouldn't have a Fireblade in my collection. I did also like the T120 but preferred your bike. Another contender I have been on was the Monster 1200. I dont think there are any other competitors really - BMW don't make a bike like this and I don't particularly enjoy the RnineT. Overall, great choice. Lovely sound too with stock pipes. Right, I am going out for a ride! Weather looks okay this afternoon. Ade

[@iankirkwood2110]

Tried one today...not as good as my Bandit 1250...much better looking though.😢

[@RevMonkey]

Yeah. flawless bike really. Possibly Honda;s best bike overall.

[@chetmachen5367]

Can we get this dubbed into English?

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, good idea! :) Some times it comes out well, some times not so much. I do now know exactly what to do but even then I sometimes bugger it up. Ade

[@ricobautista1472]

😀😀😀 At first I thought I was just only me.

[@1990-t1j]

I don't like the chrome handlebars or clocks. I'd much rather have a CB1000R, only I don't like inline fours.

[@RevMonkey]

Fair enough. Very distinct looks on these bikes. I love these but i also love TFT screens! The only thing I don't like is cluttered wiring everywhere, crap plastic and a rev counter that is completely unseeable. Ade

[@RevMonkey]

Funnily enough, I very nearly bought a CB1000R when i was looking at naked bikes recently. Somebody was selling a Repsol liveried one with 1000 miles and an aftermarket can for £9999. Alas, it was private and I couldn't get finance so got something else. Ade

[@jeholloway2]

Are these discontinued in USA? Are they coming back?

[@RevMonkey]

Ah, I don't think they ever had this in the USA!! :( The USA has the neo-cafe racer CB1000R though. Ade

[@Ysfergzn21]

Made me laugh when you thought the range was the speed! hehe

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, yep. These thing do happen :) I see so many different instruments it can all get a bit weird! Ade

[@roadwarrior8560]

Triumph build quality?? don't make me laugh, enjoyed the review.

[@RevMonkey]

To be fair, I have only ever been on new Triumphs :) I did own a Speed Triple R and that was great. I have always found them to be nicely made. Ha, saying that, the very first 2 Triumphs I took out on a test ride about 5 years ago, both has mirrors which would not stick still and were spinning around. :) Ade

[@junboloy]

Too bad they don't sell the CB1100RS to the U.S. Dealer and they only sell the CB1100

[@RevMonkey]

Yeah, strange how some countries miss out on particular bikes. Both great bikes. Ade

[@Maleekster]

Was that a little fart at 1:58? 🤣

[@RevMonkey]

Hahaha.. Excellent, Made me laugh. No chance that mic would pic up a fart . hehe, but , yeah, ha. Great ears!! :) Ade

[@Maleekster]

Haha I know, just poking fun 🤣 great video!

[@garyk8285]

Which bike generates more interest from the other half of our species? the polite way of speaking... haha Because most bikes in this +800cc segment, well, they all have enough power if you know how to ride them i mean...

[@RevMonkey]

For sure. I love this bike. I would be very happy to own one when I get over my nutter naked fix :) Ade

[@ikikardesler3656]

LOL> heated grips and cruise control - No big bike should be without them.

[@RevMonkey]

I agree. Though am now a fan of the Gerbing Heated Gloves. I had a long trip recently and my right hand was almost stuck in a rigid claw so would have loved cruise control. Ade