Honda Cbr1100xx
HONDA CBR1100XX
Long-Term Wrap-Up
Stealth speedster
HONDA'S CBR1100XX SUPER Blackbird is a bullet. In fact, only one other production motorcycle can better its eyeopening, 174-mph top speed. It's also incredibly agile for its size and weight, with suspension settings that are spot-on for solo sport riding, and an innovative linked-brake system that dramatically shortens stopping distances.
That's great, but how does a 135-bhp flying wedge serve as a daily commuter and weekend sport-tourer? Quite well, thank you very much. During its year-long tenure at the Cycle World offices, the black beauty also proved nearly bulletproof. With the exception of a blown clock/speedome ter bulb, the XX required zero repairs. Likewise, maintenance was simple and relatively inexpensive. Other than the 12,000-mile service, which was per formed by Champion Motorcycles in Costa Mesa, California, oil and filter changes were done in-house, using Castro! 15/50 synthetic and Honda filters. Following an afternoon of spin ning wrenches, Managing Editor Matthew Miles noted, "For a big, com plex motorcycle, the CBR1 100XX is very service-friendly."
With 11,082 miles showing on the bike's odometer, we replaced the stock brake pads and Dunlop tires; the former with original-equipment parts (after market alternatives were not yet avail able), the latter with a pair of Metzelers, an MEZ4 front and an MEZ2 rear. Slow steering resulted (see "Long-Term Update," June, 1998), so we swapped them for a matched set of MEZ4s ($409 from dealers). Running relatively high air pressures (38 front, 39 rear), handling improved with no discernible loss in traction.
Power is enormous! The gas gauge, however, is woefully inaccurate. It registers Full for the first 75 miles, then ifs as if there's a hole in the bottom of the tank. -Chip Ehlers, Huntersville, North Carolina
Excessive driveline lash plagued the miles, then ifs bike from day one. there's a hole in "The worst case of bottom of the lash I've ever experi-Chip enced was on Mick Doohan's Honda Huntersville, NSR500, and you North Carolina don't hear him complaining," Executive Editor Brian Catterson wrote in the long-term logbook. "But I have to wonder if there's a > cure." Replacing the cush-drive rubbers helped, but didn't eliminate the problem. If we were keeping the bike, a new chain and sprockets would be next. also levied
Quotes from the logbook
Paul Seredynsk Put this thing on a diet, fix the ergonomics (higher handlebars, lower footpegs) and fit the VFR's updated linked brakes, and the result would be peerless.
Matthew MilesThis bike is amazing! The engine is smooth and refined, and steering is light-effort. It's a shame, then, that the paint scratches so easily.
Brian Catterson Excessive driveline lash continues to be the XX's most glaring flaw, but then, that might be the price you pay for this much horsepower.
Complaints were also levied against the bike's ergonomics, specifically the lengthy reach to the CBR's linked handlebars and the aren't conshort seat-to-footpeg distance. We mounted to fast ridtaller bars ($239) from ing on bumpy Heli Modified (P.O. roads, and the Box 628, Cornish, ME 04020; 800/859-4642), isn't up to but lowering the footHonda's usually pegs was out of the standards. question, given that the footpeg feelers already the CBR touched down easily a big winner. during spirited cornerPardo, Palo ing. Staffers also California bemoaned the easily scratched paint and the rear shock's difficult-to-reach spring-preload collar. "Works Performance's adjustablerate setup would do wonders here," Catterson commented.
The CBR's linked brakes aren't conducive to fast riding on bumpy roads, and the paint isn't up to Honda's usually high standards. Otherwise, the CBR is a big winner. -Joe Pardo, Palo Alto, California
Because the tailsection's winged shape precludes mounting soft saddlebags, we contacted Givi (805 Pressley Rd., Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28217; 704/679-4123). The company sent us its Monokey E360 panniers ($660 with hardware), finished in black to match the CBR's paint. Installation was a snap, and the spacious, 40-liter bags clipped securely into place. The only downside was width. In place, the bags were wider than the bike's rear-view mirrors, making lane-splitting and parking-lot maneuvers tricky. As an alternative, Givi offers a handy top case/monorack setup ($322), which can be fitted with a stop/taillight.
Popular reader modifications includ ed the aforementioned luggage, Corbin Gunfighter & Lady seats, and heavier springs and Race Tech Gold Valve kits for the fork and shock. Many letter writers also reported installing aftermarket exhaust systems. David Saye of Boulder, Colorado, opted for an ATS turbocharger. Running on maximum boost, he says, the bike churns out 215 rear-wheel horsepower and does fourth-gear power wheelies.
Even in stock form, the engine is a delight. The twin gear-driven counterbalancers dutifully quell vibration, and carburetion is wonderfully crisp. Moreover, after 15,925 hard-ridden miles, our long-termer produced a robust 130.1 horsepower and 76.4 foot-pounds of torque at the rear wheel. This, compared to the slightly stouter 134.8 bhp and 79.1 ft.-lbs. of our original, factory-fresh testbike. Like we said, bulletproof.
This thing flat cooks! Honda did a masterful job of blending acceleration, handling and braking with comfort and great looks. -Patrick Fayerweather, Woodinville, Washington
SPECIFICATIONS
$11,499
