Honda CB 1000R

Sales of large-displacement Naked models, and particularly big-bore Performance Naked machines have rapidly grown over the last several years, and now attract a wide cross-section of both new and experienced riders attracted to their uncomplicated style and sharp focus on the pure basics of motorcycle riding enjoyment. These riders are not only looking for exciting top performance, they also place high value on comfort, user-friendliness and distinctive styling that heightens their sense of pride in the bike they ride.

For years now, Honda’s popular lineup of Performance Naked motorcycles have consistently set the stage for exciting riding fun coupled with slim, lightweight proportions and cool, attractive looks that set hearts on fire. Introduced in 2002, Honda’s Hornet 900 commanded a leading role in the litre class of the Performance Naked segment, featuring distinctive Hornet styling, lithe, responsive handling and the powerful midrange acceleration of its retuned CBR900RR Fireblade engine. The times, however, have caught up with the Hornet 900, as have tightening exhaust emissions regulations, and the time was right to start with a clean slate and chart a new future for Honda’s Performance Naked flagship.

Gauging recent trends in the litre-class European street bike scene, Honda’s development team set out to create a bold new statement in Performance Naked design, incorporating many of the latest innovations developed for its cutting edge line-up of high-performance Supers Sports corner-carvers. Setting their sights on crafting a startling new look of Naked aggression that delivers up hard-charging performance and swift handling highlighted by compact proportions and light weight, the team put together a whole new concept in cool streetbike style that sets pulses racing. Prowling the avenues or even standing still, the exciting new CB1000R will surely write a whole new chapter in Performance Naked motorcycle design for yars to come.

In conceptualising their new Performance Naked street scorcher, the CB1000R’s development team set out to convey the powerful impression of performance in a bike that looks fast even standing still. Looking to create a bike that can be just as fun and thrilling to ride casually prowling around the streets of the city as tearing up the twisties outside of town, the team adapted recently developed and proven engine and chassis components that could together provide the desired range of top performance in a compact configuration that more people could fully enjoy.

As sketches were drawn and ideas developed, the team gradually began to focus on a guiding theme that could express the image of a downtown party bike. One that could drop in and meet the friends at the local hangout, attract admiring looks and comments with its distinctive design and superb quality of parts and execution, and then take off in a roar of wheel-lofting power and performance to back up its impressive looks: a “Bar Star and Twist King.”

With this fun-loving image firmly in mind, the CB1000R’s development team set about making a compact, great-handling midsized runabout that packs an eye-opening punch of exhilarating litre-class acceleration with each and every twist of its throttle. One that offers smooth, easy control even in dense traffic, yet is always ready to back up its wildcat looks with quick dashes of pleasure-producing power and nimble handling along winding roads that anyone would want to enjoy again and again.

The CB1000R’s list of exciting features include:

Styling Features

• Coolly sophisticated ‘Bar Star’ image with exciting Performance Naked style.
• ‘ Mass forward’ design concept positions rider forward, as emphasised by short, compact tail cowl.
• Eye-catching high-tech–look parts integrated with sophisticated overall design that grabs attention.
• Angular-looking, semi-underslung stainless steel exhaust system lowers centre of gravity for lighter, more responsive handling and an exhilarating sound.
• New-design triangular multi-reflector headlight integrated into compact bikini cowl with unique LED position light.
• Attractive 17" wheels featuring impressive swept 4- spoke designs.
• Magnesium cylinder head and ACG covers for reduced engine weight.

Performance Features

• Compact, lightweight 998cm³ liquid-cooled fuelinjected inline-4 engine based on 2007 CBR1000RR Fireblade, but retuned for stronger low-to-midrange performance.
• Light-action hydraulic clutch can be engaged at less than 2,000rpm without fear of engine stalling.
• Advanced gravity die-cast aluminium Mono- Backbone frame.
• Swift-handling, fully adjustable 43mm inverted front fork.
• Lightweight and rigid single-sided cast aluminium Pro- Arm swingarm supported by adjustable Monoshock rear suspension.
• Wide, high-performance Super Sports-class radial tyres.
• Lightweight 310mm floating front disc brakes with radial-mount 4-piston callipers. 256mm dual-piston calliper rear disc brake.
• Combined-ABS version features 3-piston front brake callipers and advanced antilock brake system for confident control in all braking situations.

For those who relish the attention that comes with riding a true performer, and the performance to back it up, the totally new CB1000R features stunning styling, breathtaking engine performance and comfortably quick handling in a compact litre-class road burner that anyone can enjoy.
 

We think the Honda CB1000R is quite all right. Not as completely mind-blowing as the CB1100R concept, but still, all right. It looks funky and modern, and since it’s fitted with the 2007-spec Fireblade engine, the CB1000R can’t be lacking in the go! department. Motociclismo recently tested the bike, and here are some excerpts from what they have to say about it:

The CB1000R looks strikingly good – so much so that people often walk up to you to praise the bike’s styling. If you see it, this is one bike you can’t ignore. The detail touches – the LEDs at the front and at the back, the stubby exhaust, the four-spoke rear wheel bolted to the single-side swingarm – are what make the bike really come alive.

The CB1000R’s LCD instrument panel gives you all the information you need, in digital format. It works well, and the blue light it emits is very futuristic, if a bit comic book like. But perhaps more important is that this naked sportsbike is very comfortable, with a broad seat and a handlebar that feels just right.

The CB1000R is fitted with the engine from the 2007 CBR1000RR, and it combines power with absolute smoothness. The power curve is exemplary – at anything over 1,500rpm the engine responds beautifully. The fuel injection is spot-on, and there are no dips anywhere in the power delivery right up to 10,000rpm.


It's not as hard-core as the Fireblade, but it's certainly comfortable and fun to ride
First two pics: Special Mag / Motoblog

The Fireblade engine has been retuned to produce 115bhp at 9,900rpm and 92Nm of torque at 7,400rpm. The CB will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, hit a top speed of 228km/h, and from a standing start, cover one kilometer in 22 seconds.

The clutch is light, the gearbox is very slick and there is no vibration on this bike. The exhaust also sounds good, without being too loud. Brakes and suspension work well, with the 43mm USD fork and 310mm front discs with four-piston radial mount calipers being particularly good.

Weighing in at 204kg dry, the CB1000R isn’t the lightest sportsbike around, but it’s comfortable and once you’ve adjusted the suspension to suit your weight and riding style, the bike can be hustled along pretty quickly wherever you choose to ride it.

No, it’s not as quick or as fast as a pure sportsbike, but the CB1000R is still quite spectacular and works very well at all levels. It impresses everyone who sees the bike and those who actually ride it are even more impressed…