1980 Honda CB1100 RB-1 Race Bike

Description

Essentially hand-made in limited numbers, Honda’s CB1100RB road racer was a purpose-built homologation special designed to compete in production class competition around the world. Powered by an air-cooled in-line four featuring DOHC and 16-valve technology, the mighty four-stroke unit was rated at 115 horsepower at 9000rpm, matched to a five-speed transmission. The CB1100RB benefited from twin piston calipers and twin front discs, while the duplex steel cradle frame was essentially a development of the CB900FZ with fully adjustable front and rear forks. The fastest thing on two wheels in 1980, the big Honda proved immediately successful, winning on debut in the 1980 Castrol Six Hour when future 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner scored an impressive flag-to-flag victory. Other CB1100RBs finished the race 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, with 6 CB11000RBs finishing in the top eight positions. Australian pair of Malcolm Campbell and Mick Cole also won the 1981 Castrol Six Hour race in New Zealand. The original CB1100RB was updated to become the RC for 1982. Only 112 of Honda’s race-inspired CB1100RB were made, making it one of the most collectible Japanese motorcycles of the period.