Honda Cbl100

HONDA CBl100

YEAR OF THE NAKED

ENTER THE DELUXE: SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

A sixth gear, an extra tailpipe, ABS, and 0.5 gallon more fuel capacity have made a surprising difference to Honda’s sweet and smooth retro-inspired CB1100, called "Deluxe" in this new guise. Price for the red Deluxe is $11,899, $1,500 up on the black standard model (which also gets the sixth cog but not the other new stuff). What a difference a gear makes. Cruise is more relaxed, further mellowing the lovely riding experience. The long, flat seat makes two-up riding a humane experience forthe passenger, unlike most of the nakeds here. I think it was Peter Egan who once remarked that Hondas felt like all their parts had liquid centers. Certainly holds true forthe CB1100 Deluxe, one of the most fluid standards on the road.

-Mark Hoyer