Description
Additional photos of this Honda CB1100R can be found here.
Considered to be Honda’s first homologation special, the CB1100R is a legend among Honda fans – especially those based in the US, where this bike was never officially sold. The CBR was offered in 1981 (RB), 1982 (RC), and 1983 (RD). As a RC, this bike is one of 1,500 examples.
Based on the CB900F, the CB1100R was developed to allow Honda to compete in endurance racing – they won the ’81 New Zealand Castrol Six Hour. It was big and it was heavy, but it was damn fast. The engine from the CB900 was bored out, bumping displacement up to 1062cc. The new engine produced 115 horsepower at 9,000 rpm.
Despite the 518 pound weight, the new one piece frame combined with Honda’s first use of twin-piston calipers and nitrogen-charged piggyback shocks in a production bike made this bike successful on race tracks that utilized fast sweepers over tight hairpins.
Top speed was 149 miles per hour, making it the fastest bike of its time.
The seller of this example (VIN: SC08-2000276, Engine #: SC053-2100335) acquired it five years ago from the original owner, a British ex-pat who bought the bike new in 1982 in South Africa.
The seller notes that “it is a lovely presenting example that runs and rides superbly. I have a few of these models and this is one of my favorite examples to ride. I have probably put on about 5000km in my ownership.” The odometer now shows 58,912 kilometers (36,606 miles).
Cosmetically, he adds “the seat is original and in excellent condition.”
“I note that the wing mirrors have some scratches on due to the age and could do to be re-chromed at some stage.”
“The exhaust system is in great shape and has a lovely note to it. too.”
“The original anodized Comstar wheels are in great original shape.”
“The bodywork is impeccable for the age of the bike and has no visible damages or blemishes. The whole bike in its entirety is a well-preserved example of a very limited race-bred homologation bike.”
Some of the engine covers on both sides have been resprayed.
The seller states that there are no mechanical issues and he has included a recent video of it running:
The sale includes the original tool kit, owner’s manual, and tire pressure gauge with the rare elbow valve attachment for easier access to the valve stem.
Currently located in Johannesburg, South Africa, this Honda is offered on a clean South Africa title. Have any Honda CB1100R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
Iconic’s White Glove process for an auction winner that requires shipping out of South Africa:
We release money to the seller once it’s dropped at our transport company. From there we get the necessary clearances and in this case, we’ll include it in one of our containers as we currently have approximately 40 bikes in South Africa that are ready to ship (which drastically amortizes your cost). We handle Customs and receipt into the port of Los Angeles. We can also help with the USA title process.
As Adam says, “we pretty much do it all. It does take a little time but typically but it’s worth the wait as the examples we’ve seen so far from this particular Seller are all quite excellent!”
