Honda CB 1000F

From a press release issued by Honda:

The CB1000F takes the street fighting CB1000 Hornet (whose package of engine and handling performance and outstanding value for money has completely reset expectations across the naked segment) as a reference point and builds on some shared fundamentals to create a soul and identity all of its own.

First up is the engine - heart and soul of any motorcycle. Honda’s development engineers have added real off-beat character and feel to the 1000cc, four-cylinder powerplant via inlet, cam timing and exhaust revisions. Output has also been adjusted and moved down the rev-range; maximum power of 91kW arrives @ 9,000rpm, with 103Nm torque @ 8,000rpm to provide more low- and mid-range push, alongside gearbox ratios enhancing low-speed acceleration and high-speed cruising.

Then there’s the look, of course. The bike’s swooping style is pure ‘80s, a decade making a huge comeback over 40 years on – influencing popular culture in everything from music, style, clothing and more. The clean design of the CB1000F focuses on the essentials, with a strong connecting line flowing from the tank, through the side covers and seat into the rear cowl. The single round headlamp is flanked by twin horns, and the bold tank and side cover graphics are inspired by Freddie Spencer’s high-barred AMA bike. The diamond frame doubles as a design feature, with a bespoke subframe for more seat room.

41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front forks and Showa rear shock deliver adjustable, high-quality suspension control, with bespoke settings and Pro-Link rear suspension for a supple all-round ride. Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers – with bespoke tune – work 310mm floating discs while cast aluminium wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres.

A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is now at the centre of ride control. Throttle By Wire (TBW) delivers three default riding modes with preset combinations of Power, Engine Brake, Wheelie Control and HSTC settings, plus USER option allowing the rider to choose their own preferred settings. The optically bonded five-inch TFT screen offers intuitive usability, clarity even in bright light, and Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity through the simple switchgear on the left handlebar. A Honda Smart Key operates the ignition switch.

The CB1000F will be available in a range of colour options:
- Wolf Silver Metallic with Blue Stripe
- Wolf Silver Metallic with Grey Stripe
- Graphite Black

Key Features
Engine
- Engine tuned for low- to mid-range response
- Extensively tuned intake and cam timing deliver strong torque with distinct, off-beat four-cylinder feel
- Gear ratios chosen for excellent low-speed acceleration and relaxed cruising
- Assist/slipper clutch control

Based originally on the 17YM-spec. CBR1000RR Fireblade’s power unit, the 1000cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine has been specifically tuned for its new roadster role to deliver a torquey, characterful feel through the lower rpm zone, with smooth mid-range output and accessible top-end zip.

Bore and stroke is set at 76 x 55.1mm, with compression ratio of 11.7:1. Maximum power of 91kW arrives @ 9,000rpm, with 103Nm torque @ 8,000rpm. Compared to the Hornet – 111.6kW @ 11,000rpm/104Nm @ 9,000rpm – this is a marked, and deliberate, difference. Because, while the Hornet hits hard up top to give a streetfighter’s adrenaline rush, the CB1000F delivers the meat of its performance at lower rpm, away from the redline for more all-round riding enjoyment.

A variety of development work has gone into the engine to create the change in character. Revised camshafts for exhaust and intake valve timing, as well as tuned intake specifications, give the CB1000F an evocative, unique four-cylinder engine sound as well as delivering enjoyable, well-balanced performance across the entire rpm range.

The intake side has been completely revised for improved low- to mid-range performance and throttle response below 6,000rpm. Intake funnel length has been extended 50mm to 140mm, with minimum diameter now 36mm (from 42mm). The funnel inlet diameters vary: 40mm for the right pair and 50mm for the left. This creates a ‘pulsating’ intake sound as the throttle opens. Smoothed across its top section, the airbox matches the shape of the fuel tank and delivers the volume required for maximum airflow with reduced intake resistance.

Designed to produce a sensuous note off the bottom and through the mid-range – plus exhilarating soundtrack up top – the 4-2-1 exhaust feeds a period-correct three-chamber ‘megaphone’ style muffler, working alongside the offset intake setup and valve timing.

The transmission has also been revised. First and second gears use lower ratios, increasing low-speed response and acceleration. Third, fourth, fifth and sixth all employ higher ratios, for a more relaxed, lower-revving ride while cruising – at 100km/h in top gear – the engine is turning over @ 4,000rpm, compared to the Hornet’s 4,300rpm. An assist/slipper clutch offers a light load at the lever, reducing fatigue, and manages rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard, rapid downshifts and braking.

The engine returns fuel efficiency of 5.6L/ 100km and the fuel tank holds 16L, giving a potential range over 280km.

Engine Electronics
- Six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) management of all ride systems
- Throttle By Wire (TBW) control; three default rider modes plus two USER custom options
- Three levels of Engine Power and Engine Brake
- Three levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

TBW management and a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) are at the heart of the CB1000F’s electronics package. And TBW allows the rider maximum control over the engine via three default riding modes with preset combinations of Engine Power, Engine Brake and HSTC settings, plus two user defined options that allow the rider to choose their own preferred mix of settings. Selection is managed via the left handlebar and TFT screen.

There are levels 1-3 of Power and Engine Brake with 3 as the maximum of each parameter. There are also three levels of HSTC – each level’s amount of intervention is optimised to work with real-time input (yaw/roll angle and rate) from the IMU. Level 3 provides the highest intervention. An indicator in the instrument display activates when HSTC is working; it can also be turned off completely.

STANDARD mode uses the middle setting for Power, HSTC and Engine Brake. It is designed to replicate the feel and drive of a bank of carburettors, with an easy-going character.

SPORT uses the highest Power delivery and lowest levels of Engine Brake and HSTC to deliver maximum big-bike performance, with enhanced throttle response.

RAIN mode employs the lowest Power setting for the least aggressive throttle response, medium amount of Engine Brake and maximum HSTC. The lower levels of power and torque delivery are focused on the first 3 gears.

USER modes 1 and 2 allow the rider to choose between the settings for each parameter and save the setting for future use.

Styling & Equipment
- Lines drawn from the CB750F and CB900F of the early 1980s
- Full LED lighting plus twin, dual horns as per the originals
- Honda Smart Key convenience
- Five-inch TFT screen with full Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity
- Honda Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) integration
- Pre-consumer recycled polypropylene used in manufacture of some parts

The CB1000F draws its retro style from the CB750F and CB900F – bikes born at the end of the 1970s that helped redefine and shape global motorcycle design. Designed to provide ‘high performance that anyone can enjoy’, just as the CB brand always has, the CB1000F features strong, defined and flowing lines that run the bike’s full length, connecting the fuel tank through the side covers to the tail unit. The chromed downpipes and exposed engine proudly show off the handsome presence and power of a large displacement four-cylinder engine.

Long-life, energy-saving LED bulbs are used for all lighting. The round headlight shape uses a classic circular signature light, with low beam at the top and high beam at the bottom while the taillight fits neatly into the tail unit. And taking direct inspiration from its forebears, dual horns – using different frequencies – are sited beneath the headlight.

For added convenience a Honda Smart Key (kept in the rider’s pocket) operates the main ignition switch, which is sited on the top bridge. A regular key unlocks the seat and petrol cap.

Premium technology, in the form of a five-inch full colour TFT screen, uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced and backlight transmittance improved. It’s customisable between Bar, Circle and Simple display patterns and offers IOS/Android smartphone connectivity via the Honda RoadSync app.

This feature – alongside a simple, easy-to-use, backlit four-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. All an owner does is download the Honda RoadSync app from either the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the CB1000F, and go.

The indicators also incorporate an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function: under hard braking, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process.

By 2050 Honda aims to realise a society with zero environmental impact - not only through its products but also throughout the entire life cycle of its corporate activities. To achieve this, Honda is working on three pillars (Triple Action to Zero) of carbon neutrality, renewable energy, and resource circulation, including the expanding of its use of biomass and recycled materials, with the aim of a switch to more easily recyclable materials by 2050.

The CB1000F's rear mudguard and seat bottom panels are made from pre-consumer recycled PP (polypropylene) material, which is made by crushing, compounding, pelletising, and recycling pre-consumer recycled materials such as those from automobiles and home appliances.

Chassis
- Diamond frame with long subframe for rider and pillion comfort
- Fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks
- New Showa Pro-Link rear shock with CB1000F-specific linkage ratio
- Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers bite 310mm floating discs
- Cornering ABS elevates peace of mind
- 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres

The CB1000 Hornet has been acclaimed for its light, easy handling and that ability starts with the frame which the CB1000F also employs. The one-piece steel diamond-style twin-spar unit is designed around the engine and uses an F-specific rear subframe, opening room for more comfortable two-up riding. In addition, a centre stand can also be fitted, easing chain maintenance. Rake and trail are set at 25° and 98mm, with wheelbase of 1,455mm. Kerb weight is set at 214kg.

The riding position is relaxed, and upright for stress-free riding and good visibility in town. A 2.8m minimum turning radius – alongside the easy-handling geometry – ensures light urban manoeuvrability. The seat uses thick cushioning with seat height set at 795mm; the bike’s narrow mid-section makes for easy ground reach. Ground clearance is 135mm.

Up front, Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks are adjustable for spring preload and rebound/compression damping – allowing owners to tailor to their preferences. The new single tube separate-pressurisation Showa rear shock operates through Pro-Link – with a new linkage that offers ride comfort at lower, around-town speeds and more stability as velocity increases – and adjusts for preload via cam; rebound damping is adjustable.

The asymmetrical cast aluminium swingarm minimises muffler clearance for improved lean angle and moves its mass closer to the centre of gravity. It also offers an optimum rigidity balance for sportier riding on twisting mountain roads.

Dual, radial-mount Nissin four-piston calipers grip 310mm floating discs. To match the suspension settings – and create an easy-to-handle machine – the brake hose expansion rates have been revised (along with other detail changes) to create reassuring brake performance and feel. Cornering ABS, managed by the six-axis IMU, adds extra peace of mind for the rider. The rear 240mm disc employs a Nissin single-piston caliper.

The 5Y-spoke design wheels (originally drawn from the concept of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade) are cast in lightweight aluminium. Tyres are sized 120/70-ZR17 front and 180/55-ZR17 rear.

Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB1000F enhancing style, performance, comfort and practicality. For convenience, they will be available in three curated packs:

Sports Pack
Featuring a colour-matching Headlight Cowl available in Black and Red or Silver, an Oil Filler Cap, a Tank Side Decal - to enhance the motorcycle’s appearance -, a Radiator Grill and Engine Guard - to provide additional protection -, and a Quick Shifter for seamless up-and-down gear changes – for improved performance.

Comfort Pack
Designed to enhance ride comfort on longer journeys, the Comfort Pack comes with a high windscreen, upper and lower deflector sets, comfort main and pillion seats and fog light set ensure optimal comfort in a wide range of conditions.

Travel Pack
Designed to increase long-distance practicality, includes 14L (left) and 10L (right) Soft Saddle Bags and a 3L Tank Bag, providing additional storage capacity.

As well as a wide range of options available individually:
- Comfort Seat
- Engine Guard
- Headlight Cowl
- Indoor Body Cover
- Main Stand
- Quick Shiftter
- Radiator Grill
- Tank Side Decal
- Alarm System
- Heated Grips
- Oil Filler Cap
- Rear Seat Bag
- Tank Pad
- 10L Left/Right Soft Saddle Bags
- 3L Tank Bag