Honda CB 1000GT

From a press release issued by Honda:

In creating the CB1000GT the goal for Honda’s development engineers was simple: take the stunning CB1000 Hornet and turn it into a sports tourer with increased comfort, range and class leading performance.

The GT’s sharply chiselled front end was refined through CFD to deliver optimum efficiency through the air, at all speeds, without disturbing either rider protection or handling. Sitting above this is an easy-adjust five-position screen.

Equipment levels are high: standard fit are rear panniers alongside cruise control, heated grips, knuckle guards, centre stand and quick shifter. Honda’s proven optically bonded five-inch TFT screen serves up intuitive usability, clarity even in bright light and Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity through the simple switchgear on the left handlebar.

A power to weight ratio of 2.08kg/kW is thanks to the 1000cc, inline four-cylinder engine originally found in the CBR1000RR Fireblade, that produces 110.1kW and 102Nm torque to push a kerb weight of 229kg. Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) and a six-axis Inertial Measurement (IMU) manage the default riding modes, USER mode parameters and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

The Hornet donates its diamond-style steel main frame with a revised subframe to increase rider and pillion room, as well as geometry adjusted for sharp handling and fully loaded stability. Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa-EERA™) suspension offers optimised damping in all riding conditions and situations, as well as the ability to adjust rear spring preload on the move. Braking power is provided by dual four-piston radial-mount calipers up front biting 310mm floating discs, and a mono-piston rear caliper operating on a single 240mm disc. To offer increased confidence in a variety of scenarios and environments, the system operates through the IMU, which has facilitated the inclusion of Cornering ABS.

The 26YM CB1000GT will be available in the following paint options:
- Grand Prix Red with extended Graphite Black livery
- Pearl Deep Mud Gray
- Graphite Black

Styling & Equipment
- Aggressive bodywork provides maximum aerodynamic protection
- Detachable rear panniers standard
- Five-position screen adjusts with one hand
- Cruise control, heated grips and knuckle guards standard fit
- Five-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity
- Honda Smart Key convenience
- Auto-cancelling indicators with Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function

A product of collaboration between Honda’s styling studios in Italy and Japan, the bodywork of the CB1000GT is made up of sharply cut surfaces, outlining an aggressive riding character led by the piercing dual projector headlights. By positioning the bodywork above the chassis, starting from shroud tips integrated with the front cowl, the perception is of a high, mass-forward centre of gravity with fast steering performance.

But it’s not just about style. Brought to reality using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) the front fairing achieves maximum wind protection with neutral handling characteristics, through every pitch/ roll/ yaw riding situation. The five-position screen – operated by one hand – adjusts through a total range of 81mm. Set low, it gives a sense of freedom. Set high it provides comfortable wind protection. The Tall Screen accessory option provides increased deflection around the seat, including for the pillion.

Standard detachable 37L left and 28L right panniers offer convenient carrying capacity, whilst standard heated grips ensure year round comfort.

In alignment with Honda’s long term environmental goals (Triple Action to Zero) the GT’s standard screen is made of DurabioTM, a plant-based biomass, while the front and rear seat base plates use pre-consumer recycled PP (polypropylene).

All lighting is long-life, energy-efficient LEDs. Cruise control, with an operating window between 50 and 160km/h, is standard as are knuckle guards and heated grips. For added convenience a Honda Smart Key (kept in the rider’s pocket) operates the main ignition switch, sited on the handlebar and contains a ‘jacknife’ internal key to open the fuel cap/seat. A centre stand, for easy chain maintenance, is also standard fit.

Premium technology, in the form of Honda’s proven 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 the IOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.

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 CB1000GT, and go. There’s a USB Type-C socket located at the bottom right of the screen for smartphone charging.

The indicators auto cancel after changing lanes or completing a turn. They 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.

Chassis
- Steel diamond-style twin-spar frame, with revised subframe increasing rider/pillion room
- Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa-EERA™) suspension standard fit
- Six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
- Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers, 310mm floating discs
- Cornering ABS improves braking security
- 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres

The CB1000GT’s frame is a one-piece diamond-style steel unit and – through narrow pivot point width – delivers a slim-waisted feel with smooth, supple handling response. A new, extended subframe features a supporting cross pipe and optimised cross plate to open up room for GT duties: rigidity overall has been carefully balanced with weight increase minimised. Length of the cast aluminium Pro-Link swingarm goes from 619 to 635mm, improving high speed stability while fully loaded and the rear shock mount design reduces vibration. Die-cast aluminium foot pegs also make long distance riding more comfortable for the pillion.

Stability of a touring bike and the handling of a naked sports bike sums up the CB1000GT’s handling potential. Rake and trail are set at 25.0° and 106.3mm with wheelbase of 1,465mm (compared to the Hornet’s 25°/ 98mm/ 1,455mm). Ground clearance is 133mm, 3mm more than the Hornet. Weight distribution is 51%/ 49% (as opposed to 51.2%/48.8%) and works with the riding position for light steering feel. Kerb weight is set at 229kg.

Seat height is 825mm (allowing accessible ground reach) and the riding position is upright, allowing free movement and excellent forward vision. For comfort, the seat thickness has increased (compared to the Hornet) by 15mm for the rider and 39.5mm for the pillion, with handlebar position also optimised along with the footpegs for a riding triangle comfortable over long distances.

Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa-EERA™) suspension is standard fit on the CB1000GT – as is a Nippon Seiki six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – and works to provide optimum compression/rebound damping response over a wide range of conditions. The system automatically provides optimum damping force relative to the stroke speed. It works by adjusting the damping level based on information from three sources: bike speed (from the ECU), the bike’s stance and attitude (from the IMU) and the fork behaviour (from the stroke sensor).

The Suspension Control Unit (SCU) adjusts damping force within a mere 15 milliseconds (0.015 seconds) of these calculations being made. The system’s flexibility means that damping adjustment can be programmed to change as the vehicle speed changes – allowing firmer damping at higher speeds, for example.

In practical terms, Showa-EERA™ means the rider can select all-round urban ride comfort, sports performance reaction, high speed touring stability or precise response in the rain at the touch of a button. Showa-EERA™ also reduces excessive dive under hard braking. Compared to the Hornet, travel has also been increased, to 130mm front and 144mm rear (as opposed to 130mm/ 140mm).
Four pre-defined suspension modes are available:

- STANDARD is the equivalent of the standard Showa suspension setup, an all-round mode for a wide range of situations.
- SPORT offers high suspension stability for more aggressive riding.
+RAIN softens damping reaction to smooth and slow suspension response in wet conditions.
TOUR delivers maximum braking and turning stability and the firmest damping for high speeds and two-up, fully laden touring.
USER allows a personal choice of damping and preload settings.
Showa-EERA™ offers the rider the ability to adjust rear spring preload finely, through 24 steps, at the rear while on the move. The 41mm front USD forks feature manual spring preload adjustment.

Dual, radial-mount Nissin four-piston calipers grip 310mm floating discs; Cornering ABS, managed by the IMU, adds extra peace of mind for the rider. The rear 240mm disc employs a Nissin single-piston caliper with sintered pads to give excellent braking performance when two-up and loaded.
Hornet-spec 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.

Engine
- CBR1000RR Fireblade engine retuned for super-smooth throttle response
- Strong mid-range torque with exhilarating top-end power
- Assist/slipper clutch control

Based originally on the 17YM-specification CBR1000RR Fireblade engine, the 1000cc DOHC inline four-cylinder unit has been given bespoke PGM-FI and TBW settings for its application in the GT. In keeping with its long-distance performance persona, the changes are aimed at producing a smooth power delivery on initial throttle opening, ultimately reducing fatigue for rider, and pillion, on longer journeys.

Bore and stroke are set at 76 x 55.1mm respectively, with compression ratio set at 11.7:1. The GT is armed with an almost identical, full-fat top end rush: maximum power of 110.1kW arrives @ 11,000rpm, with 102Nm torque @ 8,750rpm. Honda engineers invested significant time and effort in ensuring that the power delivery is linear, with a torque curve bulging through the mid-range for effortless performance throughout the rev range.

Ratios for gears two through five are optimised for acceleration to match the engine’s drive while sixth offers relaxed highway cruising. An assist/slipper clutch offers a light load at the lever, reducing fatigue whilst managing rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard, rapid downshifts and braking. A quick shifter is also standard fit for seamless clutch-less upshifts and downshifts with autoblip function.

The engine returns fuel efficiency of 16.5km/L and the fuel tank holds 21L, giving a potential touring range over 340km. Onboard diagnostic ability has been extended to give the bike the ability to detect SO2 (sulphur dioxide), as well as monitor any catalytic converter deterioration, ultimately ensuring the bike is always at peak performance.

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

Key to striking that balance between winding road sportster and long-distance tourer is a modern, comprehensive electronics package. At the heart of the CB1000GT is a combination of advanced TBW control and a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). TBW allows the rider maximum control over the engine via four default riding modes with preset combinations of Engine Power (EP), Engine Brake (EB) and HSTC settings, plus a USER defined option that allow the rider to choose their own preferred mix of settings. Selection is managed via the left handlebar toggle switch and TFT screen. The suspension also adjusts to deliver the appropriate damping force for the mode selected.

There are levels 1-3 of EP and EB 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. As with Power and EB, 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 EP, HSTC and EB. It is designed to replicate the feel and drive of a bank of carburettors, with an easy-going character.

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

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

TOUR has the same output characteristics a STANDARD but the damping force adapts according to speed; the only mode that does.

USER mode allows the rider to choose between the settings for each parameter and save the setting for future use.

Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB1000GT enhancing comfort, style, performance and practicality. They include three carefully curated Accessory Packs, tailored to the European market.

COMFORT PACK
The Comfort Pack has been created to heighten the GT’s touring appeal and includes the High Windscreen, Comfort Main and Pillion Seats, Upper and Lower Deflectors, as well as Fog Lights.

SPORTS PACK
Giving the GT a more athletic visual punch is the Sports Pack. The collection includes the Under Cowl, Tank Side Decals, Engine Guard and Wheel Stripes.

URBAN PACK
For the ultimate in everyday usability and luggage carrying, the Urban Pack includes the 50L Top Box with Top Box Pad and Top Box Panel, along with the Rear Carrier mount and the Alarm System.
In addition to the packs, all Honda Accessories for the CB1000GT are available individually;
- Comfort Main Seat
- Comfort Pillion Seat
- Deflector A
- Deflector B
- Engine Guard
- Rear Carrier
- Tall Screen
- Tank Side and Centre Decal
- Under Cowl
- Wheel Stripe
- Alarm
- Fog Lights
- Knuckle Guard Extension
- Rear Seat Bag
- Top Box Pad
- Top Box Panel
- 3L Tank Bag
- 50L Top Box