While often overshadowed by its fully-faired sibling, the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, the Honda X-ELEVEN (SC42) remains a marvel of turn-of-the-century engineering. A unique historical highlight of the SC42 is its aerodynamic headlight cowl and instrument cluster; unlike traditional naked bikes of the era, this assembly was wind-tunnel tested to act as a functional spoiler, generating downforce to stabilize the front end at speeds exceeding 250 km/h.
| Quick Specs: Honda X-ELEVEN (SC42) | |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 1999 – 2001 |
| Engine Oil | SAE 10W-40 (3.9 Liters) |
| Tire Size (F/R) | 120/70 ZR 17 / 180/55 ZR 17 |
| Tire Pressure (F/R) | 2.5 bar (36 psi) / 2.9 bar (42 psi) |
| Battery Type | YTX12-BS |
| Spark Plug | NGK IMR9A-9H (Iridium) |
Technical Overview
The X-ELEVEN was Honda’s definitive statement in the ‘Mega-Naked’ category. It utilized a modified version of the 1,137cc inline-four engine from the Blackbird, tuned for increased mid-range torque. The SC42 introduced a massive twin-spar aluminum frame that was significantly beefier than the CBR’s to compensate for the lack of aerodynamic bodywork, ensuring high-speed stability and rigidity during aggressive cornering.
Maintenance & Service Guidelines
1. Lubrication System
The SC42 engine is a high-performance unit that demands high-quality semi-synthetic or fully synthetic 10W-40 oil. The total capacity with a filter change is 3.9 liters. Given the heat generated by the 1137cc block, MotoSpecsLab recommends an oil change interval of 6,000 km (4,000 miles) to preserve the PGM-FI system’s longevity.
2. Ignition & Electrical
The use of NGK IMR9A-9H laser iridium plugs is critical. These plugs are designed to withstand the high combustion temperatures of the SC42’s fuel-injected map. For the electrical system, the YTX12-BS battery provides the necessary cold cranking amps (CCA) to turn over the high-compression pistons.
3. Chassis & Tires
Handling precision on the X-ELEVEN is highly sensitive to tire pressure. Running below the recommended 2.5 bar (front) and 2.9 bar (rear) will lead to heavy steering and accelerated cupping of the front tire. Due to the bike’s 222kg dry weight, reinforced (GT spec) tires are often preferred by long-distance riders.
Conclusion
The Honda X-ELEVEN (SC42) is a masterclass in over-engineering. It offers the reliability of a Honda commuter with the soul of a land-speed record holder. Proper adherence to the technical specifications outlined above is essential for maintaining the performance profile of this modern classic.