By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Honda CB1100 EX (Gen2) vs BMW R nineT Pure (K22)
Honda CB1100 EX vs BMW R nineT Pure: style matters. So does everything underneath.
You'll feel the Honda CB1100 EX lean into a bend on soft springs and a long wheelbase, and it doesn't flinch at mid-corner ripples. The BMW R nineT Pure turns in neutral and stays planted as the lean deepens. It keeps tugging you toward more corner speed.
So which one do you buy?
The R nineT Pure has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: R nineT Pure
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the R nineT Pure. What tips it: a sportier chassis and harder acceleration. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
Daily commuting & city riding
By a nose: R nineT Pure
The R nineT Pure edges it for the daily grind. Most of that is easier maneuvering in tight spots. It's a small gap, not a reason on its own.
Character, looks and sound
Slight edge: R nineT Pure
On sound and soul, the R nineT Pure comes out a touch ahead. The difference is a better engine note and more engine character. Your own eyes and ears outrank this verdict.
Keeping running costs low
Edges it: R nineT Pure
The R nineT Pure is a touch easier on the wallet to run. Condition still matters more than the model.
Which one's the smarter buy
Even on value
At these used prices, neither bike comes out ahead. The small price gap doesn't make one the clear better buy.
What makes each one tick
CB1100 EX
The CB1100 EX's inline-four pulls clean off idle, and there's a low-rev snarl from the exhaust. There's no snatch when the throttle comes off a closed grip. Hard on the brake lever while you downshift, the slipper clutch keeps the rear tire settled. The engine pings after shutdown.
Nils rode the CB1100 EX in the Spessart in 2017 (NastyNils Testride).
R nineT Pure
The R nineT Pure's boxer twin thrums with a beat that's classic BMW. Every crack of the throttle gets a punchy shove from the twin, and the shaft drive passes it right to the rear tire. The basic fork and rear shock don't filter sharp bumps.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The CB1100 EX has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 31.7 in (805 mm).
- The R nineT Pure has the lower wet weight: 489 lb (222 kg) vs 562 lb (255 kg).
- The R nineT Pure makes more peak power: 109 hp (80 kW) vs 90 hp (66 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
CB1100 EX
What owners say
Strengths
- Exceptional build quality and attention to detail
- Smooth and relaxed ride quality
- Torquey, characterful air-cooled inline-four
- Spot-on fuel injection and easy clutch
Trade-offs
- Significant weight limits nimbleness
- Lack of modern electronic rider aids
- Minimal wind protection at highway speeds
R nineT Pure
What owners say
Strengths
- Powerful, high-quality brakes
- Timeless retro styling
- Charismatic air/oil-cooled boxer engine
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension limits ride quality
- Uncomfortable seat on long rides
What they cost used
These prices compare a 6-year-old CB1100 EX with a 6-year-old R nineT Pure.
- CB1100 EX
- about $8,200
- R nineT Pure
- about $7,800
What they share
- Cooling
- Air/oil-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| CB1100 EX | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 562 lb (255 kg) | 489 lb (222 kg) |
| CB1100 EX | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1140 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | Flat-twin (boxer) |
| Power | 90 hp (66 kW) | 109 hp (80 kW) |
| Peak power at | 7,500 rpm | 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 67 lb-ft (91 Nm) | 86 lb-ft (116 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,500 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| CB1100 EX | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.4 US gal (16.8 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| CB1100 EX | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Front brake | 296 mm | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 110/80-18 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 140/70-18 | 180/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 58.7 in (1490 mm) | 58.1 in (1476 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| CB1100 EX | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Option |
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
