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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

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Honda CB1000R Bike Gallery

Average Rating 4-0 out of 5 stars

Ride Quality4-5 out of 5 stars

Engine5-0 out of 5 stars

Running Cost4-0 out of 5 stars

Build Quality4-5 out of 5 stars

Brake4-5 out of 5 stars

Owner Reviews

Chris 4 out of 5 stars

Pros

The torque

Cons

Wind deflection

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Ride Quality4 out of 5 stars

The bike rides perfect and suits whatever mood you are in

Engine5 out of 5 stars

The power is there instantly no matter what revs you are at, it pulls out of corners very well

Running Cost2 out of 5 stars

It's fairly good on fuel and it's very cheap to insure and tax

Build Quality5 out of 5 stars

I have had a cb1000r for 2 years and never had a problem the built quality and reliabilty is very good

Brake3 out of 5 stars

The brakes are very good especially if you choose an abs model

Wevsky 4 out of 5 stars

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 Quality4 out of 5 stars

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 .

Engine5 out of 5 stars

As mentioned plenty of useable power ,quite short geared and likes to lift at the front end with little effort

Running Cost4 out of 5 stars

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

Build Quality3 out of 5 stars

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.

Brake4 out of 5 stars

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

Vardy 4 out of 5 stars

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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Ride Quality5 out of 5 stars

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.

Engine5 out of 5 stars

Have a Yoshi and Power Commander fitted. OMG can't keep the front down and it's ridiculously responsive

Running Cost3 out of 5 stars

Paint fish

Build Quality3 out of 5 stars

The rubber padding on tank keeps coming off and paint shows marks really easily

Brake5 out of 5 stars

Stops on a sixpence

CB10 Andy 1 out of 5 stars

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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Ride Quality4 out of 5 stars

Engine4 out of 5 stars

Running Cost4 out of 5 stars

Fit a fly screen as standard

Build Quality5 out of 5 stars

Brake4 out of 5 stars

Mikey P 5 out of 5 stars

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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Ride Quality5 out of 5 stars

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

Engine5 out of 5 stars

Running Cost5 out of 5 stars

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!!

Build Quality5 out of 5 stars

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)

Brake5 out of 5 stars

Phil 4 out of 5 stars

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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Ride Quality4 out of 5 stars

Pinpoint turning and great suspension set up

Engine5 out of 5 stars

Really strong rev range and pulls in every gear

Running Cost4 out of 5 stars

Brakes and bigger fuel tank.

Build Quality4 out of 5 stars

Honda is renowned for great build quality

Brake4 out of 5 stars

Upgraded brakes are a must on most high power motorbikes

Mike Hodges 5 out of 5 stars

Pros

Build quality. Fast, fun and agile.

Cons

Traction control would be an excellent addition.

Read More

Ride Quality5 out of 5 stars

Excellent quality, standard from the crate.

Engine5 out of 5 stars

Never going to pull your arms off but enough power to put a smile on my face.

Running Cost5 out of 5 stars

Very economical. Brought dealers service package on purchase.

Build Quality5 out of 5 stars

Everything is well made. Usual Honda.

Brake5 out of 5 stars

Awesome set up even on standard pads.

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