In 1980 Honda Motor Company was hot to win races. So much so that they hand built 117 Honda CB1100R’s and shipped them all to Australia to homologate the model to ultimately be eligible to enter them into the Castrol 6 hour race which was promptly won by future world champion, Wayne Gardner and Australia champion Andrew Johnson.
The first batch of 117 of these RB’s were for Australia only and were all hand built in a rush to make it to the Castrol 6 hour. CB1100Rs went on to win many races including the NZ Castrol 6 hour, the 1982 Australian Castrol 6 hour and many more. In fact, in 1982 out of the top 8 spots, 6 of them were won by CB1100Rs. this then led to the homologation of the Suzuki Katana 1100.
In 1980, Honda Motor Company was driven by a burning desire to conquer the racing circuits. With unwavering determination, they meticulously hand-crafted 117 Honda CB1100Rs and shipped them across the globe to Australia. This strategic move was fueled by their ambition to homologate the model, paving the way for its triumphant entry into the Castrol 6 Hour race. Their relentless pursuit of victory paid off when future world champion Wayne Gardner and Australia champion Andrew Johnson masterfully road the CB1100R to a resounding victory.
The initial batch of 117 CB1100Rs, were exclusively destined for Australian shores. The CB1100R proved to be an unstoppable force, leaving its mark on the racing world with numerous victories, including the NZ Castrol 6 Hour and the 1982 Australian Castrol 6 Hour. In a remarkable feat, six out of the top eight positions in the 1982 Castrol 6 Hour were secured by CB1100Rs, cementing their dominance in the racing arena. This undeniable success prompted Suzuki to homologate their own formidable contender, the Katana 1100.
In 1982 1500 CB1100RC were produced. These bikes were fully faired and in 1983 they also made another 1500 CB1100RD’s. There was also some RB’s that were made in 1981 for South Africa and Europe. These were half faired motorcycles and had quite a few other differences to the first 117 produced of which the one here in our shop is number 83 and has 10,000 original kilometres and is in beautiful condition for its 43 years of age.
Performance
The CB1100RB was a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack, boasting an impressive 1,062cc air-cooled inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke DOHC engine with 16 valves. This powerful engine delivered a claimed 115 BHP (86 kW) at 9,000 rpm, propelling the bike to a top speed of 228 km/h and and a 10 to 1 compression ratio.
The aluminium tank and titanium engine components made the bike a lot lighter. This model was Australia’s first homologation special and they were raced around the world. The only country that didn’t get any was the USA which is ironic considering they were red, white and blue.
Features & Handling
The CB1100RB was not just about raw power; it also featured a host of innovative features that enhanced its performance and handling. These included:
- Electronic ignition for precise starts and reliable performance
- Robust 5-speed transmission for smooth gear changes
- Double-down tube steel frame for enhanced stability and handling
- Triple disc brakes with twin-spot calipers for superior stopping power
- Ample 26-liter fuel tank, ideal for endurance racing
Specifications
- Engine Displacement:1,062cc air-cooled inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke DOHC
- Horsepower: 115 BHP (86 kW) @ 9000 Rpm
- Torque: 98 Nm / 72.5 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
- Top Speed: 228 km/h 140mph
- Weight: 235 kg / 518 /lbs
- Fuel Capacity Economy: 26 litres / 18km/L
- Seat Height: 795mm
- Wheelbase: 1,490mm
- Suspension: Front – Air assisted fork with dual TRAC and stage 3 rebound damping
- Suspension: Rear – 60 way adjustable gas charged hydraulic dampeners with reservoirs
- Brakes: Front: double 296 mm Disc
Rear: single 296 mm - Transmission: 5 speed
- Tires: Front 100/90-18 / Rear 130/80-18
Examples of CB1100RB’s are very rare and hard to find especially bikes that weren’t raced to death, crashed and repaired. This particular example at Naked Racer Moto Co is in stunning condition and has not been rebuilt. Has its original frame paint and beautiful gold Comstar wheels which present like new. A cleaner example would be very difficult to find.
