Honda revealed CB Type II – a CB1100 based cafe-racer which could hit production next year.
BMW has the R nineT, Triumph revealed a whole new Bonneville range, the Moto Guzzis are all about classic – every bike manufacturer has revamped its heritage range. All except Honda and Suzuki. While Suzuki is still asleep, Honda gives us some clues about its classic-class future.
The CB Type II, revealed at Tokyo Motor Show is a cafe-racer interpretation of the CB1100. With a large displacement air-cooled inline four, it embodies the Japanese classic style, matching the Yamaha’s XJR 1300.
So, we have a classic CB1100 with reshaped tank, cafe-racer style seat and small mirrors fitted under the handlebar. The fork remains a classic one and not an upside-down, although it has an “upside-down-like paint.”
The brakes consist of radial-mounted Brembo calipers and dual-discs on front, the rear suspension is an Ohlins, and the tires come from Pirelli. The headlight and taillights are LEDs. We’re not sure that the carbon front-fender and titan exhaust will still be available on the production version, but the CB1100 racer still seems to be sportier than the classic version.
The Rivals
BMW R nineT
Featuring the classical air-cooled boxer, the R nineT was a hit for BMW. It was the fourth best-sold model after the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, and R 1200 RT.
Yamaha XJR 1300 Racer
Yamaha XJR 1300 is the only inline-four competitor, with a 98 hp – 108 Nm muscular engine and Ohlins rear suspension. It has a racer-style similar fuel tank and a solo-seat style design, while the aluminum side cover embodies the 70s racing spirit.
Triumph Thruxton R
Triumph Thruxton R is the most powerful and fastest bike from the new Bonneville family. It comes with a high-spec front suspension (Showa), rear suspension by Ohlins, Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires and cafe-racer styling and riding position.