https://www.superbike.co.uk/bike-tests/new-bike-news/2018-honda-cb1000r-first-ride-review/
Honda CB1000R (2018-2021) Review | Speed, Specs & Prices
2018 Honda CB1000R: First impressions
The 2018 Honda CB1000R – First Ride Impressions!
Hey, looky there! The CB1000R uses the same heated grips with the green indicator light that's on my '17 CB1100 EX. I guess the parts guy where I bought my bike wasn't blowing smoke up my behind when he said these new, hotter grips with the green light are the latest factory spec from Honda...
Anyway, I think Honda will have a nice little hit on their hands with this bike. I agree with the testers who say that the CB1000R is aimed more at the RnineT, Thruxton R, Z900RS, and Scrambler/Monster 1100 than the super nakeds such as the Tuono R, Super Duke R, S1000R, and MT-10. As such, it will bury the former while acquitting itself quite well against the latter.
What has me drooling over this bike is the same thing that won me over regarding the '17 CB1100 EX: the amazing overall fit and finish, and the extraordinary level of refinement. This new CB looks to be an absolute jewel.
It also helps that I like its looks a whole lot more than those of the BMW, Kawi, and either Ducati. I admire the looks of the Triumph, but I still prefer the Honda.
Speaking of Triumph, probably the bike that is truly the closest competition for the CB1000R is not the Thruxton R, but the Speed Triple. Similar weight, power, seating position, refinement, and price. The Triumph with its barking Triple probably has more of a distinct personality, but all things being equal I'd still take the Honda. The only somewhat similar bike that I might take over this Honda is the S1000R, but only if BMW eliminated the excessive engine buzz while also raising the bars. I think they've fixed the first issue, but those bars are still too aggressive for my fused-and-plated-together neck.
For that matter, the seating position on this new CB may also be too aggressive for my neck. Otherwise, it's the current leader in the clubhouse.
In case you can't tell, yep, I'm a big fan. In place of my XSR900 I would love to have a black CB1000R sitting beside my dazzling red CB1100 EX. Two high-class Hondas: one CB that's fast, agile, thoroughly modern, and absolutely bad to the bone; the other CB being the prettiest, most painstakingly refined, deep-down real retro on the planet.
Honda CB1000R (2018-2021) Review | Speed, Specs & Prices
2018 Honda CB1000R: First impressions
The 2018 Honda CB1000R – First Ride Impressions!
Hey, looky there! The CB1000R uses the same heated grips with the green indicator light that's on my '17 CB1100 EX. I guess the parts guy where I bought my bike wasn't blowing smoke up my behind when he said these new, hotter grips with the green light are the latest factory spec from Honda...
Anyway, I think Honda will have a nice little hit on their hands with this bike. I agree with the testers who say that the CB1000R is aimed more at the RnineT, Thruxton R, Z900RS, and Scrambler/Monster 1100 than the super nakeds such as the Tuono R, Super Duke R, S1000R, and MT-10. As such, it will bury the former while acquitting itself quite well against the latter.
What has me drooling over this bike is the same thing that won me over regarding the '17 CB1100 EX: the amazing overall fit and finish, and the extraordinary level of refinement. This new CB looks to be an absolute jewel.
It also helps that I like its looks a whole lot more than those of the BMW, Kawi, and either Ducati. I admire the looks of the Triumph, but I still prefer the Honda.
Speaking of Triumph, probably the bike that is truly the closest competition for the CB1000R is not the Thruxton R, but the Speed Triple. Similar weight, power, seating position, refinement, and price. The Triumph with its barking Triple probably has more of a distinct personality, but all things being equal I'd still take the Honda. The only somewhat similar bike that I might take over this Honda is the S1000R, but only if BMW eliminated the excessive engine buzz while also raising the bars. I think they've fixed the first issue, but those bars are still too aggressive for my fused-and-plated-together neck.
For that matter, the seating position on this new CB may also be too aggressive for my neck. Otherwise, it's the current leader in the clubhouse.
In case you can't tell, yep, I'm a big fan. In place of my XSR900 I would love to have a black CB1000R sitting beside my dazzling red CB1100 EX. Two high-class Hondas: one CB that's fast, agile, thoroughly modern, and absolutely bad to the bone; the other CB being the prettiest, most painstakingly refined, deep-down real retro on the planet.
