Honda CB1000R

The CB1000R directs its 125bhp of power at 10000rpm to the rear wheel via a hydraulic-assisted clutch and six-speed gearbox. The first three ratios in this ’box are geared shorter than on the ’Blade, which in part explains the CB1000R’s furious acceleration. Shifts up or down this transmission are well weighted, with a positive feel accompanying each change. 

This is an engine with a soft exhaust beat, nowhere near as gruff or aggressive in note as a CBR. Idle is a quiet burble that builds into a typical in-line scream, as the revs shove smoothly towards a 10,500rpm rev limit. This equator-size power band is creamy smooth. This makes the flexible Honda a truly rideable machine in crowded urban Indian conditions. Engineered for precisely this sort of an enjoyable city riding experience, another CB highlight is flawless fueling, which always sees the big power plant fire cleanly and without any steps or hiccups.
Still, make no mistake; cracking the whip on a CB1000R brings more than just a hint of litre-class brutality into its acceleration, with the front wheel eager to leap off the ground with its strong low to mid-range region.

The CB1000R rockets to 100kph in a blistering 3.39 seconds, thereafter making the sprint to 160kph in 7.03sec and breaching the 190k mark in 10.23sec. Top whack is in the vicinity of 230kph.