HONDA The Power of Dreams

The CB900F, introduced to the European market as a 1979 model, was highly acclaimed by road sports fans. Honda’s motorsports image was also raised by its success with the RCB1000 in the European Endurance Championship*.

Meanwhile, production bike racing was becoming increasingly popular in Europe and Australia. There was a growing demand for production models that would allow more people to compete in races. In response, Honda began development of a mass-market model with the potential to win production races in January 1980.

The development team chose the CB900F as the base model. Honda’s goal was to win a race in France in September that year, only a few months away. They were determined to develop the complete model in an astoundingly short period of a few months.

Chassis dimensions were borrowed from the modified CB900F racing bike used by Blue Helmet MSC, a Honda R&D in-house team, which ran in the 1979 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race and finished third. This bike had a modified frame for endurance racing, and achieved solid results.

Engine displacement was increased to 1062 cc by enlarging the bore while keeping the same stroke, in order to achieve both high output and endurance reliability.

The fuel tank was set at a large 26-liter capacity enabling it to compete in endurance races. For weight reduction, the team opted to use aluminum, difficult to work with, instead of steel.

Development was successfully completed in a short period of time, and production began in August 1980 at the Hamamatsu Factory in Shizuoka.

To qualify for the race in France in September, which was the initial goal, 200 units needed to be sold in France beforehand. This, however, was unattainable: as the CB1100R was designed to win production races, there were many unique components, such as the aluminum fuel tank, that were almost completely handmade. The short deadline and shorter development period left little time for manufacturing. Instead, Honda focused on racing in the Castrol 6 Hour, a production bike race to be held in Australia in October of the same year.

The CB1100R debuted in the Castrol Six Hour, and won, demonstrating its potential as an endurance bike.

Although the CB1100R is well known for its positioning as a base machine for racing, it was nonetheless equipped with a half fairing considering comfort on public roads. The CB1100R also featured an adjustable handlebar height mechanism.

The 1981 CB1100R was produced in a limited run of 1,050 units due to its nature as a base model for production racing, but due to strong demand from customers, extended production into the following year.

Not only was the CB1100R sought after as a racing bike, but for the joy of sports and winding road riding on public roads.

The 1982 model further enhanced its potential as a production race base machine. The front wheel was reduced from 19 inches to 18 inches, and a newly designed Comstar wheel was adopted. It was also equipped with a full fairing with excellent aerodynamic characteristics. The maximum output of the engine was also increased, as other various components were also improved.

In addition, footsteps and a rear seat were added in response to user demand. A detachable, stylish single seat fairing was also included. Production was limited to 1,500 units.

The 1983 model was the last CB1100R. The rear swing arm was changed from the conventional pipe to a square design, and other components were also refined.

Although the CB1100R ended its role as a mass-produced model with the potential to win production races, its two-tone red and white livery had a significant impact on subsequent CBs.

The 1992 CB1000 SUPER FOUR’s livery was identical to the CB1100R, not only bringing joy to many a CB fan, but became iconic of the CB series.