Our tests: Honda CB1000R, free spirit

Born from the idea of a Roman designer and drive of Italian managers, this could be the most exciting bike Honda has made in recent years.
It’s street fighter at the top of its category, it’s dynamic, powerful, and easy to handle – riding pleasure like no other.

Soon, for motorcycles of this kind, it will be compulsory to write on the tank the caution: “use with care at regular intervals – overdosing could cause dipendency and addiction”.

Perhaps they could put it next to the label “use only unleaded fuel”.
This bike is imaginary and original like a Bimota Delirio, aggressive like a Brutale but sweet, ergonomic and well made just like a Honda.
The new CB1000R (official details here and pics here) shows that the Tokyo company is shaking off its conservatism and indulging in modern, couragious and exciting projects.
This is a powerful bike, lovely to see and nasty such that it seems wasted on “correct” road use – but we’ll still indulge in the riding pleasure.

This is an Italian style streetfighter, coming from Italian designers and the look leaves no doubt as to the European spirit of this Honda.

It leans towards the trend of a fun street bike, combining riding pleasure with current fashion for the most needy riders.
The new CB 1000R has a striking design, with its slim and sloping lines, prominent inox steel exhaust, triangular and small front, and modest fork.
The dash is divided into three elements to make the most use of the limited space between handles and lights, although Honda still manages to include one of the best instrument panels in the naked category – it shouldn’t be long before we see some imitations from the competitors.
The front headlight is new with with multi-reflector LED in a triangular shape.
The chassis has been made with the CGD system in die-cast steel with a monotrave structure.
The three sections create a compact form and completely surround the engine, making the bike lighter than a usual tubular design would.
It also gives the structure exception strength, making the bike easier to manage.
Some frame elements from the Hornet 600 have been used but with different fixtures for the engine.
The fork is an adjustable up-side-down 43mm, and a rigid Pro-Arm system is also used with steel swing-arm and adjustable single shock absorber.
The brake system includes dual radial mounted calipers with four pistons, like those used on the CBR.
Light but powerful floating discs at 310mm control performance braking similar to a Supersport, and ABS is available as an option.
Like the Hornet 2007 one of the main aims is in centralising weight to create a more neutral ride.
The exhaust system plays an essential part in weight distribution which concentrates mass directly under the engine.
The engine is a liquid cooled, inline four-cylinder at 998 cc, with electronic ignition – the same as the CBR 1000RR 2007, but with a new focus on emphasising torque with breathtaking acceleration at lower to medium revs.
As per the Fireblade engine, magnesium elements enhance the cylinder heads and reduce weight.
Modifications have been made to the valves, pistons, transmission and include single injection for each cylinder, compared to two for the CBR 1000RR.
Mapping is slightly different as is the twin-cam.
Other essential characteristics remain unchanged such as the IACV valve, keeping torque excess to a minimum, and regulating the motorcyle at lower revs.
Performance is at 125 hp, 10,000 revs per minute, with a maximum of 10.
1 kgm’s at only 7,750 revs a minute.
The CB1000r is not a bike for people who want to pass unobserved.
The sporty style, manageability and power show a mix of enduro qualities, a big sports bike but re-adapted for the riding style of a naked.
Maximum power is less, but the torque is incredible for great acceleration on the road and in everyday riding.
Transmission is smooth and sweet, especially in the lower gears, and from 2,000 to 11,000 revs the bike responds quickly.
Even opening the throttle in sixth gear at only 1,800 revs, the bike gives perfectly without hesitation.
Keeping the regime at above 5,000 gets the most out of the acceleration.
Only a few corners will help you realise that this bike seems to be a natural extension of the body.
The manoeuvrability is surprising (often superior to a naked 600), combined with stability and benchmark harmony.
The bike is intuitive in city traffic, like a 125 scooter, but stable and precise in high-speed cornering – all the magic of the chassis and well balanced dimensions.
Acceleration is smooth and easy, with an efficient engine that lets you enjoy the power, even on an up-slope.
The great riding position is really comfortable without stessing the forearms too much and placing the rider in the middle.
You can also push down on the pedals to give that extra edge when coming out of corners.
The seat is ergonomic, well padded, and the suspension is an excellent compromise between sports style while absorbing bumps in the road.
While maximum speed is really high, it’s not worth exploiting it fully giving that limited aerodynamic protection means surpassing 220km/hr is a little difficult.
The braking system is powerful, adaptable and doesn’t seem to suffer any fatigue.
On the track, the bike is slightly limited by the suspension which is a little soft, and we were also forced to tame our spirits on corners with the metallic exhaust cover touching.
Pros: great look, excellent details, power and riding pleasure.
Cons: limited underseat storage, limited lean angle.
Technical details:Engine: inline four cylinder, four stroke, 16 valvesLiquid cooled998ccBore and stroke: 75×56.
5mmCompression ratio: 11.
2:1Maximum power: 125hp, 10,000rpmMaximum torque: 99Nm, 7,750rpmElectronic ignitionRake: 25 degrees17 litre tank capacity (including four litre reserve)Front tyres: 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)Price: 10,200 eurosColours: Candy Olive Green, Pearl Nightstar Black, Pearl Cool White and Sword Silver MetallicThe first 1000 units sold include a limited edition gadget, and a case with steel plate for the handles, with the name and number of the bike embossed.