Old School Superbike: 1983 Honda CB1100F Super Sport for Sale

Old School Superbike
Here on  RSBFS, we occasionally get into spirited debates about what really constitutes a “sportbike” and I maintain that the definition is more a vibe, a statement of intent, than a set of specifications. The same was originally true of the term “superbike.” Ask most riders these days to describe a superbike, and you’re going to get a description of something that sounds very much like Ducati’s V4 Panigale, or maybe a slightly older enthusiast might conjure up Honda’s RC30. But the term was first coined to describe Honda’s CB750, and was mostly used colloquially to describe unfaired, big-bore inline fours until the term was more formally codified with the advent of the World Superbike Championship. This 1983 Honda CB1100F Super Sport doesn’t look very super or sporty compared to modern machines, but it was quite the performer in its day. Produced for a single year, it was basically a CB900F with a bigger 1062cc version of Honda’s air-cooled, twin-cam, four-valve, inline-four engine. It also featured hotter cams and better carbs, along with revised combustion chambers and frame geometry. Power was a claimed 108hp and the performance at the time was considered to be impressive, with a 11.1 second ¼ mile time and superlative handling to match. Motorcyclist claimed it was the best superbike they’d tested.

SELLER
1983 Honda CB1100F.  Canadian color scheme (red,white, and blue). Runs and rides well, very fast and tight classic Honda. Previous owner installed Wiseco big bore kit (1200cc), as well as Supertrapp exhaust, and steering damper. I have owned the bike for 2 years. In that time I had the Supertrapp exhaust cerakoted, installed a Rex’s 4 pole starter, upgraded starter clutch, and Motobatt gel battery. Bike comes with original exhaust, air box, and many spare parts including extra headlight shroud, progressive shocks, rear fender, original owners manual, tool kit, and service manual. This is not a perfect example as there is some aging of the plastic on the handlebar switches, small scratches on the black surfaces, the stator cover has been weld repaired, and when it has sat for a time there is a little smoke upon startup (could probably use valve stem seals). Please contact me with any questions.

Vintage 70s and 80s bikes used to be dime-a-dozen and pretty cheap, but prices have gotten steadily higher as supplies have dried up, especially for more interesting, higher-performance models like this Honda CB1100F Super Sport. As the seller points out, this example isn’t perfect, but seems to be an honest survivor in good running condition, with sensible, period-appropriate updates and upgrades to increase the bike’s performance. As an added bonus, there is an original exhaust included, along with a bunch of spare parts to help keep this vintage machine running. Not necessarily one that will appeal to collectors, but one that might appeal to riders that always wanted one to just get out and ride.

-tad