Honda CB1000R Bike Overview
A bike the remained pretty much unchanged for a decade, the CB1000R from 2008-2018 used the 2006 Fireblade motor. Trouble was, despite making an aggressive, stylish looking bike that handled brilliantly (few Hondas don’t, to be fair) Honda decided to fit soft cams, revise the porting and change the mapping, effectively blunting the ‘blade motor and taking the edge off what could have been a seminal street bike.
That’s not to say it’s a bad bike. Far from it. But with the evolution of hyper-nakeds fuelled by ageing sports bike riders, and with bikes like BMW’s S1000R, Yamaha’s MT-10 and Aprilia’s RSV4 Tuono all putting out big performance numbers, something had to change.
In 2018, Honda launched a very different CB1000R. With a more ‘café racer’ look to it, and packed with neat detailing from the machined engine casings to neatly milled brackets, a lot of attention went into making the CB1000R a completely different animal.
Engine performance is up, despite using the same 2006 Fireblade motor. The rev limit has been increased, however, and there’s a completely different injection system complete with fly-by-wire throttle and a whole host of superbike-aping electronic rider aids. Even the intake and exhaust were heavily revised — not only for power, but to make sure the rider is treated to the best possible sound! Seriously! Engine internals are also lighter and while the CB1000R is never going to be the fastest, most aggressive hyper-naked, it’s arguably the nicest to ride.
Early 2008 models start at around £3,500 while the first of the new shape 2018 machines can be had for as little as £7,000 while a new bike will set you back £11,499otr.
Honda CB1000R Bike Spec
- Top speed142mph
- Weight217kg
- Seat height828mm
- Capacity998cc
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC
Honda CB1000R Bike Insurance
Honda CB1000R Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
The torque
Cons
Wind deflection
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The bike rides perfect and suits whatever mood you are in
The power is there instantly no matter what revs you are at, it pulls out of corners very well
It's fairly good on fuel and it's very cheap to insure and tax
I have had a cb1000r for 2 years and never had a problem the built quality and reliabilty is very good
The brakes are very good especially if you choose an abs model
Pros
The looks of the bike are impressive
Cons
For Honda to address the issues seen by owners all over the world who have taken bikes back under warranty and to actually fix the problem instead of just replacing with equally affected items
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Ride wise it is pretty good,not as powerful as the MT10'S or KTM ,BMW s1000r,but it isn't in the same class,it has useable power and handling and my only complaint is the CAT kills midrange power .
As mentioned plenty of useable power ,quite short geared and likes to lift at the front end with little effort
Servicing depending where you live form main dealers is always going to be over the odds,the new abs system is far less time consuming to bleed than earlier years of bikes with abs so im hoping not to costly
Mechanically i have had no issues the build quality is great,however the Welds on the tanks come from factory with rust,the stitching on the seats is leaving tears and a few other people have had varying issues with the sump,the clocks,all can be replaced under warranty but sadly most seem to suffer with the same issues.
With 2 channel ABS they work ok,what would make them better is anti rear wheel lift like the cbr1000rr as i have had the back end up in the air once after very abrupt breaking
Pros
Handling and performance. Probably the most fun on a bike for years , make you grin every time you ride it I've got a few – gold wing – Ns400r-rg500 -rd500 and xr400r none of them as exiciting as a cb1000r with yoshi and power commander
Cons
Paint fish
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Corners like a lightweight race biker, super smooth. You can let go of the bars at any speed and bike sits perfect with no shake or wobble.
Have a Yoshi and Power Commander fitted. OMG can't keep the front down and it's ridiculously responsive
Paint fish
The rubber padding on tank keeps coming off and paint shows marks really easily
Stops on a sixpence
Pros
A very underrated bike, Honda should develop it more, suits more mature sports bike owners, its got comfort and performance as standard!!
Cons
Fit a fly screen as standard
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Fit a fly screen as standard
Pros
To summarise, yes it's a litre bike and yes there is stigma to owning a powerful bike especially if your a new rider but I will say this the Bike is forgiving and understanding and doesn't miss a beat and for me a new rider could take this bike on IF treated with respect and self discipline, the same goes for any bike once at speed hitting the deck on any bike is still hitting the deck, I much prefer the upright position compared to super manning everywhere like the cbr it's very easy to settle into quickly and there is so much fun to be had, the looks are aggressive and beautiful which for me was the tipping point for this bike I know what a Honda delivers as a machine and topped with the styling it was a no brainer, all in all I'm very happy with my purchase and will be for a while to come
Cons
For me the bike is how I would like it to be as stock the only thing I would change if I could is the weather!!
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Stepping up from a cbr600f to the cb1000r the power output on paper is more or less identical but is delivered very differently with the cbr there is little low down grunt under 6-7k rpm but once you tip 7k rpm it feels like a turbo kicks in as th bike delivers its power and you find yourself holding on for dear life as you go from one extreme to the other, all or nothing, the cb on the other hand delivers the power from the top end on the cbr but throughout the rev range, so low revs the power is there, high revs the power is still there and this goes for mostly any gear too even in sixth a quick twist and there is no lag you just get moving, for a naked bike I find this bike very light once moving which in turn makes it very fun on open windy roads it gives you great feedback of the road and fills you with confidence, it doesn't take a lot of lean to get your direction it feels very nimble also I find that the natural engine braking really helps in the corners, with no acceleration and just rolling the bike doesn't coast it gently pulls the reins in, eliminating the the frequency of using the rear brake
For me the bike is how I would like it to be as stock the only thing I would change if I could is the weather!!
So far so good with reliability, the chain is still tight and oiled with moderate use, the clutch still feels like new the brakes work on key, I have yet to try the ABS of the machine which can only be a good thing, the gears are tip top no crunching or missing and I have not yet encountered any rattles or squeaks, the fuel gauge is accurate on level ground and being a Honda and my second one it's feels bulletproof (touch wood)
Pros
A great all rounder that would suit both a new rider or experienced rider as the smooth engine and power delivery make it a pleasure to use once a week or every day commute. :)
Cons
Brakes and bigger fuel tank.
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Pinpoint turning and great suspension set up
Really strong rev range and pulls in every gear
Brakes and bigger fuel tank.
Honda is renowned for great build quality
Upgraded brakes are a must on most high power motorbikes
Pros
Build quality. Fast, fun and agile.
Cons
Traction control would be an excellent addition.
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Excellent quality, standard from the crate.
Never going to pull your arms off but enough power to put a smile on my face.
Very economical. Brought dealers service package on purchase.
Everything is well made. Usual Honda.
Awesome set up even on standard pads.