Adjusting Ride Height with No Compromises: Honda CB1100R Custom by Team CB’s

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Team CB's CB1100R

During the customization boom of the 1990s, base bikes varied widely, and so did the methods used to modify them. Through the process of modifying these base bikes by adding parts that were not originally intended to be installed, a method was established of making classic bikes run in a modern way, such as by using the latest 17-inch tires instead of the narrow 19/18 or 18/18-inch ones. Team CB's machines are based on the principle that they should be street safe, but ideally can be turned into racers by removing the safety parts. Since that era of customization popularity, they have been producing many CB-F/R series machines with modern 17-inch tires and flashy looks. This CB1100R was built by the representative of Team CB's as a present for his son's first birthday in 1997. It is based on the '83 CB1100R (RD), which was a race based model and the top model of the CB-F series. It was made to the "ultimate specifications" that fully incorporate the know-how that CB's had cultivated through customization up to that point, and of course it can be used on the racetrack. One of the most obvious differences from other customs is the front end, which is fitted with upside down forks.

The height has been lowered due to the switch to 17-inch tires, but he wanted to increase the minimum ground clearance to secure the bank angle. However, the Ohlins upside down front forks he intended to use were short in length. It is common to use an extension kit, but this would make it difficult to adjust the initials, damping, and other settings. A simple extension would reduce the functionality. There are other methods such as extending the internal cartridge, but here a different method was chosen. As he had been one of the first to take notice of this possibility and had already commissioned many handmade swingarms from them, he consulted with Wheelie and asked them to fabricate a top bridge. The specifications were to offset the top of the head pipe downward by 50mm to compensate for the short length of the front fork and to secure the front ride height. Of course, it was fully billeted to ensure rigidity and no negatives. Now, 25 years have passed since then, and different methods and parts may be available, but at that time, it was a great method that did not compromise workability or dimensions. Even after the heyday of customization ended many shops and parts makers continued to develop new techniques with the same enthusiasm of making the impossible possible. The accumulation of these new innovations became a great asset to the world of customization, and were passed on to the next generation. This can be clearly seen from the example of this bike, which is still in use today.

Bodyworks

The exterior is CB's original CB1100R replica kit, painted in purple base CB's image color by Somemory. The top bridge, which is not shown in the photo, is a custom made by Wheelie as mentioned above, and the fork clamps are offset 50mm down from the top nut position.

Engine

The engine is based on the '83 RD and has been souped up from 1062cc to 1139cc with JE φ72.5mm forged pistons. Stainless steel big valves and a high cam made by RSC (Racing Service Center, the predecessor of HRC) were also installed to increase power significantly. The carburetor is FCR φ39mm.

Chassis

The front forks are Ohlins upside down race forks, which were too short to be used as is when converting an '80s bike to 17-inch. The top bridge was used to balance the height. The machined 4-piston front calipers and discs are both Brembo, and the fenders are made of carbon.

The rear discs are Kawasaki Superbike discs. The calipers are Brembo CNC 4-piston. The exhaust system is CB's original All Stainless Steel Megaphone.

The swingarm is also custom made by Wheelie and is durable enough to facilitate wheel changes. The rear shocks are laydown Ohlins. The wheels are Marchesini Superbike magnesium casting in [2.50-18/3.00-18 →] 3.50-17/6.25-17 sizes for a modern look. The drive chain offset is 15mm.

Gallery

Specifications

Part	Details
Engine	JE PISTONS φ72.5mm Forged Pistons RSC High Cam
Carb / Intake	KEIHIN FCRφ39mm Carburetor
Exhaust	TEAM CB's Original Stainless Steel Megaphone
Frame	WHEELIE 7N01 Reinforced Swingarm
Brake	NISSIN Front Brake Master Cylinder brembo Axial Mount Brake Caliper P4 30 / 34 40mm BREMBO SUPERBIKE Discs BREMBO CNC 4P Calipers
Wheels	MARCHESINI M5 3.75-17 *For ZX-7RR Race Kit
Suspension	OHLINS Inverted Front Forks OHLINS S36PR1C1L Twin Shocks
Steps	BEET Hyperbank
Handle / Steering	WHEELIE Billet Top Bridge COERCE NAKED-BAR
Oil Cooler	EARL'S 11-inch 13-step
Bodyworks	TEAM CB's Original CB1100R Replica Exterior Kit

Original Source of this Article

Heritage & Legends