A two-wheel trip down memory lane
Retro Honda bike is stylish, delight to drive
Sorting through an old box of eclectic goodies I’ve accumulated over the years — for the annual spring cleaning — they jostle memories of times past.
It’s awfully difficult to part with these things — yes, they’re tucked away in a big blue bin and I hardly ever look at or think about them, but they carry meaning and memories.
Intimate objects represent parts of our lives we want to remember. They make us smile, laugh and feel grateful.
For many, the all-new Honda CB1100A will evoke the same kind of powerful rush of nostalgia.
First introduced in 1969 as the CB750 Four, the popular Japanese motorcycle represents a time when things were grand. A sleek-looking bike that had technologically advanced features, the 750 was a hit with the masses.
Alas, like my bin of stuff, it too was filed away and saved for a rainy day.
And that rainy day — in this case, year — is 2013.
Honda brings back this nostalgic two-wheeler with a modern touch. While it holds true to its original form, it comes with up-to-date features and a retro look that will surely have former owners or wanted-to-be owners smiling unabashedly from ear to ear.
Its exposed body puts the 1,140-cc air-cooled and fuel injected in-line four engine right there in plain view. You can also see its four-into-one exhaust, cast wheels and polished aluminum engine cover. Up front, a Cyclopsian headlight adds to the bike’s heritage-based road presence.
When you’re done admiring from the roadside, throw your leg over and nestle into its wide-ish seat. For me, it felt a little odd at first — probably because its breadth was more than I’m used to — but after some quality time on the open road, I started to appreciate its girth.
Shifting through the bike’s five gears was smooth, as was the ease at which its clutch moves in and out. While most of my ride time consisted of backcountry roads, I’d have no doubt that the CB1100A can work its charm just as well in an urban setting.
Low-end torque keeps the bike tame and manageable at lower speeds, but feel free to rev it up a little since there’s a redline of 8,500 rpm.
A chrome-rimmed speedometer and tachometer make up the instrument cluster. Both are analogue, yet easy to read.
Those gravitating to the old-school features of the CB1100A will also get a taste of the new school, including a digital clock, odometer and illuminated engine diagnostic indicators.
There’s also an ABS system linked with the CB1100A’s already potent set of discs — front and rear.
On the road, a twin-shock rear suspension, a 41-mm fork and an agreeable riding position had me wanting to keep going and going. That was until I needed to fill up the 14.6L tank. You’ll have to be mindful of your fuel, especially on an extended cruise.
Also something to think about for those long cruises, there’s no windscreen.
You’ll be exposed to the elements, but then again, a windscreen would detract from the overall classic styling and decidedly reduce this bike’s cool factor.
While I loved this bike’s favourable styling cues, low-end torque, satisfying clutch and more, the prevailing feeling I took away with me from the all-new Pearly Milky White CB1100A was gratitude for the opportunity to ride a piece of history.
I wonder if it will fit in my plastic bin if I throw out all the other stuff? I wonder …
The MSRP of the 2013 Honda CB1100A is $13,199.