56º North October 2019 | Page 31

motorcycle. We have just selfishly designed and built it and it stirs us when we walk up to it and we don’t want to leave it at the end of a day’s riding.” And why 5Four? Simple: “That was my despatch call number…”

Willison’s long perspective on motorcycling (and the details that elevate his work) are obvious on his exquisite creation. Every component on the CB1100 RS 5Four could be a work of art in its own right, easily displayed in a spot-lit cabinet. And each detail has been chosen to enhance each sensory contact the owner has with their machine whether it be visual, auditory or actual physical contact.

The CB1100 RS 5Four’s riding position has been tailored using Renthal Ultra Low handlebars, Tomaselli racing grips, short racing brake levers and beautiful billet mirrors, all finished in black. The single seat is handstitched Alcantara and leather in a diamond stitch pattern. The footrest hangers are mirror-polished aluminium.

There’s no plastic to be seen either; the wind-cheating handlebar fairing and single seat tail unit are both handcrafted from aluminium. A pair of titanium Urban Growler end-cans* from Racefit – the quintessentially British exhaust manufacturer – are beautifully welded and engineered to look stunning and provide a deeply distinctive, spine tingling sound.

Ordering a CB1100 RS 5Four is easy. A quick call to a local Honda dealer with a deposit secures a place in the line; Honda will then confirm an estimated delivery date with the dealer as well as the number of the bike. As each is hand-built to order this is likely to be around three months. List price is £15,554.

When the bike is ready the new owner can either collect it from their dealer or complete the paperwork at the dealer and arrange to collect the CB1100 RS 5Four from Corby, where the bike will be handed over personally by Guy (subject to availability). Honda Finance can also offer finance in the form of PCP or personal loan; full terms and conditions are available from your Honda dealer.

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