The imminent demise of the air-cooled CB1100 roadster, Honda is left with a retro bike-sized hole in its line up, the only Japanese manufacturer to be so empty. New patent drawings show a replacement might not be that far away.

Is Honda Planning a CB1100 replacement?

Back in September, Honda teased us with news of a CB1100 Final Edition model, suggesting that the end was nigh for the air-cooled retro model. In doing so, Honda has no retro or 'modern classic' model in its line-up, leaving it on the back foot compared to its rivals.

New patent application drawings seem to signal a direct replacement, although it won't be powered by an in-line four cylinder engine. Instead - and perhaps unsurprisingly - it will use the parallel twin engine from the Africa Twin and NT1100.

The frame looks similar to that found on the CMX1100 Rebel, a bit of an odd-looking attempt at a cruiser-type bike. The frame is similar, but the subframe, carrying the seat, is completely different, giving a much higher seating position.

Now, while parallel twin engines are not unusual in retro bikes - think Bonneville, Z650RS, etc - the use of such a configuration in the Honda will be a departure for a company whose credentials lie in inline four cylinder engines. Therefore, the proposed bike won't be a recreation of a past Honda model, but a new interpretation.

Of course, it could be that Honda aren't planning for the bike to be a retro-styled machine but yet another modern model to add to the Africa Twin adventure bike and the NT1100 adventure tourer. Maybe Honda will be wise to not try to go up against the masters of retro, Triumph but to stick to their modern guns.

Given the proximity of the EICMA show - the end of November - could we see Honda spring a surprise and reveal the new model there or will we have to wait until next year?