HONDA X11 (1999 - 2002) Review

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.

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)

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

Version: sf

Year: 2001

Heavy. Yes i would recommend to a friend

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!

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.

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.