Honda CB1000R
Overlooked Blade-powered supernaked is reinvented
With a 20bhp boost in power, 12kg of weight saving and completely different styling, it’s fair to say Honda’s heavily revised CB1000R is pretty much a new machine. Its 998cc Firebladederived inline four has larger valves with more lift, a redesigned head, larger throttles and is now ride-by-wire. Though power is up to 143bhp, focus is on shunt from 6000 to 8000rpm, and gearing is 4% lower – with the 20% increase in power-to-weight it’ll be way more lively. The engine sits 5mm higher in a new frame, for better side-to-side flicking, and uses Showa adjustable suspension. The riding position is a tad more relaxed and uses wider ’bars, and you get ample electronics with three-level traction, adjustable engine braking and riding modes. Just as exciting is the ‘Neo Sports Cafe’ styling, which does wonders for the CB1000R’S appeal. It’s echoed on a new CB125R and CB300R that sit alongside.
Upgrades to the NC750 family
Honda’s 745cc parallel-twin NC platform – NC750X, NC750S, Integra and XADV – all get an extra 900rpm, taking the redline to 7500rpm, and are also now available in A2-legal form. They get adjustable traction control too (apart from the 750S). The XADV also has a ‘G’ switch for its DCT gearbox, for more direct gear-shifts when riding off-road.