Replace the exterior with a repainted one

Replace the exterior with a repainted one

Exterior changes

The exterior has been updated. I’ve been collecting exterior parts for several years—around 10 years, in fact. Recently, I acquired a complete suspension set for the CB1100F, including the triple tree, brake caliper, handlebar, and front fork set, so I refreshed the entire setup. The old exterior parts have been sent to storage.

As a theme, all matte plastic parts were painted glossy black. I also painted the engine guard black to match the subframe. It feels great to see a motorcycle that is kept clean.

We asked a painting contractor to do the job. The photos shown are of the work in progress.

We purchased damaged or poorly conditioned parts at a low cost and took the time to repair them. The fuel tank had many dents, and the meter was cracked and chipped.

I also had an original line drawn on the front fender. The tail cowl key turns off the lock function.

We also had original lines drawn on the front fenders.

Advantages and disadvantages of using CB1100F

There are numerous benefits to transplanting the front end of the CB1100F. While there are various options for front forks, I decided to switch to a 39mm front fork. To avoid significant changes in style and ride quality, I chose not to use aftermarket or larger front forks. I will use a Robohan handlebar. The meter position, headlight angle, and balance can be maintained with similar dimensions. Only the triple tree shaft needs to be replaced, and that is the only modification required. Although the overall height of the front end will increase, ride quality can be adjusted simply by changing the length of the suspension.

The center stand and side stand will be too short. I extended them with welding. Another advantage is the compatibility with many bolt-on parts. For example, Brembo calipers are available with bolt-on mounts.

The downside is that, despite the cost and effort, performance may not significantly improve. It is worth considering carefully whether to invest heavily in old parts. The anti-nose dive mechanism, commonly known as TRAC, was the latest technology at the time but is unnecessary by modern standards.

Small items disassembled and painted

I focused on painting parts that required disassembly for painting. Removing the exterior around the front made the working vehicle look like a collection of scrap parts. The inner parts of the front fork were also replated. The fork springs and seals are original parts and can still be ordered.

The inner disc rotor has also been painted with a glossy finish. While there are some scratches and areas where the paint has peeled off, they are not very noticeable.

Plating processing

I wanted to have the handle and head cover plated, so I hired a separate contractor for the job. The CBX1000’s design highlights the engine, so plating the head cover can be a good way to enhance its appearance. However, it does have a disadvantage in terms of heat dissipation, so it's mainly a matter of personal satisfaction.

Replace the exterior with a repainted one【summary】

When it comes to repairs and customizations, my CBX1000 falls into the repair category. In the past, my focus was on making my 6-cylinder bike run well, even if it was dirty.

Recently, I’ve been considering placing more emphasis on the equipment and aesthetics of the vehicle as well.

Doing the work yourself isn’t always the best approach. For tasks involving electrical wiring, limited workspace, or time-consuming repairs, I recommend taking the bike to a motorcycle shop. While having a shop handle these tasks can be costly, I prefer to repair things myself when possible.

Tasks such as oil changes and tire replacements can be challenging without the right tools, so having these done at a shop can save time.

Given the time required to purchase tools and chemicals, and the physical effort involved, outsourcing these tasks can sometimes be more cost-effective.

One advantage of working on the bike yourself is the increased likelihood of noticing defects and deterioration. Plus, you avoid labor charges.

Well then! See you again!