1983 Honda CB1100F
• 108hp @ 8,500rpm (claimed)/144mph (period test)
• 1,062cc air-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline four
• 5-speed
• Disc brakes front and rear
• 580lb (wet)
• 35-45mpg
• Price now: $2,000-$4,000

Every motorcycle niche includes a Honda, and Honda’s head-to-head competition with the 1983 GS1100ES was the CB1100F, the ultimate development of the CB750 Four of 1969. Although something of a stop-gap model while the VF1000F Interceptor was being readied for 1984, the CB1100F nevertheless boasted an impressive specification.

Incorporating technology from the Euro market CB1100R and Honda CB900F, the four-valve engine produced a claimed 108hp at the crank, and was packaged in a conventional steel tube frame with a bikini fairing, TRAC anti-dive forks, cast alloy tubeless-tire wheels and adjustable handlebars. The result was a good looking bike that not only equaled the GS and GPz in performance (top speed was better than the GS, although the GS would beat it in the all important quarter mile), but was also less expensive, coming in at $3,698 against $4,499 for the GPz and $4,350 for the GS1100ES in 1983.

The CB900F that came before the 1100 had a reputation for missing gears and also had some handling issues, both of which were corrected in the 1100. The engine was fully rubber mounted to quell buzzing. The result was a powerful, competent and comfortable mile-muncher that held up Honda’s reputation during the troubled early days of the V-4s. MC 

Read more about the motorcycles mentioned in this article: 
•  Kawasaki GPz550
• 1982 Kawasaki GPz750
• 1984-85 Honda Sabre VF700S 
• 1985 Honda VF1000R
• 1984 Yamaha FJ1100
• Honda CB750F: A Classic for the Masses 
• 1977 Suzuki GS750  
• 1978 Suzuki GS1000   
• 1981 Honda CBX 
• 1983 Honda CB1100F 
• 1982 Suzuki Katana GS1000SZ 
• 1973 Kawasaki Z1: The King of the Road 
• 1981 Honda CB1100F