HONDA X11 (1999-2002) Review | Speed, Specs & Prices - MCN

At a glance

Prices

Overall rating

Non-retro naked street-rod motorcycle was a brave marketing decision from Honda. Unfortunately the Honda CB1100 X-11's sales were slow and the plug was pulled quickly. Often thought of as an unfaried Honda CBR1100XX Super BlackBird – but it’s not. The Honda CB1100 X-11 is indecently powerful, big, very well put together and slightly iffy in the corners.

• Related: This bike features in our expert guide to old-school naked big-bore fours!

Ride quality & brakes

All that weight and quite modest forks – the Honda CB1100 X-11 is not a superb handling motorcycle in the corners although new springs and oil can improve things plenty. Brakes are effective but use Honda’s complex linking system. It works well although some very experienced bikers don’t like it. Expensive to overhaul or de-link.

Engine

The Honda CB1100 X-11 has massive power, massive torque. Similar to the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird but not the same – there’s one less balance shaft – and you do feel a few vibes through the bars as a result. Standard bikes make about 120bhp at the rear wheel – if that’s not impressive enough, a full exhaust system (the thin original down pipes are restrictive) and Power Commander can take the Honda CB1100 X-11 to over 135bhp at the wheel.

Reliability & build quality

Problems are exceedingly rare. Used oil comes out looking almost like new at oil changes – the Honda CB1100 X-11 is one well put together motorcycle. Finish is better than most. But run it though winter though and it’ll still suffer – the shock, fasteners and steel brackets will corrode – most other motorcycles would fair worse than the Honda CB1100 X-11 though.

Value vs rivals

The Honda CB1100 X-11 makes a good used buy. They tend to be well looked after bikes and you can’t thrash a motorcycle like this. As they were never popular prices for the Honda CB1100 X-11 are lower than rival motorcycles although a small cult following is building. Ignore dealers asking OTT prices. Do your research and get an awesome motorcycle for middleweight money. Find a Honda CB1100 X-11 for sale.

Equipment

For a naked motorcycle, the Honda CB1100 X-11's wind protection is remarkably good. The instrument cluster deflects some air plus the bars are low so a 85-90mph cruise is quite sustainable. Comfort’s pretty good although the low bars can cause wrist ache round town – some riders fit bar risers. The Honda CB1100 X-11 has decent pillion accommodation – but they’ll need to hang on tight.

HONDA X11 for sale with MCN

• X11 (Y) £2,495 Hampshire
• X11 (2003/03) £3,999 Kent
• X11 (2002/02) £4,499
• X11 (2001) £4,695 Lancashire

Model history & versions

Model history

1999: Honda CB1100 X-11 launched. 2001: Crank cases black rather than gold. 2002: Honda CB1100 X-11 discontinued.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the HONDA X11 (1999 - 2002)

16 owners have reviewed their HONDA X11 (1999 - 2002) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA X11 (1999 - 2002)

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £150

This is my second X11, the first one was the only bike I ever regretted selling. I recently bought one again for many reasons. It is a brilliant bike on many levels, the power, the balance, the comfort, the looks, the reliability. Prior to buying the X11 I did test rides on modern naked bikes and in truth aside from modern gizmos the X11 is a better bike. Yes the handling is not up to modern bikes but actually it’s more fun because of it. Play with the suspension and get descent tyres this bike is incredible. If you can find one as they are rare don’t hesitate buying.

Playing with the suspension and tyres brings the ride quality to a good level. I have no issues with the brakes as first thing I did was new brake fluid and cleaned the brakes.

Bullet proof 140BHP power house. Smooth power in any gear and it pulls. Hold on tight

Nothing to say more than the Honda X11 and Blackbird where built to the highest specifications and standard. It is the best of Honda

Easy to service with many parts available due to being a naked blackbird

It’s a 25 year old bike so equipment is basic but excellent for its time.

Buying experience: I took a risk after speaking with the seller and took a train from Paddington to Swansea then a coach then got picked up buy the seller. One look at the bike I was smitten Yes it was worth the 5 hour journey

Year: 1999

An outstanding, sexy, powerful motorcycle. It looks like Ducati could have made it - especially in the red but thank god it’s got Hondas outstanding build quality. Still going strong after 25 years.

Year: 2001

My second X11 having had to let the first go to pay off a debt, bought the first one in 2004 and kept it till Jan 2018, never let me down. Just had to get another one! I've had a few bikes over the years but these are so much better! I certainly don't hang around on it either, using every bit of rubber on the back and all but about 10mm on the front, never had any handling issues at all, it's a fab bike (in my opinion)

I've "only" given it 4/5 only because I've got a bony backside and get a bit uncomfortable after a couple of hundred miles, apart from that, I can't fault it, it's a doddle to ride and because it's got loads of go throughout the rev range, gear changes aren't strictly necessary, but if you need to get a shift on, well, it's certainly willing!

Equipment???

Buying experience: Bought it privately from a rather reluctant seller!

Version: sf

Year: 2001

Heavy. Yes i would recommend to a friend

Back sub frame spring a bit of rust. Alarm and key fob could be a lot better.

Buying experience: Traded my blue honda hornet 600cc for this red cb 1100 x sf best thing that i did i was always moving up and down on gears on the 600cc hornet nice bike but x11 wow .The cb1100 x was great all i needed was 1 to 3 gears the rest for move power.Its more power full then cbx1000 z and does not snike.at high speeds.only problem that it is heavey like a elephant i am only 10 stone and not big i got this bike back in 2001 m and s westgate road newcastle and i still have this bike its is a nice bike:)

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £150

Believe me when I say this, this is a weapon of a motorcycle! I have actually fitted Galespeed wheels, a Nitron rear shock, Ohlins internal springs and reworked forks. It now handles amazingly, HH sintered pads and braided hoses has the stopping department sorted too. Considering this is now a 15 year old bike, it is ridiculously reliable, it is quiet, and over distance runs I can get 230-240 miles travelling at 70-80mph. This bike is heavy, but very stable and the steering geometry belies its actual weight. Genuine 0-60 times of sub 2.5 seconds and it has been off the clock on German Autobahns. One word of warning, the headlamp bowl can break at aver 150 mph over prolonged periods and if a fly screen is fitted, they can snap off at 130mph which can be pretty scary. Also, the radiator cowling is a feature that actually works. If travelling at high speed, the bike WEAVES badly if the rad cowling has been replaced with a chrome radiator guard. Be warned! I'm 6'3" and the bike it fits me great. Yeah, its pretty ugly, but when a bike is this good, looks aren't everything!

Get a Nitron rear shock with adjustable preload (£450) and Ohlins progressive front fork internals (£120) and braided hoses £220. It WILL transform the bike in every way possible! Galespeed wheels 6" rear with Pirelli Supercorsa's make this bike into a total street weapon! If these mods aren't done the rating would otherwise be 3 stars

This engine is powerful and is NOT the same as a Blackbird motor. It makes BAGS more torque and the gearbox is smooooooooth. The bikes radiator cowl might be butt ugly but is there for a reason! I had a chrome grill fitted and it made the bike constantly over heat, even in the winter. Keep the cowlings or fit a big radiator.

Built to last... Engine is bullet proof and even when shims checked at 20000 miles there was no wear. Be careful with traffic film remover as it can stain the matt paint if its not washed off pronto.

I service this myself, and parts are reasonable even from Honda. (Hunts). Castrol synthetic oil and filter is £45. Genuine Honda pads are £85 all round or EBC is £75. MOT £30, So servicing cost roughly £150 a year.

I have fitted genuine Honda heated grips. This makes the bike a full on hack winter and summer. OK, it doesn't have a fuel gauge, or any other rider aids, but it is comfortable. Its excellent for pillions and has adequate wind protection for a big naked bike like this

Buying experience: Private purchase. £1700 May 2012 Upgrades including: Suspension: Nitron £450 and Ohlins progress fork springs and oil £120 (£670) Brakes: Linked braided hoses £230 and HH pads £75 (£305) Givi flyscreen: £45 Galespeed wheels £700 2nd hand £1775 + £1700= £3475

Version: CB1100 SF1

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £200

I am going to have to be picky here because the bad points are really a matter of taste rather than a matter of fact. Good. would have to be the engine, the build, the reliability and the price you can get a second hand one at, but this bike has gone from hard to rare when it comes to buying. Bad, if you're tall you may feel a little cramped, however if you height challenged like me, your find it very agreeable, the clocks are a pain, they are red and if you do any touring in Europe at night and try to view the speed in KM your be hard pressed to see the speed your doing, Brakes are Marmite, I have no problems with them at all, the looks your love them or hate them, I like them. And the steering lock, I've never had a problem but some owners say its very limited.

This is a matter of taste, I have no problems or dislikes with the CBS (combined braking system) and its not the only bike to have this.

Smooth, fast, massive torque and power in the right places. And even though the bike is a beast the engine still sits as the main focus.

Reliability, I haven't had many issues, a dead battery was the worst I have had, however for some reason once a month I have to spray the turn signal handle bar unit with electrical spray or they gradually stop working, other owners report the same. I may be a little bias but when you stand back and look at the bike it is a work of art, nothing less, so well put together.

I do my own serving, so its just materials, but can be £150 for minimal service up to £500 for a major over the top service.

There isn't a great amount of stuff, but what there is, is expensive.

Buying experience: Although these can be very hard to come across, most owners are late 30's onward's so most owners tend to look after them, not that its easy to buy a lemon on these bikes.

I have had the pleasure of owning the x11 for a year now and it is without doubt the best bike I have ridden. Reason for buying was before a break from biking around year 2000 a biking friend was kind enough to let me try his Blackbird, it's engine was superb the sound the smoothness the power and torque loved it BUT the reach to the bars and lowness didn't allow me to drop my shoulder and it didn't feel right at 5,10 I was frankly a couple of inches too short . Some 14 years on and after a 10 year break had an itch to get a bike and the x11 came to mind a comfortable riding position AND that engine got to be good and boy is it :) The best bit was some great deals to be had and due to being naked quite a few low mileage examples to still be found. Looks wise I was lucky to find a Candy Apple Red one with carbon cans and every one has said how great it looks even have strangers come up and say nice bike, I think the ugly duckling has come good may be looks we're ahead of its time! Next point I have seen from MCN review is slightly iffy handling well have to totally disagree there, had pleasure this summer of riding down to Pyrenees and in the mountain twisties I was in heaven in company of KTM and GS Adventure bikes and didn't have any issues keeping up or any dramas in the process, bike was very secure and held line in a compliant and reassuring manner and would switch quick and easy, not effortlessly you do need a firm hand but not excessively so. Have marked bike down on Equipment as while clocks are supposed to deflect wind they aren't effective enough so I have fitted a Givi screen which has been perfect without buffeting also fitting luggage is tricky as Givi no longer make fittings for it although I have been lucky to find one and a 46L top box has been adequate for touring. I have no hesitation in recommending this bike it will be a future classic and a very hard act to follow!

I have had the pleasure of owning the x11 for a year now and it is without doubt the best bike I have ridden. Reason for buying was before a break from biking around year 2000 a biking friend was kind enough to let me try his Blackbird, it's engine was superb the sound the smoothness the power and torque loved it BUT the reach to the bars and lowness didn't allow me to drop my shoulder and it didn't feel right at 5,10 I was frankly a couple of inches too short . Some 14 years on and after a 10 year break had an itch to get a bike and the x11 came to mind a comfortable riding position AND that engine got to be good and boy is it :) The best bit was some great deals to be had and due to being naked quite a few low mileage examples to still be found. Looks wise I was lucky to find a Candy Apple Red one with carbon cans and every one has said how great it looks even have strangers come up and say nice bike, I think the ugly duckling has come good may be looks we're ahead of its time! Next point I have seen from MCN review is slightly iffy handling well have to totally disagree there, had pleasure this summer of riding down to Pyrenees and in the mountain twisties I was in heaven in company of KTM and GS Adventure bikes and didn't have any issues keeping up or any dramas in the process, bike was very secure and held line in a compliant and reassuring manner and would switch quick and easy, not effortlessly you do need a firm hand but not excessively so. Have marked bike down on Equipment as while clocks are supposed to deflect wind they aren't effective enough so I have fitted a Givi screen which has been perfect without buffeting also fitting luggage is tricky as Givi no longer make fittings for it although I have been lucky to find one and a 46L top box has been adequate for touring. I have no hesitation in recommending this bike it will be a future classic and a very hard act to follow!

I have owned my X11 for two years best bike i have owned, got it to tour on instead of my fireblade, now sold my blade as the X11 does all i need, even a track day at Brands. Try one you will be surprised.

Got one loved it, so bought another, fitting turbo on one next year, mad or what! should pull 200bhp. Mine handles with all that torque pick right line and they turn ok for me, but agree with pegs to high get cramp and wrist ache,( could be abuse when younger).

I have owned numerous bikes and this is the best value, best grin inducing, best all rounder I have ever owned. Good for hacking, touring, racing or whatever else turns you on

What can I say just bought an X11 and I love it. It can bimble along serenely or rip yer arms off. It is silky smooth and all day comfy. If you're in the market for a naked bike with balls look no further than an X11. Strengths: Power, comfort, imdividuality. Weaknesses: likes a drink.

Had the bike now 5 years I agree with a lot of the reviews EXCEPT no one has mentioned the poor leg room - THE PEGS ARE TOO HIGH! giving knee ache and ankle ache and wrist ache on any journey over 100 miles.Poor brakes as well. Still wouldn't swap it for anything else. Sold a zx12r to keep this! that's how much I rate the x11! Strengths: Performace Uniqueness Rareraity. Weaknesses: Seat too low or pegs too high. Brakes need up grading.

I had to take it to the IOM TT (2006)as my ZX9R was ill. It was only then that I found out how awesome this bike is. I was going to sell it but, on Mad Sunday, with a bunch of mates on very fast kit; GSXR 1000 (2006 model); 998 with Termi's and re-chip (140 bhp) and an RSV Mille, the X11 actually kept up and challenged. Unbelievable! Although it gets wheezy at 7 - 8 k rpm, go through that and it flies. It torqued all bikes out of corners. Incredible. I'm keeping it! Strengths: Engine. Weaknesses: None. It is what it is.

The best engine EVER built by Honda. (Apart the V5 I didn't test at the moment). You can proceed in 5th @ 1800rpm on the roads without any noise and with 24litres/100km, or you can overwhelm other bikes and scary old ladies in 3rd @9000 rpm over 108mph and @ 4litres/100km. I bought an used 2000 model (red, silver frame). I mounted a high handlebar (http://www.ab-m.de/produkte/superbikeumbau/superbike-kits/), an hugger (http://www.tcpsa.com/honda/x11c.htm) and a fairing (http://eshop.motonline.com/index.php?fuseaction=home.1082260). I'm using her (her name is Thorque, from my nickname Thor and her Torque feature) every day, with every weather. Strengths: Beautiful and ugly as only a Buell can be, but reliable as a Buell won't ever be. Weaknesses: Italian people decided to buy "naked" bikes only after "Mission Impossible 2"'s Triumph Speed Triple appearance. Honda X Eleven was in the market BEFORE. Honda had to point on another model to satisfy the market.

This is my second x11, first got nicked in Spain . Its got power every where, smooth as silk and it handles far better than you'd think . Big fuel tank, comfy seat . It doesn't turn too quick, but then if I wanted that I would have got a sports bike . It will see off most sports bikes in a straight line and out break them.I  found Dunlop 204 s work for grip and Macadams for lasting. I have a chain oiler fitted which is a must with all that power. The build quality is first class . Love it ! Strengths: Power, comfort, tank range, build quality . Weaknesses: Weight . Looks.

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