After showing it as a working concept some months ago, Honda has taken the covers off the production-spec CB1000F neo-retro motorcycle overseas. The CB1000F is based on the same platform as the CB1000 Hornet, but it dons a classical silhouette and its mechanical underpinnings have been heavily revised to suit its riding characteristics.
- 1,000cc, four-cyl engine makes 123.7hp and 103Nm
- Has seen extensive chassis revisions compared to CB1000 Hornet
- Has keyless ignition and full-LED lighting
- Available in three colours
Honda CB1000F engine and chassis details
It's a heavily reworked and restyled CB1000 Hornet.
At the heart of the CB1000F is the same 1,000cc, 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade-derived engine that does duty in the biggest Hornet, but Honda has done extensive work to the engine's internals in this application. Big Red has employed revised camshafts (for both the intake and exhaust), tuned the intake specifications differently, revised the airbox and employed a new 4-2-1 exhaust system on the CB1000F’s motor. The result is an engine that makes lower peak output – 123.7hp at 9,000rpm and 103Nm of torque at 8,000rpm – compared to the Hornet (157hp at 11,000rpm / 107Nm at 9,000rpm).
However, the peak output is delivered quite a bit lower in the rev band. Honda has also revised the gear ratios with shorter first and second gears and taller third to sixth cogs to suit the CB1000F’s riding style. The company claims that at 100kph in top gear, the CB1000F’s motor is spinning at 4,000rpm, compared to the Hornet’s higher 4,300rpm.
Honda started with the same main frame as the CB1000 Hornet for the CB1000F, but the latter gets its dedicated subframe design. The CB1000F has a stepped single-piece seat and a different rider’s triangle to the Hornet with some key specifications also seeing a change. Seat height stands at a very manageable 795mm on the CB1000F (down from the Hornet’s 809mm perch), and with its 16-litre fuel tank brimmed (1L less than the Hornet), this rather handsome machine weighs 214 kilos (2kg more than the Hornet). The CB1000F’s wheelbase, rake and trail stay the same as the Hornet.
The CB1000F is suspended by Showa suspension that’s nearly fully adjustable (save for compression damping at the rear) and its stopping duties are carried out by Nissin hardware. It employs 310mm dual discs at the front with twin radially mounted monobloc calipers, and a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. Tyre sizes are the same as the Hornet – 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 (F/R), shod with Dunlop rubber.
Honda CB1000F features and electronics
It has keyless ignition, full-LED lighting and a suite of electronics.
The CB1000F might look pleasingly old-school, but it's thoroughly modern under those swooping, retro lines. Equipped with a 5-inch colour TFT display, all-LED lights, keyless ignition (physical key still needed for fuel filler and seat) and a decent – but not overcomplicated – suite of electronic rider aids.
This comprises three preset riding modes – Sport, Standard and Rain – and two User (customisable) modes. These allow you to fiddle around with engine power modes, engine braking levels and traction control settings. Dual-channel ABS is standard but isn’t switchable. The bi-directional quickshifter is an optional extra. The suite of accessories comprises heated grips, the headlight cowl, radiator grille, centre stand, some soft luggage, and much more.
Honda CB1000F price and colours
It is offered in three colours and one variant for EU markets.
The CB1000F is offered in three colours – silver/blue, silver/ black and black/red – and is available in a single variant in EU markets. While prices are yet to be announced, we do have that information for Honda’s home market.
In Japan, the CB1000F is priced at 1,397,000 yen (approx. Rs 8.11 lakh), which places it higher than the equivalent CB1000 Hornet which costs 1,342,000 yen (approx. Rs 7.79 lakh). We expect a similar pricing strategy for other markets as well and more details on that front will trickle through around EICMA 2025, set to be held in early November.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
