Honda CB1100F Concept

It’s ironic that a show with such futuristic themes and hi-tech displays also tends to be a showplace for retro-styled motorcycles. Ducati’s SportClassics line, first displayed in 2003, is a good example. The Terblanche-styled bikes traded on the look of classic Ducatis of years past, rather than aping more common cruiser-esque styling cues.

Honda has a rich history of iconic machines, and with this model—as well as its sister, the [LINK TO CB1100R] CB1100R prototype—it may be looking to cash in on that heritage. Styled much like the classic CB400F of 1975-1978, the CB1100F uses twin shocks, a tube frame and an air-cooled 1100cc four-cylinder motor that looks similar to the one in the Japan-market CB750 that was released last year.

Styling is tastefully vintage Honda. The blocky yet proportioned tank, like the minimal seat and perfectly curved headers are reminiscent of the mid-’70s Honda Supersports. Chrome fenders and mirrors make you want to put on a leisure suit and dance the night away, and the taillight housing and turn signals have a soft, aluminum luster to them.