MCL 2021

The CMX Range Hits the Custom Nail on the Head 

The practical bobber of all the custom bike styles lends itself perfectly to the street. The Honda CMX line-up with its cut-down classic lines and prominent engines, has hit the custom nail on the head. Don’t be fooled though, the look may be old school but there’s technology in abundance just below the surface. 

CMX 500 

Launched in 2017, the CMX500 Rebel successfully drew inspiration from the past but had enough contemporary features to put it in a class of one. 

The mid-range bobber was a huge hit from the moment it rolled off the factory floor. It continues to sell well and to date is Europe’s best-selling factory custom in 2021. 

With its 27.2-in seat height and mid position footrests, the Rebel’s physical dimensions were also ideal for shorter riders and female riders, who make up an impressive 33% of owners.  

Three years after its launch, the CMX500 received some upgrades. These concentrated on comfort and practicality. A redesigned seat and suspension settings smoothed out the ride. Meanwhile, all lighting, including the indicators, went LED.  

Even impending EURO5 regulations didn’t spoil the fun as a clever exhaust and sensor revision meant the Rebel kept its funky-burble exhaust note. The motorcycle’s trademark low down torque was also unaffected. Not something all manufacturers manage to pull off when new emission laws come calling.  

Bobbers traditionally sport solo seats and the Rebel is no different. Its classic uncluttered rear fender is the perfect showcase for the fat rear tyre. If Rebel riders want to share the fun, though, all it takes is two bolts to add a helpful pillion perch.  

For 2022, the CMX500 Rebel will continue to be available in Matt Jeans Blue Metallic, Graphite Black, Mat Axis Grey Metallic and the all-new Pearl Organic Green.  

CMX1100 

The 500 Rebel has a street presence and everyday practicality that few motorcycles in the custom sector can match. However, while it has its army of die-hard fans, significant amounts of more experienced riders couldn’t wait for a larger capacity version. The CMX1100 is one of the few custom bikes that potential buyers couldn’t wait to see hit the showroom floor. 

In 2021, the wait was over. Retaining the 500-cc Rebel’s nimble handing, the CMX1100 was very much the thinking man's power cruiser. 

The 1084-cc fuel-injected SOHC twin-engine was borrowed from the mighty Africa Twin but re-mapped and given a heavier flywheel for even more low-down grunt. The result is a stump-pulling 98-Nm of torque at a mere 4750-rpm, meaning the power is always on tap right when you need it most. 

Honda didn’t just get the design cues right with the CMX1100 Rebel. Everything from the 270 degree phased crankshaft’s uneven firing interval to the valve timing and lift is precisely calculated to generate that inner ‘pulse’ at the heart of every big-bore bobber. 

It’s no secret that the 1100 Rebel has serious bend swinging credentials. Almost contradictory but pulling it off regardless, the engine’s low centre of gravity combines with impressive ground clearance. This combination means the moment you head south of vertical there will be a distinct lack of sparks.  

The CMX 1100 has high-quality running gear with excellent frame geometry. The 2022 model includes preload-adjustable 43-mm cartridge-style forks and adjustable ‘piggyback’ rear shocks.   

Electronic Rider Aids 

If the 1100’s engine and chassis weren’t impressive enough, the Rebel has another card up its sleeve. This winning ace is a host of top-shelf electronic rider aids. Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control, cruise control and three riding modes that work via the throttle by wire, make up an electronics package that would shame many sport bikes. 

The addition of cruise control and a USB C-type socket also hints at how easy this motorcycle could handle cross-country road trips. 

It should come as no surprise that the same US-based R&D studio that gave us the unprocessed slammed down style of the CMX500 also created its muscle-bound brother. 

For the CMX1100, everything from the flangeless fuel tank to the die-cast aluminum mudguard brackets ooze class. What’s more, this year there is a brand new paint scheme. As well as Gunmetal Black Metallic, you can now also opt for Pearl Stallion Brown, which pops with the blacked-in engine. 

It may have its styling roots in the bobbers of the past but make no mistake; the 2022 Honda CMX1100 is a power cruiser for the 21^st century. 

Big Bore Nakeds get the Retro Treatment 

In 2018, the CB1000R got treated to a major facelift and overhaul. Not that the old CB was shoddy, nothing is further from the truth. Any super-naked bike that uses a Fireblade engine and forks is no slouch. It had, however, been around since 2008 and as we all know, time, tide and motorcycle design wait for no man. 

When Euro5 compliance became compulsory for motorcycle manufacturers in 2021, not one to miss an opportunity, Honda used the occasion to make another few tweaks. So this is why the current CB1000R has a redesigned headlight, radiator shrouds, fuel injection, wheels, TFT voice command dash and a new cast aluminium subframe. 

As a super-naked, the CBR is one of the most user-friendly street tools on the market. Yes, there are faster bikes and others with sharper suspension. Yet, the Honda's predictable handling and smooth turbine acceleration make it every day useable. Unfortunately, this factor is something that super-naked manufacturers appear to have forgotten in their rush for horsepower and uncompromising geometry. 

Anniversary of a Legend 

In 2019, Honda celebrated the 50^th anniversary of their first superbike, the CB750.  Honda teamed up with custom shop 5Four Motorcycles to mark the event. The idea was to create a limited edition run of their retro rocket ship CB1100RS but more on that later. 

To cut a long story short, the limited edition was so successful that Honda decided to do it all over again, using a CB1000R as its base. 

Head of 5Four Motorcycles, Guy Willison, couldn't wait to get his hands on the project.  5Four has a reputation for creating clean and uncluttered lines. Therefore, the first step in the transformation was the back end.  

The CB1000R's enormous swinging arm-mounted license plate and light bracket was the first to be relieved of duty.  

With no exterior brackets and a slim LED rear light, 5Four's tail tidy cleaned up the bike's rear to perfection. This modification also allowed the number plate to be mounted higher, perfectly showcasing the meaty rear tyre and single-sided swinging arm. 

Moving to the centre, Willison swapped the mammoth stock silencer with a Race fit titanium Growler X exhaust. The exhaust retains the stock downpipes and collector box. This design means that while the sound remains music to your ears, it doesn't affect the bike's smooth running. 

As compact looking as the fairing is, the design and exact angle of placement tick both form and function boxes. Created to flow with the bike's existing lines, it also redirects airflow enough to keep some of the weather off the rider. A limited-edition badge on the front of the fairing carries the motorcycle's unique production number. 

One of the neatest stand-out additions is the seat. The thick, supple leather features contrasting red diamond stitching with the 5Four logo laser embossed on the rear pad.  

Neat touches like the black adjustable dogleg levers and red anodized billet mirrors add to the bike's cohesive look. However, the CB1000R 5Four's crowning glory is the stunning paint job. 

Winning Paint Scheme 

The red, white and blue candy paint scheme taps into the rich heritage of Honda Work's racing colours. You can see this best in action in Phil Read's 1977 TT winning Honda 750. The petrol tank even has a hand-painted Honda wing logo to finish it off perfectly. 

No one could deny Les Willison a lap of honor for the CB1000R 5Four special, "we're so proud of the CB1000R 5Four,” he says, "and best of all, it's as good to ride as it is to look at!" 

CB1100 RS 5Four 

No longer in production thanks to Euro5 emission laws, the last of the great air-cooled in-line 4's went out with a bang rather than a whimper thanks to 5Four Motorcycles. 

If you thought their CB1000R make-over was remarkable, 5Four's first project, a neo-café racer transformation of the late lamented CB1100 RS, is a total show stopper. 

Everything about the bike is perfection from the hand-crafted aluminium nose fairing to the classic bum-stopper seat. The curvaceous tank, 4-2 titanium Race fit silencers and satin black Renthal bars combine retro café racer vibes with state-of-the-art street fighter.  

The red, white and blue Honda Works racing colours benefit from a modern twist and a hand-painted Honda wing logo is the icing on the cake. 

Both 5Four-customised bikes were built to commemorate the CB750's 50^th anniversary and have 100% hit the mark. However, perhaps due to its huge air-cooled engine and twin-shock suspension, the CB1100 RS is the more faithful rendition! Either would take pride of place in your garage, though.