Honda 1100 Hawk 11 2022 — Specifications

A café-racer from Honda is almost an event. The last time this type of machine appeared in its lineup was… no idea (I probably wasn’t even born yet). It’s almost a bold move in the lineup, as the manufacturer seems to be the least extravagant in its archipelago (and indeed). A false impression, because Honda is certainly the most prolific when it comes to innovation (NR 750, Vultus, CB 750 Four, CBX 1000, X-Adv, Rune, DN-01, Dream, SuperCub, RC30, PC 800… and so many others).

But let's return to this 1100 Hawk 11, a proud neo-retro sportster ready to exude charm with its large twin and elongated silhouette. Racy lines, a pseudo-feline appearance, a patina of nervousness – its presence and its boldness are assured. But not its surprise. During EICMA 2017, a CB4 “Interceptor” concept showed a fairly similar design and prepared the public for the arrival of the Hawk.

Its fork head is typical of the wave of classic sportsters, as can be appreciated on the Superveloce, the fairing of the Thruxton RS, the front of the Speed Triple RR or the former Nine-T Racer. The headlight can only be round, which doesn’t prevent it from being very elaborate. Daytime signature and multiple LEDs are part of the package, in an interior very close (but different) to the CB 1000 R. Honda pushed its creativity far in the implementation of the mirrors. To place them as low as possible while following the direction, their support stems follow a tortuous path “straddling” the sides of the fairing.

Sport is also announced by the clip-on handlebars anchored on the same horizon as the fork head, the separate brake reservoir and the rather loaded rear end; although a little visually overloaded. The riding position promises misery for the forearms but also a stimulus capable of putting you in the mood of gentleman-racers. The eleven-hundred Hawk is also a remarkable demonstration that the same base can serve very heterogeneous designs.

Because under this streamlined machine, tailored for old-school excitement, hides the adventurous Africa Twin. Amazing, isn’t it!?! From its large trail that laughs at paths and rivers, Honda manages to derive a road bike (NT 1100), a custom (1100 Rebel) and now a café racer. To propel them, 8 valves distribute the gas flows in two cylinders totaling 1084 cm3. What power will the Hawk 11 have? Very likely the 102 horsepower and the 10.7 mkg that this engine generally provides. Let’s put a parenthesis on that, because the twin cylinder is detuned to 87 horsepower on the Rebel. Has Honda reserved a special mapping for it, more aggressive? To be verified.

What is certain is that electronics will be present. The riding assistance, composed of four Riding Modes (Sport - Standard - Rain - User), engine braking control, different levels of power, engine braking management and a multi-level traction control. The rider will not benefit from the large TFT screen of the NT and Africa Twin/Adventure Sports but from a more understated circular instrumentation. The LCD counter comes from the CMX 1100 Rebel, containing a lot of information in a much cleaner environment than on the other screens. A pity… unless you prefer this sobriety.

One of the advantages of recovering this engine is the possibility of choosing the dual-clutch robotized gearbox DCT. A more and more impressive solution, allowing you to let the electronics manage the gears according to several modes but also to let you take over at the convenience of the moment. I mention the possibility and not the certainty, because Honda has not specified whether this option would be available for the Hawk.

To turn it around, the frame holds an inverted Showa SFF-BP fork finished with radial brake calipers and a single rear shock absorber. It’s still unclear regarding settings, weight, tank size and precise specifications. However, one piece of information stands out and is not there to please us. The Honda 1100 Hawk 11 is not intended to be imported into France. It doesn’t look good for seeing it on our roads. Unless there is a crazy enthusiasm that makes the manufacturer change its position.

The Hawk is however confirmed for the Japanese market, where it is announced at 1,397,000 Yens, or just over 10,000 euros.

M.B - Photos manufacturer