A Classy Overhaul After Its Flashy Phase: HONDA CB1100R Custom by Team CB’s
Team CB's CB1100R
"This bike was originally designed with a 'Mermaid' theme, and later it was given a flashy exterior. But I ended up giving it to someone who wanted to ride a Honda CB1100R, however the extravagant exterior was a bit too overwhelming. So, we decided to refine it to a more elegant 'lady-like' style, and that's how the project began," explains Mr. Ichimoto from Team CB's.
To break it down a bit further, about 25 years ago, Mr. Ichimoto customized a CB1100R for his son to ride in the future. Using the leftover parts from that project, he built another custom CB1100R, which came to be known as the "Mermaid" bike. True to its nickname, the bike was adorned with a sparkling exterior like scales and was actively used for touring and tracks. Later, in the fall of 2017, this machine became an entry in the TOT Super Monster Evolution Class. The frame, wheels, bodywork, and even the pulsar cover were redone in a glittery purple finish. The result was a striking, fully glittery purple that seemed perfectly suited for shining under the city lights at night. Then, a new owner took possession of the motorcycle and decided to purchase an entirely new set of stock exterior parts. The frame and wheels, previously finished in purple, were repainted in red and gold respectively. This transformation brought it to its current look, based on the stock color scheme.
"After shedding its flashy attire and being properly dressed, it turned into a refined lady. The engine head was returned to stock, but the displacement remains at 1123cc," says Mr. Ichimoto.The engine internals and the chassis, tuned to accommodate 17-inch wheels at both ends, were well taken care of from the beginning, so the core of the bike remains a reliable performer.
With the stock exterior now installed, the removed purple bodywork was taken back by Mr. Ichimoto. He is now using that glittery exterior as the foundation for building a new CB for himself. "This time, it's going to be an 'Oiran' style design," Mr. Ichimoto says enthusiastically with a laugh. "I've stripped all the old paint off the exterior and will go with a pink and purple base." The purple frame and the boldly flashy bodywork are already completed, so the final version doesn't seem too far off. Let's look forward to seeing how it all comes together in the end.
Handle
The instrument panel is built on a carbon panel, featuring a tachometer and speedometer from other models, along with various warning lights. Additional gauges include a DAYTONA AQUAPROVA oil temperature gauge and a WITH ME digital multi-gauge. The handlebars are clip-ons with purple clamps, while the stem is an ARA unit designed to accommodate the 17-inch wheel conversion. The front master cylinder is a Brembo radial model, paired with a KOHKEN clutch holder. The throttle holder is an ACTIVE unit, finished in purple.
Bodyworks
The front cowl and other exterior components have been completely replaced with stock CB1100R parts to give the bike its original, classy look. The headlight has also been converted to an LED unit.
The fuel tank has also been replaced with an aluminum CB1100R stock part, including the stock color scheme. As the shop specializes in both extravagant and stock exterior parts, they know how to strike the perfect balance.
The FRP seat cowl and turn signals are also stock. As can be seen from the seat rails peeking through the gaps, the frame has been repainted in the stock red color.
Engine
The engine has been upgraded from the CB1100R's original 1062cc to 1123cc using WISECO forged pistons (φ72mm). The cylinder head area was reverted to stock after the engine blew during TOT participation. The pulsar cover and generator cover have been changed from purple to a gold color, resembling the stock appearance.
The carburetors are FCRs, with purple funnels. The blue wires visible at the front are ICE WIRE (earth cables) supplied by CB's for motorcycles.
Intake & Exhaust
The rear brake caliper is a NISSIN 2-piston model. The exhaust system is CB's original stainless steel 4-1 with a megaphone-style silencer.
Chassis
The front forks are Nitron NTR43, paired with Brembo 4-piston brake calipers. The bolts feature a purple finish.
The swingarm, created during the Mermaid era, features a WHEELIE-made reinforced cross-section, and the rear shocks are from Nitron. The wheels are 5-spoke magnesium, reworked by CB's from purple to a gold finish reminiscent of the CB1100R's stock style. The recoloring was done through painting, but it successfully gave it a metal-treated look.
Gallery
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Specifications
Part | Details |
---|---|
Engine | WISECO K1123 φ72mm Forged Piston Kit |
Carb / Intake | KEIHIN FCR Carburetor φ39mm |
Exhaust | TEAM CB's Original Stainless Steel 4-1 with Megaphone-Style Silencer |
Frame | ARA Stem Kit WHEELIE Pentagonal Reinforced Swingarm |
Brake | brembo Radial Brake Master Cylinder brembo Axial 4P Caliper brembo Supersport Disc ADVANTAGE NISSIN Rear Brake Caliper 2POT TZ Type SUNSTAR Premium Racing Brake Disc |
Wheels | MARCHESINI Front Wheel M5R 3.50-17 MARCHESINI Rear Wheel M5R 5.50-17 |
Suspension | NITRON NTR43 Conventional Race Series NITRON TWIN R3 Series |
Steps | CHASE MOTORCYCLE Rearsets |
Drive System |
METAL GEAR WORKS Sprocket Cover Kit EK CHAIN ThreeD 530 |
Handle / Steering | RISE Universal φ43 Machined Aluminium Clip-On Handlebar KOHKEN (KOHKEN DENKA) Mechanical Clutch Holder ACTIVE Aluminum Throttle Holder Type-3 DAYTONA Aquaprova HG Rev Meter (Tachometer) WITH ME Digital Multigauge |
Electrical | ICE WIRE Earth Cable |
Original Source of this Article
Heritage & Legends


editor
Hakuyo
A foreigner who rides in Japan, Japanese call this "Gaijin Rider". Third year in the Webike global team. He feels and shares the real bike life in Japan then presents you how interesting Japanese customs are.