The Rough Crafts ‘Oriental Uppercut’ build features BST Carbon Fiber Wheels.
Unveiled at EICMA 2016, the CB1100 TR Concept was a bold, flat-track-inspired reimagination of Honda’s CB1100 modern classic. Designed by Valerio Aiello of Honda Europe, it captivated enthusiasts with its aggressive stance and race-inspired components. Sadly, it never progressed beyond concept stage, and Honda retired the CB1100 line altogether just last year.
But the CB1100 TR’s spirit has been reignited—this time in the form of a jaw-dropping custom CB1100 RS by Rough Crafts of Taiwan. When Winston Yeh, the mastermind behind Rough Crafts, was tasked with customizing a CB1100 RS, he instantly drew inspiration from Aiello’s unrealized vision.
A New Chapter for the CB1100 TR Legacy
“If you ask me what my favorite custom CB1100 is, I’d say the CB1100 TR Concept,” Winston admits. “Its flat-track styling and performance-focused components are incredibly appealing. So I took that direction—but infused it with the signature Rough Crafts style. The goal was to balance the essence of race engineering with custom artistry.”
The result is a striking blend of influences, packaged in a way only Rough Crafts could achieve.
The Rough Crafts Touch
Rough Crafts is known for its dark, menacing aesthetic, featuring sharply sculpted bodywork and an understated color palette. This CB1100 RS is no exception. With help from local artisans, Winston replaced the stock bodywork with a fresh set of hand-formed aluminum panels. The design pays homage to the TR Concept while embracing the bold, sculpted lines that define Rough Crafts’ signature look.
Compact and Cohesive
One of the standout achievements of this build is how compact the hefty CB1100 now appears. Though the stock CB tips the scales at 540 pounds, this custom feels taut and streamlined. A slimmed-down tail section and wide, aggressive rubber at both ends contribute to its muscular profile.
Key components include a bespoke tank, tail, and side covers fabricated by MS Pro. The rear section doubles as an inner fender, while the tank’s dipped wings and the ducktail tailpiece are outlined with gold pin-striping, courtesy of Rover Works Custom Paint. Adding a final layer of luxury, forged carbon veneers were hand-applied by Simon Fiber Craft.
The Parts That Make It Pop
A host of high-end components elevates the CB1100 RS to a new level of performance and style:
- Suspension: Blacked-out Öhlins suspension at both ends, with custom yokes and a slightly lowered stance.
- Wheels: Lightweight 17-inch BST Carbon Fiber wheels wrapped in sticky Pirelli Supercorsa tires.
- Brakes: Beringer Aerotec calipers for exceptional stopping power.
- Exhaust: A titanium four-into-one system by MS Pro, capped with an SC-Project can featuring a dB killer for urban use.
The transformation also includes a blacked-out RK Takasago chain, Over Racing foot controls, and a Rough Crafts gas cap.
A Rider’s Paradise
Rough Crafts ensured that this custom CB1100 RS is as functional as it is beautiful. The handlebars, outfitted with Rough Crafts risers, Motogadget switches, grips, and a speedo, retain only one original piece: the stock bars. Koso LEDs serve as tail and turn signals, while Rough Crafts’ own headlight dominates the front.
Despite the chunky 160-width front tire, Winston reports that the bike—nicknamed ‘Oriental Uppercut’—handles the road with ease. Thanks to an estimated 44-pound weight reduction, it’s nimbler than the original CB1100 RS.
More Than a Harley Specialist
While Rough Crafts is renowned for its Harley-Davidson builds, this CB1100 RS proves that Winston Yeh’s unique style transcends brands and platforms. The ‘Oriental Uppercut’ isn’t just a tribute to the CB1100 TR Concept—it’s a statement piece that bridges the worlds of performance and custom art.
