Honda CB 1000R

The CB1000R’s bold shift in identity is bolstered by an impressive list of updates to the chassis, engine, and electronics package, which deftly bridge the gap between performance and bare-boned café racer inspirations.

“The CB1000R has always represented high performance in a naked four-cylinder machine, and while we knew that retaining that approach was important, we also felt it was time to take the platform in a new direction,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Increasingly, customer expectations walk a line between high-end performance and character, so it’s vital that there be a strong, emotional connection between rider and machine. With the new approach of the 2018 CB1000R, customers will experience increased pride in ownership while also benefiting from greatly improved handling and engine performance.”

KEY FEATURES

• Distinctly styled round headlight has 3.5-inch shorter overhang, while the swingarm-mounted rear mudguard unit (a first for Honda) contributes to compact, trapezoidal shape silhouette that offers more elegant, refined appearance

• Premium feel thanks to burnished-aluminum radiator shroud and airbox cover plus machined engine cases, cylinder head, and sprocket hub

• Flangeless tank offers elegant styling and provides plenty of knee room through distinct cutaways

• All-LED lighting and horseshoe-shaped light ring bring a modern flare to retro styling

• .5-inch wider tapered-aluminum handlebar sits .5 inches higher for more relaxed riding position, making the café-racer inspired model ideal for around-town rides

• Mono-backbone steel frame uses split-tightening aluminum pivot plates to save 5.5 pounds while still offering optimum handling characteristics

• Total curb weight has been reduced for improved handling and more rider-friendly performance

• Showa Separate Function Fr Fork Big Piston unit (SFF-BP) offers reduced weight and excellent on-road performance

• 190/55 ZR17 rear tire (compared to 180/55 ZR17 tire on previous model)

• 998cc DOHC four-cylinder engine shares same architecture and layout as CBR1000RR and now employs forged pistons (rather than cast)

• Higher valve lift, larger valves (8.5mm intake and 8.1mm exhaust), larger-diameter inlet ports, and new combustion-chamber shape improve gas flow and offer improved torque in midrange, for more engaging riding experience

• 4% reduction in gear ratios improves acceleration for more exciting, rapid-roll-on acceleration

• Assist/slipper clutch offers light lever pull and helps manage aggressive downshifts

• New 4-2-1 exhaust system boosts torque at 5,000 rom and above, saves 10 pounds, and provides the CB1000R with a deeper, rawer exhaust note for added character and emotion

• Throttle By Wire opens the door to four riding modes (STANDARD, SPORT, RAIN, and USER), as well as Engine Brake and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)—technological advances that bridge the gap between performance and café racer inspirations