2014 Honda Interceptor, CBR650F and CB1100 | First Look Review

2014 Honda CB1100 Deluxe in Candy Red
2014 Honda CB1100 Deluxe in Candy Red

If the polar vortex, Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow and Payton Manning’s loss in the Super Bowl have you feeling blue, Honda’s latest announcement should brighten your outlook. Even though its 2014 lineup already overfloweth, Honda has announced the return of the Interceptor, the debut of the CBR650F sportbike and updates to the retro CB1100.

“Only Honda, the world’s number one powersports manufacturer, could roll out so many new and exciting products over such a short period of time” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “The extremely broad spectrum of these models demonstrates how Honda reaches all segments of the powersports world.

“One area that’s uniquely Honda is the V4 sportbike segment, and this year we’ve added the Interceptor to the line. The Interceptor offers that special V-4 experience so purely Honda in feel and function, and has many upgrades to meet current customer expectations. There’s also a great sportbike that’s brand-new from the ground up, the CBR650F. This is a machine that offers plenty of fun sport performance while also being versatile and comfortable enough to ride every day of the week. It’s a bike you can quickly fall in love with on every new ride.

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“Our CB1100 offers a timeless appeal that speaks to experienced riders who share a passion for the sport, and now we’ve boosted the fun factor with a new Deluxe version that extends the retro feeling even further.”

2014 Honda Interceptor
2014 Honda Interceptor

2014 Honda Interceptor and Interceptor Deluxe
The “Interceptor” name first appeared in 1982, on Honda’s VF750F, and was last seen on the 2009 VFR800, the last year the middleweight Veefer was sold in the U.S. As with its predecessor, the new Interceptor’s liquid-cooled 782cc 90-degree V-4 features Honda’s exclusive VTEC design. The engine runs on two valves per cylinder at lower engine speeds for optimal low-end power, and then seamlessly switches to four valves per cylinder at higher revs to maximize top-end performance. New fuel-injection mapping is said to improve low-end torque feel, and a new front-mounted radiator keeps the bike narrow. A triple-box-section twin-spar aluminum frame features a tuned, pivotless design that isolates the engine-mounted, single-sided Pro Arm swingarm from the frame, and Honda says the chassis strikes a balance between agility and comfort. The 43mm fork with 4.3 inches of travel offers spring preload adjustment only, while the Pro-Link shock with 4.7 inches of travel is adjustable for preload and rebound. Radial-mount dual front calipers and a single rear caliper feature Honda’s Combined Braking System. Seat height is adjustable (31.0/31.8 inches), fuel capacity is 5.2 gallons and curb weight is 529 pounds (claimed). The Deluxe model adds ABS, traction control, grip heaters, self-canceling turn signals and a center stand for just $1,000.
Colors: Red, Pearl White; Price: $12,499-$13,499; Availability: May
http://powersports.honda.com/2014/interceptor.aspx

2014 Honda CBR650F
2014 Honda CBR650F

2014 Honda CBR650F
For riders who want more performance than what the CB500F/CBR500R offer but aren’t ready for the horsepower or cost of a CB1000R or CBR1000RR, Honda’s all-new CBR650F might be a happy medium. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 649cc in-line 4-cylinder engine with DOHC, four valves per cylinder and PGM-FI, and it’s mounted in a steel twin-spar frame. A full fairing, moderately sporty chassis geometry (57-inch wheelbase, 25.3-degree rake, 4.0-inch trail), triple-disc brakes and a low 461-pound curb weight should make the CBR650F fun on back roads, while its 31.8-inch seat height, 4.5-gallon fuel capacity and $8,499 base price should make it an affordable, easy-to-ride commuter or city bike. ABS is a $500 option.
Colors: Red, Candy Blue, Matte Black Metallic; Price: $8,499-$8,999; Availability: Summer
http://powersports.honda.com/2014/cbr650f.aspx

2014 Honda CB1100 (European ABS model shown; ABS not available on standard model in the U.S.)
2014 Honda CB1100 (European ABS model shown; ABS not available on standard model in the U.S.)

2014 Honda CB1100
As Mark Tuttle wrote in his 2013 road test, “Honda’s new CB1100 is not an homage to a single motorcycle, but rather to the era that began when the company shocked all and sundry with the launch of its 1969 CB750.” The CB1100’s air-cooled, 1,140cc DOHC in-line-4 looks old-school but is fully modernized and good for a very smooth 85 horsepower and 67 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheel. Its shapely fuel tank, upright handlebar and round headlights bring back memories of the ‘70s, but its triple-disc brakes, suspension and tires offer modern-era levels of performance. New for 2014 is a 6-speed transmission in place of the previous 5-speed gearbox, and a new instrument panel features MPG, a trip computer and a gear position indicator.
Color: Black; Price: $10,399; Availability: March
http://powersports.honda.com/2014/cb1100.aspx

2014 Honda CB1100 Deluxe
2014 Honda CB1100 Deluxe

2014 Honda CB1100 Deluxe
For the CB1100 Deluxe, Honda added ABS, a larger fuel tank (4.4 gallons, up from 3.9), a sleek four-into-two exhaust system, a new seat with a retro-pattern and restyled side covers. Like the base model, the CB1100 Deluxe features a 6-speed transmission and new instrumentation.
Color: Candy Red; Price: $11,899; Availability: March
http://powersports.honda.com/2014/cb1100.aspx

3 COMMENTS

  1. Indian riders get ready for the first 4 cylinders engine sports bike CBR650F in India is coming….
    Its just like dream come true 4 cylinder bike in India…
    Thanks for sharing this such a great stuff… 🙂

  2. I can’t wait to see a shootout with the CB650F and the Ninja 650R. The Ninja is a great bike, but Honda definitely knows how to make them right too. I’m really curious as to whether or not Honda can justify the $1000 price premium on a bike that’s in a market where $1000 is a significant chunk of change.

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