HONDA has taken a distinct sideways step with this new CB1000R.
The previous model was pitched as a sports naked machine, one that was expected to compete with similar models from rival manufacturers.
In the last five years, the sports naked category has exploded – it’s been to bootcamp, eaten nothing but protein, and morphed into the super-naked category.
Instead of trying to be the best in a very tough sector, this new CB1000R – priced at £11,230 – has slipped into a retro suit and gone down the café racer road.
The styling is ballsy, especially for a firm like Honda, who normally play it safe when it comes to design and looks.
We think it looks stunning – that slab nosed LED headlight sits between wide bars, a well proportioned tank drags your eye along the flank to the new subframe and tail section.
Mechanically, a stack of changes have been made to the 2006 CBR1000 Fireblade motor that it’s fitted with. As well as ticking the EU4 emissions box, it now produces 143bhp.
Traction control, engine brake control, multiple riding modes and varying power maps all feature, and do a fantastic job of keeping things safe and under control on the bike.
It’s miles faster than the outgoing model with the first three gears punchy enough to have the beating of the current Fireblade.
Do not look at this bike and write it off just because it’s using an old long-stroke motor, as it’s an absolute peach on the road in real-world riding conditions.
On the famous Ronda road near Marbella the CB1000R made light work of the corners and demolished the straights.
All in complete comfort and with market-leading levels of fit and finish everywhere.
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This is something Honda has gained a reputation for, and rightly so.
If you’re in the market for the fastest super-naked bike in this sector, this isn’t for you.
But, if you’re on the hunt for a bike with the kind of real world performance that will outgun all but the most committed of riders, the new Honda CB1000R must feature on your test ride list.
- For more on this bike head to bikeworld.co.uk or search “bike world” on YouTube.